It's Anal August, so it's time to reclaim the mantra of it’s not the destination, it’s the journey from the depths of #basic Pinterest boards and hand it over to our rear ends. Why? Because the butt needs a little bedroom rebranding. There’s a common assumption that being down for butt and anal play means taking a full battering ram to the behind (here for it, don’t get us wrong), but that’s only one way to explore the full pleasure rectum spectrum that our bums can offer during sex and foreplay. You can opt for a gentle rectal or cheek massage, get into a little spanking and flogging, invest in a gorgeous dildo and a bejeweled plug, or you can simply take your lightly lubed finger on a Journey to the Center of the Earth. There's no shortage of anal sex toys available for all levels, and we're here to talk you through it.

When it comes to braiding hair, the market has pretty much been solidly Kanekalon or bust. Sure, braiding stylists have their favorite and preferred types of hair to work with, but for the most part, when one goes to the beauty supply store to pick up their packets of hair, we tend to reach for the same brands (unless you’re really bougie and are a human hair braids kind of person).

For all the success garnered over the last two years, an asterisk has accompanied the Red Bull route to Formula 1 domination. In 2021, Max Verstappen’s dramatic title triumph was shrouded in controversy after the Abu Dhabi fiasco. Last year, their mightily impressive double title glory was overshadowed by breaching the inaugural F1 cost cap. This season, entering race nine back at base at the Red Bull Ring this weekend with Verstappen holding a 69-point lead in the championship – and even that is from his team-mate Sergio Perez – there does not look set to be such a dark cloud forming this time. The RB19 is perhaps Adrian Newey’s greatest achievement yet. Verstappen’s confidence is at an all-time high, to the extent he joked in real time about a slightly misjudged approach to the kerb in Canada where George Russell had earlier crashed. And when the Dutchman has a rare off-day, perhaps in qualifying, invariably Sergio Perez is there to pick up the first-place trophy instead. Christian Horner’s team are a pristine, well-oiled machine. They claimed their 100th win in F1 last time out in Montreal. Yet Lewis Hamilton, seven times a world champion scampering desperately with the other 17 drivers on the grid playing catch-up, is willing to discuss the elephant in the room. “The [cost cap] penalty didn’t cost them anything,” Hamilton said, ahead of this weekend’s sprint weekend in Austria. “It definitely, definitely didn’t. It was so small.” Red Bull were fined £6m and docked 10% of their car development time for their £1.8m overspend, impacting their wind-tunnel runs and simulations. As emphatic as Hamilton’s assessment is, and many will argue it has a certain degree of accuracy given the scale of Red Bull’s success, the Mercedes man went further as he looks to give himself a fighting chance of a record-breaking eighth title in the not-so-distant future. "I think the FIA should probably put a time when everyone is allowed to start developing on next year’s car,” he added, referring to Red Bull no longer focusing on their 2023 car such is their current advantage and instead shifting emphasis to 2024. “Say August 1, that’s where everybody can start so that no one can get an advantage on the next year, cause that sucks. "It would make more sense. They should. Say for example you start the season and you know you have a bad car, you can just say I’m not going to bother developing this car and put all this money into next year’s car and have an advantage." The notion that the FIA should change the regulations as a result of Red Bull’s domination has been regularly concocted in recent weeks, whether it be across the paddock or on social media. Short memories, it seems. For Red Bull’s current all-out supremacy, think Michael Schumacher’s five-in-a-row with Ferrari at the start of the noughties. Think Lewis Hamilton’s six victories in seven years with Mercedes. Think Sebastian Vettel’s four on the bounce back at Red Bull to kick off the 2010s. Periods of domination are commonplace in F1. A framework is set in place; regulations set in stone years in advance. These must remain. A sudden alteration of various rules, now, would be simply unfair and unsporting. Despite that, talk of a perfect 22/22 this season is being swiftly dismissed by Red Bull. The runaway leaders are not getting carried away yet. “At a sprint weekend, so many things can go wrong,” said a typically level-headed Verstappen on Thursday. His team-mate Perez was absent, due to illness, but is expected to be fit to drive on Friday. While the second of six sprint weekends this season takes place in Spielberg – with qualifying for the grand prix on Friday before “sprint day” on Saturday – could ruffle feathers, Red Bull are massive favourites to take their ninth-straight win of the year at their home track. Ferrari did win in Austria last year, but have not won since. Mercedes are on a slow road back to the top-tier, with a bigger upgrade due next week at Silverstone. If any team is to challenge Red Bull, therefore, it could well be Aston Martin – and their imperious 41-year-old double world champion Fernando Alonso. Read More Are Red Bull now the most successful F1 team ever – and how long can this dominance last? Toto Wolff optimistic as Mercedes target improvement at Austrian Grand Prix Sergio Perez misses media day at the Austrian Grand Prix Sergio Perez misses media day at the Austrian Grand Prix Toto Wolff optimistic as Mercedes target improvement at Austrian Grand Prix What is a sprint race in F1 and how does new qualifying shootout work?

