The Sexy Period Diaries Period Panty Blog

Friday Fashion Find 2/17: Proxy Apparel Tie

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Sexy Period team recently returned from a trip to Cambridge, Massachusetts where we met up with a close friend of Sexy Period, Heatherjean MacNeil. Heatherjean is a leader in ethical fashion entrepreneurship and financial empowerment for women and has an exciting company called Proxy Apparel (http://www.proxyapparel.com/). Proxy makes fun, fashionable apparel and their mission is to empower and employ women in a sweat-shop free, sustainable world.

Check out Proxy’s newest item, the schoolgirl tie. This vibrant funky tie can be used as anything from a necktie to a bracelet or a headband and it is made at a cooperative in Guatemala. Look cute and feel good about helping women in Guatemala!

Posted in: Friday Fashion Finds

"Be Fine" photo recap

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We heart our interns! Lauren and Emily filled in last Thursday night at the Be Fine Valentine's event at Blue Suede and did a super job setting up the Sexy Period table (and rocking the photobooth)!

Posted in: by Julie, RI Love

Test Your Guy's Period IQ

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Happy VDay! One of our goals here at Sexy Period is to make it more acceptable to talk about periods in public. Seriously, 50% of the world menstruates so why are both men and women scared to bring up the topic? We're starting the conversation and that includes guys.....so here we go with our first ever survey designed for men with the Period IQ test! A huge thanks to the fabulous Alexandra DiLorenzo for helping us behind the scenes on this project!

Posted in: by Julie, For Fun Days, PMS-Approved

Friday Fashion Find 2/10: Sweetheart t-shirt

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Hello sweethearts! Isn't this lovely heart tee the best ever? I have one similar with a heart on the back that I wear every year on Valentine's Day. Truth be told, VDay is my favorite holiday of the year. What's not to love about wearing red/pink and eating copious amounts of chocolate?? Hope you all have a wonderful day on the 14th and give yourself some love for being who you are. If you're wondering where you can find this gem of a shirt to celebrate in style, head over to www.ofakind.com and check out their curated collection of limited pieces (there are only 50 of this shirt in the ENTIRE world!).

Photo courtesy of www.ofakind.com.

Posted in: by Julie, Friday Fashion Finds

Sexy Period Showcased at MIT!

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We are so excited to be exhibiting Sexy Period at the Technology-Enabled Fashion Start-up Showcase tonight at the Trust Center for Entrepreneurship at MIT, come check us out if you are in the area!

Posted in: Sexy Period Headlines

Happy Birthday! Sexy Period celebrates 1 year of sales!

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Can you believe it? I can't either. It seems like yesterday when we launched a 500 pair Preview Sale on our website on January 31, 2011. I remember getting up early that morning, nervous and excited for what would happen. We sold out and since then we've shipped to customers in 44 states and 10 countries. Thanks everyone for cheering us on. Here are a few shots of the celebratory cupcakes in our office today (thanks to Sharon's Mom for baking last night and letting us get creative with frosting!):

Posted in: by Julie, Sexy Period Headlines

Friday Fashion Find 1/27: Cropped Jacket by Emily Muller

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Happy Friday! I am back from Paris (photos coming this weekend!) and am pumped to go to Style Week Providence tonight. Today's fashion find is a cropped leather and twill jacket by Boston designer Emily Muller who held an installation last night at Style Week. The jacket below has just enough detail to be interesting without being overwhelming.

Photo courtesy of www.emilymuller.com.

Posted in: by Julie, Friday Fashion Finds, Style Week Providence

Friday Fashion Find 1/21: Tara Jarmon Bourse Rose clutch

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

I just so happen to be in Paris right now where the time is 6 hours ahead and I still have time to sneak in today's fashion find. In true French style, I'm choosing the Bourse Rose clutch by Tara Jarmon. Several years ago I bought a coat by Tara at a vintage store and wore it every day that winter. Her clothes at least are top notch quality so I can only imagine accessories are the same. Stay tuned for photos from Paris later this week! I've already had a crepe that was amaaaaaazing!

Photo courtesy of www.tarajarmon.com

Posted in: by Julie, Friday Fashion Finds

Friday Fashion Find 1/13: Cambridge Satchel Co

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This week we're longing after a satchel bag from the Cambridge Satchel Company, discovered when fashionable friend Sierra from Clementine Lime sported a brown satchel last week. They have a variety of colors, but this one would go perfect with red lipstick...

