Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
lundi 9 novembre 2020
Maluma Performed at the MTV EMA From the Most Epic Miami Apartment
Maluma made his MTV Europe Music Awards debut this year with a dreamy performance of both "Djadja" and "Hawái". The Colombian singer, who was also nominated for best Latin artist, performed a mix of the two tracks with an impressive lineup of backing dancers and some seriously impressive views of Miami.
Kitted out in typical Maluma fashion, the singer attended the award ceremony in a suave red suit with his dancers bringing all the glitz and glamour to the stage. Set in a pretty swanky-looking apartment complete with an actual rooftop, it's safe to say his appearance was one not to be missed.
His performance at the 2020 MTV EMA comes just a month after the Billboard Latin Music Awards, where he sang "Hawái" and was honoured with Billboard's Spirit of Hope Award.
Check out a clip of the singer's performance above!
Maluma Performed at the MTV EMA From the Most Epic Miami Apartment
Maluma made his MTV Europe Music Awards debut this year with a dreamy performance of both "Djadja" and "Hawái". The Colombian singer, who was also nominated for best Latin artist, performed a mix of the two tracks with an impressive lineup of backing dancers and some seriously impressive views of Miami.
Kitted out in typical Maluma fashion, the singer attended the award ceremony in a suave red suit with his dancers bringing all the glitz and glamour to the stage. Set in a pretty swanky-looking apartment complete with an actual rooftop, it's safe to say his appearance was one not to be missed.
His performance at the 2020 MTV EMA comes just a month after the Billboard Latin Music Awards, where he sang "Hawái" and was honoured with Billboard's Spirit of Hope Award.
Check out a clip of the singer's performance above!
vendredi 6 novembre 2020
Cabincore Is the Trend I Didn't Know I Needed
As we put away our whimsical summer dresses and brace ourselves for sweater weather, a new aesthetic has emerged. Enter cabincore. Referencing all things cozy, it's a lifestyle that includes camping in fleece jackets, nesting in warm-toned and layered ensembles, decorating your house with rustic farmhouse pieces, and the list goes on.
I see it as a natural evolution of cottagecore, the movement that has seen many people baking bread, arranging fresh flowers, and having picnics in the dreamiest floral outfits. I'm here for the cabincore fashion, so if you're looking to experiment with the trend, I've curated an easy style guide ahead.
mercredi 4 novembre 2020
The Craft: Legacy's Costume Designer Used Nature's Elements to Create a Modern Teen Witch Wardrobe
The Craft: Legacy is an impressive act to follow. While the magic of the original '90s classic is unmatched, the newest addition to The Craft film series is a modern take on the teen witch story. Beyond themes of embracing personal power and stepping into womanhood, director Zoe Lister-Jones's sequel explores intersectionality and elemental magic - reflected in the coven's contemporary style, which was created by costume designer Avery Plewes.
"I think it's a spiritual process for a lot of people," Plewes told POPSUGAR when asked what magic means to her. "Magic is about embracing your power within and sort of getting in touch with your desires." Plewes loved The Craft growing up and thinks Lister-Jones did "a really good job of creating unique characters who are individuals in their own right."
"A lot of times in Hollywood, you see archetypes of young girls that are repeated over and over again," she said. "The original Craft was one of the first teen movies with an all-girl cast that had really diverse personality types. Zoe Lister-Jones [the director] expanded on that and created four new characters who are totally different but also have the same core principles as the original cast, like the same moral compass in a lot of ways. The original was about these four kind of outcasts finding each other and creating a group together. This one is more about four individuals who are very, very different, who are accepting of the fact that they are different from the status quo and united in that."
"This one is more about four individuals who are very, very different, who are accepting of the fact that they are different from the status quo and united in that."
Plewes referenced the original film by dressing Lily (Cailee Spaeny), Tabby (Lovie Simone), Lourdes (Zoey Luna), and Frankie (Gideon Adlon) in chokers, lace-up witch boots, and leather jackets - previously seen on Sarah (Robin Tunney), Nancy (Fairuza Balk), Bonnie (Neve Campbell), and Rochelle (Rachel True). But The Craft: Legacy holds its own where Plewes got the opportunity to translate the elements - earth, air, fire, water - into each witch's individual costume.
