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.
jeudi 17 janvier 2019
This Common Problem May Be Interfering With Your Booty Gains, According to Trainer Massy Arias
How disappointing is it to do a killer booty workout, only to be sore in just your quads the next day? OK, yes, there are worse things (like having to walk up stairs when those quads are fried), but it's still pretty annoying. We caught up with health coach and fitness guru Massy Arias at the Fabletics X Kelly Rowland launch event to get her take on how to fire up your glutes and make all the gains.
In terms of firing the correct muscles, Massy, whose list of celebrity clients includes Kelly Rowland, agrees that the struggle is real - even for a top trainer like her! Massy explained, "I used to have that problem and my hips were off and I couldn't fire my glutes properly." If you are quad-dominant and not properly engaging your glutes, you need to look at your exercise selection and form. Rather than focusing on quad-dominant exercises, select ones that focus the work on the hamstring and booty - like bridges or single-leg deadlifts. Massy recommends skipping front lunges and opting for reverse lunges instead because in the latter, it's easier to engage your glutes. Check out these 20 glute exercises that target the glutes more than the quads.
However, if you are like Massy and have trouble just getting your glutes to work, Massy continued, "You need to look at your movement patterns and that's what you need to fix because your body mechanics are off." Work with a personal trainer or physical therapist to determine why your glutes are dormant or to identity if something is off in your joints that is not allowing your body to perform certain movements and feel them in the correct place. "It's all about the mechanics of your body," she emphasized.
This Breathing Trick Will Help You Fall Asleep Instantly - Try It Tonight
Is your anxiety interfering with your ability to fall asleep night after night? Relying on over-the-counter meds to reach the land of nod? Just not getting the sleep your body and brain need? If this sounds all too familiar, we have a breathing trick to help you fall asleep quickly - no prescriptions required.
The exercise is called the 4-7-8 technique, and Dr. Andrew Weil calls it a "natural tranquilizer for the nervous system." Study after study has linked meditation to lowered stress levels, and this easy-to-follow exercise will help you reap some of the de-stressing benefits that come along with consistent meditation practice.
Beyond bedtime, Dr. Weil recommends performing this exercise whenever dealing with a stressful situation. The next time you can't curb sugar cravings, get into a fight with your partner, or can't hit the hay because you're overwhelmed, try it out for yourself. You'll start feeling more relaxed immediately.
The 4-7-8 Method
- Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise.
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
- Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
- Hold your breath for a count of seven.
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
- This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat three more times for a total of four cycles.
For more explanation, plus a video tutorial, check out this video:
I Pee When I Jump Rope, and Guess What? It's OK!
There used to be a running joke in my house: every time I'd laugh too hard or sneeze, I'd have to run upstairs, and my kids would yell, "Mommy peed in her pants again!" Through CrossFit, specifically from doing heavy squats and core work, it's helped to strengthen my pelvic floor, similarly to how kegels work. My legs, butt, and abs are the strongest they've ever been, and apparently so are my inner lady muscles. Now, I can sneeze without having to bee-line it to the bathroom.
But one exercise that I recently started working on has brought back that unexpected, embarrassing little annoyance - double unders. It's a more intense form of jumping rope that involves letting the rope pass underneath your feet twice in between each jump instead of just once as with regular jumping rope. They're super fun to work on, not only for the physical challenge to see how many I can nail in a row, but also because they make my heart rate soar, so I know I'm working hard.
The only issue is, once I got eight or more in a row, pee would just leak out of me. The first time it happened in class, I ran to the bathroom. Then I picked up my rope and started jumping again. But even with an empty bladder, I ended up peeing a little. I was like, "Where the heck is this pee coming from?"
After that, feeling flustered and worried about Niagara Falls pouring down my leggings, I avoided double unders for a few weeks, until I talked to some other CrossFit moms about it. Every single one of them nodded their heads up and down, totally relating. Some said it happens when they do box jumps, too, and another woman said it happens every time she does heavy squats. It's just one of those amazing "gifts" to remind us of motherhood.
Knowing I wasn't alone made me feel 99 percent better. The other one percent came from wearing a pantyliner and dark pants every time I went to class. It was slightly annoying, but much better than dealing with the fear of my bladder exploding during class and having a rush of pee trickle down my leg into a puddle on the floor.
Now, I always make time to hit the ladies room before a workout involving jumping rope; sometimes I even take a pee break during a workout if I need to. But what's really helped me come to terms with peeing while exercising is that I changed my whole perspective. I focus on the fact that I'm grateful for being a mom to two healthy, kind kids, that I have the physical ability to take part in CrossFit classes. Compared to other things that could happen, a little pee is nothing!
How to Lose Weight and Keep It Off According to These Women Who Have Lost 75+ Pounds
If losing weight seems hard, that's because it is: it requires consistent effort, a lifestyle change, and literal sweat (and sometimes blood and tears) to reach your goals. But if you thought losing the weight in the first place was the hard part, you were mistaken. The real work is in keeping the weight off long-term.
These six women prove that maintaining weight loss requires just as much (if not more) effort than getting the weight off in the first place. They also defied the odds since many people regain the weight they lost. Here is how these women, who all lost 75 pounds or more, kept off their weight and adopted healthier habits for a lifetime. Get inspired to not only lose weight, but keep it off for good.
Improve Your Posture and Relieve Shoulder Tension With These 5 Simple Stretches
Sitting all day, stress, looking down at your phone, tension, and overuse are all causes of poor posture and tight shoulders. If you've been experiencing tightness in your upper body, specifically your shoulders, and need a remedy, we've got you covered.
POPSUGAR tapped Kajuan Douglas, founder of Merge New York and certified yoga instructor, for stretches to relieve shoulder tension. These moves are simple enough to add into your daily routine and take less than five minutes to do. Check them out ahead.
Science Says Smiling Makes Your Workouts Better, So I Gave It a Shot
I'm all about quick fixes that make workouts more effective, and if there's a trick to make a workout seem easier, I've probably tried that too. Those things don't usually come packaged together, but science may have hit the jackpot, and it has nothing to do with physical form or mental mantras. Nope, it's just smiling.
