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10 Times Another TV Show Threw In A Perfect Gilmore Girls Reference

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Gilmore Girls is famous for its rapid-fire pop culture references. In a single conversation, Rory and Lane might jump from Janis Joplin to Kelly Clarkson. Lorelai's morning diner chats with Luke can contain enough movie titles to fill an advanced film seminar syllabus. But just because other shows aren't so prolific with their references doesn't mean they don't talk about other pieces of pop culture—including Gilmore Girls.

The mother-daughter drama has been brought up by a number of your other favorite TV characters. Television doctors passing the time with some late-night viewing talk up the show. Animated aliens prove they enjoy watching the Gilmores' unique bond. This Reddit thread acts as a list of all the GG TV references (and would double as one of the strangest Netflix queues ever). Click through to see all the times Gilmore Girls was name-dropped across the television landscape.

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Glee

Season 4, Episode 5 (2012)

Poor Blaine. After he cheated on Kurt, not even a Gilmore Girls peace offering could get his ex to talk to him.

Photo: Courtesy of Fox.

Happy Endings

Season 3, Episode 3 (2011)

There is absolutely no shame in being informed about the Gilmore Girls.

Supernatural

Season 2, Episode 18 (2007)

Supernatural does get pretty winky, so it makes sense they'd direct Jared Padalecki to have a tiny bit of anxiety as he passes his old set.

Family Guy

Season 4, Episode 12 (2005)

They did kind of capture the tenor of the show, until they veered into Game of Thrones territory.

Scrubs

Season 5, Episode 17 (2006)

Turk understands the appeal of mother-daughter bonding at a million words per minute.

Chasing Life

Season 2, Episode 9 (2015)

Again with the Gilmore Girls- shaming.

Photo: Courtesy of Freeform.

American Dad

Season 1, Episode 18 (2006)

The wolf doesn't seem to want to be the Rory to Roger's Lorelai.

Photo: Courtesy of Fox.

Scrubs

Season 4, Episode 21 (2005)

Missing Gilmore Girls can be very upsetting.

Gossip Girl

Season 2, Episode 16 (2009)

Blair is obviously wrong on this one; nobody is more suited for the Bulldog life than Rory.

Photo: Courtesy of The CW.

Will & Grace

Season 5, Episode 23 (2003)

Jack knows the secret to a good burn is to pair it with the right pop culture reference.

Photo: Courtesy of NBC.

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14 Apps That Will Make Your Instagram Photos Look So Much Better

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Photo: Madeline Buxton.

Instagram is known as much for its photo-sharing features as it is for its photo-editing tools. Think about it: Before Instagram came around, if you mentioned the word "filter," you probably thought of the thin paper sheet you put in your coffee machine.

But while the app is still known for its signature "Ludwig," "Sierra," and the perpetually unflattering "Hefe," nowadays, you're better off editing your photos elsewhere and then posting them to Instagram for all to see. That's because compared to other photo-editing apps out there — ones that cater to professionals and those looking to make their images more playful — Instagram's offerings are slim.

And, since anyone can now zoom in on every detail in your Instagram post, you want to be sure it's edited to perfection. These fourteen apps will help your posts stand out from the rest. Check out our before and afters to see what tools you'll want to add to your Instagram arsenal.

This piece originally published September 1, 2016.

After its update yesterday, Google Photos may become the only photo app you want to use. The auto-enhance tool uses machine intelligence to adjust the lighting and color in your photo so it will look its best. Bonus: It only requires one tap.

Photo: Courtesy Google.

The update also included more specific editing tools to adjust your photo's light and color. Make the sky more blue with "deep blue" or make your skin tone look more natural (filters can cause it to look saturated) with the "skin tone" function.

Photo: Courtesy Google.

If you're constantly scrolling through filters and switching from one to the other to compare their effects, Infltr (it stands for infinite filters) is the solution. You can swipe the screen in any direction to get a completely different filter. This also makes it easier to see how one filter differs from another.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

As you move your finger around your photo, you'll see the color change. The large dot indicates which part of the color spectrum you're currently in. When the image looks as moody or bright as you'd like, just lift your finger off the screen.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

You can't show off cool street graffiti if the dark night sky works against you. Pixlr will solve low light problems and bring your photo to life. You can paint and remove effects in specific parts of the image so that you only alter areas that a little lift.

Photo: Pixlr.

In addition to offering advanced brightening and sharpening tools, the app has a wide variety of color filters, including the one used here, called Hagrid. If you want a more dramatic effect you can layer images over each other, turn your photo into an ink drawing, or add font. There's also a Pixelate feature that lets you turn any part of the photo (or the whole thing) into a dizzying array of pixels.

Photo: Pixlr.

If you think Instagram has a lot of filters, you haven't tried Retrica. The app has over 50 filter options, all separated into themes that include "Faded," "Antique," and the very vibrant "Plexiglass." You can snap photos within the app, or upload an image from your Camera Roll.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

Make your photo look extra artsy (and invoke a bit of the iPhone 7 Plus's special Portrait Mode) with the app's water drop icon, which will blur part of the image. You can choose which part of the photo you want in focus to make for a more interesting, complex image.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

Most photo editing apps share a nearly identical, Instagram-like user experience. Not so with 1967. This app, which is comprised of 64 filters inspired by vintage photo films, has a beautiful, but very minimalist interface for filtering your photos. You'll definitely want to pay attention to the tutorial after downloading the app.

Photo: 1967.

While the initial download is free, you will need to upgrade the app for 99 cents to get access to all of the app's fabulously vintage vibes. But even without paying, you get access to a handful of options including Fader, pictured here. You can adjust the intensity of the filter (here it's at 90%) by sliding your finger right or left on the bottom portion of the screen.

Photo: 1967.

The bird's-eye perspective makes this photo interesting, but the bland white lighting leaves much to be desired. That's where Snapseed comes in. The app gives you professional photo-editing tools for free. You can "brush" effects onto a specific part of a photo (rather than the whole image), choose from a wide range of filters, and enhance certain details of your shot.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

Here, the Retrolux filter made the image look warmer and gave it a vintage feel. Sliding your finger from left to right adjusts the brightness and contrast so you can change the filter to your liking.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

Instagram's Clarendon filter could brighten up the water and flag in this photo, but wouldn't add much of interest beyond that. Try posting the photo after editing it in Mextures ($1.99). The app is known for its layering effects, which allow you to blend different filters together.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

You can get an almost holographic effect by playing with what's available. Here, layering textures from "vintage gradients" and "radiance" made the ocean look much more vibrant than it did before.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

When you have a photo that's already beautiful, but not necessarily unique, try Prisma. The free app uses art techniques such as gothic and mosaic, to turn your image into anything but ordinary. These bright Turkish squash go from standard farmers' market fare to…

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

Mononoke -style squash. Plus, a diagonally split screen keeps some reality in the image and shows off the effect.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

A selfie might earn you lots of Likes, but having an entire Instagram grid full of selfies gets old fast. If you're feeling playful, try out the face-morphing filters offered by Photo Lab. While many of the effects, like "old photo book" and "dark cloud" are so fake they verge on cheesy, the app is strangely addictive.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

For animal lovers, the "half-human, half-cat" lens is a must. Photo Lab isn't the highest-quality editing app we tried, so don't use it if you're looking for a professional experience. The ads and the inability to adjust lighting, contrast, and sharpness can get in the way of its fun. But, as a gimmick, it's worth it.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

Gorgeous landscapes are all over Instagram, so making your mountains brighter and more unique than the rest isn't easy. Personalize yours with Rookie Cam. In addition to letting you add stickers and text, the app has a nice variety of filters — everything from "vintage classic" to "urban romantic."