"Lily's element is water, so the pearls she wears represent water, she mostly wears blue, and her crystal is aquamarine. Tabby is fire, so her main color was orange and a lot of colorblocking. She also wears a lot of copper, and there are some flame motifs within her costumes. I think the first day of school, she's wearing a flame shirt, and she has flame socks on another day. And then each girl had a crystal, so Tabby's was a sunstone. Lourdes is earth, so her main color was green, malachite was her crystal, and she wore a lot of plaid and velvet to represent earth."
"Frankie is air and her color is purple," Plewes continued. "Her crystal is amethyst, and there is a fair amount of white in her closet. The fringe jacket at the end scene of the film is a reference to air. When you think of air, a lot of people would go like ethereal and kind of very dreamy, but I wanted it to actually feel very chaotic with her closet. And so she doesn't wear a lot of jewelry because she already has tattoos on her fingers, and I felt like that was kind of enough."
As well as the four elements, our new coven's wardrobe touched on the intersectional experiences of womxnhood. Lourdes, a trans witch, confidently confirms that "trans girls have their own magic, too." Tabby, as a Black witch, has a more honest dialogue around race than Rochelle did in the first film by sharing with her otherwise white coven that she wishes she had more Black friends. With Lily, the centre of the movie, we see her playing with gender expression through her style, which Plewes said is inspired by '90s photos of stars like Winona Ryder and Cate Blanchett with a shaved head.
"For [Lily], I looked at a lot of people who dress in an androgynous fashion," said Plewes. "My first meeting with Zoe [the director], we talked about how, as a young girl, when you're discovering your body and your body's changing, and you're in high school and you're trying to figure out who you are, your closet tends to change a lot and evolves. Sometimes it's very masculine, sometimes it's very feminine, sometimes it's very androgynous. I also find a lot of times in Hollywood, you see very one-dimensional young women as archetypes. And so it was really important to me that we saw this young woman who is sort of finding her powers within the story. Also, you see that visually through her exploring different silhouettes. That was really my biggest inspiration, just the young teenage girl trying to find herself."
The Craft: Legacy's Costume Designer Used Nature's Elements to Create a Modern Teen Witch Wardrobe
The Craft: Legacy is an impressive act to follow. While the magic of the original '90s classic is unmatched, the newest addition to The Craft film series is a modern take on the teen witch story. Beyond themes of embracing personal power and stepping into womanhood, director Zoe Lister-Jones's sequel explores intersectionality and elemental magic - reflected in the coven's contemporary style, which was created by costume designer Avery Plewes.
"I think it's a spiritual process for a lot of people," Plewes told POPSUGAR when asked what magic means to her. "Magic is about embracing your power within and sort of getting in touch with your desires." Plewes loved The Craft growing up and thinks Lister-Jones did "a really good job of creating unique characters who are individuals in their own right."
"A lot of times in Hollywood, you see archetypes of young girls that are repeated over and over again," she said. "The original Craft was one of the first teen movies with an all-girl cast that had really diverse personality types. Zoe Lister-Jones [the director] expanded on that and created four new characters who are totally different but also have the same core principles as the original cast, like the same moral compass in a lot of ways. The original was about these four kind of outcasts finding each other and creating a group together. This one is more about four individuals who are very, very different, who are accepting of the fact that they are different from the status quo and united in that."
"This one is more about four individuals who are very, very different, who are accepting of the fact that they are different from the status quo and united in that."
Plewes referenced the original film by dressing Lily (Cailee Spaeny), Tabby (Lovie Simone), Lourdes (Zoey Luna), and Frankie (Gideon Adlon) in chokers, lace-up witch boots, and leather jackets - previously seen on Sarah (Robin Tunney), Nancy (Fairuza Balk), Bonnie (Neve Campbell), and Rochelle (Rachel True). But The Craft: Legacy holds its own where Plewes got the opportunity to translate the elements - earth, air, fire, water - into each witch's individual costume.
"Lily's element is water, so the pearls she wears represent water, she mostly wears blue, and her crystal is aquamarine. Tabby is fire, so her main color was orange and a lot of colorblocking. She also wears a lot of copper, and there are some flame motifs within her costumes. I think the first day of school, she's wearing a flame shirt, and she has flame socks on another day. And then each girl had a crystal, so Tabby's was a sunstone. Lourdes is earth, so her main color was green, malachite was her crystal, and she wore a lot of plaid and velvet to represent earth."