There's already evidence to suggest that smiling can trick your brain into thinking that you're happy, triggering the release of feel-good hormones such as dopamine and serotonin that can lift your mood in reality. A 2017 UK study tested the benefits of smiling in a fitness capacity, and their findings suggest that smiling can actually help you perform better during workouts.
Researchers tested the trick by asking groups of runners to jog while smiling, frowning, relaxing their upper body, or using their usual mental workout strategies. As the participants ran, scientists measured how much oxygen they used per stride (their "running economy"), with lower numbers showing a more efficient workout.
The study was small, with 24 participants, but results showed that the runners who smiled were the most efficient. That group also reported lower "perceived effort" than the frowning group, meaning that they didn't feel they had to work as hard. So, what's behind the results? Lead researcher Noel Brick told the New York Times that smiling probably leads to overall muscle relaxation, which in turn leads to better overall performance.
One interesting caveat: according to Brick, the more forced your smile is, the less likely you are to relax and activate those performance gains. Genuine smiles, the ones that light up your eyes, brighten your cheeks, and feel the most natural, are your best bet to having a better workout and feeling better while you do it.
It sounds like a strange trick, but some of the best athletes in the world have used it. Champion marathoner Eliud Kipchoge smiled through the last few miles of his two-hour, 25-second marathon in May 2017, the fastest 26.2 ever. He was smiling, he told Wired, in hopes of relaxing himself and dealing with the pain.
Testing With Runs and HIIT
I can modestly say that I'm no record-breaking marathoner, but if the best in the world are trying it, and if science is confirming it, I'm willing to try out any weird-sounding trick. Mimicking the study, I first tried smiling through the pain on a few hot, hilly, 10-mile runs this Summer. Specifically, I used it when I hit a "here goes nothing" moment, like a steep incline or a long, shadeless stretch of sidewalk: something that seemed impossible or that I knew would be painful. These were the moments when I felt so crazy ("Why am I doing this to myself, again?") that I just had to smile, or almost laugh at myself. That made it feel genuine and weirdly empowering. It wasn't that that I suddenly knew I could conquer that hill, or even that I suddenly wanted to; it still felt impossible, and I definitely still wanted to stop. But it gave me a "throw caution to the wind" mentality that was enough to get started.
I tried grinning during the toughest moments of HIIT workouts- lunge jumps, squat jumps, burpees, and any other time I wanted collapse on the floor - and found the same result. It felt strange, because smiling was the last thing I wanted to do in those situations, but it also gave me an unexpected jolt of energy and confidence. I couldn't track my oxygen efficiency like in the study, but the workouts and runs just felt better: less work, but also more fun. And I'm a firm believer that the best workouts are the ones you'll stick to, and that the ones you'll stick to are the ones you enjoy.
I will say, it definitely feels awkward at first. If you don't feel like you can spontaneously sport a genuine smile mid-workout, try streaming a funny video on the treadmill, listening to a funny podcast or comedian, or smiling when a class instructor says something hilarious (or tells you to do something that seems hilariously impossible). Performance gains and efficiency are great results, and if smiling during a workout can also make it seem easier and more fun, then it might just be worth a try.
This Gymnast Did an Entire Michael Jackson Floor Routine - and Yes, She Moonwalks!
UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi catapulted herself into the spotlight last year for crafting an incredible Michael Jackson floor routine that's sure to make you want to get up and dance along. At the 2018 Pac 12 Championships, the student athlete performed a standing-ovation worthy routine set to a medley of Michael Jackson hits, including "Thriller" and "The Way You Make Me Feel." Katelyn incorporated a killer moonwalk into the middle of her performance, and ended it with an insane drop split that'll have your jaw on the damn floor.
Her flawless and sassy routine landed her a score of 9.95 out of 10, allowing her to tie for first in the competition. Join the millions of fans who've already admired Katelyn's now-viral MJ-themed routine by watching it above, and then be sure to check out the brand-new routine she debuted at a collegiate meet in January 2019.
Skip the Mat and Work Your Abs Standing For a Strong, Lean Core
If you're a person who loves working your abs because you get to lie down on a mat, this post may not be for you. We've rounded up our favorite standing ab exercises to show you how to work your abs upright because these moves will help you in your everyday activities far more than crunches will. And if you have neck pain every time you do ab work on the floor, try some of these standing moves and see how you feel.
There's quite a variety of ways to work your abs once you are off the floor - some of the moves use weights and some don't. We'll teach you how to do the wood chopper and the tuck jump. Program these moves into your next workout; we recommend adding two to five of these in a sweat session. Say goodbye to the mat, and read on to see all the ways you can work your abs standing.
Related: Skip the Crunches in This Quick Standing Abs Workout
If You Have a Big Butt, These 13 Leggings Will Flatter Your Booty From Every Angle
If you're looking to make some booty gains in 2019, you know how important the right leggings are. They need to be stretchy, high waisted, and definitely not see-through. How can you tell what's the best fit? An easy trick is to put your hand inside the legging; if you can see your fingers, that means other people will be able to see your butt. If you're tired of searching for your perfect pair, have no fear, because we found 13 leggings that were made for big butts.
Related: The 3 Exercises a Celebrity Trainer Says You Need to Do More of For a Bigger Butt
Fitness Fanatics Can't Get Enough of These 18 Leggings, and You'll See Why
There's nothing quite as motivating as new workout clothes to help get your butt moving. When you feel confident, you can take on any challenge your gym routine might throw at you. The cornerstone of any active person's workout wardrobe? A great pair of leggings. We've scoured the internet and found 18 pairs we'd be thrilled to own. Now, to the gym!