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

If you're feeling creative, try the "art color filter." You can add the Obama campaign poster-inspired "hope" coloring, orange citrus tones, or, our personal favorite, "cartoon" (shown here). Unlike Photo Lab, Rookie Cam allows you to adjust parts of the photo, including saturation, brightness, and temperature after you've added the filter.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

"Florals…for spring. Groundbreaking." Miranda Priestly had one thing right. Yes, these flowers are pretty, but even with an Instagram filter, they aren't anything special. Enlight ($3.99) can change that in seconds. The app lets you apply multiple filters to a single image, letting you pinpoint exactly where you want the effects to fall.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

Our favorite part is the "Painting" effect that's listed under "Artistic" tools. Your photo becomes a work of art, no brush skills required.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

These vintage forks are so dark that even an Instagram filter can't save them. Instead, try adjusting the lighting in VSCO. The app, a favorite of many influencers and photographers, lets you shoot using advanced camera tools (the same that you might find on a pro DSLR camera) and fix photos you've taken with the iPhone camera app.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

Adding a gradient with cool blue tones lightens this image, and increasing the exposure and contrast ever so slightly makes it easier to make out the intricacies of the utensils.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

Unless you're going for a still life look, this orange is…just an orange. Add some perspective to the photo with PIP Camera. The app's filters create a picture within a picture, replicating the scene within a drop of water, a locket, and other creative objects, such as…

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

…a glass of water. This isn't the most believable-looking photo, but the play on perspective is definitely more fun than a stand-alone orange.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

Instagram has no stickers like those offered by Snapchat. If you want to add something subtle to your photo, try Instazz. You can add emoji, a patterned background, and app-specific stickers.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

When you add a sticker, like this old school camera, you can change the coloring and positioning so that it works with the rest of the photo. Our only complaint with Instazz is that it could quit unexpectedly, which isn't ideal when you're in the middle of editing a photo.

Photo: Madeline Buxton.

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The Years-Long Wait For The Last 4 Words Of Gilmore Girls Is Almost Over

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Now that Gilmore Girls has made it to the cherished TV afterlife — Netflix — there is a lot at stake. Amy Sherman-Palladino created the series with her husband Dan in 2000, but had to leave it behind in 2006 after failed negotiations with the network. The show ended a season later in 2007, leaving fans heartbroken and yearning for more. After nearly a decade, we're about to get our wish. But what’s at stake is bigger than the story itself.

First, the new miniseries, titled Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, is a redemption song for Sherman-Palladino and her husband. The creators' brainchild essentially died in someone else’s hands after their departure. Many fans were disappointed with the way Gilmore Girls ended, and it might be safe to assume Sherman-Palladino’s absence had something to do with that outcome. Now, she’s able to end the series on her own terms as the executive producer of the Netflix reboot.

With Sherman-Palladino back on board, fans can finally put another, and perhaps the biggest, mystery to rest. In a 2006 interview, before the creators departure from the show, Sherman-Palladino told TV Guide that she dreamt of ending the series with four specific words. Those words evaded fans and critics of the show from its grave, and they've become the main focus now that the series has been resurrected.

Naturally, the internet is going wild with theories about what the words could be.

Needless to say, the buildup to the November 25 premiere of all four episodes is intense. But, no pressure.

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14 Photos That Prove The Major Difference Hair Extensions Make

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Photo: via @amberfillerup/Instagram.

It's no secret that extensions are a popular — if not compulsory — accessory for the hair-obsessed. Hollywood admits to loving them, and celebs regularly use faux pieces to create temporary styles. Why? Because extensions offer a low-commitment way to experiment. Luckily for us, they are now becoming more and more accessible. To wit: Beauty blogger Amber Fillerup just announced an affordable line called Barefoot Blonde Hair.

The collaboration makes perfect sense: Fillerup is one of the few beauty bloggers who openly admits that her gorgeous, Rapunzel-esque hair is the product of extensions. In fact, she specializes in YouTube tutorials for longer hairstyles. She's given how-tos on everything from stacked braids and chunky fishtails to the ever-popular halo braid — and every lush hair look she creates is the kind that makes you immediately want to grow your own.

The extensions will be available for purchase on November 25. To prep for the launch, we've gathered a few of Fillerup's best looks — from gala-worthy updos to casual, beachy waves — to serve as your hair inspo for the coming weeks. Length envy, here we come.

This lust-worthy pony looks equal parts casual and glam.

Photo: via @amberfillerup/Instagram.

All that extra hair makes this fishtail look extra-voluminous.

Photo: via @amberfillerup/Instagram.

The same applies to this loose French braid.

Photo: via @amberfillerup/Instagram.

Monday looks better with Princess Leia-level space buns.

Photo: via @amberfillerup/Instagram.

These zigzagged plaits look surprisingly deliberate.

Photo: via @amberfillerup/Instagram.

It's a low knot, but with a braided twist.

Photo: via @amberfillerup/Instagram.

Extensions can add volume, even in sleek updos.

Photo: via @amberfillerup/Instagram.

This milkmaid style looks extra-chic with forehead-grazing fringe.

Photo: via @amberfillerup/Instagram.

A fishtail meets the half-up hairdo.

Photo: via @amberfillerup/Instagram.

Fillerup makes channeling a blond Pippi Longstocking twice as cool.

Photo: via @amberfillerup/Instagram.

This braid is about the size of Fillerup's head — it's massive, yet oh-so-chic.

Photo: via @amberfillerup/Instagram.

This is the raddest interlocking chignon we've ever seen.

Photo: via @amberfillerup/Instagram.

After you stop swooning over this adorable pic, take a look at those double-duty braids.

Photo: via @amberfillerup/Instagram.

The one thing cuter than braided pigtails: a teensy Alfalfa-looking ponytail — a style only a baby could pull off.

Photo: via @amberfillerup/Instagram.

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Photo: via @amberfillerup/Instagram.

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An Explainer On Fashion's New It Model, Alexis Ren

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Photo via @alexisren.

Last month, New York magazine's The Cut published an article titled "Instagram’s Teen Idol on What It’s Like to Be ‘Perfect,’" which catalogued the heavily documented (read: public) life of 19-year-old model Alexis Ren. Her social media feed, though followed by more than 7 million people, looks less like a fashion insider's and more like that of a lifestyle blogger. In the past few months, however, Ren has decided she's ready to change that.

"In the future, Alexis hopes to transition her bikini success into more high-fashion jobs," Allie Jones writes, adding that the model has some big-name ambitions. "I look up to Gigi Hadid," she said. "I love where she’s taken herself, I love what brands she’s working on. I respect her because I understand… I mean, girls like her open the doors for girls like me. So all I can do is thank her.” Gigi’s entrée into the fashion world was also nontraditional; she started racking up Instagram followers after appearing with her mother on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Now she and fellow reality star Kendall Jenner are two of the top models in the world. Alexis could be one TV appearance away from that mainstream success."