"Frankie is air and her color is purple," Plewes continued. "Her crystal is amethyst, and there is a fair amount of white in her closet. The fringe jacket at the end scene of the film is a reference to air. When you think of air, a lot of people would go like ethereal and kind of very dreamy, but I wanted it to actually feel very chaotic with her closet. And so she doesn't wear a lot of jewelry because she already has tattoos on her fingers, and I felt like that was kind of enough."
As well as the four elements, our new coven's wardrobe touched on the intersectional experiences of womxnhood. Lourdes, a trans witch, confidently confirms that "trans girls have their own magic, too." Tabby, as a Black witch, has a more honest dialogue around race than Rochelle did in the first film by sharing with her otherwise white coven that she wishes she had more Black friends. With Lily, the centre of the movie, we see her playing with gender expression through her style, which Plewes said is inspired by '90s photos of stars like Winona Ryder and Cate Blanchett with a shaved head.
"For [Lily], I looked at a lot of people who dress in an androgynous fashion," said Plewes. "My first meeting with Zoe [the director], we talked about how, as a young girl, when you're discovering your body and your body's changing, and you're in high school and you're trying to figure out who you are, your closet tends to change a lot and evolves. Sometimes it's very masculine, sometimes it's very feminine, sometimes it's very androgynous. I also find a lot of times in Hollywood, you see very one-dimensional young women as archetypes. And so it was really important to me that we saw this young woman who is sort of finding her powers within the story. Also, you see that visually through her exploring different silhouettes. That was really my biggest inspiration, just the young teenage girl trying to find herself."
lundi 2 novembre 2020
I Require Some Help Picking My Jaw Up Off the Floor After Seeing Beyoncé's Red Hot Gown
Beyoncé's entire British Vogue December 2020 spread is spectacular and full of custom outfits, but her Christopher John Rogers gown is a legendary moment all on its own. To celebrate the release of her intimate interview with editor in chief, Edward Enniful, the singer released photos taken by the talented Kennedi Carter on Nov. 1, including an image of the original dress. You can find my jaw fully on the floor after catching a glimpse.
"When the legends call, you answer," the designer wrote on Instagram, along with behind-the-scenes photos of the outfit. "Dripping in contoured, bias-cut, 4-ply silk crepe and 10 yards of satin faced silk organza, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter in a custom #ChristopherJohnRogers evening frock in Crawfish for the December 2020 issue of British Vogue."
Christopher John Rogers isn't new to the fashion scene by any means, but you'll likely recognize some of his more recent designs on celebrities like Zendaya, Ashley Graham, and Lizzo, to just name a few. Bold and beautiful constructions are his forté, and who better to show off this gown than Queen Bey herself? Get a closer look at his creation, below, as well as Beyoncé's cover ensemble.
I Require Some Help Picking My Jaw Up Off the Floor After Seeing Beyoncé's Red Hot Gown
Beyoncé's entire British Vogue December 2020 spread is spectacular and full of custom outfits, but her Christopher John Rogers gown is a legendary moment all on its own. To celebrate the release of her intimate interview with editor in chief, Edward Enniful, the singer released photos taken by the talented Kennedi Carter on Nov. 1, including an image of the original dress. You can find my jaw fully on the floor after catching a glimpse.
"When the legends call, you answer," the designer wrote on Instagram, along with behind-the-scenes photos of the outfit. "Dripping in contoured, bias-cut, 4-ply silk crepe and 10 yards of satin faced silk organza, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter in a custom #ChristopherJohnRogers evening frock in Crawfish for the December 2020 issue of British Vogue."
Christopher John Rogers isn't new to the fashion scene by any means, but you'll likely recognize some of his more recent designs on celebrities like Zendaya, Ashley Graham, and Lizzo, to just name a few. Bold and beautiful constructions are his forté, and who better to show off this gown than Queen Bey herself? Get a closer look at his creation, below, as well as Beyoncé's cover ensemble.
samedi 31 octobre 2020
Amazon Has a Huge Selection Winter Clothes We Want - Shop Our Favorites Under $50
If you're starting to feel that winter chill, then you know it's time to shop for some new warm clothes. Instead of splurging on one or two things this year, try shopping more affordable pieces so you can treat yourself to a handful of new items. We looked to Amazon because the online retailer has a plethora of bestselling styles to choose from. Whether you're looking for comfortable pants or a cozy sweater, we have you covered. Plus, everything cost less than $50, so keep reading to shop it all.
