norajworld

[norajworld]

Jeannie Mai spent decades of her adult life convinced that she didn’t want to have kids, but after meeting and building a life with her husband, Jeezy, her mindset shifted. At 43 years old, she welcomed her first child, a daughter named Monaco, and she’s been extremely open about her journey with motherhood ever since. The Real co-host has explained that some difficult childhood trauma she endured had her convinced that she wouldn’t ever want children, but after having Monaco, Mai sees motherhood as a second chance to experience childhood while taking measures to ensure her daughter’s is the happiest, healthiest, and safest it can be. “As a child, when you are taken from things that feel good and whole and safe, it’s hard to see anything as trustworthy moving forward,” the TV host said in a video on her YouTube channel. She added, “I’ve been through so much, and I’ve survived and I’m shining. My heart is ready. I was meant to be a mom.” Months after her daughter arrived in the world, Mai wrote in an emotional Instagram post, “Nobody told me it was going to be like THIS. This one little person could rewind time, reboot all my emotions, and help me learn what I need to unlearn??” For her 45th birthday today on Jan 4, we got a great way to look back on all her wise words. For more refreshingly real tidbits about her experience with motherhood, including how little Monaco has helped her mama heal those emotional wounds, scroll on. This article was originally published in April 2023. Helping People Who Aren’t Ready to Be Moms Image Credit: Photo By: Priscilla Grant/Everett Collection In an interview with People, Jeannie Mai gave some first-hand advice for women who aren’t ready to be moms just yet. She said, “For the woman who is not quite ready to be a mom and is maybe doubting herself — that’s okay. Those are valid feelings that you’ve got to lean into.” She added, “I think the best part about me being a mom is that I actually owned that I doubted myself and that I didn’t know why I had such walls up about my own abilities. And I learned that it came from a lot of childhood trauma … things that happened in my childhood that I blamed myself for. I still carry guilt [because] I have resentment towards people.” Making Her Daughter Her Top Priority Image Credit: Photo by Michael Buckner/WWD via Getty Images. Mai told EOnline in April 2024 that “I’m having a really good time soaking in my intimacy. I’m not gonna lie, Monaco takes full front seat in my life. She’s 1,000 percent my priority and my schedule. But I’m learning how to position myself so that I get what I need as well.” How Monaco Changed Everything Image Credit: Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images. On Dec 30, 2022, Mai shared the photos with the caption reading, “To my dearest @monacomaijenkins, When you entered this world, you forever changed the trajectory of my life. Your adorable giggle and dance moves to anything MJ 🎤 remind me to cherish the simple things, and your defiance inspires me to face my challenges with courage. You brought a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment into my existence 🥹.” She added, “Happy birthday, sweet Coco. Mommy is praying your journey through life be filled with deep connections and a sense of wonder that never fades. Yup, I’m bawling as I write this. Mẹ yêu Coco mãi mãi ❤️✨ Forever yours, Mommy.” Navigating Divorce as a Mother Image Credit: Cindy Ord/Getty Images. In October 2023, Mai opened up to Sherri Shepherd about handling her divorce from her estranged husband Jeezy. During an appearance on Shepherd’s talk show Sherri, the newly single mother shared, “You know, Monaco… That is my North Star.” Mai continued, “I can definitely tell you that I don’t know if I would handle this the same way without her because today, I’m able to look at her and I can say, ‘What would I advise you if you were in my shoes?’ And it changes everything,” she said. Reframing Her Relationship With Her Mom After Becoming a Mother Image Credit: Getty Images. “Ever since we had Monaco, I see baby pictures of myself and Mama Mai with completely different eyes,” The Real host wrote on Instagram in celebration of Mother’s Day 2023. Mai continued, “My mother always said, ‘I am the root, my kids is the tree.’ Navigating motherhood today, I understand the depth of her words. From my brother’s unwavering support, to the incredible grandparents who raised us, we form a tapestry of interconnected branches nurturing lil Monaco 🥹” She lovingly concluded, “On this Mother’s Day, I am so thankful for the roots that ground us and the bonds that help my mom journey be the healthiest it can be 🌳🌳.” Being Proud of Herself for Being a Mom Per Good Morning America, Mai revealed how proud she is of herself for being a new mom. “[I’ve] never felt so proud of myself, and never felt so much more like a woman,” she said. “It’s just a lot of pressure — yes, I’m putting on myself — to perform. But I’m trying and I want to reward myself just for doing that.”  Celebrating Her Daughter & New Life as a Mother Image Credit: Kelsey McNeal/ABC via Getty Images. In celebration of Monaco’s first birthday, Mai wrote on Instagram, “One year ago, you made me a mom..and girl you’ve transformed my life. You got me cursing less, doing laundry more, and gave me new followers from our content 😂You’re the best,” she joked, adding, “We adore you our precious Monaco Mai Jenkins ❤️.” On Realizing She Was Ready For Motherhood Image Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage. Mai has been open about being sexually abused as a child, and that trauma convinced her she didn’t want kids of her own for a long time. However, in a video on her YouTube channel, The Real co-host explained the shift in her mindset. “As a child, when you are taken from things that feel good and whole and safe, it’s hard to see anything as trustworthy moving forward,” she said. “I realize that the reason I didn’t want to have kids is because that feeling when I was a kid was so real and so damaging to the point that I’m 42 today still dealing with trust issues and confidence.” Mai continued, “It still scares me whether or not I can keep a kid safe from someone else who might hurt them. [But] I’m so thankful because I’ve never felt this ready. I’ve been through so much, and I’ve survived and I’m shining. My heart is ready. I was meant to be a mom.”  Healing Through Her Child Image Credit: Michael Tullberg/Getty Images. In an emotional Instagram post featuring photos of herself and her daughter, Mai wrote, “Nobody told me it was going to be like THIS. This one little person could rewind time, reboot all my emotions, and help me learn what I need to unlearn??” She asked, “Are kids chances to heal from our own childhood? feels like olddd deep wounds finally getting treated. God im always crying i can’t take it I needed u @monacomaijenkins.”  A Whole New World Image Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images. The TV host opened up to PEOPLE in December 2022 about her experience with motherhood, sharing, “It is hard work, but I love every part of it.” She added, “And it doesn’t feel like work. … Having Monaco made me feel like I’ve been born again. It sounds so overly spiritual and almost religious. But no, I just mean that, like, I see through different eyes.” Mai continued, “My ears hear different sounds. My heart beats to a different melody. I’m just so amazed at how a little person could make you feel so good about yourself and so hopeful about life. … That little person has completely awakened me to seeing the world a whole different way,” she said. “And the crazy thing is, my daughter gives me so much confidence.” The How Do I Look? star explained, “I like myself more as a mom. I like myself more getting up and taking care of somebody else and tending to her and watching her actually register things that we’ve worked so hard to teach her. I can’t believe, like, that’s such an accomplishment. I didn’t realize that,” Mai admitted. Teaching Through Her Own Learned Wisdom Image Credit: Araya Doheny/Getty Images. “You realize how much you went through as a child as an adult because you’re either healing from those things or you’re reworking or relearning or unlearning things that you went through as a child,” Mai told PEOPLE in 2022. “You get to do it all over again when you have a baby. That’s the crazy part.” She added, “I love my parents and I love my family. They did the best with what they know, but now I know more. I actually have more tools to equip this little girl to be the healthiest and the most peaceful-minded she can be because of what I’ve learned that allows me to live my childhood again. And that is life-saving.” It Truly Does Take a Village Image Credit: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images. During a November 2022 interview with PEOPLE, Mai spoke on the age-old “It takes a village” saying. She said, “I used to be, well, I still am a boss, I can get it done by myself, but I ain’t that bossy by myself as a mom, I need help.” The Real host explained, “I need my mom giving me advice, I need all the other moms around this area to tell me what you do with a 10-month-old. Every other week there’s some new thing that comes up with her that I got to ask and check about and I call, I listen to my friends and my pediatrician before I listen to the internet or Google,” she shared. “So, I’ve learned that you really need that village.” On Postpartum Anxiety Image Credit: Leon Bennett/Getty Images. “The new mom anxiety is real and I wasn’t prepared for the hit of it,” Mai said in a conversation with PEOPLE. “Here I am going through postpartum with worries, with heart palpitations, with an inability to sleep, and I was like, ‘I’m not depressed; I’m actually super stoked and happy, but I’m worried and really anxious and fidgety,’ and I didn’t know what it was,” she recalled. The TV host explained that once she was able to identify the inner turmoil as postpartum anxiety, she began to cope with the emotions better. Mai shared, “Now that I know what it is, I still get anxiety attacks, but I’m aware that it’s just a phase.” The Ups & Downs of Breastfeeding Image Credit: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Gold House. Mai wrote about her breastfeeding journey at length in an Instagram post, calling out both the high and low moments she experienced along the way. “Been tackling this breastfeeding thing for two months,” she began. “Listening to a lactation nurse, reading advice online, and getting so much help from other moms (🙏).” She continued, “Hands down, it’s been the most difficult part of this entire mom journey. I already HEARD it was gonna be, but I never imagined this. For me, it’s was even more difficult than giving birth 😳,” Mai revealed. “I had to catch myself because it actually got to my mental, and things started to feel dark,” she shared. “Comparing myself to other moms, frustrated from the ups and down of pumping an ounce one day, nothing the next … and this is ON TOP of all the anxiety this journey can bring.” She closed with a nod to moms everywhere, including herself: “I have more respect for moms than ever in my life. And I have to remember me included 🥴✨🥇Hugs to every mom out there❤️” On Mom Guilt Image Credit: Kelsey McNeal/ABC via Getty Images. Mai opened up about mom guilt in a January 2023 Instagram post, sharing that she always felt like she was good at being present, but after having a child, she now has a different perspective on what being present actually means. She wrote, “As a working mom, there are many times where I gotta tune out…And coming back, I feel the guilt every time I do. Monaco is teaching me what being ‘in the moment’ really means and how I can improve my human connection with everyone.” Mai added, “This experiment also taught me how I can make up the time with Monaco when mommy has to step away. Hope this helps Mommies out there.” Source link

[norajworld]