Sure, she may not have a dedicated Models.com page just yet, but what Ren does have is a growing list of industry commitments; she made the rounds at New York Fashion Week in September, sitting front row instead of walking, she's attended a slew of parties and events, and she's earned one major seal of approval from photography maestro Mario Testino himself. If you ask us, she's following the Hadid/Jenner route (minus the famous family) to success — and we're going to guess it's only a matter of time until we see her face in a L'Oreal campaign, or on the Victoria's Secret runway.

Since we're bound to start seeing Ren everywhere, we suggest getting to know the It Girl du jour. Click through for 10 reasons why she might just be the next big thing.

She recently signed with big time New York-based modeling agency The Lions, which represents the likes of Irina Shayk, Adwoa Aboah, Agyness Deyn, Grace Bol, Jamie Bochert, and Stella Maxwell. Talk about being in good company.

Photo via @alexisren.

She made her runway debut in April for bridal company Rosa Clará. First stop Barcelona, next stop...Paris?

Photo via @alexisren.

Like Hadid and Jenner, who have beauty contracts with Maybelline and Estée Lauder, respectively, Ren filmed a short video with L'Oreal. Do we smell a skin-care campaign on the horizon?

Photo via @alexisren.

She's added a ton of industry events to her résumé over the past few months (Alice + Olivia's fall 2016 show, the launch of H&M's designer collaboration with Kenzo). Most recently, she hit the red carpet for the premiere of Tom Ford's film, Nocturnal Animals, where she wore a sparkling gunmetal gown by the designer himself.

Photo via @alexisren.

She earned herself a coveted spot in what may be the créme de la créme of fashion gigs, Mario Testino's towel series.

Photo via @alexisren.

Her wardrobe is dominated by basics and bikinis. Plus, she knows how to rock one of the Kardashian-Jenners' favorite trends: lampshading (in an Off-White by Virgil Abloh sweatshirt, no less).

Photo via @alexisren.

She wears Tommy Hilfiger. Enough said.

Photo via @alexisren.

Oh...and she knows a thing or two about airport style, too.

Photo via @alexisren.

She has not one, not two, but three tattoos (including one of her mom's signature on her left forearm) by New York-based artist Jonboy (who's also inked Jenner multiple times).

Photo via @alexisren.

She's got Victoria's Secret Angels as friends. (And, fingers crossed, wings in her future.)

Photo via @alexisren.

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This Clown Contour Hack Makes A Sculpted Look Totally Foolproof

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Don't be fooled by the playful undertones of our clown conturing technique — this method goes from obvious to flawless in four easy steps. Watch the video above for the full how-to, then try it yourself using the instructions below.

Step 1. Grab a foundation one to two shades lighter than your skin. Sketch an upside-down triangle on your forehead using your fingers or a small foundation brush. With the same color, paint two upside-down triangles on your cheeks, as you see in the video above. Then, apply a sideways oval on your chin and dab a diagonal stripe above your jawline, as you see here.

Step 2. Now, get a foundation that is a shade darker than your skin. Lightly draw a stripe along your hairline. With the same color, dab along the temples and under your cheekbones. Dab a bit of cream blush onto the apples of your cheeks.

Step 3. Using a damp sponge, blend the contours, beginning at the temples and moving downward. Use soft, stippling motions to pat, not smear, the product into skin.

Step 4. Blend any harsh edges — and Voila! A clown contour that's anything but funny.

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The Walking Dead's Steven Yeun Is Selling His Hollywood Condo For $895K

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Photos: Courtesy of Compass.

He may be known for starring in a show about a zombie apocalypse, but Steven Yeun's real-life home looks more like the setting of a bohemian fairy tale. According to Variety, Yeun bought the condo in 2012 for $710,000. Now, he and his wife, photographer Joana Pak, are listing it for $895,000, and we want to move in right away.

The cute two-story townhouse boasts three bedrooms and two and a half baths. At about 1,900 square feet, it would be a great home for another successful young couple. Chestnut floors give the downstairs a sophisticated look, while wall-to-wall carpet upstairs leaves the bedrooms feeling nice and cozy.

We're definitely sold on the condo, but it looks like Yeun is moving on to even greener pastures. The Daily Mail reports that the 32-year-old actor just purchased a $2.3 million home in Los Feliz, which is why he's leaving the smaller gem behind.

Yeun's life is full of change at the moment. First, he shocked audiences with his recent exit from Walking Dead, and now he's moving to Los Feliz. Take a look inside the home he's leaving behind, here.

Don't get any zombie brains on these glimmering white countertops.

Photos: Courtesy of Compass.

That futuristic chandelier is out of this world.

Photos: Courtesy of Compass.

The living room and dining room provide an interesting mix of modern and organic design aesthetics.

Photos: Courtesy of Compass.

Where can we get that mandala headboard?

Photos: Courtesy of Compass.

The master bath looks like the ideal place to clean up after a long day of fighting off zombies.

Photos: Courtesy of Compass.

Before his role as Glenn Rhee, Yeun was a member of the famous Chicago-based improv troupe Second City. Maybe he wrote a few comedy sketches in this study.

Photos: Courtesy of Compass.

Wonder if Yeun ever had a Walking Dead co-star crash in this guest room.

Photos: Courtesy of Compass.

You'd have a nice, safe view of the zombies from this elevated patio.

Photos: Courtesy of Compass.

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It's Almost Promotion Season — Here's Your Strategy

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Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

Promotions and job-searching have a lot in common: They're often a multi-step process, with no clear-cut path or "right" way to score one. Even more annoying: The fact that even within the same company, promotions are often handled in different ways. While some large companies may seem to have "promotion seasons" during which entire cohorts of employees are automatically shifted to a new title with a comparative bump in salary, it's far more typical for promotions to be unique to the individual.

That said, there are some promotion stats that are good to know. For one, January is a huge month for promotions according to LinkedIn research, likely because that's when companies reassess their budgets for individual teams and employees. And with January around the corner (scary, but true), experts say now is the time to make it clear that you're in the running for a promotion — if you wait until January to make it known to the higher-ups, it may be too late.

In general, it's best to make the quest for a promotion a year-round endeavor, with your manager always knowing what your next steps and goals are. That's why these 15 strategies are not only brilliant if you want a promotion now, but are good habits to practice throughout the year to show that you're in the game — and you're ready to win that title you've been coveting.

Click through for 15 easy ways to get ready to make your big ask.

Gather Your Intel

First step: Figure out what the promotion culture is at your company. Do promotions tend to happen at a certain time of year, or do they only occur when there is an open position? Knowing this will affect what comes next.

If you work in a larger company, now is also a great time to schedule an appointment with the HR department. HR often gets a bad rap as being the corporate version of the principal's office — somewhere you don't go unless you're in trouble — but career experts say HR can be a great ally. Make an appointment with a rep to talk about what you've done for the company so far, what you hope to do, and hear their thoughts about where they can see you grow in the company. The meeting should be informal. You're not necessarily asking for a promotion or raise right now, but you're letting the rep know you're interested and gathering information on how to make that happen, as well as potentially learning about opportunities outside your direct department.

Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

Clean Out Your Inbox

Sounds random, but it's a good way to get a blank slate, see what's outstanding, and make sure all loose ends are tied up before you go to your boss. It's also a good way to get a sense of what projects are taking up most of your time and how you actually spend your day-to-day time at the office.

File, delete, do whatever you have to do to get to inbox zero. The best way to do it? Keep responses as short as possible. If you’re going longer than a paragraph, pick up the phone and make a call. And once you’ve got a clean inbox, stay out of it (at least for a bit!) to actually get some work done.

Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

Score Face Time With Your Boss

Whether it’s mimicking their schedule so you’re in the elevator at the same time or sending a big-ideas memo up the ladder, making it your priority to get on your boss’ radar pays off big-time. “I began staying late in the office one night a week,” says public relations manager Jess, 33.

“I realized that it made my schedule work best to know that every Thursday, for example, I would be in the office until 8 to get through my to-do list. But the advantage of it was realizing that the president of our organization also liked staying late, too. He and I began talking as the office cleared out, which led to me getting on some projects I probably wouldn’t have gotten on otherwise.”

And talking shop is key. Kate White, former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan and author of I Shouldn't Be Telling You This, says that if you are lucky enough to score face time, don't waste the opportunity talking about the weather. "Maybe it's something like, 'I saw that quote of yours in the article by such and such. That's really exciting!' Or, 'I was excited to see we hired such and such and that we'll be doing such and such.' Let that person know you're engaged, you're curious about everything to do with the business, and that you're all in," says White.

Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

Stop Complaining About Work

“Ugh, my job sucks.” The more you say it, the more you believe it’s true. Obviously, sometimes you need to blow off steam by talking about work stuff, but if you find yourself saying something negative at every turn, it’s a good sign it’s time to look for new opportunities.

“I was complaining all the time about work, and ended up working with a career coach who made me really dig into why I hated my job,” says Meg, 35, a content strategist. “I realized I was getting bogged down by office politics. Once I realized that, I began to reframe my focus at my job to redirecting to the stuff I liked, which was the actual work. I also began looking for new jobs, but really digging into the 'why' of hating the job was a useful tool.”

Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

Update Your Personal Brand

Regardless of what industry you’re in, you’ve got an office reputation. Make sure it’s the one you want.

“I realized that I was the office over-sharer when I was at a work happy hour and a coworker’s boyfriend immediately knew I was the one dealing with the roommate drama,” says Jen, 25, a sales rep. “So I decided to act more like my boss. She was friendly, but reserved. She didn’t have a ton of personal stuff in her office. And she never talked about drama.”

Obviously, you still want to enjoy work, but making the conscious choice to be as professional as possible in the office can change the way your boss perceives you.

Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

Clean Up Your Office Vocab

You’ve heard it plenty of times: Sorry is a bad word at the office. Other phrases to consider ditching: I’ll try (just get it done!) I have a quick question (just ask the question!), and does that make sense? (If you think it does, it does!)

It's a simple step, but again, this can help enhance your office presence.

Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

“Drain The Swamp As You Slay The Alligators”

What it means, according to White: Get day to day stuff done, but make sure you’re thinking longterm, too.

This might mean putting an hour aside a day to work on a looming deadline instead of waiting until the last minute, or it could mean making strategic moves, like setting up a networking coffee with a mentor, to help you get the gig you want.

It's so easy to get bogged down in the daily routine of just getting stuff done, but those everyday tasks don't necessarily scream "promotion." Making sure you're also working on bigger projects is key.

Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

Start Dressing For It

This sounds superficial, but it's a simple way to stand out and show your boss that you're ready for the responsibility, say experts.

Not sure what to wear? Take a hint from the higher-ups. Are they all blazers, all the time? Then it can't hurt to bring one in your wardrobe rotation. We're not saying you should compromise your sense of style or believe that "dressing the part" will somehow make you better at or more qualified for your job. But how you present yourself at work can affect your confidence, and you'll want plenty of that when you ask for a promotion.

Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

Make A List Of Your Accomplishments

What have you done in the past year? These can be one-time wins (you turned around a winning presentation in less than 24 hours) or longterm successes, like helping to contribute to a 20% growth in department sales.

Think specific, think numbers, and make sure you have it written in an easily accessible place, as you may refer to it when making your ask or send it in an e-mail to the higher-ups when the time comes.

Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

Schedule A Meeting With Your Manager

If you and your manager have a good relationship, then having a check in to talk strengths and weaknesses is a great step to make before you do the official promotion ask. While it's always nice to hear what you do well, experts stress that this meeting will be most helpful if you're receptive to their suggestions for how to improve.

Is your relationship with your manager especially formal? Then it may be good to have this conversation with a trusted role model — either someone inside the company or outside it. Choose someone who knows your work and won't be afraid to tell it to you straight.

Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

Address Your Weak Points

Here's why it's good to get in with HR: They can help you with the points your manager said you need help with — and may even pay for it.

Let's say your manager says that she thinks you're doing great, but that you need more executive presence in meetings. Now is the time to ask HR if they have recommendations for how to improve your public speaking skills — they may send you on a training session or provide tuition reimbursement for a class. Even if they don't, showing you're being proactive in brushing up your skills shows that you're invested in your career.

Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

Practice The Ask

Are you gearing up to ask for the promotion you want? It may sound silly, but experts say practicing the ask, including how you'll greet your boss, can make the difference between seeming tentative and being confident.

Grab a friend, put on your "I'm about to get promoted" outfit and talk through it. You may feel silly, but saying the words — and having a friend or family member who can role play potential scenarios of what your boss will say — can give you the confidence you need.

Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

Be Ready To Negotiate

Here's where you should have research at the ready. Glass door and LinkedIn offer salary comparison tools, but broadly asking friends in the industry for their intel on salary ranges can also be helpful when it comes to numbers.

Let's say your manager offers you a promotion — but no salary raise. How will you handle that conversation? Being prepared for every outcome — and knowing what you really want when it comes to title and compensation — are key.

Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

Be Clear On The Timeline

Let's say in your informal conversation your manager or HR hints that a promotion isn't likely for you — what does that really mean?

"Sometimes a no is really a 'yes, but in a few months,' or it’s just an 'I don’t really know,'" says Amanda Slavin, entrepreneur and founder of CatalystCreativ, a marketing and branding firm. If you do get a no, it can be good to ask for more information to figure out where you stand. Does your boss think you need to do more work in a certain area? Is there simply no wiggle room in the budget for a raise over the next six months? The more info you have, the more you can strategize on your next move."

Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

Make Sure It's What You REALLY Want

Sometimes, it's so easy to get caught up in wanting a promotion that you forget all the work and responsibility that may come with it. That's why, before you get ready for the official ask, it's helpful to do a gut check and make sure the role is truly what you want — if it's not, or if the person currently filling the role seems miserable — think about what you would need to do if you got the job today. If everything after that seems scary (and not in a healthy challenge sort of way), it could be time move into another department or another company altogether.