Related: 39 Fashion Gifts From Amazon So Impressive, You'll Squint at Your Screen Just to Be Sure
jeudi 29 octobre 2020
The 25 Coats Worth Wearing in 2020
Fashion lovers know that, come winter, their coat is the statement-making piece of their outfit. You could be wearing couture or pajamas, but the coat speaks first, and it's so important to get right. We like to have a few different options, especially if we feel like changing up our styles. When the temperature dips, we stock up on coats, and these are the 25 we like this year.
So, what exactly are the styles we'll be wearing this year? Right now, we're into classic buttoned shapes, a little fringe moment, and ultrawarm puffer coats for when the temperature dips. When it comes to coats, we like neutrals because they're so easy to pair with a bunch of different outfits, but we're the first to admit that sometimes a pop of color or pattern is fun. Start the fall season with your best coat forward.
Related: 11 Fall Fashion Trends You Can Learn to Style in an Instant
mardi 27 octobre 2020
Cardi B Shuts Down Racist Trolls Who Say Black Rappers “Depreciate” the Value of Birkin Bags
Cardi B has no patience for racist trolls who misconstrue the influence of female Black rappers on the fashion industry. On Sunday, the "WAP" performer addressed social media commenters that are criticizing her Hermès Birkin collection and claiming the bags have "lost their value," making them less "exclusive."
In a nearly four-minute Instagram video, Cardi broke down the danger of this discriminatory thinking. Her point is underlined by one particularly powerful line: "Y'all don't do this to these white celebrities." She said, "I've been seeing this tweet right. It had me and it had other female rappers on it. They were talking about if we could get Birkins from the Hermès store and they [were] also saying how we depreciate the value of a Hermès Birkin bag. I find that really interesting because, first thing first, I definitely could get a bag. Actually, I got four bags today from the Hermès store."
"Another thing is that they're saying we're depreciating the value," she continued. "Actually, we add value because when we mention brands in hip-hop, sh*t go up." For example, she can argue that her track "Bodak Yellow" directly impacted Christian Louboutin's sales after she included a reference in the song. "When 'Bodak Yellow' came out you could actually Google that their sales went up 1000+ percent." The same could be said for her line about Balenciaga in "I Like It Like That." Cardi explained, "That sh*t went up too, and that's why they worked with me this year. Like hip-hop, we start trends."
Cardi used this same topic to silence any critics who might question the authenticity of a designer bag on the arm of a Black or Hispanic woman. "There's a lot of boss-ass b*tches out here," she reaffirmed, referencing the racist assumptions women of color face. "There's b*tches that's getting money out here."
And if a bag isn't designer, Cardi wants her fans to know that's absolutely fine. "Let me tell you something: if you're a regular girl you don't gotta break your neck to have a Birkin. A Birkin don't make you," she said. "They makes that fashion with the Zara and the H&M amazingly. So don't ever feel like you gotta compare yourself. Don't compare yourself to nobody [on] the internet. This internet sh*t is fake. You still a bad f*cking bitch. Period."
lundi 26 octobre 2020
Spread Just Sparkles With These Sequin Face Masks
The day after Jennifer Lopez posted a selfie wearing a pink sequin face mask in Central Park, it seemed as though everyone I knew wanted to get one just like it. That was, of course, because she's Jennifer Lopez, but also because sparkly face masks just look so much cuter than every other kind of face mask. From Ariana Grande's rhinestone face mask to Vanessa Hudgens's golden butterfly face mask, you've probably figured out by now that face masks can easily be turned into a fashion statement, and all it takes is a little bit of bling - or a lot, in Lady Gaga's case. While most of us can't afford to wear a Swarovski crystal studded face mask around the grocery store, all of us can definitely afford to add some sparkle into our lives. With these sequin face masks, you can do just that. Keep on wearing your mask to protect yourself and others, and even though people can't tell if you're smiling underneath, you can still brighten their day with your sparkly self (and the trail of glitter your new face mask left behind).
