My Thoughts on Vagina Varsity

I'm a little slow to catch on to things, so when I kept seeing ads for Vagina Varsity, I pretty much ignored them for far longer than it was cool. When I did eventually board that particular bandwagon, I sort of hoped that the program would be an intensive sex-ed sort of thing, kinda like the Veteran difficulty level of Call of Duty. It wasn't like that at all, and I'm so glad.

What Vagina Varsity actually consists of is a combination of educational videos and email-based literature that teaches any vagina-owner about how to maintain their vaginal health, as well as cool stuff like basic anatomy, how to deal with gynae visits, shameless sexual pleasure, and STI prevention. The material is clearly aimed at young adults, but is accessible for all ages. It is sponsored by sanitary-ware company Libresse and presented by Pap Culture's Thembe and Nwabisa in order to provide vagina-havers and those who love them with the tools they really need to go through life. Is this normal discharge, or should I see a doctor? What can I do about safer sex precautions? Vagina Varsity helps you figure all that out.

What I liked

I enjoyed the way that the Vagina Varsity curriculum starts out suuuper basic -- general anatomy, presented in both 'official' medical terms as well as colloquialisms that add a little relatability and humour to what could have been a sterile, uncomfortable discussion. After establishing a solid foundation, the content even touches on issues often highlighted by popular culture, like 'camel toe,' vajazzling and pubic styling, providing additional cultural relevance to the series. The hymen episode was of particular interest to me, because I feel like vaginal virginity is so 'prized' despite nobody even knowing what's potting.

The show is peppered with cute, colourful little graphics that feel inclusive and varied in terms of differing anatomy -- no carbon-copy vulvas in sight! I had a good laugh at the Vagina Varsity rendition of the patriarchy; a vintage-looking graphic of an old white dude with a Southern-American accent who spouts misogynist misinformation, providing Nwabisa and Thembe the opportunity to dispel some myths in their usual entertaining way. I also loved the unrealistic colours that were so often used in body depictions, which not only looks visually engaging, but also does not presume the race of the viewer. Yay!

My personal favourite video featured Dorothy Black talking about sex and pleasure in a very heartfelt, honest way. She destabilises some commonly-held perspectives on what 'counts' as sex and what acts are just foreplay, encourages viewers to masturbate by grinding pillows, then follows it up by dumping a box of toys on the table. I had a good giggle seeing Thembe get particularly excited about all the goodies, because hey, I can relate.

The videos are short, informal, and a perfect fit for the often short attention span of the internet. Fear not -- each video is supported by supplementary inbox reading, which often expands on the topic at hand and basically gives you a springboard for additional self-study.

What I didn't like

The main thing I took issue with were the confusing uses of the words 'vulva' and 'vagina.' In the very first episode, our hosts state that although the official terms delineate different parts of the anatomy, they recognise that many people say "vagina" when they actually refer to the vulva. Nwabisa and Thembe are upfront about this from the start, and I get that the people that brainstormed the educational script were trying to put it on a level that most people would understand. Nevertheless, this misinformation is why a cousin of mine had no idea that the vagina was only the passage that infants come out of. The average person with the all too often mediocre education about sexual matters regularly doesn't have a word for the totality of female-assigned genitalia, and this is why we often resort to the euphemisms we were taught as kids. My cousin, a grown(ish) man, was left grasping at alternative nouns and eventually had to settle on "koekie" even though that word is uncomfortable AF. He didn't have anything else to fall back on, you see.

Even the supplementary material you get emailed along with each video reflected this confusion. Episode Three's notes open with, "We're taking a tour of the inside of the vulva, from the entrance passage, your ACTUAL vagina, all the way to the ovaries." If you say you'll use the terms interchangeably, then differentiate with "ACTUAL vagina," things start seeming a little conflicting.

