Saturday, July 5, 2014
LIVE! Vintage on the Plaza
Join us at the Ruff Life for
free hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and fun! We are having a live model
vintage fashion show to benefit the YWCA. 15% of all proceeds go to
YWCA. There will also be a raffle with prizes from the shop! Can't wait
to see you there! Did we mention there is no admission fee? Yep, it's
free! So come and go as you please! 7pm- 10pm July 11th!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
A Historical Timeline of the Thong
I enjoy a good boyshort or hipster, but thongs and pasties have my
heart. Both thongs and pasties sprung forward as a clever legal loophole. Perhaps more titillating, both have the ability to be more provocative than 'obscenity' the laws were meant to prohibit. We'll talk pasties another time, but for now, I present my tribute to the beloved and despised thong.
The thong is though to have originated from an adaptation of the loin cloth, a traditionally male garment developed to protect men's more delicate parts. While versions of the loin cloth may be found Egyptian, Greek, Roman, African or Japanese history, the modern thong has a more concrete raise to fame.
In 1939, shortly before the World's Fair in New York City, New York mayor Fiorello LaGuardia required nude dancers to cover their genitals. Most articles regarding 'thong history' (there are not many) cite LaGuardia as the creator and this as the origin of the women's thong. The idea being the thong was borne from LaGuardia's regulations, as the bare minimum to meet these standards.
Tsk, tsk, do not mistake cause for effect. Perhaps LaGuardia instituted regulations leading to the creation of the thong, but the creators of the thong (and pasties for that matter) were the ingenious young women and promoters associated with burlesque.
Furthermore, I am suspicious that thongs and g-strings originated in 1939. In 1941, The G-String Murders, a novel by Gypsy Rose Lee, was published. Perhaps the publishing industry was wildly efficient, and Gypsy was a exceptionally quicker author.
Outside of burlesque, early pornography and stripping, the thong did not gain attention until 1974, when Rudi Gernreich developed the first thong bathing suit. Gernreich allegedly hoped it would work as a solution for American women seeking to create the cultured, European sensation of a nude beach.
Brazil also claims to have invented the thong bikini around the same time as Gernreich, but as it was called a tanga, some confusion exists.
Thong sales were available throughout the 80s but were most visible as bodysuits, leotards and teddies. The cardio and diet crazes of the 80s often pictured fit models in thong leotards over leggings. During the same time, Fredericks of Hollywood mass-marketed lace teddies with thongs.
From the revelations that Monica Lewinsky flashed her thong to President Clinton in 1998 to the 1999 Sisqo classic, The Thong Song, thong fame hit record heights at the turn of the 21st century. Shortly thereafter, thongs went...awry. The popularity of super low jeans made 'whale tail's' a mainstay at every suburban mall. Christina Aguilera's VMA appearance with high g-strings as focal point. Abercrombie & Fitch's thongs for tweens debacle in 2002.
Though thong sales are still steady, current attitudes appear to be based on personal preference and desire to avoid panty lines rather than a mass trend.
P.S. You never know what the future holds. Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Miley Cyrus have all performed recently in them.
The thong is though to have originated from an adaptation of the loin cloth, a traditionally male garment developed to protect men's more delicate parts. While versions of the loin cloth may be found Egyptian, Greek, Roman, African or Japanese history, the modern thong has a more concrete raise to fame.
In 1939, shortly before the World's Fair in New York City, New York mayor Fiorello LaGuardia required nude dancers to cover their genitals. Most articles regarding 'thong history' (there are not many) cite LaGuardia as the creator and this as the origin of the women's thong. The idea being the thong was borne from LaGuardia's regulations, as the bare minimum to meet these standards.
Tsk, tsk, do not mistake cause for effect. Perhaps LaGuardia instituted regulations leading to the creation of the thong, but the creators of the thong (and pasties for that matter) were the ingenious young women and promoters associated with burlesque.
Furthermore, I am suspicious that thongs and g-strings originated in 1939. In 1941, The G-String Murders, a novel by Gypsy Rose Lee, was published. Perhaps the publishing industry was wildly efficient, and Gypsy was a exceptionally quicker author.
 |
| Geinrich's thong. Male version included for your viewing pleasure. |
Outside of burlesque, early pornography and stripping, the thong did not gain attention until 1974, when Rudi Gernreich developed the first thong bathing suit. Gernreich allegedly hoped it would work as a solution for American women seeking to create the cultured, European sensation of a nude beach.
 |
| Above shown, Reard's bikini. Louis Reard invented the first bikini in 1946. While not called a thong, there is probably sufficient butt cheek (whatever that is) to qualify. No model will wear it, so he had to hire a Parisian stripper, Michelle Bernadini. |
Brazil also claims to have invented the thong bikini around the same time as Gernreich, but as it was called a tanga, some confusion exists.