Spread Just Sparkles With These Sequin Face Masks
The day after Jennifer Lopez posted a selfie wearing a pink sequin face mask in Central Park, it seemed as though everyone I knew wanted to get one just like it. That was, of course, because she's Jennifer Lopez, but also because sparkly face masks just look so much cuter than every other kind of face mask. From Ariana Grande's rhinestone face mask to Vanessa Hudgens's golden butterfly face mask, you've probably figured out by now that face masks can easily be turned into a fashion statement, and all it takes is a little bit of bling - or a lot, in Lady Gaga's case. While most of us can't afford to wear a Swarovski crystal studded face mask around the grocery store, all of us can definitely afford to add some sparkle into our lives. With these sequin face masks, you can do just that. Keep on wearing your mask to protect yourself and others, and even though people can't tell if you're smiling underneath, you can still brighten their day with your sparkly self (and the trail of glitter your new face mask left behind).
Spread Just Sparkles With These Sequin Face Masks
The day after Jennifer Lopez posted a selfie wearing a pink sequin face mask in Central Park, it seemed as though everyone I knew wanted to get one just like it. That was, of course, because she's Jennifer Lopez, but also because sparkly face masks just look so much cuter than every other kind of face mask. From Ariana Grande's rhinestone face mask to Vanessa Hudgens's golden butterfly face mask, you've probably figured out by now that face masks can easily be turned into a fashion statement, and all it takes is a little bit of bling - or a lot, in Lady Gaga's case. While most of us can't afford to wear a Swarovski crystal studded face mask around the grocery store, all of us can definitely afford to add some sparkle into our lives. With these sequin face masks, you can do just that. Keep on wearing your mask to protect yourself and others, and even though people can't tell if you're smiling underneath, you can still brighten their day with your sparkly self (and the trail of glitter your new face mask left behind).
lundi 19 octobre 2020
Here's Why Fiber Is an Important Part of the Keto Diet
If you've recently started eating keto, you're probably learning about all the foods you should avoid - but are you considering the important nutrients you're eliminating with those foods, too?
"A ketogenic diet can help with weight loss, which can improve other diseases, however it can affect gut health and digestion in a negative fashion if certain precautions are not made," Jan Pawel Kaminski, MD, who specializes in colon and rectal surgery, says.
"The precautions include making sure to have a high-fiber diet with keto-friendly vegetables that are packed with fiber and nutrients, or consider fiber supplementation such as psyllium husk and probiotics that may help to replenish the gut."
The keto diet is traditionally a high-fat, adequate-protein, and low-carb eating plan. If you strictly adhere to this lifestyle choice, Dr. Kaminski says you could be restricting certain foods containing a lot of fiber, like whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
He adds that fiber helps to move waste through the colon and out of the body quicker, which can prevent inflammation and potential carcinogenic effects. Plus, the easier it is for you to do your business, the less strain you're putting on your body, thus preventing digestive disorders.
"Taking enough fiber has been shown to prevent constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and diverticulitis," Dr. Kaminski explains.
"It also has the added benefit of decreasing the risk of developing coronary artery disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and other gastrointestinal diseases such as colorectal cancer."
For the record, Dr. Kaminski doesn't claim that eating keto is all bad - he points out that the diet can successfully promote weight loss (at least in the short-term!). He just recommends that you talk to your doctor to make sure it's the right plan for you - and if it is, that you prioritize eating gut-friendly keto foods like green-colored vegetables.
"Spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus have high fiber and are packed with nutrients. Avocados pack a punch as they include several vitamins and minerals that are important to be taken, especially during a ketogenic diet, and they are packed with fiber, which may help to decrease bad cholesterol," Dr. Kaminski says.
"Also, cruciferous vegetables such as kale, cabbage, and cauliflower are very gut-friendly, as they help regulate the contents of the GI tract. Plus, they have been linked to decreased cancer and heart disease risk."
On the other hand, Dr. Kaminski mentions that red meat like beef, lamb, and goat can constipate, decrease the movement of GI tract contents, put you at a higher risk for colorectal cancer and affect digestive health in general. The consumption of these foods should be monitored throughout your diet.
All these reasons prove how important it is to consult with your doctor before starting a new eating plan. And if you have a history of chronic kidney disease, certain diabetes, and preexisting liver and pancreatic diseases, Dr. Kaminski urges against the keto diet altogether.
Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.
vendredi 16 octobre 2020
Behind the Meteoric Rise of Dr. Woo, Hollywood's Most Coveted Tattoo Artist
Brian "Dr. Woo" was 14 years old when he got his first formal tattoo - a dragon on his left ankle, if you omit the impromptu stick-and-poke smiley face him and his friends DIYed at age 11 - but it was a decade before he even considered going into that line of work. It wasn't for a lack of interest, or even curiosity, as much as it was a preconceived notion of its plausibility.