Taylor Swift graced the burgundy carpet at the Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour world premiere last night (Wednesday 11 October), in a floor-length baby blue Oscar de la Renta gown. The halter neck dress featured bold floral details, including huge appliqué flowers, which Swift paired with stiletto heels in the same colour. The event took place at MC The Grove 14 in Los Angeles, as stars including Beyonce and Julia Garner gathered to mark the launch of the singer’s concert film, directed by Sam Wrench. Taylor’s look showcased her love for mixing up fun, sophisticated and never-dull outfits. But if you think back to when the 33-year-old first walked a red carpet as an emerging artist in 2007, it’s easy to see how much her style has evolved over the years since crossing over into mainstream pop. Here’s how Swift’s red carpet looks have gone from strength to strength… 2007 American Music Awards Swift made her first appearance at the American Music Awards in 2007. Arriving at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, the fledgling star wore a mid-thigh-length black halter neck dress, with a pleated skater style skirt and embellishment detailing down the middle and around the waist, paired with black cowboy boots. 50th Grammy Awards in 2008 Still styling her hair to the side with curly lengths, Swift upped the glam factor in 2008 at the 50th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. This time, the singer wore a lilac satin floor-length corset gown, with an organza skirt featuring petaled detailing. 2012 ACM Awards The 47th annual Academy of Country Music Awards in 2012, which took place in Las Vegas, saw Swift grace the carpet in a bright white floor-length gown, with metallic gold detailing and cut-outs at the sides. The curls and side parting were replaced by loose lengths and a statement fringe. 2014 Capital Jingle Bell Ball Swift attended the 2014 Capital Jingle Bell Ball at the O2 Arena, London, loud and proud with a no ‘do – a shoulder-length inverted bob. Sporting a multi-coloured, patterned mini dress, paired with black peep toe platform heels, her look was fun, bold and fabulous. 2015 Brit Awards Scooping her first Brit award – for Best International Female Solo Artist – the songwriter wowed in 2015 in a high neck black grown, complete with a trail and red dragon design wrapped around her body. 2019 Time 100 Gala Swift went for a bohemian look at the Time 100 Gala in 2019, in a salmon-pink strapless flowy maxi dress, with yellow panelling and flower embroidery details. She paired it with detached balloon sleeves and a delicate flower detail headband. 2019 Billboard Music Awards Held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Swift attended the 2019 Billboard Music Awards in a mini lilac dress, with frill details aplenty. It also featured lace detailing on the chest and long sleeves. She wore it with beige barely-there heels, still rocking her bangs. 2022 MTV Video Music Awards Swift’s look for the 2022 MTV Awards red carpet brought the glitz and a racy edge. The star wore a see-through and heavily embellished camouflage halter neck mini dress, with low thin straps – paired with a deep red lip and small drop silver earrings to match. 2023 MTV Video Music Awards Before taking home the top prize at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, for her Anti-Hero music video, Swift made a sophisticated statement in a floor-length black halter dress, complete with button detailing and a thigh split. She paired it with a collection of necklaces and strappy stiletto heels. Read More ‘She taught me to to defy industry norms’: Taylor Swift hails Beyoncé as ‘guiding light through my career’ Taylor Swift channels her 1989-era for Eras Tour premiere Taylor Swift announces Eras Tour concert film will release today in surprise for fans Model Emily Ratajkowski unveils latest fashion campaign 10 ways to cosy-up your home for an autumnal vibe 5 must-have bag trends for autumn

Starbucks' China business is back after dropping due to Covid restrictions last year.