I Went to Bed 20 Minutes Earlier For a Week, and It Totally Transformed My Life
Because I'm a freelance writer, I make my own schedule. I usually prefer to go to bed late, around midnight or 12:30 a.m., and wake up seven to seven-and-a-half hours later. But recently I found myself working later or getting distracted, and the time I spent asleep became shorter and shorter. An hour would pass and then another one, and I'd end up making dinner around 10 or 10:30 p.m. in the evenings, and going to bed well past that. Then the next morning I'd wake up feeling even more sluggish.
I realized my nighttime routine needed improvement. Not only was this late-night dinner habit bad for my digestion, but it also made me stay up later than I'd like, too stimulated to power down and get into bed.
So, I chose to do a little experiment. For a week, I'd try to eat dinner earlier, but most importantly, I'd force myself to skip the distractions - usually in the form of one last episode of a Netflix show or one last song (I love an impromptu dance party) - and go to bed at least 20 minutes earlier than even my usual bedtime. With any luck, I'd also fall asleep faster - no longer stressed about how late it was getting - and inch closer to eight heavenly hours of sleep. While seven hours is the minimum recommended by experts, I was curious if I'd feel more rested with a full hour.
Spoiler: I did. Getting closer to eight hours of sleep made a huge difference in my energy levels. After one week, I'm definitely sticking to this new routine, no matter what - here's why.
Hi Shoes, Bye Money! The 20 Hottest Sneakers of 2019
To say we're obsessed with sneakers would be an understatement. They occupy a large portion of our fitness-loving brains pretty much all the time. Whether you're hitting the gym, going for a run, taking a class, or just doing errands, having a decent pair of kicks is important. We created a guide to the very best sneakers to get in 2019, so get your hands on them fast. Hot commodities like these don't stick around for very long.
This Is the 1 Compound Move That Burns My Butt, Shoulders, and Core
Don't waste your time at the gym! Compound moves target multiple muscle groups at once, allowing you to have more efficient workouts. Here's a basic compound move that will strengthen and define your shoulders as well as hit the glutes, thighs, and core.
Start off using a broomstick or a PVC pipe, then work your way up to a barbell, and add plates when you're ready. You can also do this move holding dumbbells - it's actually harder since you have to control each separate weight.
- Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width distance apart and toes pointed slightly outward, holding a barbell (or dumbbell) on your shoulders. Your hands should be wide.
- Raise the barbell overhead, keeping your arms straight.
- Sit back into your squat, bending your knees to 90 degrees while keeping your elbows straight.
- Straighten your legs to standing, keeping the weight overhead, to complete one rep.
Finally, an Expert Tells Us Exactly How Often We Should Be Working Out
Working out is full of so many numbers, from reps to sets to seconds in between exercises. It's a lot to keep up with! It's like trying to color-coordinate your closet after a huge vacation – no easy task. To make the effort you put in worthwhile, it helps to know you're doing the right amount of exercise in order to see results. Once you've figured out whether to do cardio or strength training, you're left with one important question: "How often should I work out?"
To get you a straight answer on this ever-elusive question, we got expert advice from certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Youfit Health Clubs' Master Trainer, Philip Cruz.
How Many Days Per Week?
A great place to get started is making a calendar and scheduling out all the workouts you plan to check off for the week. Cruz recommends you aim for at least three workouts a week on nonconsecutive days.
"If you choose to work out more often, plan on changing up the intensity of the workouts so that your body can recover after a tough workout," he told POPSUGAR. That means if you just tackled a day full of lower-body exercises, like squats, lunges, and deadlifts, you'll want to balance out that workout with a lower intensity cardio session to help with recovery.
Cruz also cautioned that, if you do work out on back-to-back days, you shouldn't train the same muscle group intensely, so your body can recover and come back stronger.
How Long Should Each Workout Be?
We've got the number of days down; now how long do you need to buckle down for each day? Cruz recommends that "workouts last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes." The range depends on the intensity of the workout. The rule of thumb is, the more intense the workout, the shorter it should be.
For longer workouts Cruz suggests splitting them up into 30 to 45 minutes of weight training, then finishing off with 20 to 30 minutes of cardio. If you're a bit squeezed for time, Cruz's go-to workout is a 30-minute circuit or high intensity workout.
What Type of Exercise Is Best?
Alright, we know how many days and how long to sweat, but how exactly should you be breaking that sweat? Thankfully, planning workouts is a little easier then perusing meal prep ideas, so you don't go crazy eating the same thing every day.
"There are many different ways of working out," Cruz told POPSUGAR. "You can do an interval style workout on the elliptical, resistance train using cables or free weights, or even take a group class."
Variety and consistency are the key. By continuing to do similar workouts and exercises over time you'll feel the movements get easier, and you'll get that satisfying feeling of moving up to the next pair of dumbbells. If you're sticking with three days per week, Cruz recommends breaking those days up into upper body, lower body, then finishing with a core and cardio workout. You'll be able to get the benefits of strength training and cardio. Plus, who doesn't love a little extra core?
Final Advice
We're idealists, planning to do every workout we ever committed to, reading every book, and even flossing twice a day. But it's important to be realistic. Cruz even admits these recommendations are based on an ideal situation, and to never feel guilty or get down on yourself if you miss a workout or have to cut one short.
"Anything is better than nothing" Cruz reassures us. Ultimately you have to experiment and find what works best for you. Everyone is different and every week is different. Some weeks we're fresh off a rejuvenating Netflix marathon, and others you might feel like your to-do list is never ending.
Just remember that consistency is the most important thing. One moment doesn't define you - and one workout won't make or break your goals.
Learn How to Lift Weights (and Build Muscle) With This 4-Week Beginner Workout Plan
Weightlifting is one of the best ways to build muscle and lower your body fat percentage. A 2006 review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reported that weightlifting will also increase your bone mass, improve your cardiovascular levels, and enhance your sense of well-being.
If your goal is to learn how to lift weights, but you aren't exactly sure where to get started, I've got you covered. This four-week strength program will provide you with a strength foundation and teach you the basics.