Embarking on long-distance off-roading adventures with your Jeep is the epitome of freedom and exploration. Whether you’re traversing expansive deserts, navigating dense forests, or conquering rugged mountain trails, ensuring your Jeep is prepared for the journey is crucial. At JEGS, we specialize in providing top-quality aftermarket truck parts that enhance your Jeep’s performance and reliability for extended off-road excursions. This guide outlines best practices for long-distance off-roading, focusing on essential driving techniques and the gear and equipment needed to make your adventure safe and enjoyable.Driving Techniques for Long-Distance Off-RoadingMastering the right driving techniques is fundamental to successfully navigating long-distance off-road trails. These skills not only improve your vehicle’s performance but also ensure your safety and that of your passengers.1. Maintain a Steady Pace: Maintaining a consistent speed is key when tackling long-distance off-roading. Sudden accelerations or decelerations can destabilize your Jeep, especially on uneven or slippery terrains. A steady pace allows for better control and reduces the risk of getting stuck or losing traction.2. Use Proper Gear Selection: Understanding and utilizing the correct gear is essential for managing different terrains. Use lower gears when navigating steep inclines or rocky paths to maximize torque and prevent overheating your engine. Higher gears are suitable for flat, open areas where speed and fuel efficiency are priorities.3. Navigate Obstacles Carefully: When encountering obstacles such as rocks, logs, or water crossings, approach them with caution. Assess the best path and adjust your speed accordingly. Use your Jeep’s ground clearance and suspension to absorb impacts, and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers that could cause damage or loss of control.4. Practice Smooth Steering: Smooth and deliberate steering inputs help maintain your Jeep’s stability on challenging trails. Avoid oversteering or making sudden turns, which can lead to skidding or tipping. Instead, anticipate the terrain ahead and steer gently to navigate curves and obstacles effectively.5. Utilize Recovery Techniques: Even with the best preparations, unexpected situations can arise. Learn basic recovery techniques such as using recovery straps, winches, and traction aids. Familiarize yourself with your Jeep’s recovery points and ensure all passengers understand emergency procedures.Essential Gear and EquipmentEquipping your Jeep with the right gear and equipment is vital for long-distance off-roading. Proper preparation ensures you’re ready to handle any challenges that come your way and enhances your overall off-road experience.1. Reliable Communication Devices: Staying connected is crucial during long-distance off-roading. Equip your Jeep with reliable communication devices such as two-way radios or satellite phones to maintain contact with your group and call for help if needed. These devices are indispensable in remote areas where cell service is unavailable.2. Comprehensive Recovery Kit: A well-stocked recovery kit can be a lifesaver when off-roading. Include items such as recovery straps, shackles, a winch, and traction boards. These tools enable you to recover your Jeep from difficult situations like mud traps or deep sand without external assistance.3. High-Performance Exhaust Systems: Upgrading to a Flowmaster exhaust system can significantly improve your Jeep’s engine performance and fuel efficiency. These exhaust systems enhance airflow, reduce back pressure, and increase horsepower, making your Jeep more capable of handling long-distance off-road trails with ease. Additionally, a high-performance exhaust system provides a more aggressive sound that complements your Jeep’s rugged appearance.4. Enhanced Suspension and Tires: Investing in a robust suspension system and high-quality off-road tires is essential for long-distance off-roading. Upgraded shocks and springs improve your Jeep’s handling and comfort over rough terrains, while durable tires with deep treads provide better traction and reduce the risk of punctures on extended journeys.5. Navigation and Mapping Tools: Reliable navigation tools are indispensable for long-distance off-roading. Equip your Jeep with GPS systems, detailed topographical maps, and trail guides to ensure you stay on the right path. Advanced navigation systems with real-time updates and waypoint tracking can help you navigate unfamiliar trails with confidence.6. Power Management Solutions: Managing your Jeep’s power efficiently is crucial for long trips. Consider installing auxiliary batteries, solar panels, or power inverters to keep your essential devices charged. These solutions ensure that your communication devices, lights, and other electronics remain operational throughout your adventure.7. Engine Performance Upgrades: For Jeep enthusiasts looking to maximize their vehicle’s capabilities, investing in ProCharger kits can provide a substantial boost in horsepower and torque. These supercharger kits deliver forced induction, resulting in enhanced engine performance and reliability, making your Jeep better equipped to handle the demands of long-distance off-roading.ConclusionLong-distance off-roading with your Jeep is a rewarding experience that offers unparalleled freedom and adventure. By mastering essential driving techniques and equipping your vehicle with the right gear and equipment, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey through the toughest terrains. At JEGS, we are committed to providing the highest quality jeep accessories and aftermarket truck parts to support your off-road endeavors. Whether you’re enhancing your Jeep’s performance with ProCharger kits or upgrading your exhaust system with Flowmaster, JEGS has the parts you need to maximize your Jeep’s potential. Prepare your Jeep for the ultimate long-distance off-roading adventure and explore the great outdoors with confidence and capability.Like this:Like Loading... Related !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' Source link

[norajworld]

Race suits are crucial for motorsport enthusiasts, offering both safety and performance benefits. However, determining the right leather race suit size can be challenging, especially for newcomers to the sport. In this comprehensive guide, we will address 100 frequently asked questions about race suit sizes to assist you in making informed decisions and ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for your racing needs. Q 1: What are race suits? A: Race suits are one-piece or two-piece garments that are worn by racing drivers to protect them from injury in the event of a crash. They are made of fire-resistant materials and are designed to provide freedom of movement while also keeping the driver warm. Q 2: Why is choosing the correct race suit size important? A: A race suit that is too big or too small can restrict movement and make it difficult for the driver to escape from the car in the event of a crash. It can also increase the risk of injury if the suit does not provide adequate protection. Q 3: How do I measure myself for a race suit? A: To measure yourself for a race suit, you will need to take your height, weight, chest, waist, hips, and inseam. You can find a race suit size chart online or in the manufacturer's instructions. Q 4: How do race suit sizes correspond to regular clothing sizes? A: Race suit sizes do not correspond directly to regular clothing sizes. Race suit sizes are based on your height, weight, and body measurements. Q 5: Can I rely solely on my body measurements to select a race suit size? A: No, you should not rely solely on your body measurements to select a race suit size. You should also try on the race suit to make sure that it fits properly. Q 6: What should I consider when trying on a race suit? A: When trying on a race suit, you should consider the following: The fit of the suit around your shoulders, chest, waist, hips, and inseam. The amount of freedom of movement you have in the suit. The thickness of the material. The overall comfort of the suit. Q 7: What if I fall between two race suit sizes? A: If you fall between two race suit sizes, you may need to size up or down depending on your personal preferences. If you are unsure of which size to choose, it is always best to err on the side of caution and size up. Q 8: Can race suits be customized for a perfect fit? A: Yes, race suits can be customized for a perfect fit. This is usually done by a professional tailor. Q 9: What are the key features of a well-fitted race suit? A: The key features of a well-fitted race suit include: A snug fit around the shoulders, chest, waist, hips, and inseam. Enough freedom of movement to allow you to drive comfortably. A comfortable fit that does not restrict your breathing. Q 10: Should I consider different race suit sizes for different motorsport disciplines? A: Yes, you may need to consider different race suit sizes for different motorsport disciplines. For example, a race suit that is designed for karting may be too small for a race suit that is designed for Formula One. Q 11: Can I wear multiple layers under a race suit for added protection? A: Yes, you can wear multiple layers under a race suit for added protection. However, you should make sure that the layers are not too thick, as this can restrict your movement. Q 12: How tight should a race suit fit? A: A race suit should fit snugly but not too tightly. The suit should not restrict your breathing or movement. Q 13: What are the consequences of wearing an ill-fitting race suit? A: An ill-fitting race suit can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. The suit may not provide adequate protection, and it may also restrict your movement, making it difficult to escape from the car. Q 14: Are there specific race suit size guidelines for children? A: Yes, there are specific race suit size guidelines for children. These guidelines are based on the child's height, weight, and body measurements. Q 15: Can I alter a race suit if it doesn't fit perfectly? A: Ye5, you can alter a race suit if it doesn't fit perfectly. However, it is important to have the alterations done by a professional tailor. Q 16: Are there gender-specific race suits? A: Yes, there are gender-specific race suits. These suits are designed to fit the different body shapes of men and women. Q 17: How do I care for and clean my race suit? A: Race suits should be cared for and cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, race suits should be hand-washed in cold water with a mild detergent. They should then be air-dried. Q 18: Can I wear a race suit with personal protective equipment (PPE)? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with personal protective equipment (PPE). However, you should make sure that the PPE does not restrict your movement or make it difficult to breathe Q 19: Are there different race suit sizes for different climates? A: Yes, there are different race suit sizes for different climates. Race suits made from heavier materials, such as Nomex, are better suited for cold climates. Race suits made from lighter materials, such as Cordura, are better suited for hot climates. Q 20: What role does the material play in race suit sizing? A: The material of a race suit plays a major role in its sizing. Race suits made from heavier materials, such as Nomex, will be larger than race suits made from lighter materials, such as Cordura. This is because heavier materials require more space to allow for movement. Q 21: How does weight affect race suit size selection? A: Weight also affects race suit size selection. Heavier drivers will need a larger race suit than lighter drivers. This is because heavier drivers put more stress on the material of the race suit. Q 22: How long should a race suit typically last? A: A race suit should typically last for 5-7 years, depending on the material and how often it is used. Race suits that are made from heavier materials, such as Nomex, will typically last longer than race suits that are made from lighter materials, such as Cordura. Q 23: Can I use a race suit that has been involved in a crash? A: No, you should not use a race suit that has been involved in a crash. The race suit may have been damaged in the crash and may not provide adequate protection in the event of another crash. Q 24: Are there regulations regarding race suit sizes in motorsports? A: Yes, there are regulations regarding race suit sizes in motorsports. These regulations are designed to ensure that race suits provide adequate protection for drivers. The specific regulations vary depending on the motorsport discipline. Q 25: Can I rent a race suit instead of buying one? A: Yes, you can rent a race suit instead of buying one. This is a good option