Photo courtesy of www.www.cambridgesatchel.co.uk

Posted in: by Julie, Friday Fashion Finds

Guest Post from a TSS Survivor: What you need to know

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

When we first heard about You ARE Loved, a non-profit dedicated to educating women about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), we were curious. We wondered, does TSS even happen nowadays?? Read Suzan Hutchinson's post below to find out the scoop on the reality of risks when using common tampons and what you can do to be safe.

It’s hard to imagine a sexy period when you’ve plugged it up with a bacterial-growth-encouraging, dry, fuzzy wad of fibers commonly known as a traditional tampon.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not necessarily advocating having tampon-free periods. I am, however, strongly recommending you rethink the popular thought of shoving what I just mentioned into your lovely.

Why?

I’m glad you asked.

Back in the day when makers of traditional tampons began to look for a longer lasting and more absorbent tampon a product named RELY was marketed. I, along with many young women, used them and got tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) because of them.

RELY tampons provided a breeding ground for Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria– the toxin of which when absorbed into the blood stream, can kill...

…did kill Amy Elifritz on June 13, 2010

That’s 30 years after the RELY tampon TSS epidemic that claimed so many lives and sickened so many of us, and it’s after 28 years of required TSS warnings on all boxes of tampons.

Amy was only 20 when she came down with what everyone thought was the flu. She was menstruating and using tampons, but no one saw this as a red flag or even thought of TSS…until it was too late. Her death certificate shows the cause of her death – tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome! After Amy’s death, her mother, Lisa, founded You ARE Loved to raise awareness about tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome and to provide factual menstrual information.

Since launching the You ARE Loved website, we have received and posted several stories of girls and young women who have experienced tampon related TSS in recent years. Lauren was 20, and developed TSS in June, 2010 – Heather, a new mom, in March, 2011 – Katelyn was 17 – Alex was 16 – Shenikwa was in college – Amanda was 19 – Nikki died of TSS at 21 – Brittany almost died at age 15.

Don’t rely on traditional tampons to keep you safe from TSS. They have proved to be RELYable when it comes to young women and TSS!

If you use traditional tampons, please continue reading. What follows may well save your life, or the life of someone you know and love.

Most women are more familiar with the myths about TSS than the facts.

Myth #1: Tampon related TSS only occurs when tampons are worn well over 8 hours.
Reality: While longer wear time increases risk, TSS can occur even if you change tampons frequently.

Myth #2: Girls and women are only at risk for tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome if they use high absorbency tampons with the super, super plus or ultra rating.
Reality: While higher absorbency increases risk, TSS can occur even if you only use low absorbency tampons with the lite or regular rating.

Myth #3: All tampons (or all tampons of a given absorbency rating) carry equal risk for TSS.
Reality: Dr. Philip Tierno, a professor of Microbiology and Pathology at New York University School of Medicine, has been involved with tampon related TSS research for over 30 years. He finds that viscose rayon is now solely responsible for tampon related TSS. In contrast to the many cases of TSS associated with traditional tampons containing viscose rayon, there has never been a case of TSS associated with the use of a 100% cotton tampon. 100% cotton tampons are now available at many health food stores, some pharmacies and online.

If Amy or her mom had known the information I’m about to share with you, Amy would not have died. (If you, or someone you know uses tampons, or are considering using them be sure to read this.)

Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic Shock Syndrome develops when the common bacteria, Staphylococcus Aureus, produces a toxin which is absorbed into the bloodstream. The toxin rapidly overwhelms the immune system and attacks the major organs, leading to kidney failure, collapse of the lungs and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of TSS

*Sore throat

*Aching muscles

*High temperature; over 102 degrees F

*Vomiting

*Headache

*Watery diarrhea

*Red rash

*Confusion

*Dizziness

*Very low blood pressure

Only one or two symptoms may occur. They do not necessarily occur all at once and may not persist.

What Should You Do?

*Remove the tampon (save it if possible)

*Seek IMMEDIATE medical attention

*Inform the doctor that you have been using tampons

*Take a TSS information leaflet with you

To Reduce the Risk of TSS

*Only use tampons made of organic cotton

*Use the lowest absorbency needed at each stage of your period

*Avoid using tampons continuously during a period. Alternate with sanitary pads at night so the toxins have time to dissipate

*Use a pad at the end of your period

*Change tampons every 4 to 6 hours

*Don't use tampons if you've had any unusual discharge

*Wash your hands before and after use and handle the tampon as little as possible

*Alert your family and friends to the symptoms and emergency action required

*Read and keep this information and/or the leaflet inside each box of tampons

*If you’ve had TSS never use tampons again

Many women mistakenly assume traditional tampons are their best menstrual option, but there are MANY safer alternatives – disposable and reusable pads, 100% cotton tampons, disposable and reusable cups, sponges and period panties.