And know that a promotion may be a several step process that isn't so clear cut. “Something I’ve observed is, so often, especially with promotions, people are so focused on the end result that they forget that a raise or title change is a process,” explains Slavin, who adds that this mentality doesn’t give you any room to negotiate. Suppose your boss says no to your request; it’s a great time to ask if the company can send you to a leadership course or pay for an outside class that will help sharpen your skills. Having these alternatives in your back pocket demonstrates your commitment and interest, and shows your boss you are genuinely invested in helping the company — not just yourself.

Illustrated by Abbie Winters.

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The Unlikely Place I've Experienced "Locker-Room Talk"

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Madeline Polkinghorn is a high-school student and member of Model United Nations. The views expressed here are her own.

I missed the chance to vote in this election by just a few weeks. And the U.S. missed its chance to elect its first female president. It was hard to watch Hillary Clinton, a woman who has spent her life serving the public, lose out to a man who used the debate stage and the campaign podium to disparage her looks, stamina, and reputation. But it wasn't surprising to me. Women and girls learn to accept this sort of behavior from boys and men early on; "locker-room talk" is a regular part of our lives. I should know — I've been on the receiving end in perhaps an unlikely place.

Model United Nations — in which thousands of students role play as delegates to the UN — is known for encouraging critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. But in my four years of participating in the annual conference, in addition to public-speaking and negotiating skills, I believe that I got an education in something else: sexual harassment.

In addition to public-speaking and negotiating skills, I believe that I got an education in something else: sexual harassment.

I’m a high-school senior from Maine, and for three years I competed with my school’s Model UN delegation at the state level. In 2015, I qualified for the conference hosted by Harvard University, which, in contrast to the conference in Maine that hosts only a few hundred local students, welcomes more than 3,000 from around the world. The open sexual aggression I witnessed against female students, though, stayed constant.

The practice of note passing is integral to the workings of Model UN. Delegates pass notes to and from their peers so as not to disturb speakers during committee sessions. Most of the time, these notes are relevant to the committee’s goal and topic: Students silently confer about possible resolutions, arguments, or diplomatic actions to take against countries.

I have seen notes sent to female delegates, however, that I believe take an inappropriate tone. They range from merely flirtatious to crudely sexual. I’ve heard about notes with pornographic depictions of female students’ bodies, obscenely sexual propositions, or other vulgarities.

One of the notes that a female delegate Althea Sellers said she received while participating in Model UN. Photo: Courtesy of Madeline Polkinghorn.

In my experience, protesting these notes carries with it the risk that teachers won’t support you, and that your peers will think of you as humorless. During my freshman year, a classmate once objected to being sent numerous sexual notes, and was laughed at by virtually every student in the 200-person committee — including the girls.

To me, the laughter didn’t seem malicious; students oblivious to the harassment simply perceived these crude notes as a joke. The adult moderators should have known better, but the response I saw was little more than a vague admonishment to everyone and no disciplinary action. It became clear to all the girls that advocating for oneself would be met with laughter, then silence. The notes continued, but no one ever raised the subject again.

Passing offensive notes is such a common experience that many schools’ teams hold a briefing before every conference to discourage the practice. The notes I have seen have one thing in common: They are not being sent to boys.

A lot of boys would say it's 'locker-room banter,' but some of it is sexual harassment. I have no patience for it.

One boy, who requested anonymity, said only: “I don’t send them, and boys don’t get them, obviously. So I wouldn’t know.”

Even at the Harvard Model UN, one of the oldest and most highly regarded in the country, there exists an unofficial “rose tradition,” in which, typically, male students will purchase roses and write accompanying notes to be given usually to a female delegate of his choice. The notes are read out loud by the moderators in an attempt at comic relief, and the messages almost always seem to allude to sex. One female delegate, Althea Sellers, told me that a note she received “was too inappropriate to even be read out loud, so I still don’t know what it said.”

Not only does this archaic tradition allow for an officially condoned stream of sexually explicit notes targeted at girls, it also encourages boys to buy roses for girls based on attractiveness. According to another female participant, who wished to remain anonymous, the rose-and-note custom can turn into “a contest about whoever the prettiest girl at Model UN is. If a girl gets a lot of roses, it means she’s hot. If she doesn’t get any, she can feel kind of shitty.”

Another note Sellers said she received. Photo: Courtesy of Madeline Polkinghorn.

In an effort to gain some insight on the note passing from an administrative standpoint, I talked to my school’s Model UN teacher, Ben Mini. “Everyone thinks note passing has been a huge problem, and one reason is that it sometimes crosses the line. I understand why many young women might consider some of the notes as harassment," he told me. "A lot of boys would say it's 'locker-room banter,' but some of it is sexual harassment. I have no patience for it."

Mini’s use of the phrase “locker-room banter,” an obvious nod to President-Elect Donald Trump’s remarks, elucidates our culture’s willingness to invalidate women’s experiences with sexual harassment. Mini went on to say that he believes there exists “a social acceptance of harassment towards girls in your generation. I don’t think there are a lot of positive role models of masculinity for boys. It’s not just a problem for the girls. What’s wrong with the boys that are doing this? That’s the question I have.”

Girls may 'jokingly' be asked to provide boys with sexual favors in exchange for 'aye' votes on their resolution papers.

To combat this, Mini usually briefs students before the conference with a short spiel on appropriate behavior, which he has found to be effective. In addition, Maine Model UN has a page on their website dedicated to note passing, which states that “any inappropriate notes will be collected, and the delegate’s advisor will be notified.” Though I can’t speak for the Maine Model UN’s administration, I have personally never seen this disciplinary measure carried out.

When I reached out to Harvard Model UN about this issue, I was told that they do not “tolerate instances of harassment, discrimination, inappropriate behavior, or unwelcome advances of a sexual nature.”

“Given the sensitivity of these concerns, any such case that is brought to the attention of the Secretariat is dealt with on a case-by-case basis, with the involvement of the conference’s senior leadership and individual delegates’ faculty advisors,” the statement read.

Until delegates feel safe in calling out sexist behavior, and sure that action will be taken to stop it, it’s likely that incidents will continue to go unreported.

The year that I participated, I didn’t see any inappropriate notes being brought to the attention of leaders, but that to me seems like a big part of the problem — the fear of speaking out. Until delegates feel safe in calling out sexist behavior, and sure that action will be taken to stop it, it’s likely that incidents will continue to go unreported.

I have also witnessed girls “jokingly” being asked to provide boys with sexual favors in exchange for "aye" votes on their resolution papers, or, of course, suffer the all-too-common characterization of assertive female students as “bitches.” (This cultural desire to pigeonhole goal-driven women as bitches is obviously a concept that stretches far beyond Model UN — not even a presidential candidate is immune to it.)

A note about her country's position on abortion that Sellers said she received. Photo: Courtesy of Madeline Polkinghorn.

In my four years at Model UN, I took little notice of these casual displays of sexism (perhaps due to having internalized the normalization of misogyny within our culture). But my attitude changed when news started circulating in the fall of 2015 that it was highly likely a woman would be selected to the next secretary-general of the UN. Alas, Portugal’s former prime minister, Antonio Guterres, snagged the position instead — and I can’t help but imagine what it would mean to the girls who dedicate their time to Model UN to see a woman in that role.

Though the United Nations prides itself on its ostensibly equitable representation of women at its senior levels, there’s actually not a lot of clear data regarding how many women the UN employs. What’s more, one of the candidates for the post of secretary-general, Susana Malcorra, has said that the competition for the position was pervaded by misogyny and gender bias within the UN.