if you are only racing occasionally. However, if you are racing regularly, it is a good idea to buy your own race suit. Q 26: Should I consider a one-piece or a two-piece race suit? A: There are pros and cons to both one-piece and two-piece race suits. One-piece race suits provide more protection and are easier to put on and take off. Two-piece race suits are more comfortable and allow for more freedom of movement. The best type of race suit for you will depend on your personal preferences and the type of motorsport you are competing in. Q 27: Can I wear a race suit without a racing helmet? A: No, you should not wear a race suit without a racing helmet. The racing helmet provides protection for your head and face in the event of a crash. A race suit alone does not provide adequate protection for your head and face. Q 28: Are there specific race suit sizes for different age groups? Yes, there are specific race suit sizes for different age groups. Race suits are typically sized by height, weight, and chest size. Q 29: What is the difference between a race suit and a driving suit? A race suit is a fire-resistant garment that is designed to protect drivers in the event of a crash. A driving suit is a non-fire-resistant garment that is designed to keep drivers warm and comfortable. Q 30: Are there alternative options to traditional race suits? A: Yes, there are alternative options to traditional race suits. These options include: Fire-resistant clothing: This is non-form-fitting clothing that is made from fire-resistant materials. Fire-resistant blankets: These are large blankets that are made from fire-resistant materials. They can be used to protect drivers in the event of a crash. Fire-resistant suits: These are suits that are made from fire-resistant materials. They are designed to fit more loosely than traditional race suits. Q 31: How does body shape impact race suit size selection? A: Body shape can impact race suit size selection. Drivers with a larger build will need a larger race suit than drivers with a smaller build. Drivers with a larger chest or waist will also need a larger race suit. Q 32: Can I wear a race suit that is slightly too big? A: A race suit that is slightly too big will not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash. The race suit may not be able to contain the driver's body in the event of a crash. Q 33: How do I determine the appropriate race suit size for someone else? A: The best way to determine the appropriate race suit size for someone else is to have them try on the race suit. You can also measure the person's height, weight, and chest size and use a race suit size chart. Q 34: What is the importance of shoulder mobility in a race suit? A: Shoulder mobility is important in a race suit because it allows the driver to move their arms freely. This is essential for driving, as the driver needs to be able to reach all of the controls in the car. A race suit with limited shoulder mobility can restrict the driver's movement and make it difficult to drive safely. Q 35: Are there any specific considerations for petite or taller individuals? A: Yes, there are specific considerations for petite or taller individuals when choosing a race suit. Petite individuals may need a race suit that is shorter in the torso and arms. Taller individuals may need a race suit that is longer in the torso and arms. It is also important to make sure that the race suit fits snugly around the shoulders, even for petite individuals. Q 36: Can I wear a race suit with body armor or protective padding? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with body armor or protective padding. Body armor or protective padding can help to protect the driver in the event of a crash. However, it is important to make sure that the body armor or protective padding fits properly under the race suit. Q 37: What are the typical price ranges for race suits? A: The typical price range for race suits is $500-$1,500. However, there are race suits that can cost more than $2,000. The price of a race suit depends on the material, the features, and the brand. Q 38: How do I know if a race suit is approved for motorsport use? A: Race suits that are approved for motorsport use will have a certification label from a recognized organization, such as the FIA or the Snell Foundation. This label will indicate that the race suit has met the safety standards for motorsport use. Q 39: Can I use a race suit for other activities besides motorsports? A: Yes, you can use a race suit for other activities besides motorsports. Race suits can be used for activities such as karting, motocross, and paintball. However, it is important to make sure that the race suit fits properly and that it is made from a material that is appropriate for the activity. Q 40: Are there any alternative closures to zippers on race suits? A: Yes, there are some alternative closures to zippers on race suits. These closures include Velcro, hook-and-loop fasteners, and snap buttons. Alternative closures are often used on race suits for children or petite individuals, as they can be easier to fasten. Q 41: Can I wear a race suit that has been altered by a non-professional? A: No, you should not wear a race suit that has been altered by a non-professional. Alterations to a race suit can compromise the safety of the suit. If you need to have your race suit altered, it is important to have it done by a professional. Q 42: How should I store my race suit when not in use? A: You should store your race suit in a cool, dry place. You should also avoid folding the race suit, as this can damage the material. It is a good idea to store your race suit in a garment bag or a storage box. Q 43: Can I use a race suit that has faded in color? A: Yes, you can use a race suit that has faded in color. However, it is important to make sure that the race suit is still in good condition and that it meets the safety standards for motorsport use. Q 44: What are the advantages of a custom-made race suit? A: A custom-made race suit will fit you perfectly and will provide the best possible protection in the event of a crash. A custom-made race suit will also be more comfortable to wear. Q 45: Are there specific race suit sizes for pregnant drivers? A: Yes, there are specific race suit sizes for pregnant drivers. These race suits are designed to accommodate the changing body of a pregnant woman. Q 46: How often should I check the fit of my race suit? A: You should check the fit of your race suit regularly. The fit of your race suit may change over time, as your body changes. You should also check the fit of your race suit after a crash, as the race suit may have been damaged. Q 47: Can I wear a race suit without gloves? A: No, you should not wear a race suit without gloves. Gloves help to protect your hands in the event of a crash. They also help to keep your hands warm and comfortable. Q 48: How do I choose the right race suit size for endurance racing? A: You should choose a race suit that is slightly larger than your normal size for endurance racing. This will give you more freedom of movement and will help to prevent the race suit from becoming uncomfortable Q 49: Can I wear a race suit with different shoes than racing boots? A: No, you should not wear a race suit with different shoes than racing boots. Racing boots are designed to protect your feet and ankles in the event of a crash. They also help to keep your feet warm and comfortable. If you wear different shoes than racing boots, your feet may not be properly protected in the event of a crash. Q 50: Are there any specific considerations for plus-size individuals? A: Yes, there are some specific considerations for plus-size individuals when choosing a race suit. Plus-size individuals may need a race suit that is larger in the chest, waist, and hips. They may also need a race suit that is made from a more stretchy material. It is important to make sure that the race suit fits properly and that it does not restrict movement. It is also important to talk to a race suit manufacturer or retailer about your specific needs. They can help you find a race suit that is right for you. Q 51: Can I wear a race suit with an airbag system? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with an airbag system. However, it is important to make sure that the race suit and airbag system are compatible. The airbag system should be specifically designed for use with race suits, and it should be installed by a qualified technician. Q 52: How do I ensure a proper fit for the race suit's collar? A: The collar of a race suit is important for preventing neck injuries in the event of a crash. To ensure a proper fit, the collar should be snug but not too tight. It should be high enough to cover the base of the skull, and it should not restrict breathing. Q 53: Are there any specific race suit sizes for disabled drivers? A: Yes, there are some race suit manufacturers that offer specific sizes for disabled drivers. These suits are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, prosthetics, and other disabilities. Q 54: Can I wear a race suit with a neck brace? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a neck brace. However, it is important to make sure that the neck brace is properly fitted and that it does not restrict movement. Q 55: What are the differences between single-layer, double-layer, and triple-layer race suits? A: Single-layer race suits are the most basic type of race suit. They are made of a single layer of fire-resistant material. Double-layer race suits have two layers of fire-resistant material, which provides added protection. Triple-layer race suits have three layers of fire-resistant material, which provides the most protection. Q 56: Can I wear a race suit with jewelry or accessories? A: No, you should not wear jewelry or accessories with a race suit. Jewelry can catch on something in the event of a crash, and it can also restrict movement. Accessories, such as watches or belts, can also catch on something and cause injury. Q 57: How do I choose the right race suit size for karting? A: When choosing a race suit size for karting, it is important to make sure that the suit is snug but not too tight. The suit should allow you to move freely, but it should also be tight enough to prevent it from riding up in the event of a crash. Q 58: Can I wear a race suit with a back protector? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a back protector. Back protectors are designed to protect the spine in the event of a crash. They are typically made of a hard plastic or foam that is designed to absorb impact. Q 59: What should I do if my race suit size is not available? A: If your race suit size is not available, you can try to find a suit that is one size larger or smaller. You can also try to find a suit that is made of a different material, such as a single-layer suit instead of a double-layer suit. Q 60: Are there specific race suit sizes for female drivers? A: Yes, there are some race suit manufacturers that offer specific sizes for female drivers. These suits are designed to accommodate the different body shapes of female drivers. Q 61: Can I wear a race suit without socks? A: No, you should not wear a race suit without socks. Socks help to prevent blisters and other foot injuries. They also help to keep the race suit from bunching up around your ankles. Q 62: How do I choose the right race suit size for rally racing? A: When choosing a race suit size for rally racing, it is important to make sure that the suit is snug but not too tight. The suit should allow you to move freely, but it should also be tight enough to prevent it from riding up in the event of a crash. You may also want to consider a suit that is made of a thicker material, such as a double-layer suit, to provide added protection in the event of a roll-over. Q 63: Can I wear a race suit with prescription glasses or contact lenses? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with prescription glasses or contact lenses. However, it is important to make sure that your glasses or contact lenses are properly fitted and that they do not restrict your vision. Q 64: What should I do if I lose or gain weight after purchasing a race suit? A: If you lose or gain weight after purchasing a race suit, you may need to have the suit adjusted or replaced. It is important to make sure that the suit fits properly to ensure that it provides adequate protection in the event of a crash. Q 65: Can I wear a race suit with a chest protector? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a chest protector. Chest protectors are designed to protect the chest and rib cage in the event of a crash. They are typically made of a hard. Q 66: How do I determine the appropriate race suit size for a child? A: To determine the appropriate race suit size for a child, you will need to take the child's height, weight, chest, waist, and hip measurements. You can then use a race suit size chart to find the appropriate size. It is important to make sure that the suit fits snugly but not too tightly. The suit should allow the child to move freely, but it should also be tight enough to prevent it from riding up in the event of a crash. Q 67: Can I wear a race suit with a hydration system? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a hydration system. Hydration systems are designed to allow you to stay hydrated during long races. They typically consist of a backpack with a reservoir of water and a tube that leads to a drinking nozzle. The nozzle is located in the chest area of the race suit, so you can easily drink water without having to take off the suit. Q 68: What are the benefits of a race suit with stretch panels? A: Race suits with stretch panels are more comfortable and allow for more freedom of movement. The stretch panels are typically made of a material that is similar to Lycra. They are located in the armpits, knees, and other areas of the suit where movement is most restricted. Q 69: Can I wear a race suit with a balaclava? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a balaclava. Balaclavas are designed to protect the face and head from the elements. They are typically made of a thin, breathable material that will not restrict your vision or breathing. Q 70: How do I choose the right race suit size for drag racing? A: When choosing a race suit size for drag racing, it is important to make sure that the suit is snug but not too tight. The suit should allow you to move freely, but it should also be tight enough to prevent it from riding up in the event of a crash. You may also want to consider a suit that is made of a thicker material, such as a double-layer suit, to provide added protection in the event of a roll-over. Q 71: Can I wear a race suit with a communication device? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a communication device. Communication devices are designed to allow you to communicate with your pit crew or other drivers during a race. They typically consist of a headset with a microphone and a radio receiver. The headset is located in the helmet, and the radio receiver is located in the race suit. Q 72: What should I do if my race suit is too tight around the waist? A: If your race suit is too tight around the waist, you can try to loosen the belt. If the belt is already as loose as it can go, you may need to purchase a larger size suit. Q 73: Can I wear a race suit with knee pads? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with knee pads. Knee pads are designed to protect the knees from injury in the event of a crash. They are typically made of a hard plastic or foam that is designed to absorb impact. Q 74: How do I choose the right race suit size for motorcycle racing? A: When choosing a race suit size for motorcycle racing, it is important to make sure that the suit is snug but not too tight. The suit should allow you to move freely, but it should also be tight enough to prevent it from riding up in the event of a crash. You may also want to consider a suit that is made of a thicker material, such as a double-layer suit, to provide added protection in the event of a slide. Q 75: Can I wear a race suit with a rib protector? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a rib protector. Rib protectors are designed to protect the ribs from injury in the event of a crash. They are typically made of a hard plastic or foam that is designed to absorb impact. Q 76: What should I do if my race suit is too loose around the wrists or ankles? A: If your race suit is too loose around the wrists or ankles, you can try to tighten the cuffs. If the cuffs are already as tight as they can go, you may need to purchase a smaller size suit. Q 77: Can I wear a race suit with a cooling system? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a cooling system. Cooling systems are designed to keep you cool during long races. They typically consist of a pump that circulates water through a series of tubes that are located in the race suit. The water is cooled by a radiator or ice pack. Q 78: How do I choose the right race suit size for autocross? A: When choosing a race suit size for autocross, it is important to make sure that the suit is snug Q 79: Can I wear a race suit with a head and neck restraint system? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a head and neck restraint system. Head and neck restraint systems, such as HANS devices, are designed to prevent head and neck injuries in the event of a crash. They are typically worn in conjunction with a race helmet. Q 80: What should I do if my race suit is too tight in the shoulder area? A: If your race suit is too tight in the shoulder area, you can try to loosen the shoulder straps. If the shoulder straps are already as loose as they can go, you may need to purchase a larger size suit. Q 81: Can I wear a race suit with a respiratory mask? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a respiratory mask. Respiratory masks are designed to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful fumes or gases. They are typically worn in conjunction with a race helmet. Q 82: How do I choose the right race suit size for off-road racing? A: When choosing a race suit size for off-road racing, it is important to make sure that the suit is snug but not too tight. The suit should allow you to move freely, but it should also be tight enough to prevent it from riding up in the event of a crash. You may also want to consider a suit that is made of a thicker material, such as a double-layer suit, to provide added protection in the event of a roll-over. Q 83: Can I wear a race suit with a data acquisition system? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a data acquisition system. Data acquisition systems are designed to collect data about the driver's performance during a race. This data can be used to improve the driver's performance and to troubleshoot problems. Q 84: What should I do if my race suit is too loose in the chest region? A: If your race suit is too loose in the chest region, you can try to tighten the chest straps. If the chest straps are already as tight as they can go, you may need to purchase a smaller size suit. Q 85: Can I wear a race suit with a hydration backpack? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a hydration backpack. Hydration backpacks are designed to allow you to stay hydrated during long races. They typically consist of a backpack with a reservoir of water and a tube that leads to a drinking nozzle. The nozzle is located in the chest area of the race suit, so you can easily drink water without having to take off the suit. Q 86: How do I choose the right race suit size for track days? A: When choosing a race suit size for track days, it is important to make sure that the suit is snug but not too tight. The suit should allow you to move freely, but it should also be tight enough to prevent it from riding up in the event of a crash. You may also want to consider a suit that is made of a fire-resistant material. Q 87: Can I wear a race suit with a transponder or timing chip? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a transponder or timing chip. Transponders and timing chips are used to track the driver's progress during a race. They are typically attached to the race suit with a velcro strap. Q 88: What should I do if my race suit is too tight in the hip area? A: If your race suit is too tight in the hip area, you can try to loosen the hip straps. If the hip straps are already as tight as they can go, you may need to purchase a larger size suit. Q 89: Can I wear a race suit with a performance monitoring device? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a performance monitoring device. Performance monitoring devices are designed to collect data about the driver's heart rate, breathing rate, and other physiological data. This data can be used to improve the driver's performance and to troubleshoot problems. Q 90: How do I choose the right race suit size for hill climb racing? A: When choosing a race suit size for hill climb racing, it is important to make sure that the suit is snug but not too tight. The suit should allow you to move freely, but it should also be tight enough to prevent it from riding up in the event of a crash. You may also want to consider a suit that is made of a fire-resistant material. Q 91: Can I wear a race suit with a camera system? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a camera system. However, it is important to make sure that the camera system does not restrict your movement or interfere with your safety gear. You should also make sure that the camera system is securely attached to your race suit so that it does not come loose in the event of an accident. Q 92: What should I do if my race suit is too loose in the leg area? A: If your race suit is too loose in the leg area, you can try wearing compression tights underneath the race suit. This will help to keep the race suit snug and prevent it from bunching up. You can also try tightening the straps on the bottom of the race suit. Q 93: Can I wear a race suit with a heart rate monitor? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a heart rate monitor. However, it is important to make sure that the heart rate monitor does not restrict your movement or interfere with your safety gear. You should also make sure that the heart rate monitor is securely attached to your race suit so that it does not come loose in the event of an accident. Q 94: How do I choose the right race suit size for street racing? A: When choosing a race suit for street racing, it is important to choose a size that is snug but not too tight. The race suit should be comfortable to wear and should not restrict your movement. You should also make sure that the race suit is long enough to cover your entire body, including your arms and legs. Q 95: Can I wear a race suit with a cooling vest? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a cooling vest. The cooling vest will help to keep you cool and comfortable during long races or hot weather conditions. However, it is important to make sure that the cooling vest does not restrict your movement or interfere with your safety gear. Q 96: What should I do if my race suit is too tight in the forearm area? A: If your race suit is too tight in the forearm area, you can try wearing a compression sleeve underneath the race suit. This will help to keep the race suit snug and prevent it from restricting your movement. You can also try loosening the straps on the forearm of the race suit. Q 97: Can I wear a race suit with a radio communication system? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a radio communication system. The radio communication system will allow you to communicate with your pit crew or other drivers during a race. However, it is important to make sure that the radio communication system does not restrict your movement or interfere with your safety gear. Q 98: How do I choose the right race suit size for sim racing? A: When choosing a race suit for sim racing, it is important to choose a size that is snug but not too tight. The race suit should be comfortable to wear and should not restrict your movement. You should also make sure that the race suit is long enough to cover your entire body, including your arms and legs. Q 99: Can I wear a race suit with a performance tracking app? A: Yes, you can wear a race suit with a performance tracking app. The performance tracking app will allow you to track your speed, lap times, and other data during a race. However, it is important to make sure that the performance tracking app does not restrict your movement or interfere with your safety gear. Q 100: What should I do if my race suit is too loose overall? A: If your race suit is too loose overall, you can try wearing a compression shirt underneath the race suit. This will help to keep the race suit snug and prevent it from bunching up. You can also try tightening the straps on the race suit. If the race suit is still too loose, you may need to purchase a smaller size. Conclusion: In conclusion, understanding race suit sizes is essential for racers to ensure optimal comfort, performance, and safety on the track. This comprehensive guide, encompassing 100 frequently asked questions, has provided valuable insights into determining the right race suit size. From measuring key body parts to considering fit, materials, and care, these questions cover a wide range of concerns racers may have. By applying this knowledge, racers can confidently select race suits that offer the perfect balance of snugness, protection, and mobility, enhancing their racing experience and promoting their overall well-being on the racecourse. Source link