Thong sales were available throughout the 80s but were most visible as bodysuits, leotards and teddies. The cardio and diet crazes of the 80s often pictured fit models in thong leotards over leggings. During the same time, Fredericks of Hollywood mass-marketed lace teddies with thongs.
 |
| 1980s Fredericks of Hollywood teddy. |
 |
| One of many of Abercrombie's mistakes. |
 |
| Oh, honey... |
 |
| VPL |
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
7 Reasons Masturbation Matters
May is National Masturbation Month, and today, May 7th, is International Masturbation Day. In 1995, this honor was created by Good Vibrations shop to destigmatize the infamous solo sport. In case you're fuzzy about the events at that time, in 1994, President Clinton fired his Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders after she suggested masturbation being included in sex education programs.
In the early 1800s, Rev. Sylvester Graham rallied against masturbation and hoped to alleviate the world of this "self-abuse" through dietary measures. His Graham Diet consisted of a bland vegetarian diet, and most notably, introduced a special bland cracker to calm those unsavory urges, the Graham cracker. Following Rev. Graham's death in the mid 19th century, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg followed suit by creating Corn Flakes.These anti-masturbation efforts are down right charming compared to many so-called solutions for these urges, from steel chastity belts to the application of carbolic acid.
In light of this history, we feel quite strongly about masturbation at The Ruff Life, and here's why:
1. Masturbation also gives you a chance to understand your body. Whether you use toys or your hands, self-love provides a safe environment to determine what you enjoy.
2. Masturbation releases endorphins and dopamine, which are beneficial for pain management, stress relief, and relaxation.
3. Masturbation can relieve cramps by increasing the blood flood to your pelvis.
4. Masturbation helps you keep your sex drive up. Apparently, the old adage "use it or lose it" rings true.
5. Recent studies found women who masturbate regularly have a higher resistance to yeast infections.
6. Knowing how to get yourself off can help you tell your partner how to as well.
7. On a similar note, if only one partner orgasms, toys can make up the difference. We see many couples buying toys together, because it is a fun way to relieve the pressure of worrying about whether a partner is satisfied. Women generally take longer to orgasm than men, so extra time prior to penetrative sex can be make up for this disconnect.
XOXO,
The Ruff Life
In the early 1800s, Rev. Sylvester Graham rallied against masturbation and hoped to alleviate the world of this "self-abuse" through dietary measures. His Graham Diet consisted of a bland vegetarian diet, and most notably, introduced a special bland cracker to calm those unsavory urges, the Graham cracker. Following Rev. Graham's death in the mid 19th century, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg followed suit by creating Corn Flakes.These anti-masturbation efforts are down right charming compared to many so-called solutions for these urges, from steel chastity belts to the application of carbolic acid.
In light of this history, we feel quite strongly about masturbation at The Ruff Life, and here's why:
1. Masturbation also gives you a chance to understand your body. Whether you use toys or your hands, self-love provides a safe environment to determine what you enjoy.
2. Masturbation releases endorphins and dopamine, which are beneficial for pain management, stress relief, and relaxation.
3. Masturbation can relieve cramps by increasing the blood flood to your pelvis.
4. Masturbation helps you keep your sex drive up. Apparently, the old adage "use it or lose it" rings true.
5. Recent studies found women who masturbate regularly have a higher resistance to yeast infections.
6. Knowing how to get yourself off can help you tell your partner how to as well.
7. On a similar note, if only one partner orgasms, toys can make up the difference. We see many couples buying toys together, because it is a fun way to relieve the pressure of worrying about whether a partner is satisfied. Women generally take longer to orgasm than men, so extra time prior to penetrative sex can be make up for this disconnect.
XOXO,
The Ruff Life
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Phthalates: Safe Sex Toys
What are phthalates?
Phthalates are used as a plasticizer, an additive used to
increase the flexibility and/or durability of a substance. Plasticizers make the difference between hard
plastic and the plastic involved in a rubber duck, shower curtains, and many
other similar soft plastics. Phthalates are also found in cosmetics, food and
many beauty products.
Why does it matter?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “A
study by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) showed that DEHP [a form of
phthalate] administered orally increased the incidence of liver tumors in rats
and mice. “ As a result the EPA classified DEHP as a Group B2, probable
human carcinogen.
Canada forbids more than .01% of phthalates in child care
articles in 1999 The European Union banned amounts of more than .01% of three
forms of phthalates in children’s toys in 2005. In 2008, the United States
Consumer Product Safety Commission forbid more than .01% of six forms of
phthalates in children’s toys or child care articles.
However, infants and toddlers are not the only higher risk
group involved with phthalates. Aside from
use in food, phthalates are also used in many cosmetics, beauty products and
many plastic vibrators or dildos. The Danish Health Institute concluded health
risks are minimal but may not be among breast feeding or pregnant women.