As I transition into college and eventually retire from Model UN, I hope that both the high-school and real-world institutions progress in a way that makes them more equitable for female delegates.

I hope that our culture will cease its consistent invalidation of both women’s intellectual capabilities and their experiences with sexual harassment — both in Model UN and outside of it.

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Play "Immigrant Or Real American?" With Billy Eichner

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Billy Eichner is the master of the street game. You'll recall him asking New Yorkers if they'd have a threesome with him and Jon Hamm. Or asking if certain terms applied to Kris Jenner or Geppetto.

Now, he's back with "Immigrant or Real American." The game is simple. If the person or people he says was born in America, you say they're a real American. If the person he says wasn't, they're an immigrant. Got it?

Let's play:

Mila Kunis

Jeffrey Dahmer

Pierce Brosnan

Charles Manson

Salma Hayek

Gloria Estefan

Ted Bundy

Charlize Theron

Antonio Banderas

The Unabomber

Craig Ferguson

Lee Harvey Oswald

The Boston Strangler

Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer

Timothy McVeigh

Natalie Portman

Jackie Chan

Casey Anthony

Carlos Santana

Albert Einstein

O.J. Simpson

Kevin, an office manager wearing a shirt with a Unicentaurclops on it, gets 100%. Watch below to see how you do.

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We Want Everything From Urban Outfitters' Beauty Section

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Urban Outfitters has long been the hipster's one-stop shop for potentially inflammatory tees, Mary Janes, and Lana Del Rey records. What you might not know the store for is its rapidly growing beauty section full of really cool, really hard-to-find products.

There's Nyx, Lime Crime, Herbivore, plus a whole bunch of brands you haven’t heard of, but will want as soon as you see what they look like, and plenty of the products fit a tight budget. Are you ready to bookmark another beauty site alongside your Sephora and Ulta browser tabs? Then click through the slides ahead to see our absolute favorite beauty buys to pick up while you're shopping for that tabletop foosball game.

Every pro out there swears this cream is the ideal base for makeup. It leaves skin soft and hydrated with a dewy — not greasy — finish.

EmbryoLisse Small 24-Hour Miracle Cream, $16, available at Urban Outfitters.

Blottings papers are the OG oil fighters, but it's worth setting them aside to try this oil-absorbing sponge which sops up shine and doesn't remove foundation and concealer in the process.

Beautyblender Blotterazzi, $20, available at Urban Outfitters.

Beauty features director Megan McIntyre calls this one of her skin-care staples and doesn’t start her morning routine without it.

Plant Rice & Clean Gentle Facial Cleanser, $24, available at Urban Outfitters.

You've never seen beauty quite like this before. Check out our Beauty Innovator Awards for the smartest, funkiest, most fresh to death products of the year.

Trouble sleeping? Sink into a tub with this honey-and-patchouli-scented cube and you'll be in blissful relaxation mode in minutes.

Jane Rx Bath Cube, $10, available at Urban Outfitters.

This liquid lipstick is strikingly bright and long-lasting.

Touch In Sol Go Extreme High Definition Lip Lacquer in Sol Red, $18, available at Urban Outfitters.

Celeb brow artist Kelley Baker says that the most important — and first — step to perfect brows is highlighter. This one is perfect for beginners because it has both a matte and shimmery side, so you can decide what works for you.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Dualty, $23, available at Urban Outfitters.

Finding the perfect red lipstick can be quite the challenge. But we think we’ve found a strong contender. This brick-red hue fully covers in one swipe and lasts through wine, dinner, and dessert.

Milk Makeup Lip Color in New Whip, $22, available at Urban Outfitters.

Holiday parties call for drama. (Well, maybe not the office holiday party...) These falsies fit the bill.

Nyx Wicked False Lashes, $6, available at Urban Outfitters.

It can be hard to remember to take your vitamins. Make it easier while traveling or at work with these to-go packets that will deliver strong hair and radiant skin.

Hum Nutrition Runway Ready Vitamin Pack, $35, available at Urban Outfitters.

Astrology enthusiasts will flip for this sudsy sponge for your sign.

Spongelle Zodiac Body Wash-Infused Buffer Sponge, $16, available at Urban Outfitters.

It’s the season for berries and brick reds, but we’re still reaching for the your-lips-but-better shades, too.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar: Neutrals, $16, available at Urban Outfitters.

If clumps are your biggest annoyance, you need this skinny brush. With fewer bristles, you’re able to get as close to the roots as possible and space out every last lash.

Eyeko Skinny Brush Mascara, $20, available at Urban Outfitters.

Swap out your standard polish for something that would make a unicorn proud.

UO Sparkle Collection Nail Polish in Electric Orchid, $5, available at Urban Outfitters.

This balm works on your lips, cuticles, elbows, heels, knees...everywhere.

Cosmos Everywhere Salve, $22, available at Urban Outfitters.

This leave-in spray doesn’t weigh down strands — no matter how much you spritz in or what your texture is.

Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray, $20, available at Urban Outfitters.

Multitaskers will swoon over these sticks that double as blush and lip color.

Nudestix Nude Lip + Cheek Kit, $24, available at Urban Outfitters.

Purple shampoo is to blondes what water is to plants.

Eleven Australia Keep My Colour Blonde Shampoo, $19, available at Urban Outfitters.

We’ve raved about the aromatherapy rollerball that puts us to sleep, but conversely, this one offers the boost of energy we need at 8 a.m.

Vitruvi Aromatherapy Oil in Wake, $38, available at Urban Outfitters.

Masking on a Sunday night? This plush headband will keep your blowout intact.

Missha Spa Headband, $5, available at Urban Outfitters.

Don't feel like chatting with your roommate? Slap on these lip gels, which make talking very difficult, to send the message and get a soft, plump pout.

The Face Shop Cherry Cherry Lip Gel Patch, $5, available at Urban Outfitters.

If you're concerned with trends, metallic liquid lipsticks are so in.

Lime Crime Metallic Velvetine Matte Lipstick, $20, available at Urban Outfitters.

Candles can make any beauty treatment feel like a spa getaway. Light this one before you apply your nightly mask and breathe in the musky, deep aroma of incense and amber.

Gormand Candle in Oud Sahara, $14, available at Urban Outfitters.

Blemishes are no match for this drying lotion. The cult-favorite makes red spots disappear within a day, but be warned: It is, as the name suggests, drying, so go easy with it.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $17, available at Urban Outfitters.

If you have puffy eyes, try this mask which cools them while blacking-out the room.

Milk Makeup Sleep Mask + Cooling Insert Set, $15, available at Urban Outfitters.

And you thought tweezers couldn't possibly be sexy...

Tweezerman Classic Slant Tweezer in Gold, $23, available at Urban Outfitters.

This rose lip conditioner smells so good, you might just lick all of it off. If you don’t, you’ll be left with the softest pout.

Herbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Lip Conditioner, $22, available at Urban Outfitters.

Acne-prone skin has nothing on this gentle, charcoal cleanser. (But it also works for sensitive and normal skin, too.)

Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser, $10, available at Urban Outfitters.