Also, while an effort was made to be inclusive (terminology like "vagina-havers" was often used instead of "women"), only the additional reading that came with episode 16 made explicit mention of the ways in which gender and sex do not always align. To me, there should have been at least a passing mention of the existence of transgender people in one of the first few episodes, rather than throwing it in way at the end, and not even making mention of the discussion in the associated video. While I understand this is aimed towards those who have vaginas, the lack of some gender-based discussion feels like a bit of a missed opportunity.

Overall

Despite these concerns, I really enjoyed the Vagina Varsity series. The course material, dynamic presenters, and the entertaining graphics all combined to create a friendly, informative virtual space that hopefully won't freak out even the most squeamish and shy of fourteen-year-olds. I'm genuinely impressed that such a large project was initiated especially for the South African audience, and I think that Libresse did an excellent job (with comparatively few product nudges even!). Thembe and Nwabisa are charismatic presenters that provided an excellent face for the series, and the information they provide is solid, practical and necessary. Recommend it to the young people in your life, or hey, sign up yourself! I learnt some stuff, I'm sure you will too.

Interview with Vanessa Cuccia of Chakrubs!

Vanessa with the Nanchaku

We've blogged about our interest in natural products before, but this is something really special. When I first discovered the Chakrubs brand online, I was genuinely struck by the simplicity and beauty of sensual products handcrafted from semi-precious stone. Founder Vanessa Cuccia wanted to combine crystal healing practice with her exploration of sexuality, with the intention of bringing a sense of spirituality and devotion to the way in which we engage with sexual pleasure.

The initial Chakrubs line consisted of what is could be described as the 'classic' design; a series of insertable pleasure toys with an elongated, wand-like shape tapering to a smaller point at one end. There are a number of crystals to choose from, each associated with different healing properties, aside from being supremely elegant in the most minimalist and trendy way. The brand also incorporated sexual wellness tools such as yoni eggs for pelvic floor training that also promotes harmony within the body.

Recently, Chakrubs announced the release of their Shadow Line, a new series of interactive sculpture made predominantly of black obsidian and stainless steel. The overall aesthetic is edgier, harsher, and quite a visual departure from the simple, minimalist beauty of the original Chakrubs. I really wanted to know more about what inspired the line, and was lucky enough to interview Vanessa about her work. Read on to learn more about her personal journey!

Original Chakrubs / Photo by Kindred Black

Your sensual crystal products garnered a lot of fame fairly soon after going public. Why are people so fascinated by Chakrubs?

I think the more and more technologically advanced our culture gets, the more need for deep intimacy and emotional connection there is. Chakrubs urges us to connect with ourselves using masturbation as a metaphor for practicing self-love which in turn allows us to feel more connected in our relationships. As new-age as “crystal dildo” sounds, crystal therapy is an ancient practice, and more of us are turning to ancient wisdom intuitively bringing it into modern times.

The initial purpose of Chakrubs was to provide a tangible link between ritual, sacredness, and sexual pleasure. Naturally, this is increasingly a tech-driven world with a short attention span. How have the "average" clients responded to using your products?

My average client is already open to crystal therapy, and the responses I get are incredible. Heart-warming messages about how Chakrubs has assisted people in over-coming sexual trauma or body image issues, or depend romantic relationships come in quite often. I feel very blessed to be able to provide a catalyst for transformation in this way. 

You've spoken before about how the new Shadow Line came about as a way to deal with your own sexual hang-ups and trauma. Often, the temptation is to just ignore the negativity we feel and try to focus on the positive. What was it like for you to create an entire product line that centered on this perceived "darkness?"

Creating the Shadow Line was scary, exciting, and necessary for my personal spiritual development. Early on when I first started my own practice with Chakrubs, I realized something important; something isn’t “spiritual” or “sacred” just because it looks like it is. Anything is sacred when we give it the attention and honor that it is. Creating this line was a way for me to make this statement, and to honor my own own darkness by transmuting it into something beautiful.

You make strong allusions to fetish and weaponry imagery in the Shadow Line. Weapons can be used to defend oneself from danger, or to attack. Fetishism is also often portrayed as 'deviant,' and is a common element within the often 'violent' (but consensual) practices of the BDSM spectrum. Why did you specifically choose to draw on this visual language? 