Because everyone has different strength levels, here are general recommendations to determine the amount of weight you should lift. For upper-body exercises, I recommend starting with 7.5- to 10-pound dumbbells. If the weight is too light or too easy, feel free to make adjustments. For lower-body exercises with dumbbells, start with 10- to 15-pound dumbbells increasing or decreasing the weight as necessary. For barbell exercises, begin by adding 10 pounds to each side increasing or decreasing the weight as needed.
As always, make sure to warm up and cool down before and after your workout. Here's a dynamic warmup and a total-body stretch sequence to follow.
Is Shedding Belly Fat Really as Simple as Sipping Lemon Water? Here's What We Know
There's no doubt that there are benefits to drinking lemon water. The citrus fruit is packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, "which remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents from the body, decreasing or preventing their ability to cause further havoc," according to Gabrielle Mancella, a registered dietitian at Orlando Health. But while lemons can help ward off illness and keep your skin healthy, you shouldn't count on them to target stubborn belly fat.
"There is no 'spot cleaning' when it comes to weight loss," Gabrielle told POPSUGAR. Even if there were, many experts believe that lemon water's weight-loss powers have been overstated. As Gabrielle explained, the idea is that sipping lemon water first thing in the morning can jump-start your system, so your body is better prepared to digest and metabolize food.
Research suggests it's more likely that simply staying hydrated helps strengthen your metabolism (Gabrielle noted that the body doesn't function properly when you're dehydrated), and that water anytime could help you cut calories throughout the day, though that can vary from person to person.
Bottom line: you should drink more water - with lemon if you like it for the taste or its other health benefits, but not to reduce belly fat. Given that Gabrielle also warned that the acid can wear down your enamel, it's more than fine to pass. (At the very least, consider popping a straw into your drink!)
Julianne Hough Reveals How Endometriosis Affects Her Sex Life: "It Can Be Frustrating"
Julianne Hough has never been one to shy away from an honest talk about living with endometriosis. In a very open interview with Women's Health, the Dancing With The Stars alum recently discussed how the chronic pain she experiences as a result of the disorder tends to affect her sex life with her husband, Brooks Laich. "It can definitely cut things short," she said. "Sometimes we're in the middle and I'm just like 'AH, stop!' It can be frustrating."
While sex can sometimes be a struggle for the couple, they've still managed to keep things spicy in the bedroom by finding some creative loopholes. "He only wants to love on me and make me feel good," Hough revealed. "There's so much intimacy without actually having sex. There are some cool things we've learned and it's literally been awesome." Hough was diagnosed with endometriosis when she was 20 years old, though she'd been experiencing symptoms throughout her teenage years. "I first started experiencing symptoms back when I was 15, but I thought it was just what it feels like to be a girl with bad periods," she said. "I didn't think to go to the gynecologist. Because I'm a competitor, I felt like I had to push through the pain and just work."
Now at 30, the actress has discovered other ways to listen to and care for her body when dealing with symptoms. "If I don't feel like working out that day, then I don't do it. If I want to sleep in, then I will." She added later when discussing her how she handles her episodes, "Instead of getting frustrated, I acknowledge it, honor what it is, and move on. It's all about connecting to your body, loving it unconditionally, and trusting how you feel." Head to Women's Health to read the full interview.
5 Apps That Will Pay You to Exercise More and Crush Your Weight-Loss Goals
I'll be the first to admit that the best way to motivate me to lose weight is to offer me some kind of incentive beyond the scale. I know, I know - feeling healthier and more confident should be enough, but you know what? Sometimes, it's just not. That's why it's amazing that there are apps for literally everything, including ones that will pay you to get off your butt and chase those goals.
The five apps here will keep track of how much weight you've lost and how much you exercise and give you cash when you succeed. Some of them require you to bet on yourself by putting some money down, but if you smash through your goals, you'll earn your money right back, plus some extra dough to treat yourself to something nice (I have my eye on some leopard print sneakers). If you're ready to get moving, keep reading.
Looks Like Rihanna's Sunglasses Were Just the Beginning - She's Launching a Luxury Brand!
Rihanna is reportedly gearing up to release her own luxury brand, so bless the fashion gods! According to Women's Wear Daily, the 30-year-old musician and brain behind Savage x Fenty lingerie, Fenty Beauty, and Fenty x Puma athleisure, has teamed up with LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton to launch a fashion house.
Speculation began circling about Rihanna's ventures into the fashion world when she stepped out wearing a pair of Fenty branded sunglasses earlier this week. She has established herself as a major influence in style time and time again, from her earthshaking Met Gala ensembles to her highly praised NYFW show. While there are no details about the exact timeline for the brand's launch, it's safe to say that Rihanna can expect a good chunk of our dollars once it does.
Meghan Markle Wore Princess Diana's Bracelet For a Dazzling Date Night With Prince Harry
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made us audibly gasp when they stepped out for a stylish date night in London. While attending a Cirque du Soleil show at Royal Albert Hall, the parents-to-be looked dapper as ever in matching navy blue outfits - #couplegoals, am I right? Prince Harry wore a sharp suit and gray tie, while Meghan dazzled in a sequined dress by Roland Mouret. Though her gown was certainly statement-making - with its three-quarter sleeves, leg slit, and sparkly finish - we couldn't help but focus on Meghan's bracelet.
A gold ribbed bangle with navy and diamond accents, the bracelet once belonged to Princess Diana. Of course, this isn't the first time the Duchess of Sussex has accessorized with the late royal's jewels. Meghan wore a pair of butterfly earrings from Princess Di's collection while stepping out for the first time after announcing her pregnancy last year. Oh, and that giant aquamarine ring Meghan rocked (pun intended) while en route to her wedding reception? Yep, that was Diana's, too.
Keep reading to see how both Meghan and Diana styled the same gold bracelet. Here's to hoping the duchess continues to pay fashionable tributes to Prince Harry's mom this year!