[norajworld]

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here. This week, I’m giving you a deep dive into my experience planning my outfits and how you can do it, too. It’s resolution season, and with a new year comes a chance to start fresh, particularly with your closet. Maybe you do a winter cleaning and make space for new items or mournfully see the one item that still has the tags on and you haven’t worn all year. Our closet impacts our lives directly. It can be one of our greatest allies or our biggest financial foe, and addressing it in the new year can be life-changing. For this post, I’ll tell you how planning my weekly outfits for six months helped me save money, simplify my life, and gain a greater appreciation for my own personal style. Interested in trying this yourself in the new year? Read on for all the details! What is Outfit Planning? Outfit planning is precisely what it sounds like: deciding in advance what you want to wear on any given day. We actually do this more often than we think, especially for special occasions. We also do it casually. Some people lay out their outfits for the next day before going to sleep and choose what they’re wearing before going on a plane or before an important meeting or interview. It is a present-yet-dismissed area of our daily styling. My Life Before Outfit Planning I’ve known for a while that I spend too much money on clothes, but it hit a new high in early 2024. Over the past year, my weight has fluctuated, and it soon became apparent that much of what was in my closet either didn’t fit me or had stopped looking as good on me as it used to. Opening my closet to get dressed in the morning got overwhelming and frustrating. I had too many clothes. So many things didn’t fit, and others weren’t comfortable anymore. Honestly, I couldn’t even remember most of the things I had. Shopping and sewing soon became a crutch—an expensive one. Whenever I couldn’t figure out what to wear, I either bought or made something new to freshen up my closet, which only added more clutter and didn’t fix the problem. Then, something finally pushed me to change how I dealt with my closet. I left my previously 100% remote job for a better, more stable one that required me to go to the office three days a week. For the first time in almost six years, I had to consider the space and environment of an office. I work in tech, so the dress code is almost non-existent, though obviously, whatever I wear has to be office-appropriate. But within my office attire, I wanted to still dress like me: colorful, put together, and a bit eclectic. Before I started my new job, I decided to plan my outfits for that week, just to take that pressure off as I adjusted to my new role. It went so well, and I wore more items in my closet than I had all year. I also felt more creative and inspired by it. So, I decided to plan my weekly outfits for the next six months. How I Planned Outfits: Goals and Guidelines I had two goals with my outfit-planning experiment: Make life easier – I wanted to take the pressure off getting dressed in the mornings and focus on other things. Maximize and minimize – I wanted to maximize the use of the items in my closet and minimize the money I spent and the frustration I felt. Then, I created a couple of ground rules to really give this a chance and make this work toward my goals: Always start with: What are my activities for each day? – Maybe it was an office day, or I had an event after going to the office, etc. This would be my first consideration. Neglected items – Each week, I vowed to list at least three items I hadn’t worn in a while and style them through the week. I wanted to see if they still fit, if I still liked them, and/or if they still worked for my style. Items I wanted to wear – Maybe I had a brand new thing I wanted to wear for the first time or a specific item I really wanted to focus on. I would make a note of that when planning for the week. Flexibility – I gave myself space to move things around in case things came up during the week, like events, weather, comfortability, etc. Take a picture of every single outfit – Because I knew I wanted to write about it for CF, but also because I wanted to be able to reference what worked and what didn’t work for the future. How Outfit Planning Changed the Game: A Case Study So, I planned my weekly outfits for six months. I went through almost half a notebook’s worth of annotations and penciled-in ideas. In numbers, we’re talking about 25 weeks and about 180 outfits, give or take. That’s a LOT to go through in one post. Luckily, I had a trip in late November and early December with only one medium suitcase at my disposal. It was 12 days, so I decided to make this trip my case study for this blog post’s purposes. Again, I would plan every outfit down to the accessories. Basically, I would apply everything I learned over the past couple of months. A Trip’s Worth of Outfits This is how I planned my outfits for my trip and an example of how I planned my outfits through these six months. Week #1 (November 28th– December 4th) For the first week of the trip, I had six outfits in total, three of which were for days I was traveling. The first look, a full-burgundy ensemble (bottom and top left), is both my first- and second-day outfit since I lost half a day while flying because of the time difference. I arrived so early that I couldn’t check in at the hotel and didn’t want to open my full suitcase. But I had planned for this, so I had a change of shirt, makeup, deodorant, toothbrush, accessories, and a hairbrush in a backpack. The first thing I noticed after wearing the outfits I had planned was the relief I felt at the end of a long, tiring, but fun day. I didn’t have to think about what to wear the next day or wake up earlier to create a look. Every night I just read my paper with my outfits, took out what I needed for the next day, everything else went back into the suitcase, and just relaxed afterwards. There was not a day in which it wasn’t more efficient to just have it already planned out. Lesson: Learn your Colors Through the six months of planning my weekly looks, I noticed that my favorite colors differed from the colors I *actually* wore the most. For example, my absolute favorite color is pink, but I wear red more often and have many more red items in my closet than pink. I soon realized I would wear an item more often if it was red, blue, or green. Based on this, I chose a cohesive, three-to-four-color palette to take on my trip. I chose primary colors (red, blue, and yellow) with black and white as neutrals. I chose these three colors because I knew I was most comfortable in either red or blue, and yellow is a natural color to pair them both with to create put-together, eclectic, cute looks. You can see this perfectly in the tops I chose for these three outfits. They’re practically the same look: a pair of loose-fitting pants, a comfy, colorful top, and accessories. But I knew they would work, and I’d be comfortable no matter what because I knew these were the colors I gravitate towards the most. Lesson: Learn Your Fit Another thing that became apparent while planning my daily outfits was precisely what types of silhouettes and fits I gravitate toward the most. For bottoms, I prefer an A-line, barrel, or straight fit, mostly in long skirts, jeans, or tailored trousers. For tops, I use more anything oversized, menswear-inspired, below the waist, or with a high, round neck. This knowledge narrowed down the items I would consider while planning my trip outfits. I ended up choosing two A-line long skirts, two pairs of straight-fit trousers, and a pair of barrel jeans. For tops, I took two turtlenecks, one mock neck top, three button-down shirts, and one round neckline top. Again, you can see in these four looks all the elements I know I love: menswear, tailoring, comfortable tops, loose-fitting pants, and A-line skirts. Week #2 (December 5th– November 9th) The following week wasn’t a full 7-day week, but I’m still counting it. Two out of five looks were for traveling, and the last outfit was once again the full-on burgundy ensemble from the first two days. This second week, I noticed how much faster I could pinpoint exactly what wasn’t working in an outfit and how to improve it. This week, I realized how clear my style had become. I bought a few things while on my trip, and seeing how much less I bought was eye-opening. I knew not only what would work well with what I had but exactly what was missing from my closet and what these new items would be replacing. It was an amazing feeling just to know how these things blended with everything I had back home based on what I took. Goodbye, buyer’s remorse! Lesson: Learn to Pivot While my planned outfits usually worked out, I allowed myself to change my mind if my activities changed or something didn’t go according to plan. The looks I planned for every week were a healthy mix of casual and put-together. So, for example, I’d be able to change the casual Wednesday outfit for the put-together Saturday outfit as needed. Most of the time, changes occurred because an event or meeting came up that required a more put-together outfit. But sometimes, it was because an item simply didn’t work out. Maybe the jeans I chose wouldn’t go past my thighs that day, or the skirt and top didn’t actually go together like I had envisioned. During the trip, there were three instances in which I had to pivot to make the outfits work for me. One was very simple: I didn’t plan on wearing the burgundy tie with the all-denim outfit, and I decided it would look better with that one than the other outfit I had planned for. The other instance was a bit more challenging to solve. Since it was a trip where I would spend a lot of time outside the hotel, I took a backpack instead of a purse. By day two of the trip, I realized that my backpack was uncomfortable, and I didn’t like how it affected my outfit in general. On day three, I bought an off-white crossbody bag to use during the day and left the backpack for traveling days only. Finally, it got too cold, even more than I had planned for (I wore thermals and tights underneath on the coldest days). So, I finally caved in and bought and wore gloves for the last two days. They weren’t a stylistic choice but a practical one that really made my day more comfortable. Lesson: Learn Your Style Finally, the past six months helped me to really nail down my personal style. For the past four years, I’ve been drawn to maximalism, but when applying it fully to my looks, it didn’t feel completely right. I’ve been bouncing around trying to make maximalist, eclectic, girly, preppy, comfy styles work together. By planning my looks, I could finally pinpoint what I liked about each of those styles, what worked for *me*, and what things I liked in theory but didn’t really like in practice. Since I could only wear what I had in my suitcase for two weeks, I had to ensure that whatever I took and wore would be *me*. I just wanted to be as comfortable and happy as possible without having an ill-fitting pair of pants or a too-tight sweater in the back of my mind. I can say confidently that every single look I wore during this trip was my personal style distilled to perfection. All of it represented how I dress, but more importantly, how I want to dress daily. The outfits combined layering, fun patterns, menswear-inspired items, oversized coats