Allow us to open the gateway to luxury living by introducing you to one of our favorite brands: Cozy Earth. The lavish brand offers everything from elevated matching pajamas to super-soft bedding and bath essentials to chic, minimalistic loungewear. If you’re ready to seriously up your sleeping game and overall lifestyle, then dive into the world of luxury with Cozy Earth’s Fourth of July sale. Buckle your seat belts and get ready for the most glorious home upgrade of your life. The brand’s Fourth of July sale covers 20-25% off sitewide until July 11. However, we’re here to bring you even better news. Cozy Earth is offering 30% off sitewide for the rest of the year just for Refinery29 readers with code COZYREFINERY. Now, you can relax and shop to your heart’s content without worrying about a deadline. After all, a good night’s rest and a peaceful home are well worth the investment — and Cozy Earth’s products might just be the easiest way to kick-start your journey to better sleep.

Europe’s attempt to elbow aside China and Russia in the tussle for influence across Latin America came up

Rumer Willis has hit back at online criticism over a photo of herself breastfeeding her daughter, Louetta. The actress took to Instagram on Friday to share a post in honour of her 35th birthday, which featured the selfie of her breastfeeding her daughter, who she welcomed in April with boyfriend Derek Richard Thomas. In the comments, many of her followers criticised her for sharing the photo, with questions about “why” she posted it on social media. However, Willis - the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore - didn’t hesitate to hit back at the criticism, as she started off by simply responding to the “why?” question with: “Cause I want to.” Another Instagram user also alleged that Willis posted the photo “for attention,” with claims that “nursing a baby is very private and should not be displayed like a circus event”. In response, Willis expressed how she viewed the ability to feed her daughter as a “privilege,” and accused the critic of holding “a limited view of” breastfeeding. She continued her comment by defending her decision to post the photo, and explaining how she wanted it to lessen the “shame” that women face. “I think it’s incredibly important to share because there is an incredible amount of shame that comes with being born into a female body,” Willis wrote. “And I want to lead by example in teaching my daughter that she doesn’t have to be ashamed of her body ever and that she can decide how she wants to share it.” When a third critic on Instagram claimed that the Sorority Row star was a “narcissistic” and “insecure”, she responded by telling them that she “really couldn’t care less about [their] opinion,” or about what they “think [she’s] doing,” since she knows what her “intentions” are. After claiming that she “pitied” the critic, she went on to emphasise that being able to breasfeed, in addition to being a mother, is a “privilege”. “[It’s one] I definitely don’t take for granted,” she wrote. “So I will celebrate every sec of this journey because this is my first time doing all of this and I honour and have the deepest reverence for all of the women who have walked this path before me.” She concluded: “I’m sharing because things like breastfeeding need to be honoured instead of shamed. I feel so sorry for you. I am the happiest I have ever been in my life.” Earlier this year, Willis took to Instagram to announce the birth of her daughter with Thomas. “Louetta Isley Thomas Willis. You are pure magic,” she wrote in the caption, alongside a snap of her then-newborn. “Born at home on Tuesday April 18th. You are more than we ever dreamed of.” Willis’ response to critics over her breastfeeding photo also comes days after she celebrated her body on Instagram. As she shared a nude photo of herself, she wrote that, although her body “feels a little different,” she’s “truly in awe everyday” when she looks at her child. She went on to praise her body for how it looked, while acknowledging that her body was “still redjusting” after giving birth. “This body of mine that I spent so many years trying to shape and mold into what I thought was desirable or made me feel good in clothes, is a little softer and rounder and jiggly and different and that’s okay, more than okay, it’s kind of amazing because I grew a person inside of it,” she wrote. “This little being that I love with a fierceness and wonder that reaches new levels everyday. I know my body is still readjusting, but whatever shape it ends up in I am just grateful for all that it did and continues to do.” She also described her breasts as a “gift” to her baby, before detailing the different ways in which she’s used her body to care for her child. “In the ongoing process of transformation, I am grateful for every twist and turn,” Willis continued. “My breasts, might be bigger and perhaps ever so drifting downward but what a gift and privilege that they can feed and provide nourishment for my Lou. They also make a fantastic pillow while we co sleep. My hips and tummy, now softer and rounder, cradle my daughter in safety, warmth, and love.” Read More Rumer Willis says she is ‘grateful’ to her body following birth of daughter Bruce Willis’ daughter Tallulah speaks out about his early signs of dementia before announcing diagnosis Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming Willis says she is ‘not good’ amid his ongoing struggle with dementia Rumer Willis says she is ‘grateful’ to her body following birth of daughter Jana Kramer reveals she couldn’t brush her teeth for three months while pregnant Mom documents at-home abortion to destigmatise abortion pills