Ditch the Marshmallow Coat - 27 Puffer Jackets So Cool, You'll Want to Wear Them All
I was in denial earlier this month; reaching for a peacoat or even a menswear-inspired overcoat seemed reasonable. Not anymore. With the Winter chill setting in, we have no other option but to bundle up - and bundle up in style. The solution is, of course, a cozy, padded puffer jacket that insulates and seals in the heat.
Lest the suggestion conjures up images of the Michelin man or your brother's hand-me-down coat you sported in grade school, we're here to set you straight with a lineup of seriously chic down coats and jackets that won't ruin your outfit. This cool set of bright colors, sleek go-with-anything versions, and new silhouettes will keep you warm all Winter and prevent you from looking like a marshmallow. Just keep reading to shop!
- Additional reporting by Hannah Weil McKinley
13 of the Most Affordable Fashion Items Worn by the Royals - They're All Under $150!
While the royals are always dressed to the nines - usually in designer pieces, no less - that doesn't mean they don't dabble in affordable pieces every now and then. Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and even Princess Eugenie have all tried their hands at fast fashion, and they still manage to look like a million bucks. From Meghan's $35 H&M maternity dress to Kate's Zara dress (which is apparently jogging-friendly), we're counting down the royals' most reasonably priced pieces, and we've even shopped them out.
These 15 Heels Are So Gorgeous, No One Would Ever Know They're All Under $100
A great pair of heels makes us feel powerful and confident, like we can take on the world. From strappy party sandals to everyday kitten heels, we love them all. What we adore even more than a sexy heel, though, is a shoe that won't break the bank. That's why we're lusting over these 15 pretty pairs - they're all under $100!
How to Style Your Sweaters For 2019, and the 8 Editor-Approved Picks We're Wearing
We're currently doing a closet overhaul because we will need plenty of space for all the sweaters we'll be buying this season. And, oh my, are there so many to choose from. Whether you want something loose and comfy or tight and figure-flattering, there's an option out there that will speak to you. If you need a little inspiration on how to style your knit, we've got plenty of ideas fresh for 2019. Check out our favorite street style pictures, then shop through the top sweaters from our POPSUGAR at Kohl's Collection. Consider this your ultimate guide to all things cozy.
If Hailey Baldwin and Justin Bieber's Matching Pink Sweatsuits Don't Scream True Love, IDK What Does
Couples who twin in matching sweatsuits stay together, right? Well, that at least seems to be the case for Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin, who love coordinating outfits. The happy newlyweds were spotted wearing matching baby pink sweatsuits just in time for Valentine's Day while in Los Angeles.
Hailey matched her recently dyed locks with a cool Cotton Citizen sweatsuit and Adidas sneakers. Justin, on the other hand, twinned with his SO wearing Billy sweatpants and a light pink hoodie. Read on to get a closer look and shop similar sweatsuits for your wardrobe.
Meghan Markle's $35 H&M Dress Was the Perfect Addition to Her Maternity Wardrobe
Fresh from her bright and beautiful appearance with Prince Harry in Birkenhead earlier in the week, Meghan Markle stepped out solo on Wednesday as she made a visit to animal welfare charity Mayhew, one of the charities she has recently been made patron of. It's the first of two royal engagements for Meghan today; later, she will join Prince Harry for a visit to the Royal Albert Hall, where they will attend the premiere of Cirque du Soleil's "Totem," in support of Harry's charity Sentebale.
For her first outing of the day, Meghan teamed high end with a bargain buy, wearing a classic Armani coat over a knit dress from H&M's maternity range, Mama. It makes sense that the duchess is looking to more affordable brands when it comes to her pregnancy purchases: after all, with the royal baby due in just a few months, she won't need this dress for long. Slingback pumps and a Stella McCartney bag finished the neutral-hued look. Keep reading to see it for yourself and to shop that dress.
12 Shearling Shoes That Will Keep Your Feet Cozy All Winter Long
Have you ever met someone who doesn't want their feet to be cozy? Us neither. So as fashion girls, we love finding the cutest, most on-trend shoes that are also comfortable. Enter the fur-lined shoe. This trend has been spotted on every silhouette from boots to sneakers and slides; we can't get enough. This Winter, why would you wear anything else?
Meghan Markle Gets Glamorous For Her Second Appearance of the Day
Meghan Markle continued her busy day of royal engagements on Wednesday evening as she took Prince Harry's arm for a trip to the Royal Albert Hall in London. The royal couple attended the premiere of Cirque du Soleil's Totem. The special opening night performance raised awareness and funds for Sentebale, the charity Harry founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. For the glamorous evening, Meghan swapped her chic daytime look (which included a $35 dress) for a more suitable evening ensemble. Meghan looked stunning in a navy sequined Roland Mouret dress, which she accessorized with strappy Stuart Weitzman heels, a gold bracelet that belonged to Princess Diana, and a black Givenchy satin clutch. Keep reading to take a closer look at Meghan's second outfit of the day.
I Stripped My Closet Down to the Essentials, and I'll Never Look Back
It was a hot mid-July day in New York City, and there I was, testing the limits of my organic deodorant.
Despite the heat, I was wearing a long-sleeved cashmere sweater. I'd just KonMari-ed my closet. I didn't have much else left to wear.
Marie Kondo's book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, sparked an extreme decluttering craze that took America by storm, causing men and women to clear out their closets and leave only belongings that "spark joy." I was as caught up in the frenzy as any fashion-lover overdue for culling her ill-fitting and rarely worn items.
The movement illustrated a larger trend playing out across the wardrobes of America: learning to love living with less. It's not a question of buying only the best designer items (though that would be nice) but paring down one's clothing collection to focus on quality over quantity.
Crucially, quality here is defined not by how much an item costs but by how often it's worn and how much it is loved. In my version of a pared-down closet, beloved items from affordable stores hang side by side with the rare investment piece. The notion of a wardrobe is changing, and that often means just having way less stuff.
Removing the Element of Choice
There's a powerful undercurrent that's swept in many women, even in creative fields, who are trying to make do with less. A result: the "capsule wardrobe," a closet stripped bare to just the essentials. (The trend is one of the most popular on Pinterest right now.)