and sweaters, colorful clothes, and comfortable elements. Final Thoughts In general, outfit planning is something that we can all benefit from. It will give you a more complete picture of your closet and style. Plus, it will cut down on your stress and those “I have nothing to wear” moments. The first thing I noticed from this experiment is that my spending gradually decreased. I stopped before hitting the ‘Buy Now’ button, looked at my planned outfits, then looked at my closet and checked if I had an alternative in it. I think I’ve managed to cut my shopping in half. Baby steps. At the end of my six-month experiment, I finally made a major closet declutter. It was easy since I already knew what I was not wearing, what was just not my size anymore, and what didn’t fit with my style. I took out about two-thirds of my closet. Still, I have a lot of clothes, and I think I’ll keep editing what I have through the following months. Now, I can *actually* see what I have, and I’m sure everything is at least the right size. The most exciting thing was seeing neglected items surprise me and return to the worn rotation. Going forward, I will keep planning my weekly looks with almost the same guidelines because it has changed my routine for the better. These past six months have been life-changing for me, not only because of the outfit planning or the new job. I’ve had to make some major lifestyle adjustments, and it resulted in a lot of stress, anxiety, and fear. I had already been planning my outfits for four months when my life circumstances changed, so I just kept outfit planning as a part of my new routine. It wasn’t until now that I realized how much it helped me organize when everything seemed more uncertain. In the final months of this experiment, I was planning my outfits and annotating doctors’ appointments right beside what accessories or pants I was going to wear. In a weird way, outfit planning also grounded me. It helped me ease my mind for at least half an hour a week. Now, I’m adjusted to my new routine, and I’m so much better, physically and mentally. When you make the time to sit down in advance and think about what you’re going to wear, you also run through what you have and what items you prefer with a clearer head. Since you don’t have the clock ticking, you can take your time to make any number of outfit combinations until you find the right one. It gives you space for mistakes or adjustments without feeling the frustration of “I need to leave in 10 minutes”. I would recommend outfit planning if you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed with your closet while you get dressed, if you’re worried you’re spending too much on clothes and still cannot seem to find something to wear, or if you have an important week ahead of you. It will help you focus better and see what it is about your closet that is or isn’t working. I hope it changes your life like it did mine! What Do You Think? Would you try planning your outfits? Do you do it now? Do you have any styling questions? Let us know in the comments below! Source link

[norajworld]

Like the beauty industry itself, fragrance is evolving faster than we could have ever imagined. From innovations in technology, sustainability, and product development, we’re seeing scents that extend beyond the reaches of what perfume fans ever thought possible. From perfumes developed with the help of AI to scents that feature more exciting, unexpected notes like “gummy candy,” these innovations are ushering in an era of fragrance beyond our wildest dreams. But sometimes, the true surprises come from perfume being taken back to basics.Do you know the brand Coty? You do, just not in the way you might think. Coty is one of the oldest fragrance companies in the industry that develops and produces many of your favorite brands’ fragrances, including Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Chloé, Gucci, Hugo Boss, and Balenciaga, to name a few. I’m guessing you already have a few Coty scents on your dresser right now. After years of creating some of the most well-known scents in the game, they’ve debuted their first namesake collection, for their own stake in a category they’ve been a major behind-the-scents player in for so long.Someone might ask (someone being me) why Coty would decide to launch a collection under their own name. Who is this collection for, really — the fragrance expert, or the reviewer on TikTok? The normal consumer that shops at department store fragrance counters? A move like this raises a lot of questions, and Infiniment is sure to be a pressure check for all of the above.About Infiniment Coty ParisThe Infiniment Coty Paris collection features 14 flower-forward fragrances, with a few musks, ambers, incenses, and 2024’s most popular note, vanilla, to make sure that everyone can find a scent they’ll love. Each scent is built around a hero note, but these are more than simply isolated, one-note fragrances. They’re immersive, experiential scents that bring the fragrances to life around you using only four elements: concentrated fragrance, upcycled alcohol, purified water, and Molecular Aura, a patent-pending technology that provides long-lasting wear on skin for up to 30 hours. Instead of using technology to create notes we’ve never smelled, Coty uses it to enhance what we already know and love, giving it more longevity and serving it to us in new ways. This approach both intensifies every part of the scent, and also gives them room to breathe without suffocating them with too many other notes — so you can feel the plush velvety petals, touch the pollen on the pistil, smell the pungent green stem.Coty’s CEO Sue Nabi and her longtime collaborator, Nicolas Vu, dreamed up Infiniment Coty Paris, and both envisioned the fragrance brand to also reflect their passion for fine art. This approach extends to the bottles, which feature a unique shape that allows the bottles to be stacked on top of one another and display artwork (the brand dubs this “artcycling”).Reimagining ClassicsWhile the collection is not solely made up of floral scents, flowers do take center stage. In truth, I’m not usually a fan of flowery perfumes. “I hate florals!” I’ve proudly proclaimed, as if anyone cares. But fragrance has taught me that it’s not all florals that repel me — just the classic scents that combine many fragrant flowers for a cloudy, indiscernible bouquet. These days, I approach florals with a curious caution. Decadence from Marc Jacobs showed me how boozy and mischievous rose can be, while Chanel’s Coco Noir revealed the velvety sophistication of the very same note. When I first heard about Infiniment, the collection intrigued me, but cautiously so. I had heard some fragrance industry buzz about the line, but not much on social or from, you know, real people. But something about the move intrigued me — no other background fragrance player had ever done something as daring, and promised so much. So I thought to myself, “I’LL be the judge of all that.”Coty sent me all 14 fragrances, which is a lot to cover without becoming nose blind. My rule is that you can’t really judge a scent without wearing it on the skin, so every day for one week, I wore two scents, one on each wrist and arm. I smelled crazy, but I smelled good. Overall, I really enjoyed each of the fragrances in their own way, but the below are the ones that really jumped out at me as ones I’ll be revisiting over and over again.Atomes Crochus: A Honeysuckle Hero Main notes: Honeysuckle accord, smoked green tea.Not to be crass, but holy shit. Atomes Crochus brings to life honeysuckle in a way that’s as sweet as warm summer air. It feels like a breeze blowing across golden, sun-warmed hay in the late afternoon. It’s less flower and more atmosphere.Okay fine, it’s floral. But in a way that’s nectary, grassy, and hypnotizing. I have in my notes for this one simply written “CHEWY.” I have no idea what I meant by that but I stand by it. It’s a heady overserving of honeysuckle that somehow still that leaves you craving more.After I sprayed it on my skin one morning, I spent the day bringing my wrist to my nose and wafting the scent from under my t-shirt. Atomes Crochus is a concise take on honeysuckle, but so enveloping that it will turn curiosity into obsession, and fast. I wish I was wearing it right now.J’ai Trois Amours: The Bouncy Banana Flower Main notes: Banana flower accord, trio of jasmines.Don’t worry, the banana flower doesn’t give you literal banana (but if it did, I wouldn’t be mad). It brings to life a fruity floral that’s part contemporary, part unique, and altogether an incredibly fun wear. Like its Coty sister, Marc Jacobs Daisy Wild, the banana flower adds a sweet bounce to the scent that rounds the edges of the jasmine trio notes.It does a lot without doing too much. This feels like a fragrance that could come out under any major house today and be a #PerfumeTok hit. If this were a typical launch, a scent like this would call out a large selection of notes that make the fragrance what it is, but this simplistic and refined approach offers something that feels of the moment without needing an over-the-top bottle, flashy campaign, and a celebrity face. Aristo Chypre: A Classic, ReimaginedMain notes: Chypre accord, roseReal quick: a “chypre” is the name for a specific fragrance profile, one that usually features citrus at the top, heady florals in the middle, and an animalic base of patchouli or oakmoss. Like florals, chypres are very classic and have been around forever, which I think is in part why I’m not really feeling them. Why go back to a classic we could innovate?However, if anyone has license to do a chypre, it’s Coty. They’re credited for reinventing the chypre in 1917 with their iconic “Le Chypre,” which took the category from from heavy and “masculine” to a smoother experience that appealed to everyone.Well, they’ve done it again. I was completely taken aback by how much I loved this scent. It had shades of the classic build, but with new life breathed into it from every angle. It was deep, enveloping, evolving, and full of life. It was like a celebration on my skin. Warm, sweet, green, juicy, metallic, and grounded by a lot of earthiness. I find myself hyperfixating on this one and it gets better with every wear. I want to smell it on everybody.Après L’amour: The Full-Drama Spice Main notes: Tobacco accord, cistus labdanumAs I mentioned, the outliers of this collection step away from florals and sink themselves into moments of santal, vanilla, incense, and amber. Après L’amour, or “After Love,” is, to me, the biggest departure from the minimalist concept. This blend of tobacco, cistus labdanum (a resinous note), effervescent ginger, and a melange of spices round out this collection with a classic take on a warm, spicy scent — perfect for someone like me who, until now, scoffed at any mention of florals.It’s familiar and inviting without feeling like a repetition of something you already love. Within its round warmth, the scent hides a sharp booziness that peeks out every so often, keeping it alive on the skin and safeguarding it from ever getting too heavy. For a line so focused on minimalistic, beautiful florals, this spicy amber is a welcome take on a warmer scent that still doesn’t get lost in its own design.The TakeawayThere are so many new products in fragrance right now that, if a brand is launching, they really have to bring something new to the table. Considering Coty has been at the top of the fragrance game for decades, the bar was high — but Infiniment Coty Paris really pulls its weight and gives me a reason to believe. Is it the collection for everyone? Maybe not, but it’s also not trying to be. If you’re interested in the marriage of fragrance and technology, are looking for a new take on classic notes, or are really just a fan of beautiful florals that may surprise you, you should give Infiniment Coty Paris a try immediately. Source link

[norajworld]