The Shadow Line / Photo from Chakrubs website

My sister, boyfriend, mother and I were watching the story of Bruce Lee, Enter the Dragon, when we came up with the concept of the Nunchaku Chakrubs. The weapon-like design plays on the idea that we all have our own demons to fight, to love thy enemy, and to learn to protect ourselves and honor our boundaries. I find that the symbolism of fetishism and weaponry is just another important aspect to note.

Practitioners that work with them often say that crystals can absorb the energies you put out. Is it possible for Chakrubs to collect negativity and continue to propagate this during future use?

Crystals are our tools and they are here to help us. They hold consciousness we can’t truly understand, and I believe that when they need to, they cleanse themselves. If a person feels there is a negative energy with a crystal, the crystal is simply helping the person recognize a negativity within themselves. I see Chakrubs as a metaphor for our relationship to our our sexuality and spirituality. If you feel a Chakrub has absorbed negativity and using it is perpetuating that negativity, it may be that it is stirring up repressed emotional implants that need to be released. When we energetically cleanse a Chakrub with sage or in a salt bath, we are energetically cleansing ourselves (if you’re like me and seeing your Chakrubs as a metaphor as I mentioned). It is important to utilize your intuition when working with crystals as that will steer you in the direction your looking to go.

You've made it clear in various press releases that Chakrubs came about because you couldn't find the products you wanted. The website even describes the Shadow Line as coming from a very personal place. Do you feel that you are closer to reaching your own personal goals for healing and catharsis?

Stepping on the path of self-awareness and love is already a goal-reached, and a never-ending life choice. I remember feeling asleep for much of my young life, and starting the Chakrub brand made me feel more awakened. I know that there will always be more to learn, that I am perfect already as well as a work-in-progress. 

Lastly, are there any future plans for the Chakrubs brand?

So much. I have two new product lines in the works (secret for now), and am always thinking of ways to better serve the community. There is so much potential for growth and I’m always formulating the best ways to bring it to fruition.

 

Thanks again to Vanessa for her wonderful, heartfelt interview! I felt so fortunate to engage with a person who feels so 'real,' even when conversing with a stranger via email. Check out her glowing products at the links below.

Website  ♡  Instagram  ♡  Facebook  ♡  Twitter
 

Featured: Lingerie Reviews

I got a big review parcel from Slutty Girl Problems recently, stuffed full sample lubes and lingerie, so I've been pretty busy testing, tasting, and trying on. Aside from the joys of receiving snail mail (especially snail mail that contains presents), lingerie is always a hit with me. Even if it doesn't quite fit or flatter entirely right, I can still pass it on to friends and spread the joy (because obviously I try it on whilst wearing underwear; I'm not a savage).

Here are my collected reviews of all the cute stuff I've received so far! I liked them all but only one really worked with my body-type and personal preferences, so the others were sent to good homes with appropriately-proportioned people.

*Disclaimer: some of the images used in the full articles don't correspond to the actual items that I received, due to availability issues.

Baci Love Angel French Maid lingerie outfit

Read the full review here.

Unfortunately, although I got this is a US size 2-14, this sizing is a bit of a lie, despite the adjustable nature of the thong and tie-straps. I’m about a US 10, and I don’t know what kind of 2-14 women this was tested on, but I think they were all fairies. I have a pretty short torso, and this outfit couldn’t encompass my dumpy little frame. Instead, it pulled up uncomfortably at the front, warped the cups all out of shape, and didn’t provide wide enough coverage for the front of the body. When properly fitted, this would lend a sexy, cut-out look to the lingerie. When incorrectly sized, it just looks silly.

[...] But wait! You should buy it!