Some women have gone one step further by embracing the concept of the "uniform," a signature outfit. Stella Bugbee, The Cut's editorial director, detailed her own dalliance with minimalism and Marie Kondo in a piece called "Don't Cleanse Your Diet, Purge Your Closet Instead." Bugbee memorably likened her newly clean closet to "an artery scraped of plaque."
The ensuing clarity allowed Bugbee to develop her own spin on uniform dressing. "I can make a commitment to buy less, buy smarter, and wear a few perfect things all the time," Bugbee wrote. "Those few items can serve as my uniform right now."
Likewise, a Manhattan art director named Matilda Kahl won Internet acclaim shortly after writing a widely syndicated essay called "Why I Wear the Same Thing to Work Every Day." Kahl's uniform - a white shirt, skinny tie, and black pants - became her calling card for nearly four years.
For Kahl, a uniform allowed her to be "in control" of what she spent time on - and when. "Monday to Friday I want to be able to fully concentrate on my work," she told us. "I see no reason for spending time in the morning on choosing an outfit."
Kahl believes uniform dressing fits within a wider cultural shift in which women are becoming more deliberate with their clothing choices. "I'm not surprised that women are being more mindful nowadays when it comes to how much they buy and what they buy," she said. "We're slowly coming to an understanding that we should be accepted simply for who we are, the same way men always have been."
At the root of these paring-down stories is a quest, almost juice-fast-like, to find simplicity and happiness through a change of routine. It's an issue facing many millennials, who habitually report being overwhelmed by the number of choices that need to be made in adult life.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography
What One Buys Matters
Simply possessing less clothing can prompt a reevaluation of what new pieces you bring into the home. Increasingly, it seems, shoppers want information about what they're buying - and how it's made.
American Apparel paved the way for '90s and noughties feel-good shopping with made-in-the-USA, sweatshop-free designs. As that company's fortunes have declined, other brands such as Everlane, Warby Parker, and TOMS Shoes have filled the ethical shopping void.
One new addition to the list, the womenswear company Cuyana, even includes the words "fewer, better" in its mission statement. It's an attitude Cuyana CEO Karla Gallardo believes has found increasing acceptance since the company's 2013 founding.
"This is part of the core philosophy of Cuyana: we truly believe that fewer, better things can lead to a fuller, richer life and world," Gallardo said. She cited several factors in perpetuating the movement, including Marie Kondo and increased awareness of manufacturing conditions in the wake of the 2013 Rana Plaza building collapse.
Gallardo and her team have launched what they call the "Lean Closet Movement," an online series that helps women pare down their clothing collections, à la Kondo, but with the specific intention of donating their excess. "In addition to just donating clothes, we've seen a hunger for content around how to build a Lean Closet and live a 'leaner' life," Gallardo said.
Everlane's idea of "radical transparency" is changing the industry as well. The company offers an unusual amount of information about each item it sells, detailing costs of production and relevant factory conditions. The company has struck a chord with shoppers; Everlane sales doubled last year.
"The clothing has a current point of view, but can also be worn in 10 years," Everlane CEO Michael Preysman told Racked. "It's a very tricky thing to pull off. In our view, the best way to be environmentally sustainable is to create really great quality clothing that lasts and that has a lasting timestamp."
In Preysman's definition of quality, cost and style are major factors. He adds longevity to the mix, which in practical terms means having to clean out one's closet much less often.
From Order, Happiness
My own KonMari experience has turned me into something of a proselytizer for decluttering. I passed Kondo's book off to a colleague in the true spirit of avoiding accumulation, just as the guide had come to me through a succession of hand-me-downs.
I haven't gone so far as to adopt a uniform - or to pare down my wardrobe to a state that could be called a capsule - but I did come to a big sartorial epiphany: I realized that I should invest only in pieces I'll actually wear.
Seems simple, right? But it took KonMari-ing my closet to finally learn to stop buying those one-off, jazzy pieces to keep around just in case I, say, ever go clubbing again. For me, that means buying black skirts, good black flats, and striped shirts, items I can wear both to work and to dinner on weekends.
And now, since I'm not buying as much random crap, I have newly freed funds to dedicate to buying pieces with a story, ideally items made in conditions I don't have to feel guilty about.
There will always be high-profile clotheshorses like Giovanna Battaglia and Anna Dello Russo, shoppers who buy clothing - and lots of it - out of sheer love for the game. Fashion is art, after all, and certain stylish women around the world will always treat purchasing like collecting. I can't imagine Lauren Santo Domingo KonMari-ing her closet anytime soon.
But these women are the exceptions who prove the rule. The less-is-more philosophy might not be for everyone, but right now, it's working for me.
22 Sexy Bikinis So Hot, You'll Sweat Just Looking at Them
If you're on the hunt for a sultry bikini in 2019, we've got you covered. We scoured the internet and hunted down the hottest picks out there right now, so all you have to do is find your match. From neon pink choices to sexy animal print picks, it will be hard to not want them all. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites and feel your best.
2019's Biggest Sneaker Trend Is Probably Already in Your Grandpa's Closet
Funny story: I was in my comfiest sweats and the shoes I lovingly call my "grandpa sneakers" - a pair of gray New Balances I pretty much wear all the time nowadays - weaving my luggage through the TSA line when I eyed a pair of the same cool kicks. When I looked up to see who was wearing them, I realized it was actually an adorable elderly couple. It only further cemented the name in my mind. Rather than chunky soles and bold colorways you would regularly see with dad sneakers, I've been noticing street style stars and bloggers opt for neutral tones and a more classic trainer silhouette like New Balance's 990 kicks.
I instantly fell in love with these sleek sneakers because of the retro '80s feel and great arch support. (The first time I wore them, it was like my feet were thanking me - I swear I could hear a choir of sneaker-loving angels singing in perfect harmony.) Read on if you're wondering how to style the sneakers or if you're simply looking to snag a pair for your closet.