A sexy period is a period that’s free from the worries of TSS.

Bio: Suzan Hutchinson is a survivor of tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome and serves as the Director of Connectivity for You ARE Loved. Suzan wants every woman to be able to make an informed decision regarding safe and healthy menstruation. For additional information about TSS, please read our awareness brochure. You may contact us for more information about TSS, hardcopies of our awareness brochure, or to inquire about our educational materials and programs.

Posted in: PMS-Approved

12 to watch in 2012

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Thanks to GoLocalProv.com for naming me as one of their 12 to Watch in 2012! Always fun to remember my Girl Scout cookie days-- "Growing up in a small town in Kentucky with a population of 2,490 and one of the state's highest unemployment rates, Sygiel sold 10,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies during her 12 years of scouting. Ten thousand." Coincidentally, I just ordered a box of cookies today and cannot wait to get them!

Posted in: by Julie, RI Love

Leading Women Breakfast on Jan 19

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

If you live in or near Rhode Island, you might interested in checking out the Leading Women breakfast series. The next event on January 19th is sponsored by Partridge, Snow, & Hahn and will feature me along with friend Robin Squibb from the Granny Squibb Iced Tea Company. We'll be speaking about daily habits that help keep us on track to run successful businesses. Obviously everyone has up days and down days, but I have found a few tried & true things that get me going in the morning and help me stay focused throughout the day (sneak preview: chocolate really does do wonders for concentration). I'm looking forward to sharing and also meeting other attendees!

Posted in: by Julie, Social Events

Friday Fashion Find 12/30: Bauble Bar Earrings

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Happy New Year! Regardless of what your plans are for Saturday night, earrings like these silver balls at Bauble Bar are appropriate to don as the ball drops. Cheers!

Photo Courtesy of www.baublebar.com.

Posted in: by Julie, Friday Fashion Finds

Shoes, Shops, & Sexy Period in Toronto

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday! Right after Christmas, I hopped on a plane to Toronto and in addition to sightseeing, I got to visit one of the boutiques that carries Sexy Period! Coup De Foudre just opened in November and let me tell you, the place is GORGEOUS. The owner, Christine, designed it herself, picking out not one but two chandeliers that absolutely sparkle. Sexy Period has some exciting developments in the works for Canada so stay tuned.

I have been meaning to try my hand at baking French macarons for the last 2 years and I decided that Christmas day was the day I would finally conquer my fears of the little creatures. If you're not familar with French macarons, they are delicate sandwich cookies filled with cream and they have a reputation for being exceptionally difficult to make. With my family as guinea pigs, I went to work. The first batch was rock solid after only 16 minutes in the oven, and the second batch was so sticky that I couldn't get them off the pan. The ones in the photo below were the only seven I managed to actually put together, so when I heard about famed patisserie Nadege on Queen St, I had to get my fill of REAL macarons. Next I happened to pass by the FANTASTIC boutique Bicyclette also on Queen St (their lookbooks online are also fantastic).

The Bata Shoe Museum has been on my must-visit-before-i-die list for about 10 years now, and it didn't disappoint. They had everything from Poly Pocket shoes to Elvis's shoes and the Queen of England's shoes. The history behind each pair was fascinating-- for example, did you know that Barbie's feet are designed in such a way that the only shoes she can wear are high heels? A great message to send to 5 year old girls in our society....And take a look at the tiny shoes that Chinese women wore back in the early 20th century. It's unbelieveable to think that a full-grown woman's feet fit into those things. I can't imagine wearing those ALL DAY EVERY DAY.

Posted in: by Julie

Friday Fashion Find 12/23: Angie Dress

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I finished shopping for gifts this afternoon when I was at Nordstrom with my Mom. Since we are both picky gift-getters, we decided to shop together and buy something for each other to wrap up and put under the tree. It takes the surprise out of gifts, but at least we get quality time together making fun of what we each think looks good (for example, I had to talk her out of a ridiculous black, yellow, & white striped sweater). When we were walking past the juniors section, I happened to see a few super cute holiday dresses. The Angie dress below has a little sparkle and a unique hemline in the front-- just enough details to make it special without going overboard on the sequins. If you can get past the fact that it's in the juniors section, I think it would be fab for a family holiday party. And if your 12 year old cousin shows up in the same dress, just pretend like you planned it ahead of time...