Dress up your ponytail with these velvet scrunchies. Bonus points if you make it a side pony.

UO Velvet Hair Scrunchy Set, $12, available at Urban Outfitters.

If you're into witchy ingredients, mugwort is said to lend a hand in lucid dreaming — and deliver clear skin.

Manefit Beauty Planner Sheet Mask in Mugwort Pore Care, $3, available at Urban Outfitters.

Forget translucent glitter liners. This one is made with a black base so every line is vibrant. We say, coat your whole lid.

Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Liner, $25, available at Urban Outfitters.

Cleaning makeup brushes is a chore, but a glove makes it a bit more bearable.

Sigma Beauty 2X Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove, $39, available at Urban Outfitters.

You'll be surprised by how perfectly these sheer, Twizzler-shaped lipsticks go on.

Anna Sui Lipstick V, $30, available at Urban Outfitters.

This four-piece balm set tells winter you're not messing around.

Smith's Rose Bud Tin Set, $16, available at Urban Outfitters.

Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!

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If You Think Black Friday Shopping Is Scary, You Have To See These Abandoned Mall Pics

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Just as you're crawling your way out of Best Buy to the screams of 200 rabid shoppers, you think to yourself, There's nothing worse than Black Friday. And, in that moment, you're right. In another moment, when you're, say, being chased by a flying roach, you're wrong. But after looking at photojournalist Seph Lawless ' photos of an abandoned mall in Kansas City, MO, we're not sure which one is more chilling.

After more than 40 years of Black Fridays, the Metro North Mall is weeks away from being demolished. The mall closed in April of 2014 and has been abandoned ever since. What sets it apart from other abandoned places that trend across the internet every few months is its absence of graffiti or manmade damages, rendering it virtually untouched. It features eerie lighting, broken fixtures, dead foliage, dust, and pretty much every horror movie set-design go-to that could send shivers down your spine.

Lawless specializes in preserving deserted spaces across America by photographing them, which you can see on his Instagram. But, he told the DailyMail, the Metro North mall was "by far the creepiest mall I'd ever been in." For the not-so-easily spooked, this might sound like the perfect recipe for a haunted house. But for those of us who are abreast of the state of shopping malls in America, it's a saddening reality of the way we used to shop slowly decaying. Keep reading to see Lawless' entire bone-chilling series.

Serene, yet terrifying.

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

Boo!

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

Thanks to a shattered skylight, a couple of trees are still kicking.

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

We're not sure how this one happened.

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

Anybody home?

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

Ignoring the debris, this looks like a skateboarder's paradise.

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

Spooky.

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

A winding staircase that hasn't heard footsteps in over two years.

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

A dried-up fountain, presumably.

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

Hello in there! Hello in there.

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

Look, mom — dead plants are on sale for $29.99.

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

The set of a really scary music video.

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

Just one giant no.

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

We imagine taking steps through this place must feel like someone's behind you every. step. of the way. And that someone might be Stanley Kubrick making his next blockbuster.

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

At first glance, this looks like a fun rollercoaster. But alas, it's a broken escalator.

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

We'll be going the other way, thanks.

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

Can you hear that? It's the ghost of retail workers past, whispering: Get. Out.

Photographed by Seph Lawless.

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There's A Bot That Will Tweet You Self-Care Reminders

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It's easy to forget to take care of yourself, especially when you're busy worrying about the future of your country. Enter, @tinycarebot, which treats you to a gentle self-care reminder every hour.

Twitter user Jonathan Sun created the bot to make Twitter a more peaceful place after the election results came in, Hello Giggles reports.

Its bio reads "please take a break," and its messages include "remember to ask for help if you need it please," "take time to walk around please," and "take some time to say hi to your friends please." (This bot is very polite.)

"I think most of us are finding ourselves glued to social media lately," Sun told Vice. ""It's that horrifying feeling of not being able to look away. Because the bot was originally written as reminders to myself, it's catered specifically to that Twitter-obsessive type of anxiety. I think Twitter bots and internet comedy can help simply because we are all transfixed to our timelines right now in trying to cope, and they can show up unexpectedly among all the bad news."

Given that 43% of Americans in a recent poll were stressed out by Donald Trump's campaign, a lot of us could use that kind of stress relief right now.

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Trump's Name Removed From NYC Apartments, Residents Rejoice

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While Donald Trump is busy naming Nazi sympathizers, (alleged) Islamophobes, and noted racists to prominent White House positions, New York City buildings are busy removing his name from their facades. The structures at 140, 160 and 180 Riverside Boulevard, on Manhattan's Upper West Side, used to be known and numbered as "Trump Place."

Now, their landlord is striking the giant golden "TRUMP"s from their fronts after a raft of resident complaints and petitions. Trump's real estate company developed the properties in the 1990s and sold them to Equity Residential in 2005. The Chicago-based company allowed the letters to stay on the buildings under a "use of name" agreement, which satisfies Trump's urge to have his name on things he has nothing to do with, with the Trump Organization.

They're coming down to much rejoicing. 300 people, many of them residents, created a petition to get the name off the property. It makes sense, since 75% of their district went for Clinton, according to DNAInfo.

Equity Residential tells the Guardian they hope to make the buildings more attractive to potential tenants.

“We are in the process of rebranding the buildings using their street addresses as the property names,” Marty McKenna, a spokesman for Equity Residential, tells the newspaper. “The goal is to assume a more neutral building identity that will appeal to all current and future renters.”

Trump relied on foreign capital, as he always does, to complete the project. The New York Times says they were developed in conjunction with investors from Hong Kong.

A Trump spokesman told the Guardian the name change was completed as part of a pre-existing agreement.

Watch a news story about the letters being removed below.

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Watch Disney Stars Creating Their Wand IDs In This Awkward Found Footage

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Growing up watching Disney Channel means that there's one thing with which we're all too familiar: those little clips during commercial breaks where stars of the channel would introduce themselves and draw a Mickey Mouse with a wand. When completed, they looked something like this:

But take away the fancy music and editing, and things got a lot more awkward. We know this thanks to a whole slew of behind-the-scenes found footage that's making the rounds on the internet.

These raw clips feature classic stars like Hillary Duff and Raven Symone acting out the script (which traditionally involved the actor introducing themselves, the show they work on, and drawing Mickey Mouse ears with a magic wand) over and over again until they basically lose their minds. For instance, note the look Raven gives the director at 1:21 when he asks her to do it "one more" time.

While Hillary Duff managed to nail the script, the moments in between are straight up painful to watch.

On the other hand, America Ferrera looks like she's having a lot of fun.

Then there's Miranda Sanchez, who plays Lalaine in Lizzy McGuire, who seems to have no idea what Mickey Mouse ears actually look like.

Unfortunately, it seems some of the videos, which Buzzfeed reports were originally uploaded to YouTube by the editing company who made them, have been taken down. But don't worry, you can still watch the full thread of videos in all their cringe-y glory on Twitter right here.

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Rent The Runway Might Make You Actually Want To Shop In A Department Store IRL

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Photo: Courtesy of Rent The Runway.