Once you’ve designed your clothing line, created a tech pack, put together a garment spec sheet, and found a factory you want to use, you’re ready to start the garment sampling process. Garment samples are where your designs come to life. They are the factory’s physical interpretation of all your instructions and sketches.  Similar to your tech pack, samples are a work in progress designed to be refined, corrected, and adjusted until you have a garment you are happy to take to mass production.  There are 12 types of samples in the product development and production lifecycle. While they are necessary to get your production right and minimize financial loss on your bulk order, their cost can quickly add up.  Large brands have the luxury of big budgets that allow for tons of sampling to create perfectly designed garments. But, small brands often find themselves needing to bootstrap. And, that’s ok!  While you need some sample renditions, you won’t need all of them. As I walk you through the sampling process, I’ll show you exactly what you can skip and save money on. Let's begin.      BUT BEFORE WE GET STARTED... I love helping startup brand founders succeed, so I created a bunch of free guides that will help you with your business. They won’t be free forever, so make sure to grab them while you can.    WHAT YOU WILL LEARN   NO TIME TO READ? CHECK OUT THIS 60 SECOND RECAP!     WHAT IS A GARMENT SAMPLE?  Let’s start with the basics. A garment sample is a physical prototype of the clothing design in your tech pack. There are garment samples for every stage of product development and production. And, they each play a role in ensuring you get what you ordered, and your customers get the best possible garment.  Think of a garment sample as the dress rehearsal for your design. It allows you to privately refine and and make changes, until it’s perfect. Your bulk order is like opening night, and a product of all the hard work (you definitely do not want to be making any mistakes here!). There is no limit to how many samples you can develop. It all depends on your budget and timeframe. In some cases, sample production can start up to two years before bulk production begins. But, don’t let that scare you, the average sampling time is about 3 months.    WHY ARE GARMENT SAMPLES IMPORTANT?  The harsh reality of fashion is this: sometimes, designs that look amazing on paper just don’t translate into something wearable in real life.  And the sampling process is about learning what works off the page. A quick word of warning. Samples CANNOT be skipped.  Brands often come to me and say they have already made a proto with a local sample room, so they are ready to dive into production. No, they are not. What that sample proves is that a local sample room can make it, not the factory. The thing is, it is the factory that will run your bulk production, not the sample room.  It would be like if someone bought a cookie from a world-famous bakery, gave it to you, and then said, ‘ok, make this exact cookie, and you only get one try.’ A totally unreasonable task. Everyone needs a little trial and error to get something perfect, even if they are just copying.    HOW DO YOU MAKE A GARMENT SAMPLE? There are six steps to making one single sample - they are: 1. Design and design review  The design is created by the brand, and then analyzed by the factory team. Before any sample creation starts, all questions and clarifications are discussed. 2. Paper pattern  These paper pieces act as stencils for the garment. 3. Pattern cutting The factory will trace the paper patterns on to the fabric and then cut the pieces out. 4. Sewing Next, the factory will sew all the pattern pieces together 5. A fit model will try on the garment This helps the factory and brand get a better idea of how the garment will look on a person. Sometimes, especially with knits, garments can look very different from a hanger to a person. Someone at the factory might even try it on to see how it fits. Changes can then be made before the factory sends it (FYI, shipping costs add up, so you want to try and get as perfect a sample as possible before it’s sent). 6. Sample comments and approvals  The sample is sent to the brand, and they review it in real life. The brand will note any necessary changes to the sample, and the factory will try again. If the sample is perfect, it is approved and moves on to the next step!   TYPES OF GARMENT SAMPLES There are four different categories of samples. They are:   Pre-development  Development Production Factory samples Pre-development samples are like the local sample room samples I mentioned earlier. They are everything you create before you pass the work on to your factory.  Development samples happen before the production phase. They are similar to pre-development samples, but they must be made at the factory that will be making your bulk order in production quality materials.  Production samples are made during production to help you ensure everything is going smoothly and are part of a good quality assurance plan. A lot of people think that sample development ends when the product development phase is over, but it doesn’t.   Factory samples are a second set of identical samples that the factory keeps. If there is an issue to fix, you and the factory can look at the garment together in real time, no matter where you are in the world.   PRE-DEVELOPMENT SAMPLES  Again, these samples come before anything is sent to the official factory.   DIGITAL GARMENT SAMPLE Digital garment samples are a virtual representation of your design. You can even create models with digital fabrics to help you see how your design will look and move with different fabrications and on different body types.   Investing in 3D virtual sampling software is costly, but it could save you a lot of time in product development. Sampling can take months to tweak and edit, while digital garment samples take minutes.  The first time I saw this technology was in 2011. And, wow, has it come a long way since then? While the software is still in its infancy, I believe it’s only a matter of time before it becomes more widespread in the fashion industry as artificial intelligence tools continue to develop.  While it’s not essential to your garment sampling process, it allows brands to create lots of designs without having to make physical samples, so, it could be a helpful tool to utilize. I recommend SEDDI Textura if you want to look into this.    MOCKUP We call the first physical sample created a mockup. And, FYI, there are different types of mockups.  It could be a very simple physical prototype you make yourself out of cheap and easy-to-use fabrics like muslin. Or, you could hire a sample room to make it for you and have something really professional made. The goal of a mockup is to physically communicate your ideas to a factory. It doesn’t have to be perfect, because it is really just a communication tool. Afterward, you send your mockup along with your tech pack, and fabric swatches to the factory to begin working on the development samples.  Don’t worry if you don’t have the skills or the budget to make a mockup. Not all garments and designs need them, and not all factories work with them. But, they are a good tool to know about if it feels like there is miscommunication between you and your factory.     DEVELOPMENT GARMENT SAMPLES These are samples that your actual factory makes BEFORE you place the bulk order.   FIT SAMPLE This is the first sample you will get from your factory.   Manufacturers typically create a fit sample using cheap fabrics like muslin. You can think of them like a sketch, but IRL. The purpose of a fit sample is to see how your design looks off the page and get an idea of how it will fit a human body.  The fit sample stage is a great time to make big picture design changes. We aren’t trying to perfect each measurement with a fit sample. The goal is just to see the big picture, what is working, and what isn’t. That bell sleeve you envisioned? Maybe it needs to be smaller. Perhaps the total shirt length is too long? This is the time to make those alterations.  A common misconception about fit samples is that they have to be made in the middle of your size range. For example, if a brand’s size range was XS-XL, they would create a fit sample in size medium. But, while this is good practical advice, it isn’t product development law. Most startup brands make the fit sample in their own size so they can try it on themselves. This can save money because you don’t have to hire a fit model. It can also create a better product because no one cares as much as you do about your clothing line. Just be careful if you DIY it.  Brands pay fit models to not fluctuate in size. During the pandemic, quite a few of my clients came back to me complaining that the factory made all their garments too small. It turned out they had put on a few pandemic pounds, and it wasn’t the clothes that had shrunk. While this simple mistake seems almost comical, it really pissed off my factories. They did not appreciate being accused of making the designs incorrectly. And they did not enjoy the extra time they needed to take out of their already busy days to measure each original sample and each counter sample to prove they made them correctly.  So, if you do go the DIY fit model route, please keep all that in mind when evaluating fit samples so you can maintain a good relationship with your factory!    PROTO SAMPLE / MOCKUP Once the brand approves the fit sample, they can move on to the proto sample. This is one of the most exciting samples to receive because it’s the moment your design really starts to come alive.  A proto sample or mock up is basically a sample that is using readily available materials that are really close to production quality components. For example, in a proto sample, your buttons might be silver instead of gold, and your fabric might not have its custom print. But, it’s as close to the real thing as possible, minus a few details. The purpose of this sample is to give you a better idea of what your garment will look like, as cheaply as possible. It is somewhere between a fit sample and a PP sample (I’ll get to that in a minute). Basically, it’s more detailed than fit sample, but a lot cheaper to make than a PP.  Speaking of custom prints. During this time in the product development calendar, you should also get lab dips and strike-offs. FYI, lab dips are tools for solid color matching, and strike-offs make sure prints come out correctly.   The factory might also send you some additional fabric selections that could help make your product better, decrease the price, or quicken your production time.   PRODUCTION-QUALITY SAMPLE / PRE-PRODUCTION SAMPLE (PP SAMPLE) Both you and the factory use this sample as a production test run. It is made with the exact fabric and trims you will use in production. I like to think of this sample as the dress rehearsal before your apparel goes to mass production, aka opening night.   If you take anything away from this blog post, please let it be this. If the PP sample is not perfect, you cannot move on to production. Period.  Now, you might be wondering, if this is the only sample that really matters, why can’t we just skip to this one, and forget about all the others? The thing is… Pre-production samples are the most expensive to produce. Printing tiny quantities of fabric or dying a few meters to match your exact color is pricey. So before investing all that money into a PP sample, we want to make sure we have basic things like fit, fabrication and color approvals done.  The nice thing about fit and proto samples is that they cheaply allow for mistakes. You can play around with the design at a much lower cost. Quick tip - as a small brand, keeping your bottom line in the black is all about utilizing your cash as efficiently as possible.     SIZE SET SAMPLE Once you nail down and approve every little detail of your garment, a sample is created in each size. This is because, sometimes, when brands see what their XS or XL looks like in real life, they want to go back and tweak their size charts before production.  I urge the brands I work with to call their friends and try to find someone in every size sample to try on the full-size set. That way, you can make accurate revisions based on human wear.    SALESMAN SAMPLE (SMS) Salesman samples are also known as marketing samples.  These extra sets of samples are given to sales agents who bring them to trade shows, display them in showrooms and use them in meetings with buyers. These samples are also used for photoshoots, runway shows, and other types of promotional material.  Fashion is a very visual and physical industry. Buyers prefer to buy based on samples rather than sketches on paper. They want to see and feel the garments in real life.   