Kate Spade NY Released a Valentine's Day Line So Cute, You'll Be Telling All Your Friends
We have a shameless Kate Spade New York obsession. The brand is constantly releasing giftable collections we want to spend all of our money on, and shopping it on Valentine's Day is no different - lots of lovely purses, jewelry, shoes, and much more were just dropped online. Kate Spade New York's special releases historically sell out fast, so get your hands on these must haves as soon as possible. The quality of these products makes them totally worth it. Besides, everyone deserves a treat from time to time.
This $28 Bodysuit (From Amazon!) Makes Me Look 10 Pounds Slimmer - Now I Wear It Under Everything
All women everywhere, your undivided attention is required. The holy grail of shapewear has been uncovered. I have been hunting for a bodysuit that fills all my requirements, and I finally found it. This Bali Shapewear Lace 'N Smooth Body Briefer ($28) on Amazon is my new obsession. It's cute, lacy, and makes me look 10 pounds lighter - no joke.
I decided to order this bodysuit after plenty of online research. This option has almost 2,000 reviews and 61 percent of customers give it five stars. I first purchased the white version of the design in a 34C and it arrived on my doorstep two days later. I slipped it on as soon as I got home and was pleasantly surprised with how it looked. It smoothed out my torso and slimmed down my stomach, but not like your ordinary shapewear; it actually looked . . . sexy. I tried on some of my favorite dresses that are usually a little snug and holy crap, they looked amazing. This bodysuit is pure magic.
Besides being incredibly flattering, this body briefer also has excellent chest support - the soft cups include underwire so everything stays in place. It also has snaps at the bottom so you can easily take it on and off. After wearing this bodysuit twice, I ordered it in black as well. It looks great under all the clothes I own and it's incredibly comfortable. I don't feel like a stuffed sausage all day (most shapewear is usually incredibly restricting).
I'm telling you, this bodysuit is worth every penny. It's hard to find quality pieces with affordable price tags, and this choice ticks off all my boxes. Treat yourself to the body briefer and you'll be hooked.
17 New Bikinis So Cute, You'll Want to Start Planning a Vacation For 2019
Daydreaming of laying on the beach or jumping into the pool? If you live in your bikinis during the Summer, you need plenty of options. We scoured the internet for the most stylish designs online in 2019. Whether you like versatile neutrals or playful patterns, we have uncovered choices for every taste. Take a look at these trendy picks, and treat yourself to something new before your next vacation.
Related: The 22 Swimsuits You're Going to See Everywhere in 2019
11 January Essentials I Personally Own That Are So Good, I Wear Them Constantly
When I tell people I shop for a living, they usually think I'm joking. It's too good to be true, right? But it's the real deal! As a shopping editor, I'm constantly on the hunt for the hottest products readers should know about. Often, I find a few things for myself along the way. That's why I curated a list of items I've personally purchased and worn myself - this is stuff that's worth buying.
Read on to take a look at what I'm loving, with a few personal photos included. From fashion essentials to beauty must haves, there's something for everyone. Don't be a couch potato, these releases won't stick around for long.
If You Think Flats Are Boring, These 15 New Pairs Will Change Your Mind in 2019
As fashion experts, the new year gets us beyond excited for up-and-coming trends - especially when it comes to shoes. We're predicting that flats will be even bigger in 2019. There are so many stylish options that work with dresses as well as jeans and trousers. The opulent fabrics, glitzy embellishments, and unique shapes will be just as relevant in several months as they are right now. Run, don't walk, toward these smart investments.
2019's Most Wearable Trends
Gazing into a crystal ball would be fun, but the Spring 2019 runways are the surest predictors of the trends that'll line your closet. For the nostalgic type, designers revived some oldies-but-goodies with a contemporary spin - bucket hats and flip-flops, crocheted items, and sweet cardigans. And for the risk-taker, there's plenty of new fodder: a throwback to the iconic pop-star aesthetic from the early aughts - think low-slung hip-huggers and corsets, the likes of which will conjure up images from Britney's heyday. Beyond that, there's a soft new color palette to love - dreamy sorbet colors that'll deliver a much-needed spot of sunshine when your wardrobe needs it most. We know, we hate waiting, too; but get a first glimpse at what's to come when Spring 2019 hits.
- Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak and Nikita Ramsinghani
- Spring Fashion Trends 2019: Surfer-Inspired
- Spring Fashion Trends 2019: Sorbet Colors
- Spring Fashion Trends 2019: Crochet
- Spring Fashion Trends 2019: Cardigans
- Spring Fashion Trends 2019: Lamé
- Spring Fashion Trends 2019: Early 2000s
- Spring Fashion Trends 2019: Hip Cutouts
- Spring Fashion Trends 2019: Denim Redone
- Spring Fashion Trends 2019: Vests
6 Shoe Trends You'll See on Stylish Women Everywhere in 2019
If you're wondering which shoes are going to be huge in 2019, you've come to the right place, my fellow fashion-lovers. After taking a look at what styles and trends made it onto the runways and the streets, we've created a list of six distinctive shoe trends that are no doubt gonna take over this year.
You can say goodbye to dad sneakers and say hello to statement trainers à la Gucci's rhinestone strapped trainers. It's also time to start following your animal instincts with bold animal-print shoes. Read on to see what made the list, and then start adding your favorites selects to your shopping cart to get the look.
Even Gaston Would Eat Off This Gorgeous Beauty and the Beast Dishware
When it comes to collecting Disney merch - we're talking jewelry, princess-inspired Le Creuset cookware, and glittery mouse ears - the sky is truly the limit. Recently, we came across a new understated Beauty and the Beast dishware line from Disney that we absolutely need in our lives. And while we're not too keen on inviting the Beast over for dinner - his table manners were lackluster at best! - we're beyond excited to serve our next home-cooked meal on this magical china. From gorgeous plates to two different types of wine glasses, scroll through to get a look at the Gaston-approved collection and try not to buy every single last piece.