"I was a tattoo collector from a very young age, but the deeper I got into that world, the further away being a tattoo artist seemed," he told POPSUGAR. "Being at the shop regularly, I got to see the pedigree some of these guys had reached. It's such a subversive culture, and I was intimidated. I was just some first-generation kid trying to find my own way."
Today, Dr. Woo is one of the most sought-after tattooists, with the biggest names in Hollywood (think: Hailey Bieber, Drake, and Kendall Jenner, to name a few) all clamoring for a coveted appointment. But at the time, he was working as a buyer for a high-end fashion boutique. Then came his first big break: legendary tattooist Mark Mahoney, of which Dr. Woo had gotten many a body art from, offered him a rare apprenticeship at his parlor - one of the most esteemed in LA at the time.
"I was put up against people telling me I wasn't going to make it, and everyone around me were the best in the business. It was good because it gave me something to look up to, but it was a harsh measuring system."
"It was three years of watching 10 tattooers at the top of their game, and it was great, but I was at the bottom of the totem pole. I did everything from sweeping to cleaning the toilets to ordering their food to bandaging their clients. Any problems that trickled down, I was at the bottom catching all of it."
That, he says, was the true test: "I was put up against so many people telling me I wasn't going to make it, and everyone around me were the best in the business. It was good because it gave me something to look up to, but at the same time, it was a harsh measuring system. You rate yourself against these titans. I was insecure about my own abilities, and there wasn't a lot of encouragement. But then I figured, like everything else, I'm just going to do what I can to the best of my capabilities, and have faith that if I attack a job without slacking, it'll pay off for me."
Behind the Meteoric Rise of Dr. Woo, Hollywood's Most Coveted Tattoo Artist
Brian "Dr. Woo" was 14 years old when he got his first formal tattoo - a dragon on his left ankle, if you omit the impromptu stick-and-poke smiley face him and his friends DIYed at age 11 - but it was a decade before he even considered going into that line of work. It wasn't for a lack of interest, or even curiosity, as much as it was a preconceived notion of its plausibility.
"I was a tattoo collector from a very young age, but the deeper I got into that world, the further away being a tattoo artist seemed," he told POPSUGAR. "Being at the shop regularly, I got to see the pedigree some of these guys had reached. It's such a subversive culture, and I was intimidated. I was just some first-generation kid trying to find my own way."
Today, Dr. Woo is one of the most sought-after tattooists, with the biggest names in Hollywood (think: Hailey Bieber, Drake, and Kendall Jenner, to name a few) all clamoring for a coveted appointment. But at the time, he was working as a buyer for a high-end fashion boutique. Then came his first big break: legendary tattooist Mark Mahoney, of which Dr. Woo had gotten many a body art from, offered him a rare apprenticeship at his parlor - one of the most esteemed in LA at the time.
"I was put up against people telling me I wasn't going to make it, and everyone around me were the best in the business. It was good because it gave me something to look up to, but it was a harsh measuring system."
"It was three years of watching 10 tattooers at the top of their game, and it was great, but I was at the bottom of the totem pole. I did everything from sweeping to cleaning the toilets to ordering their food to bandaging their clients. Any problems that trickled down, I was at the bottom catching all of it."
That, he says, was the true test: "I was put up against so many people telling me I wasn't going to make it, and everyone around me were the best in the business. It was good because it gave me something to look up to, but at the same time, it was a harsh measuring system. You rate yourself against these titans. I was insecure about my own abilities, and there wasn't a lot of encouragement. But then I figured, like everything else, I'm just going to do what I can to the best of my capabilities, and have faith that if I attack a job without slacking, it'll pay off for me."
mercredi 14 octobre 2020
Solange Styled Herself For a Photo Shoot Using All Independent and Majority BIPOC Designers
Solange continues to raise the bar and shatter the boundaries of modern style. The 34-year-old musician wore many hats for her newly published feature in Harper's Bazaar's digital magazine - she shared personal essays and poems in place of an article, asked friend Naima Green to be her photographer, and styled herself with items selected from independent, majority-BIPOC designers. The result is something truly stunning.