Photo courtesy of www.nordstrom.com.

Posted in: by Julie, Friday Fashion Finds

it's out of our hands: hiring a fulfillment center

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The past couple weeks have been kinda hectic. Great things are happening including lots of gift orders, meaning Emily and I have logged significant time packing undies and driving them to the post office. And clearly, the post office is the place to be during the holidays. When I arrived yesterday evening, there were already 27 people in line ahead of me (quite the social hub I tell you). That didn't phase me, but what really pushed my buttons was someone in the parking lot who obviously didn't know how to drive. I'll admit it-- even I (who rarely gets her feathers ruffled) was annoyed beyond belief.

So today I decided to take the plunge into hiring a fulfillment center to mail out our orders. I packed up all our inventory and brought it to a local warehouse that will now pick, wrap, pack, & ship undies for us. This is good news for any of you potential customers reading this-- now instead of shipping undies out within 4 days of receiving your order, any orders placed before 2pm will be mailed out the same day. That way if you are going on vacation or need the undies for a special occasion, they're gonna be on their way to you faster than ever. Although I know in my heart that it's the right time to outsource fulfillment, for some reason I'm a bit sad. There's something personal about wrapping up a package of intimates knowing that it's going to a good home and will brighten someone's day every time they wear them. Even if our interns were the ones wrapping & packing, for the last 12 months all packages originated at SPHQ and each one was sealed with love & gratitude for the person buying it. We now have a great team that is on top of all our mailing and I made sure today to teach them all the tips to make every package shine (like the very first preview pairs sent out--pictured below). Stay tuned for more news about packaging as we're looking at super cute hot pink paper bags to use as individual wrapping...who knows what 2012 will bring!

Posted in: by Julie

Friday Fashion Find 12/16: Golden magic wand

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

So the holidays are most definitely here. And we've been shipping out LOTS of undies recently. Which is awesome....maybe one of them is on its way to you. I'm surprised at the number of guys who have purchased undies for their gal (very lucky recipients!). Anyway, with so much going on, I still haven't started holiday shopping and this weekend is going to be a fun whirlwind to get everything. I saw this magic wand on Etsy and decided that is what I'd really love to find under my tree this year. With the look on this little girl's face, how can the wand not have special powers?? If you want to buy one for someone special, head over to Etsy!

Photo courtesy of ColetteBream's Etsy page.

Posted in: by Julie, Friday Fashion Finds

Friday Fashion Find 12/9: Little Miss Matched socks

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

As I hinted in my earlier blog post, this week's fashion find is skyscraper socks by Little Miss Matched. Most of their cutesy sock products are for kids, but I picked out these sparkly tall pair that look approapriate for any age. Even if you're too tired to go out on the town, you could wear these while curling up and watching a movie and your feet will be in a festive mood!

Photo Courtesy of www.littlemissmatched.com.

Posted in: by Julie, Friday Fashion Finds

Holiday Deal!

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We're all about celebrating the holidays here at Sexy Period. That doesn't mean that we've finished holiday shopping...in fact, truthfully, I haven't started shopping. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that you happen to see at the last minute anyway, so I'm not worried. If you're in the same boat as me and you want to buy a pair of Sexy Period for a friend, daughter, sister, girlfriend, use our discount code "holiday cheer" and you'll get $25 off a second pair (for yourself?). Happy Shopping!

Please note: To enter the discount code, click "view cart" in the top right corner of the page before checking out.

Posted in: by Julie

A visit to NYC: MTV, BirchBox, & Little Miss Matched

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I traveled to NYC earlier this week and met up with a bunch of fun folks. I stopped in to see fellow Brown alum Jonah at Little Miss Matched (can you guess what tomorrow's fashion find is?) and then went to the NY Angels dinner where I met the founders of Clothia, Curisma, and Loosecubes. About a week ago I was contacted by the casting team for a new show on MTV featuring entrepreneurs, so I stopped by their office for an interview and will find out by the end of this month if I am selected. Sexy Period on national television....whoa, is the world is ready for this?

On Wednesday I dropped into visit Katia from BirchBox, the beauty sample subscription start up that has taken off like crazy. If you haven't heard of them, check it out-- for $10 per month you get a surprise box of deluxe beauty samples in the mail every month (I'm wearing the blush right now from a previous box!). Katia is super sweet and shared a ton of advice with me (that's her with me below!). The BirchBox headquarters is awesome too-- I think it is even pinker than our office if that's possible...

Posted in: by Julie, Our Inspiration