Musician Mick Fleetwood of the famed group Fleetwood Mac said his restaurant, Fleetwood's on Front St, in Lahaina, Hawai'i has been lost due to the wildfires raging there.

By Humeyra Pamuk and David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China next week

The death of French teenager Nahel M., killed by a police officer during a traffic stop a week ago, has reignited the anger of young people and brought deeper problems back to the surface...

If dating in New York City wasn’t hard enough, one woman has shared how an unassuming Tinder date stole her beloved Maison Margiela Tabi shoes, which retail for almost $1,000, to give to his girlfriend. It all began on TikTok this week, when user Lex (@nextlevellexuss) posted a public service announcement for New York City singles to “beware” a man named Joshua - who she claimed stole her prize Tabi Mary Janes from the French fashion label. “Ladies of NYC, be-f***ing-ware. This man is out here on Tinder and Hinge and he will steal from you,” she began her viral TikTok video, which has since been viewed more than 862k times. “This is a story about how that f***er stole my Mary Jane Tabis that my father bought for me as a birthday gift,” Lex said. She then shared a screenshot of her Tinder match, a man named Joshua, who she claimed was the culprit behind her missing shoes. The New York City-based fashion designer explained how she was walking around Manhattan’s Soho neighbourhood when she “locked eyes” with a “really cute guy” on the street. She later received a message on Tinder from the same man, who messaged her: “Hey, did I see you downtown?” “I didn’t know we matched on Tinder before, but I guess we did. We start chatting and we ended up going out for drinks,” Lex said. At first, she said that Joshua seemed like “a nice guy” and they decided to go on a second date. “Fast forward, we hang out again, he comes over and we sleep together.” During their rendezvous, they sparked up a conversation about fashion and Joshua revealed that he really wants to own a pair of “Tabi” boots from Maison Margiela - the high fashion brand’s infamous split-toe shoe, which comes in many different styles, including ballet flats, loafers, Mary Janes, and boots. The next morning, he asked to show Lex a Spotify playlist on her phone. “I open my phone and everything for him, I give him the app to Spotify, he looks it up,” she said in the video. He gave the phone back to Lex and said that he couldn’t find the playlist, before promptly leaving. “Hours pass, I’m on my computer, I look over to my shoe rack over here,” Lex continued, pointing to the black pair of Tabi boots sitting at the top of her shelf. “I have Tabi boots up there. We were talking about the Tabi boots and he was referencing those. He barely glanced at the Mary Janes, OK? I look over there, and they’re gone.” Lex searched high and low for her Tabi shoes but couldn’t find them anywhere, so she decided to text Joshua and ask if he knew where she placed her Mary Janes. “I’m not going to be accusatory, I’m just gonna see if he knows where I put them,” she explained. But when she opened the dating app to message him, she discovered that Joshua had “unmatched” her on Tinder. “I’m like, ‘Oh no. This b**** stole my f***ing shoes,’” she proclaimed. @nextlevellexuss Girls and gays of TikTok please get to work ? #nycdating #tinderhorrorstories #hingedating #margielatabis #nyc#greenscreen ♬ bad idea right? - Olivia Rodrigo The two previously chatted over the phone, so she decided to search her call log for Joshua’s number. As it turned out, he had erased his number from Lex’s phone when he asked to show her a Spotify playlist. “I go to the call log and he literally deleted the history of the call, so I can’t find his number,” she said. It seemed like all hope was lost, so Lex asked her local TikTok followers to send her any information they have about Joshua, adding: “I want my f***ing shoes back!” It didn’t take long for the fashion designer’s video to go viral on the platform, and as a result, fellow New York City TikTok users told Lex where she could find the alleged shoe stealer on Instagram. “You guys boosted this s*** so well and got it to the right audiences, I love you guys,” she said in a follow-up video. “Someone reached out to me, knew who he was, gave me his Instagram… I’m just trying to be as tactful