Her outfits are compiled with pieces from a vast roster of talented fashion creators. She sticks largely to an earth-tone palette, gravitating toward structured blazers and over-the-knee boots, while at the same time making room for comfy sets and crop tops. In a way, this works hand-in-hand with an idea Solange expresses in her essay, that she sees a "duality" in her digital covers and in herself. "I feel a lot of freedom in not having to chose to exist as one," she said.
Keep reading to see Solange's uninhibited style selections, and make sure to check out her full essays and poems on Harper's Bazaar.
mardi 13 octobre 2020
An Important Fashion Announcement - All Sherpas Are 50% Off at Old Navy!
I've never met a sherpa I didn't like. Whether it's a crewneck sweatshirt I plan to wear with joggers, a zip-front fleece to throw on with workout leggings, or a soft teddy coat that'll keep me warm on chilly days, I always feel snuggly and stylish when wearing the oh-so-soft fabric.
I'm all stocked up on sweatshirts for fall, but what I really need (and want!) are sherpa sweatshirts. And today is the best time for me to stock up because they're ALL 50 percent off Old Navy. Gift one, get one, or keep them all like I plan on doing.
samedi 3 octobre 2020
5 Latina-Owned Brands to Support For Hispanic Heritage Month and Forever
If you don't live under a rock with no WiFi, you'll know that between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the US. This celebration that started in 1988 is all about highlighting and honoring Latinx in this country, and although at POPSUGAR Latina, we do that 365 days of the year, we don't want to miss the opportunity to shout out these Latina-owned brands that you're going to love. From the most original upcycled fashion to empowering and quirky jewelry, keep scrolling to find the new musts for the season that you're going to wear with pride.
vendredi 2 octobre 2020
Justine and Caleb's Historic Love Island Win Has Been One of the Few Redeeming Events of 2020
When Love Island USA's second season began, I was apprehensive about a lot of things, including the future of the sole Black woman of the original cast, Justine Ndiba. Reality TV doesn't have a great history when it comes to the treatment of Black women in general, but Love Island has an especially grim past when it comes to Black contestants trying to find love. "We didn't find anyone who liked us. It was always someone coming in and saying 'My type is blonde and petite,'" Love Island UK's Yewande Biala told 1Xtra Talks about struggling on the show alongside winner Amber Gill, who is mixed race, and Anna Vakili, who's Iranian. "We'd just look at each other and say 'They're obviously not here for us.'"
So, when I saw Justine enter the Las Vegas villa in all her glory, I was immediately consumed by the worry that the same story would play out again - which it did for the first several episodes. But then, on day five, Caleb Corprew entered the scene, and as the Canadian rapper formerly known as Jimmy Brooks once said, "Nothing was the same." Fast-forward to the season's final episode, and the winners of Love Island's second season are Justine and Caleb, the first Black couple to win in the entire franchise!
"It feels surreal, it's still sinking in," the 27-year-old billing coordinator told POPSUGAR over the phone. "It's definitely amazing but it's such a crazy thing because I had no idea I'd even make it past that first week!"
"It feels like we're in a dream and we haven't quite woken up yet," her 24-year-old beau admitted. "It's been really flattering to see all the support we have behind us."
Support is probably an understatement; the couple has a legion of fans armed with memes, video edits, and nimble voting fingers, who have been rooting for the two since they got together. Their names would regularly trend on Twitter during the show's airing, and their rise to show favorites shot to meteoric heights after the Casa Amor segment solidified their union.
"He called me out saying, 'I want me a confident girl, if you want me, show me.' When we got to the car wash challenge I was like, 'Say less.'"
Although Justine was with Tre, Caleb stirred her interest more than any of the other men in the villa, and Caleb wasn't shy about letting her know that he was also interested. "When he walked in there was definitely an initial attraction. It was his confidence," Justine recalled. "There was a casino night where I had an opportunity to dance on him or something and I didn't. He called me out on it saying, 'I want me a confident girl, if you want me, show me.' When we got to the car wash challenge I was like, 'Say less.'" And thank goodness he did!
"Oh man, I was blushing so much, I probably looked childish because I was looking away and giggling," Caleb said, calling back to the moment Justine made her move (literally, since it was a dance challenge) during the car wash challenge and chose him to kiss. "I couldn't believe what she was doing in her routine and at one point she looked over at me asking, 'Are you looking,' and all I could say was 'Oh my god!'"
And while he enjoyed the routine and being the object of Justine's attention, Caleb noted that the move showed him more than just her sex appeal, it told him how much she wanted him. "I just saw her really put herself out there, let herself be vulnerable for the first time, and lay it all out on the line," he explained. "I love that and I continue to love that about her. And I'm so happy that she did put herself the way she did."
