8 Sex Toys from Art History
Ever wondered what your taste in art says about which sex toys you'll love? Well, maybe you should. We've paired some of our favorite toys with art movements throughout history (okay, mostly 20th century). Take a look, and see which speak to your sensibilities. You might even learn something. Arts and Crafts Movement In the late nineteenth century, the Arts and Crafts movement emerged in opposition to industrialism and the mass production of goods, focusing instead on craftsmanship and design. The Collar Flora is made by an artisan leatherworker, and it boasts a floral design similar to those favored by the movement, which drew inspiration from medieval, romantic, and folk art. Classicism Using Greek and Roman art as its model of perfection, art of the Italian Renaissance emphasized symmetry and attention to form and detail. The Vixskin Goodfella, a realistic dildo made of the highest quality dual-density silicone, would have made Michelangelo envious (and intrigued).Cubism A hugely influential movement in the early 1900s, Cubist artwork sought to depict its subjects from multiple visual perspectives at once. Sliquid's Lip Lickers Lube Cube Sampler... is cube-shaped. (Sorry.) Dada Dada, an "anti-art" movement, developed in protest to World War I. Rooted in anti-capitalist, anti-colonialist politics, Dada sought to upend bourgeois artistic ideals like logic and beauty, instead embracing chaos, irrationality, irreverence, and offensiveness. If anyone in the sex industry comes close to that, it's Oxballs. Their Kickass Plug is one among many over-the-top ultra-fetishy designs that regularly elicit gasps from customers. Expressionism Expressionism aimed to evoke powerful emotions and ideas, deliberately showing its subjects from a subjective viewpoint and distorting familiar, realistic images. The 7 Wheel Pinwheel is also meant to evoke a powerful emotion -- namely, fear -- by taking a medical tool (the Wartenberg wheel, dragged gently and painlessly over the skin to test nerve sensitivity) and giving it six extra wheels, making it look like a torture device. Fauvism Embracing bright, bold colors and a less-representational style, Fauvism is Impressionism's fun cousin. In an industry that loves pastels and realistic dildos, the designers at Fun Factory are les fauves ("the wild beasts") of the world of sex toys. In particular, the Fun Factory Amorino is colorful, quirky, and decidedly not-dick-shaped, for someone who wants a rabbit-style vibrator unlike any other.Futurism Originating in early 20th century Italy, Futurism glorified technology and modernity. The Eroscillator 2, which oscillates instead of vibrating (progress! the triumph of industry!) could have been lifted straight from a Futurist design.Minimalism Enough said.
Steak & Blowjob Day Redux: Mary's Top 3 BJ Tips
This last weekend, our Los Angeles store hosted a Steak & BJ Day event. Mary, one of our sex specialists, taught a blowjob workshop to a standing-room-only crowd and gave away gift cards to Marconda's Meats at the 3rd St. Farmer's Market. The audience was so enthusiastic that we wanted to share some of the love with folks who couldn't attend! Wondering how to celebrate Steak & BJ Day any day of the year? Start with one of Mary's tips: The Cock Ring Trick: Make a "C" shape with your hand, place your thumb on the perineum behind the balls and your fingers above the cock at the base. Clamp down slightly, and this pressure will give the same effect as a cock ring but with added perineum massage! Tight and Shiny: Lube up and then slide your hand down the cock to the base while gently squeezing. Now use your other hand for an extra sensational handjob. Not allowing the skin to move with you adds extra tactile sensation! Very effective for BJs too. Deep Throating: Use a Sidekick #2 Sleeve to give the sensation of deep throating without all the cock in your throat. It's also very helpful for relieving jaw tension. If you do want to try deep throating, take it slow. Consider your positioning. Sword swallowers line their head up with their neck and so should you. Breathe out as you slowly take it back. This opens the throat and relaxes you.
Fifty Shades Fantasy vs. Reality: Exploring Your Kinks Safely
We encourage sexual adventure, and we've been delighted to see how many people have felt inspired to try something new after seeing Fifty Shades of Grey. For those of you who can't wait to start tying each other up, just like in the movie, we'd like to offer some alternative options that are much safer and just as much fun.
Fifty Shades Fantasy vs. Reality: Negotiate Your BDSM like a Badass
Despite what it might sound like (and despite what you may have seen in a certain popular book-turned-movie), BDSM negotiation is not a competition...
Couples' Porn DVDs
Enjoy a hot night with your partner and some porn made for couples, like these titles: Expert Guide to Rough Sex, An Office Romance, or a DVD from the Crash Pad series.
Best Realistic Dildos
Want a cock that looks and feels like the real thing? Ashley has dildos to recommend...
Large Dildos
Larkin recommends top quality large dildos for size queens...