That is, you should buy it if you’re on the lower end of the 2-14 size range, if you’re short, or if you have B-cup breasts. I loved the look of the Baci Love Angel French Maid costume set; and it’s really well-made! Honest. If you’re into fantasy lingerie, have some French Maid roleplay you’re keen to get into, or just want to put it on, dust like three things and bend over a lot while your partner is watching TV, you should get this outfit. Don’t let my bad experience with incorrect sizing stop you from being the petite French Maid of your dreams.

Sheer Lace Babydoll

Read the full review here.

Actually getting this babydoll on was trickier than initially imagined. The ribbon ties really complicate things – satin ribbon is notoriously slippery, so even a secure knot tends to slip a bit. The effect of slippage is that the cups travel away from each other, creating an unflattering-looking gap. The best way to avoid this was to smoosh the cups as close as possible so that I could tie a bow (the grownup way) to keep things together and in place. It’s easy once you know how, but initially I was frustrated with the weird cleavage-gap created by separating cups. While I understand the appeal of front ties (pull a ribbon and release your glorious cleavage to the world! Easy! Convenient! No awkward bra-unhooking required!), the lack of structured support in the form of a band also meant that the push-up effect wasn’t as dramatic as it would have otherwise been. I’m a D, and never wear push-ups in real life, so the fact that I didn’t notice any difference made me feel like there just wasn’t enough of a foundation provided by the elasticated backing.

However, once it’s on it’s a really comfortable piece of lingerie. It doesn’t itch, or dig into your skin, and the super soft fabric feels lovely. The ribbon-ties make an empire waistline that cascades elegantly downwards in two swooshing curtains. It’s sexy, but not too revealing – almost like a really fancy nightie. I could imagine wearing it around the house, floating from room to room just trying to get on with my own business as my partner followed me around with a mesmerized expression.

Baci Sexy Schoolgirl Outfit

Read the full review here.

 

This was my favourite outfit, and the one that worked best with my body. I love it so much because it makes me feel like a cutie princess, and I can wear it with knee-socks and a ponytail and be completely on-brand. Would recommend! The photos in the article show the mesh/lace version, but I received the more toned-down version with the regular white blouse and no lacy trimmings, which I actually like better.

 

The silky, synthetic fabric of the blouse also makes it a little difficult to tie securely (although perhaps this is not the point), so I found it needed a double-knot to stay in place. Fortunately, the elasticity of the fabric also allows for tying into a cute little bow, which only reinforces the schoolgirl theme. I also liked how the edges are properly finished instead of just the raw fabric on the cheap Halloween versions you often find popping up in novelty stores, making it feel more durable. As an added bonus, the seams on the shoulders actually fit my broad upper-body, dispensing with the unflattering fabric pull often present in badly-designed or ill-fitting shirts.

The skirt is my favourite part of the outfit. It’s got that cute-but-fetishistic appeal to it that I love, and it’s actually made from a very similar material to the (far frumpier) pleated skirt I had to wear in school. Plus, I discovered that it is remarkably well designed. The first time I tried it on, I had to wiggle a little to get it over my hips. The fabric is sturdier than the soft stretchiness of the blouse so has less give, and the waistband isn’t fully elasticated all the way around. Later, I discovered what I’d missed in my eagerness – there’s a zip in the side of the skirt! Not just any zip, but one of those secret fashion-style ones that are practically invisible. No wonder I’d missed it. The zip opens almost to the hem, making it incredibly easy to tear off when you need to (although why bother – it’s short and cute enough to leave on).

Review: Lelo SmartWand Large

Swedish toy company Lelo is (was?) one of the top names in luxury sex toy brands, specialising in beautiful designs that are sleekly chic and refined. Their products are also unequivocally non-representational, which is totally my jam. This is both fitting and amusing because the company tries very hard to use a lot of euphemistic language and make everyone feel okay with life – it’s never a sex toy, it’s a “pleasure object.” And it’s generally used by people in suits, or so one would presume from their product ads. Some of their toys even come with accessories like brooches and cufflinks and tie-pins, so you can advertise your fancy sex-toys during your business meeting. Just because.