Additionally, high phthalate
exposure is associated with disruption in the endocrine systems, which is
thought to be associated with breast cancer. The endocrine
system is responsible for secreting hormones, including secretion of hormones to
the ovaries, mammary glands, liver and testes. In 2005 Dr. Shanna Swan studied
the hypothesis that phthalates may act as endocrine system disruption and found
a correlation between mothers with the largest levels of phthalates in their
urine and the shortest anogenital distance infants. (Anogenital is the distance
between boy’s genitals and their anus.)
 |
| The Lelo Soraya uses medical grade silicone. |
Studies regarding phthalates and
endocrine disruption are still in early stages. None of this evidence is
definitive of a certain outcome, however, I won't sell what I won't use, and as a result, I only feel comfortable selling phthalate-free sex toys. Other stores that do the same are Good Vibrations and
Smitten Kitten.
 |
| nJoy products are made of medical grade stainless steel. |
If you are unsure of what contains phthalates, purchase toys
made from medical grade silicone, glass or steel, which are also very easy to clean!
Friday, April 25, 2014
Date Yourself
In the shop, we hear a lot of "but I have no one to wear it for." Yes, sometimes it is sweet to surprise your suitor with a lovely lacy set, but the best use of lingerie is buying yourself presents. You know what feels even better than that? Dating yourself. Married, partnered or single, I challenge you to plan a date with yourself. It sounds cheesy, but I promise it will be worth it.
I started this for myself when I went through a divorce but have carried it on into remarriage (Yes, I've married the same man twice). Just one night a month. No meeting up with friends, no boyfriend or husband, just you.
Here's how:
1.Buy yourself something to begin the date. There is some truth to retail therapy. Only caveat is has to be something you would not ordinary buy for yourself. No eggs and cheese from Wal-Mart, though a fancy cheese and wine could work. I pick up a bouquet for my nightstand, chocolate truffles and some super cute pajamas. It doesn't even have to be expensive, a lucky rabbit's foot or mood ring will do. It just has to be out of the ordinary and make you feel special.
2. What's do you enjoy or get excited about doing? When I say enjoy, I mean really enjoy, as in get bonafide glee from. For example, sure, I like cake, but I enjoy carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.
Some ideas to get you started:
Long bath. Chocolate truffles. A good massage.
Yoga. Reading. Taking a walk in the park.
Cooking. Riding a motorcycle. Sorting change (I really do.)
Puzzles. Rock climbing. Hiking.
Gun range. Driving range. Local concert.
Ballet. A play. Museum.
Orchestra. An aquarium. Trying a new restaurant.
Watching True Romance with gelato and macaroons or whatever you think of.
Pick a date. Write it on your calendar. Then pick two to do one evening or afternoon.
3. Take a bath. Use those over-priced bath salts you save for a special occasion and light the fancy-shmancy organic soy candle. If it helps, put on some Enya or rain sounds. Enjoy. No hair-washing or shaving. Just enjoying.
4. The rest is up to you. Comfy pajamas and good rest, or if you are feeling frisky, a little self-service.
And I'm always looking for new ideas, so let me know what you do for your date night!
XOXO,
Merry McGinnis Ireland
Owner of The Ruff Life
I started this for myself when I went through a divorce but have carried it on into remarriage (Yes, I've married the same man twice). Just one night a month. No meeting up with friends, no boyfriend or husband, just you.
Here's how:
1.Buy yourself something to begin the date. There is some truth to retail therapy. Only caveat is has to be something you would not ordinary buy for yourself. No eggs and cheese from Wal-Mart, though a fancy cheese and wine could work. I pick up a bouquet for my nightstand, chocolate truffles and some super cute pajamas. It doesn't even have to be expensive, a lucky rabbit's foot or mood ring will do. It just has to be out of the ordinary and make you feel special.
2. What's do you enjoy or get excited about doing? When I say enjoy, I mean really enjoy, as in get bonafide glee from. For example, sure, I like cake, but I enjoy carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.
Some ideas to get you started:
Long bath. Chocolate truffles. A good massage.
Yoga. Reading. Taking a walk in the park.
Cooking. Riding a motorcycle. Sorting change (I really do.)
Puzzles. Rock climbing. Hiking.
Gun range. Driving range. Local concert.
Ballet. A play. Museum.
Orchestra. An aquarium. Trying a new restaurant.
Watching True Romance with gelato and macaroons or whatever you think of.
Pick a date. Write it on your calendar. Then pick two to do one evening or afternoon.
3. Take a bath. Use those over-priced bath salts you save for a special occasion and light the fancy-shmancy organic soy candle. If it helps, put on some Enya or rain sounds. Enjoy. No hair-washing or shaving. Just enjoying.
4. The rest is up to you. Comfy pajamas and good rest, or if you are feeling frisky, a little self-service.
And I'm always looking for new ideas, so let me know what you do for your date night!
XOXO,
Merry McGinnis Ireland
Owner of The Ruff Life
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Caress Genelle, OKC Stylist, Combines Vintage & Modern
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| Juliette Slip, $18. |
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| Juliette Slip, $18. |
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| Cream, wide-leg jumpsuit, $38. |
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| Cream, wide-leg jumpsuit, $38. |
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| Cream, wide-leg jumpsuit, $38. |
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| Cream, wide-leg jumpsuit, $38. |
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