The relationship that blossomed quickly became a fan-favorite, especially among Black viewers. For one of the rare times on reality TV, we were not only seeing a Black couple fall in love but also seeing a dark-skinned Black woman be fiercely sought after and genuinely loved out loud. If there was one thing no one with sense could deny about Caleb in the villa, it was how excited and happy he was to be with Justine. From the way he unabashedly expressed his interest for her, took every opportunity to steal some of her time, excitedly went into every date, and loudly proclaimed her as "My baby," Caleb never hesitated to show how he was falling in love with Justine.
I've gone into the disadvantage and difficulty that Black women face when it comes to dating in media and real-life before, but dark-skinned Black women must also contend with colorism in addition to the misogynoir that Black women face. Even in Justine and Caleb's case, there were plenty of people on social media questioning the validity of their relationship and wondering if he was really attracted to her. That attitude reflected Justine's experience early in the season when she struggled to form a romantic connection that the other contestants seemed to make more easily. While many cry foul and assert that everyone has "preferences," we have to acknowledge that racial "preferences" don't occur within a vacuum; they're shaped by society's view of beauty and they almost always work against marginalized people and cultures.
"Racial 'preferences' don't occur within a vacuum . . . and they almost always work against marginalized people and cultures."
When I questioned Justine about her time before Caleb's arrival, she mused that most women tend to compare themselves to others, and although she was "confident in my personality and all that," she felt insecurities setting in when she compared herself to the other women. The other four women in the original cast fall under the Western beauty standards promoted by the fashion industries, television, the internet, and social media, whereas Justine was the sole Black woman and the only dark-skinned contestant, including the men.
"You start to doubt yourself," she admitted. "Even as I was getting ready to go into the villa, my friends were telling me, 'Justine you got this, you're a bad b*tch!' So when the reality started to set in, that was when it got tough."
While Justine found an iconic friendship with fellow contestant Cely (with the two earning the ship name "Celine" and arguably being the most popular relationship in the villa), her steadfast relationship with Caleb served as an example of a serene love that is often overlooked. Throughout the show, the couple vowed to practice honesty and open communication with one another, addressing their struggles before it became problems and being transparent about what they needed. When Justine felt that she needed more affection from Caleb, she pulled him aside to let him know, and he received it, promising to be better about it. It was part of a concentrated effort to ensure that their relationship could last outside of the villa, Caleb revealed to me.
"We tried to approach our relationship patiently. It's kind of tough because there aren't any of the distractions and noise of the outside world in the villa, and you can get lost in your relationship at a very rapid pace that you might not stick true to after," he said. "So we tried to keep our perception on the outside world and being patient. Justine and I are naturally good communicators with one another, we get each other and that really helped us to stay open. We encourage each other to speak our minds and that helped foster our communication."
"It's kind of tough . . . you can get lost in your relationship at a very rapid pace that you might not stick true to after."
It's a romance that suffered no dramatic setbacks or blowouts onscreen, which is generally the type of relationship the media tells us is exciting and passionate. But no one could say that the winning couple isn't passionate, especially after that striptease challenge (insert winking emoji here). "Jaleb" is a romance that shows love doesn't have to be hard, even if it is work. It's not a constant struggle, it's healthy, it's being vulnerable and open, it's learning to redefine your idea of love, it's giving your attention and your devotion and receiving the same. Not to put any pressure on their shoulders - they're not the only couple in the world who has a healthy relationship. But they are a great example for Black couples looking for representation and hope.
Now that they've won Love Island, the work doesn't stop! The two say they have trips in mind, but they're taking the time to enjoy being alone right now. "We want to take a moment to ourselves without any cameras or mics and just do us for a little while," Justine confessed. But even as they get ready to bask in the glow of being truly alone for the first time, they want to thank the fans who have been cheering for them since day one.
"It's funny because every time there was a challenge where we got to see the outside's opinion I would be crying like, 'I don't know what they're going to say, I don't want this,'" Justine said laughing. "So to see they have this love and support for us definitely helped to carry the both of us through. Coming into this you have this fear of 'How will I be perceived, what will everyone think?' To receive that love is the cherry on top of coming out of this with everything that we were looking for. Thank you, thank you to everyone!"
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