The SmartWand is Lelo’s answer to the wand-style “body massagers” (wink, wink) that are popular with – well, pretty much anybody. Wand massagers are far larger than standard clit vibes, and for good reason. They’re meant to pack a lot of power. In this case, size really is everything; it provides more space for extra machinery to do more magnificent things.

Following the trend of the Magic Wand, neé Hitachi, the large SmartWand actually does double as a body massager – but that’s just marketing spin. Its real purpose is for pleasure. I mean, look at it. It’s a chic piece of business, with its gentle curve and shiny handle-plate; it looks ergonomic and elegant and so, so stylish. Upon its release it was billed as the most powerful rechargeable wand vibe. Alas, I don’t feel this is quite true anymore – the iconic Magic Wand comes in cordless versions now too, but unless you’re serious about your power, the SmartWand will probably do just fine for you. It comes in two sizes – a smaller, more compact “medium” that is defs primarily for intimate use, and a behemoth that can actually be used as a back massager … if that’s your intention.

The SmartWand was actually my first vibe. I was sort of pressured into it by a partner who felt that it was important to make a really good investment into pleasure products, as opposed to getting the R300 bullet that I was originally considering. As it turns out, it was a good move – I’m fairly certain that a low-quality bullet that reputable stores wouldn’t even stock would have been an awful choice. “Go big or go home!” said partner kept urging as I dithered between the medium or large sizes, “You get back pain! Get the one that can do everything!” So, seduced by the gloriously sleek aesthetic of the SmartWand, I did.

Like the rest of Lelo’s “health” range, the SmartWand comes packaged in a pristine white box which has an image of a woman using her SmartWand on her upper back. Wow Lelo. Way to push the innocent back massager angle. We all know what this is really for, and how could you not? It just looks sensual, nestled in the protective foam inserts. Holding it is even better – the silicone coating is satin-soft to the touch, velvety, and immediately evokes the sense of luxury with its silver embellishments. Lelo claims that its silicone is lint-repellent, which is a bonus, and maybe that’s their secret to magic softness because I have honestly never touched anything quite so silky and stylish. It’s waterproof, rechargeable, comes with a sachet of “personal moisturiser” (water-based lube to the plebs), a warranty card, and a storage pouch.

The storage pouch was the only thing that gave me pause. It’s sort of like an envelope in shape, padded and black with a helix-shaped stitching pattern in purple. It also feels … sort of nasty. It’s kind of synthetic but also weirdly rubbery in texture, and initially smelled unpleasantly artificial. With time the scent dissipated, but those that take issue with their sex toys smelling like polyester nasty fresh from the storage pouch may want to find another method of storage. But like I said, mine is fine now.

The SmartWand has three buttons: +, -, and another sort of oval one in the centre that looks a bit like an eye. Or labia. Progressive. The buttons aren’t raised very much, so it can be a little difficult to keep track of them, but I guess that they were designed that way to minimise their impact on aesthetics? The SmartWand has eight vibration modes controlled by that centre eye-shaped button, ranging from a low, discreet rumble to a marginally terrifying, pulsating throb-buzz that is so rampant that the head of the wand blurs. Like, almost vibrates itself out of existence. In addition to this, the Smartwand also has eight (CHECK) vibration patterns that provide a great deal of variety. What I really liked about these was that you’re able to control the strength and intensity of these as well, rather than just being stuck with an unalterable preset. So that’s strong, rumbly vibrations with a great deal of variety, and some customisable vibration patterns for those that are into that sort of thing. So far, so good.

Then it all just takes a nose-dive with the “revolutionary” Sense Touch mode, which is basically a setting that causes the wand to VIBRATE LIKE CRAZY upon contact with skin. I’m presuming this is another facet of that whole “back massager” premise, because there is no way you can apply this function to any erotic body-part without feeling pain. If you love your clitoris, do not use Sense Touch mid-session. Or at least memorise how to turn it off, because I keep activating it by accident and forgetting how to make it all stop. So I’m just left breathing heavily while button-mashing until it all just goes away. Why, Lelo? You knew people wanted to use this as a clitoral vibrator. You knew, and you betrayed us all.