Jennifer Garner Faced Her Junk Drawer Like Marie Kondo, and She Found the Most Absurd Items
Marie Kondo might possibly be the most influential person of our present day. After her Netflix series, Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, was released earlier this month, she had parents cleaning out their kids' toy bins, people completely wiping out their closets, and even Jennifer Garner facing the hell that is her junk drawer. We all have that one drawer filled with random sh*t that we will never need but refuse to throw out. Even TV's most organized human, Monica Geller, had a secret closet filled with junk! But the famous KonMari method had Jennifer bracing hers, and well, that right there is powerful.
On Wednesday, Jennifer shared a video on Instagram cleaning out her drawer with the Marie Kondo method, and it's safe to say very few of these things "spark joy." Yeah, we're lookin' at you, rain bonnet! From PopSockets to doubloons, watch the video to see all the hilarious things Jennifer found while using the Marie Kondo method to clean out her drawer, and maybe, just maybe it'll inspire you to do the same.
22 Places to Put Toys Besides the Floor
There's a never-ending dance in my house, and I do it every night. I gather all of the stacking cups, rattles, blocks, and balls and put them back into the wicker basket I've been using for toy storage. As my child gets older, the amount of toys we accumulate is only going to grow, so I'm planning ahead now. If you're in a similar boat and tired of seeing the hodgepodge of Legos and stuffed animals on the floor every day, take a cue from organized parents and pick up toy storage bins that do the job. From options with lids to nets that hang high above the ground, here are 22 ideas to get you started.
Le Creuset Is Releasing 4 New Calming Colors, and We're Feeling Zen Already
As soon as I hear the words "Le Creuset," I instantly want to grab a cookbook, channel my inner Julia Child, and get to work on my next kitchen masterpiece. Whether it's lugging my beloved Dutch oven from the shelf onto the stove or adding a few small pieces to my growing French ceramic collection, Le Creuset deserves a prime spot in my kitchen - it's the crème de la crème of cookware. Fortunately, for anyone who's just as obsessed with the brand as I am, it recently announced that it's releasing four new calming colors - Meringue, Sea Salt, Fig, and Coastal Blue - and why, yes, we're feeling much more zen already. Scroll through to get a look at the newest hues and try not to buy every last one.
How the Government Shutdown Is Putting All Pregnant Women at Risk
If you're pregnant, you might want to avoid eating out for the foreseeable future. Due to the record-long government shutdown, federal food safety officials have either been working without pay or not working at all. FDA food inspectors were off the job since Dec. 22 until Jan. 15, when some of the workforce returned to resume inspections on high-risk foods. The FDA is responsible for inspecting cheese, leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, seafood, juice, and more, which means the shutdown may be impacting the integrity of the food supply and putting pregnant women and their unborn children at risk. If you're pregnant, you can protect yourself by cooking for yourself and avoiding risky foods.
Foods to Avoid During the Shutdown
"Because there are fewer inspectors monitoring products that are of high risk to pregnant women, they need to be even more careful about the food they consume," said Bill Marler, a food safety attorney and activist who played a role in crafting the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011. As a result of the shutdown, Marler told me there could be a greater risk of an listeria outbreak. Pregnant women are more likely to contract listeria, an infection from foodborne bacteria that can cause miscarriage, preterm birth, stillbirth, or birth defects. Right now, it's even more important to avoid the list of risky foods for pregnant women. You should consult with your own ob-gyn, but they often include:
- Soft cheese
- Deli meats
- Pâte
- Undercooked meat, poultry, or seafood
- Sprouts
- Precut fruits and vegetables
- Prepackaged salads or sandwiches
- Unpasteurized juice
- Marler also thinks it's best to skip "ready to eat" food, which could include leafy greens, ice cream, or peanut butter
The FDA inspects produce like leafy greens. Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography/ Diggy Lyod
"I would only eat things I could cook myself."
The USDA, which inspects meat, poultry, eggs, and catfish, has been working without pay throughout the shutdown. It's required by law that all meat products are inspected before they are sold, but the same requirement does not apply to the food inspected by the FDA, which accounts for 80 percent of the American food supply, as well as some imports. After weeks, the FDA is now restarting routine inspections on high-risk products like soft cheeses, seafood, custard-filled bakery products, risky fruits and vegetables, unpasteurized juices, and baby formula. Still, Marler thinks the overall stress of the shutdown could impact those who are still working: "They're essentially being asked to protect us while being worried about other things."
Based on his experience, Marler suggested pregnant women take extra precautions during this time. "I would only eat things I could cook myself," he said, adding that it might be the time to skip eating out. "If you go out to dinner, you're putting the risk of cooking it into another person's hands."
When Will Things Return to Normal?
If you're pregnant, you're probably wondering how long until you can enjoy a fresh salad or a meal out without worrying. Even after the shutdown is over, it could take a while for the system to return to how it was before. "If I were a pregnant woman, I would wait for a while after the government opened again until I felt confident that the system was working. At least a couple of weeks," Marler said. In addition to testing and enforcing safety standards, the FDA spends time educating companies about best practices. During the shutdown, that's not happening, and it could take time to make up the loss. In addition, some federal food safety employees might start looking for new, more reliable jobs. "The FDA doesn't have enough inspectors even when there isn't a shutdown," Marler said, which means the shutdown is only adding to the problem.
There is some good news, though. Food companies do some testing themselves and if they identify an outbreak in their products, they have a legal obligation to alert the public. "Food safety continues to be grocers' greatest priority despite this government shutdown," Heather Garlich, a spokesperson for the Food Marketing Institute, told POPSUGAR. FMI advocates for food retail businesses, like grocery stores. While Garlich said vulnerable populations like pregnant women should always take extra care, she assured me that food retailers and suppliers continue to do what they can to keep food in their control safe. "Namely, they maintain their food safety action plans, guard supply chain controls, perform routine retail food safety training, and work to relay critical food safety information to their customers," she said. Hopefully that and some extra precautions from expecting women will be enough.
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