Since it launched in 2009, Rent The Runway has been all about positioning itself as the affordable antidote to actually buying a designer dress you'll wear to just, say, one or two weddings. It took the conceit of a rental-only fashion business from strictly digital to brick-and-mortar before competitors even started surfacing. But for a company that's heralded itself as such an industry disruptor, its latest move takes a surprisingly old-school retail track. On Friday, the company is unveiling a massive shop-in-shop at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco.

"It's exciting to see the acceptance that rent-buy is how the modern woman gets dressed," Rent The Runway's founder, Jennifer Hyman, told Refinery29 of what makes the pair-up so significant. The 3,000-square-foot space's stock of rental items will, in fact, have "huge overlap" with Neiman's own roster of designers, like Prabel Gurung or Proenza Schouler, she said. But the styles RTR stocks are different from the luxury department store's: "We tend to focus on more editorial styles, more trendy, more colorful styles, things that are actually going to put you out of the rational in fashion," she said.

So what's in it for the hallowed department store? It brings customers — younger customers than Neiman Marcus usually attracts — into its physical store. (Rent The Runway users are, on average, 20 years younger than the average customer base of department stores in general, Hyman explained.)

And even if the main motive is to rent a dress, there's a chance a customer will buy, say, new shoes or a lipstick to wear along with their temporary frock, or a great new pair of jeans that they weren't even in the market for. For Rent The Runway, it could also add a slightly older demo of users: loyal Neiman Marcus customers that aren't accustomed to a tech-first experience the way millennial shoppers are. They could become Rent The Runway users if they test-drive the rental experience in-person first.

Photo: Courtesy of Rent The Runway.

Is the option to buy or rent in one place really what a twentysomething or early thirtysomething wants from her retail experience? Hyman thinks so: "That’s fundamentally how the millennial customer wants to be treated: luxury, to her, is convenience."

It's the next iteration of Rent The Runway's brick-and-mortar outposts, which Hyman sees value in as "mini service-centers" where certain things can be addressed with a dress rental that just can't be done, or done as efficiently, online.

There's also the discovery factor: Hyman estimates that 98% of the time, Rent The Runway's members use the service to rent brands they've never worn (or maybe even never heard of). The company's first department-store outpost coincides with some major upgrades to Rent The Runway's app, debuting tomorrow, which has souped-up personal stylist and assistant-type features: texting with a stylist while you're in the dressing room, asking for certain pieces to be set aside for you before arriving, or requesting an Uber to whisk your dress to you. These services will roll out in the company's standalone stores, as well as its new Neiman Marcus store-in-store.

Rent The Runway will expand its shop-in-shops in additional Neiman Marcus stores soon, with the next one opening as early as the first quarter of 2017. Stay tuned for whether the rent-or-buy model will stick — and how it can evolve down the line.

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Is Westworld Referencing Game Of Thrones' Hodor In This Scene? Fans Think So

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There's only one show that people seemed to be as obsessed with as they are with Game of Thrones, and that's Westworld, so it makes sense that there might be a link between the two HBO shows. Or, rather, a nod, since fans of both noticed something in the most recent episode of Westworld that sounds a lot like a major plot point in last season's Game of Thrones. Hint: it involves doors.

Before we dive in, here's the obligatory spoiler alert. If you're not caught up on Game of Thrones and Westworld, then close this tab or forever hold your peace. However, if you're like most of the world and can't stop watching, then you might already be one step ahead.

A lot was revealed in Sunday night's episode of Westworld, the biggest twist being that Bernard is actually a robot. We found this out through a series of hints, the most telling of which was that he could not see a door that robots were programmed not to see.

"What's behind this door?" Theresa (RIP) asked.

"What door?" he responded, immediately bringing to mind that heartbreaking moment in Game of Thrones when "Hold the door" turned into "Hodor," revealing both the character's origin and demise. The internet was immediately all over it.

Who knows what else the shows have in common? We just hope it's not the incredibly long wait time in between seasons.

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The Obama Wedding Photos Will Remind You Of Better Times

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Though their 24th wedding anniversary was a month ago, we defy anyone to look at these wedding photos of the Obamas and not feel a little twinge. Barack and Michelle married at Trinity United Church in Chicago on October 3, 1992.

Now, their wedding photos are re-circulating on Twitter. For comparison, here's what they look like now.

On their wedding day, Barack wore the standard black tuxedo and the optimism of youth. He mostly looks the same, but the years in office have told a little. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, that sort of thing.

Michelle wore a floral cold-shoulder gown and a '90s-style giant veil, but she more or less looks as she does now. Her nervous smile will be relatable to anyone having an "Oh, crap" moment on their wedding day. Don't worry, past-Michelle. It all works out. Don't ask about 2016, please.

And we have to show you this select. Wedding days are hard, even for the Obamas.

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Bernie Sanders Named To Senate Leadership, Blasts Trump In Speech

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Bernie Sanders knew he would play a huge role in American politics going forward. But now he and fellow Senator Elizabeth Warren are the headlining Democrats in any branch of government. Sanders and Warren won key leadership roles in the Democratic Senate caucus earlier Wednesday.

Sanders made a major speech about Trump later in the day during an appearance promoting his new book, Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In, at George Washington University. The crowd for the appearance was immense, and Sanders drew loud applause.

Chief among his points was a call on Donald Trump to rescind American Nazi-sympathizer Steve Bannon 's appointment to a White House leadership role. That echoed a statement he made earlier in the day, when he called the Bannon appointment “totally unacceptable.” Bannon has been hailed by multiple Nazi and white supremacist groups as “ our man in the White House."

Sanders also called on Trump to be better on climate change than he has thus far shown he'll be. Trump is on-record calling climate change a Chinese conspiracy. Naturally, Sanders also answered a question about a possible future presidential campaign.

"The last thing that the American people are worried about is who's gonna run in 2020," Sanders said.

That's not entirely true.

Watch his full appearance below.

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Win Thanksgiving With These Gluten-Free Recipes

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Going gluten-free on Thanksgiving could sound like an oxymoron to some. But, it doesn't have to be. Yes, you can still enjoy all those traditional decadent dishes, sans the gluten.

On top of the myriad of GF stuffing recipes out there, there are also cakes, crisps, and even biscuits to be whipped up with ease this holiday season. So don't fret about having to skip Grandma's green bean casserole. Instead, scroll on and check out Pinterest's top gluten-free recipes, so you'll be ready for any last-minute menu adjustments.

1. Walnut & Kale Quinoa Stuffing

Try stuffing your turkey with quinoa this year.

2. Green Bean Casserole

This green bean casserole gets a gourmet makeover with a crispy onion topping.

3. Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk biscuits?! Yes you can!

4. Pumpkin Cheesecake

Forget the pumpkin pie and whip up this pumpkin cheesecake instead.

5. Scalloped Sweet Potatoes With Bacon & Cream Sauce

Bacon makes everything better.

6. Sweet Potato Casserole

This sweet casserole is not only GF but also vegan-friendly.

7. Caramel Apple Crisp

This dish gets its crisp from some old-fashioned oats.

8. Roasted Bacon & Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin

Bacon and Brussels sprouts and cream — oh my.

9. Best Ever Paleo Gravy

So many gravy recipes utilize flour as a thickener — enter this paleo winner to save the day.

10. The Best Damn Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Same goes for the potatoes — no flour for thickening here. These fluffy taters are a GF dream.

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