as possible when it comes to this, so hopefully we get the shoes back, guys.” @nextlevellexuss Replying to @KingAshleyBee he also isnt my size he probably will try to sell them! ♬ original sound - Lex However, the “Tabi Swiper” saga continued when Lex revealed that not only did Joshua allegedly steal her shoes, but he gave them to his girlfriend. “Update, I got my Tabis back,” she shared in a third video, before revealing to her followers exactly how she retrieved her favourite shoes. Lex explained that she received a call from the Tinder date, who started to “gaslight” her over the phone and claimed that “he didn’t steal” her Tabi Mary Janes. But when he started offering her money for the shoes, anywhere from $500 to $1,000, Lex said she knew he was “lying” because an “innocent person wouldn’t give $1,000” if they didn’t steal the shoes. “The plot thickens,” she continued. “I found out he has a girlfriend and that he gave my Tabis to his girlfriend.” After Lex sent Joshua a screenshot of his girlfriend wearing her Tabi shoes, he finally texted her at three in the morning, saying: “Ight [sic] you got me, I’ll get them back to you give me a time and place and I’m just asking to remove the TikTok is all.” “All I ask is you remove the video once you get your stuff back,” he wrote in a separate text. “I thought I could get away with it but you caught me.” They eventually arranged a meeting and Lex included footage of the Tabi drop-off in her video, which showed Joshua pulling up on a bicycle with the Maison Margiela shoes in a cross-body bag. “He was literally smiling the whole f***ing time,” she revealed. While her shoes were now safe and sound, Lex still wondered how her Tinder date was able to swipe the Tabi shoes in the first place. She theorised in a separate video that he tucked the Mary Janes in his pants waistband, since he was wearing baggy cargo trousers. @nextlevellexuss Replying to @statue.net i only gave him like a half hug when he left lol. So i didnt feel it on him if he did it this way. ♬ original sound - Lex In just a matter of days, the case of the missing Tabis has received over a million views on TikTok. Unsurprisingly, the shocking saga led many fashion lovers to sound off on the incident in the comments section - as the culprit was quickly dubbed the “Tabi Swiper” on the app. “Fashion guys are sinister,” one top comment read. “That’s diabolical,” another person wrote. “Whew this was a journey! Glad you got your Tabis back,” said someone else. Meanwhile, others were more interested in what the swiper’s supposed girlfriend thought of the stolen Tabi shoes that he had given her. “I need the girlfriend to come forward with her side of the story. This is so crazy,” one person commented. “I want to hear from the girlfriend,” said another. A third wrote: “Wait, we need the update on the girlfriend… Does she know?!” @nextlevellexuss Also strongly considering filing a restraining order so I can feel safe from him just in case. lol #nycdating #tabigirl #tabigate #margielatabis #tinderpartner ♬ original sound - Lex After her Maison Margiela shoes were returned, Lex took the opportunity to thank both strangers and her followers for the “overwhelming amount of support” she’s received as a result of the so-called Tabi Swiper. In her video, she also revealed that Joshua and his girlfriend were no longer dating. “They are no longer together from my knowledge, she didn’t know - he’s a menace, y’all,” Lex said. “He cheated on her, so I would appreciate it if you guys try to give her a little bit of respect and space in this. This is not her fault.” The fashion designer also took the moment to address the “slut-shaming” she’s received since the Tabi Swiper saga. “To punish my behaviour and say, ‘Oh, what do you expect when you just open your legs?’ and things like that, instead of being like, ‘That’s crazy that there are not decent human beings out there who just won’t steal from you,’” Lex said. “To focus on that, and not what he did, shows how there are layers of misogyny to this whole entire situation.” She concluded her final video about the Tabi Swiper with: “I’m just simply a girl who wanted her shoes back.” Read More TikTok Tattoogate: How a tattoo artist sparked backlash for ‘absurd’ pricing and design changes Who is Ruby Franke? 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