But if you manage to avoid this, the SmartWand is a great broad-stimulation clit vibe. The head is a little flexible, allowing for a wee bit of give; the vibration is heavy and intense and deep, almost enough to penetrate the tissue all the way through you. I don’t ever find myself holding the SmartWand by its ergonomic-looking handle, so perhaps it’s not as well-designed as it looks, but I prefer to keep my hand by the controls for convenience. This doesn’t bother me so much, because so much of the toy is a perfect fit for me. Not only does the large head cover a wide surface area really easily, but it provides different sensation when applied sort of vertically, like straight down as compared from the side, which is a nice additional bit of variety. I also feel like the potential for partnered play is very high with this toy. Due to the larger vibrational surface area, your partner can be fairly certain of making contact with the correct areas even incidentally and still doing a good job. The power and strength of the vibrations makes it easy to have resounding success just by vaguely waving the head around in approximately the right areas.

Cleaning up is very easy due to the waterproof nature of the product – and yeah, it is waterproof, despite the worryingly gaping appearance of the charging-port. A little soap and water, a pat-down and air dry and you’re done. 

Basically, I would recommend the SmartWand to anyone looking to invest in a quality luxury toy that provides a lot of power without the messiness of cords and plug-points to worry about. Those that prefer wider swathes of slightly indirect stimulation might enjoy it more than fans of laser-focused vibrations, but I do feel like a wand-style vibrator is a great addition to anyone’s repertoire of sex toys.

FYI

Although my first intimate products were by Lelo, the company has made a number of  grave marketing choices that compromise their professed 'feminist sex-toy company' agenda. It's important to be aware of these issues as they are counterintuitive to sex positivity. Companies that refuse to allow honest critique are undermining their own position in the industry, and compromising their own customers.

Review: Pipedream Le Reve Sweetie Rabbit

Le Reve Sweetie Rabbit vibrator

The Le Reve Rabbit has been a long time favourite toy of mine. I bought mine at a Sexpo I visited just over a year ago and it has been the most useful toy on my sexual journey. This was the first rabbit I had ever bought, and I was hesitant; my other toy (a dildo) had never really done anything for me, so why was I thinking about another? Best decision ever.


Turns out I hadn't realised that I was a fan of external stimulation, and penetration does little to nothing for me. This little dude showed me that. With its two little fins, it delivers a powerful vibration directly to the clitoris. The slight ribbing on its body means you get a really great deep vibration from within your vaginal walls too. The little tip just tickles your G-Spot. The overall sensation is a really great one, and delivers some very satisfying, quick orgasms. I also tend to use it completely externally; the tip travelling around providing some extra stimulation wherever I'm feeling sensitive that day, and the fins lying down against my clitoris. It's a position that allows for an all-round experience, and a little more play.


Good things in small packages!

The Le Reve Rabbit uses 2 AAA batteries, that need to be replaced every six or seven uses. It's a great price (+/- R500), affordable, and durable. It's entirely waterproof, so it's easy to clean, and dead quiet. It has one button, with a simple one press - next setting dynamic. The button glows red when in use, so it's discreet. There are three vibration setttings, and four patterns. The highest vibration is not mind-blowingly powerful, but when its concentrated through those fins, it's one of the most effective vibrations I've ever experienced. More than high enough. I sometimes use it through material if I'm feeling particularly sensitive (pro-tip).

I've also used it with a partner (cis male), and it provided some excellent funtimes. ;-P

The Le Reve Rabbit has been the best addition to my toy drawer, as far as I'm concerned. It helped me to my first orgasm, and has never let me down. Quickies, or a bit of a longer spoil-yourself session, or even couple-play. Maybe it's not the most luxurious of toys, but it's a fantastic beginner's toy and is a fabulous staple toy in your drawer.