GPT SAMPLE If you are creating performance garments like jackets, workout wear, or other technical products, you might want to invest in a garment performance test sample (GPT for short).  You can put this sample through a series of tests to see things like, whether the colors run, how the fabric copes with washing, how easily the garment tears and the strength of the seams.   If you want a full list of garment tests, you can check out the AATCC. But, remember, these tests are extremely expensive to run, costing between $300 to thousands!   PRODUCTION SAMPLES  Again, you MUST have a perfect pre-production sample before you move on to your bulk order - no exceptions, no “we’ll fix it in production”. It must be 100% correct.    SEALED SAMPLE / GOLD SAMPLE Once you approve your pre-production samples, you will seal them to prevent loss or tampering. Sometimes we refer to these samples as gold samples. BTW, an unapproved sample is known as a red sample, and are literally marked with a red tag.   Gold-sealed samples act as the blueprint for mass-producing your garment. All garments in mass production should match exactly to the gold sample.  As a brand, this is your insurance policy. If your apparel production comes out looking wonky, you go back to the gold sample and have proof that whatever happened in production was not what you and the factory agreed to. This sample makes negotiating for chargebacks a whole lot easier.    TOP OF PRODUCTION (TOP SAMPLE) The TOP sample is one last check in your production process. This is done to catch any last-minute problems. Here is something you probably don’t know. A special room in a factory, called a sample room, is where factories make samples. In that room, they have different sewers and processes from the ones on the factory floor. The sewers here are usually the best in the factory.  Sometimes when a design goes from sampling to production, a few small changes need to be made to allow for ease of sewing on the actual production line. Getting a TOP sample is your way of finding out about those small changes before you receive your bulk order. A TOP sample is also your chance to check the bulk fabric and trims and make sure all components are exactly what they should be. Pro-tip. Remind your factory to check the TOP sample before cutting all of the bulk fabric. If you find there is a problem with the fabric in your top sample, but all the fabric has already been cut - guess what? You can’t return it to the fabric supplier. You are stuck with it.   SHIPMENT SAMPLE After mass production is complete, it’s time for your garments to be shipped. Before that happens, the factory will send you some shipment samples for you to inspect. This is more of a quality control step than a sampling step. But, technically, yes, it’s still a sample on this list. A shipment sample is a sample that is literally pulled from your production order straight out of the box that is waiting to be picked up by the freight forwarder. This is your chance to look at your production order one last time and make sure they are perfect. If there is a major issue, it allows you to have the factory fix it before spending thousands of dollars on shipping.   PHOTOSHOOT / PRESS SAMPLE The photoshoot sample is a production sample that’s used to sell your garment.  It’s similar to the salesman sample, but this time, it comes directly from your production line. You can send these samples to models, editors, influencers, and anyone that you want to promote your designs.    HOW MANY GARMENT SAMPLES DO YOU REALLY NEED?  Here is where things are going to get interesting, and hopefully save you a lot of money. Back in the early days of fashion education, factories were putting out blog posts claiming that all brands needed ALL of the samples I mentioned above. But, here’s the thing, you don’t, and most of them were only saying this because it meant more expenses for brands, meaning more money in their pockets.  If you’re new here and don’t know me. I love to save people money. So let’s dive in.   PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SAMPLES YOU CAN SKIP For the brands I work with on a budget, here is where I (safely) cut corners. First, I combine the fit and proto into one sample. I try to use as close to production quality fabrics as possible. We skip right to the proto but also use it for fit notes. Never skip the pre-production sample. But, if you are a small brand and doing all the sales yourself, you can use your pre-production samples as SMS sales tools. And, you can even use them for testing after the sales period is over. So, at minimum, you must have at least two different kinds of pre-production samples. A working proto, with maybe a few revisions and a PP sample.  One last tip, if you are going to make an SMS, make sure your pre-production samples are perfect first. You don’t want to end up with five sets of bad samples that need fixing.    PRODUCTION SAMPLES THAT YOU CAN SAVE TIME AND MONEY NOT MAKING Here’s what we do with the small brands I work with. The PP sample becomes the gold sample - so that is free. For small brands, we skip the TOP sample because small orders (100 pieces or less) are usually samples made in the sample room. So, there aren’t going to be the issues that big brands face). Then I combine the shipment samples with the press samples. Not only does this save a step in the sampling process, but also in shipping fees. If the brand is using their SMS as press samples (which I recommend to save even more cash), they can skip the shipment samples altogether, and instead have a video call to approve the shipment samples. This will cut shipping costs, and save time. So, in production, all you need are two samples - the gold sample, and the shipping sample. And, if you are low on cash, you can cut it down to 1, just the gold sample.    NEED MORE HELP? HERE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE RESOURCES Skip the product development process and go straight into production The ultimate guide to creating garment spec sheets Should I hire a sample maker to help develop my line?   WHAT DO YOU THINK?  Are you ready to start developing garment samples? Let me know in the comments!   Source link

[norajworld]

The US Department of Commerce said in October that the US economy remained strong with an increase in real gross domestic product (GDP) and a rise in wages and consumer spending. Earlier in September, S&P Global Ratings had predicted a 2.7 per cent expansion in US economy in 2024, and 1.8 per cent in 2025 on an annual average basis. These forecasts were 0.2 and 0.1 percentage point higher respectively, compared with the rating agency’s June forecasts. Agency forecasts Q4, FY25 growth at 2 per cent, down from 3.1 per cent in same quarter last fiscal. Additionally, the agency expected softening of real income growth, and observed the signs of slowdown in discretionary consumption. It saw inflation to stay slow in the coming months, and industrial production to remain flat quarter-on-quarter. It further estimated, at around 25 per cent, the probability of a recession starting within the next 12 months. In 2024, US businesses continued to face higher costs of capital and policy uncertainty, which limited capital expenditure and hiring. Employment overview The unemployment rate is likely to rise in the next several quarters to 4.5 per cent by the end of 2025, from the current 4.2 per cent, forecasts S&P Global in the same report. Analysing the employment situation in the country, S&P Global observed that the expansion of the labour force, rather than a fall in employment, caused a rise in the unemployment rate. This marked the key difference from the previous cycles at the start of recession. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the US economy added 254,000 jobs in the month of September. With the rate of unemployment at 4.1 per cent – the lowest average unemployment in 50 years, the number of unemployed stood at 6.8 million. The Department of Commerce found these figures exceeding the expectations. It is reported that 16 million jobs were created under the outgoing government. The Department further said that over 700,000 new manufacturing jobs were created and over $910 billion in private manufacturing investments were announced nationwide in the industries of the future. Wages also continued to rise. The latest BLS estimates showed real average hourly earnings for all workers increased 0.2 per cent month-on-month and 1.3 per cent year-on-year in August. In September, the labour force participation rate was 62.7 per cent for the third consecutive month, and the employment-population ratio changed little at 60.2 per cent. The number of 5.7 million people, those not in the labour force but wanted a job, too changed little in September. Half-yearly trade On a half-yearly basis, between January and June 2024, the US imports of textiles and apparel declined 3.58 per cent to $49.349 billion from $51.178 billion during the same period of last calendar year. Apparel constitutes the bulk of the US textile imports, and it fell by 6.04 per cent to $35.748 billion from $38.044 billion last year, while non-apparel imports rose 3.55 per cent to $13.134 billion. Man-made fibre products dominated the imports at $25.235 billion, followed by cotton products at $20.697 billion, silk and vegetable fibre products at $1.889 billion, and wool products at $1.527 billion, according to the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA). China continued to stay as the largest supplier with 24.26 per cent market share, followed by Vietnam with 14.78 per cent share. Among the top ten suppliers, only Cambodia showed an increase in apparel imports, growing 4.45 per cent to $1.52 billion. Meanwhile, imports from Mexico, Bangladesh, Indonesia, China and India fell by 11.24 per cent, 10.97 per cent, 9.75 per cent, 6.37 per cent and 2.64 per cent respectively. During the same period, the exports of textiles and apparel from the US dropped 3.17 per cent to $11.5 billion. Mexico and Canada were the top export destinations, buying $6.1 billion and $4.2 billion worth of merchandise from the US respectively. At the same time, the inflation-impacted EU registered an 11.2 per cent drop in apparel consumption during the reported period, resulting in $1.2 billion in orders. The other significant export destinations were Honduras, China, the Dominican Republic, the UK, and Japan. Freight prices impacted the trade levels. With reduced water levels in the Panama Canal, the cost and duration of transit between Asia and the American East Coast increased, while security worries surrounding the Suez Canal raised container rates. Upland cotton export As of October 3, 2024, the net sales of Upland (short and medium staples) cotton in the US, for 2024-25 season, had totalled to 95,800 RB (Running Bales) with each bale weighing 226.8 kg or 500 pounds. Exports of Upland cotton during the period totalled to 107,100 RB, with Pakistan (26,800 RB), Mexico (15,000 RB), Vietnam (11,300 RB), China (9,700 RB), and Honduras (8,200 RB) emerging as the primary destinations. According to the USDA’s export sales report for the week ending September 26, significant increases in Upland cotton sales were observed, particularly for Vietnam (29,100 RB, including a decrease of 6,900 RB), Pakistan (25,400 RB, including a decrease of 600 RB), Peru (14,000 RB), Guatemala (11,300 RB, including a decrease of 100 RB), and China (8,500 RB). However, the gains achieved in these territories were offset by reductions in sales to Malaysia (17,600 RB) and Japan (100 RB). Additionally, net sales of 39,600 RB for the 2025-26 season were destined for Malaysia. As of the Pima cotton, the net sales amounted to 9,500 RB for the same season, for which increases were mainly noted for India (6,200 RB, including a decrease of 1,700 RB), Peru (1,000 RB), Djibouti (900 RB), Türkiye (500 RB), and Thailand (400 RB). Exports of Pima cotton reached 6,500 RB that included major destinations of India (4,500 RB), Bangladesh (800 RB), Pakistan (400 RB), Egypt (400 RB), and Japan (100 RB though with reduced sales). Election outcome The US had elections in 2024 and voted for electing a new President, results of which were expected to have impact on the US textile industry, with both contesting candidates holding similar trade policies that also include potential bans on Chinese imports. With Republican party coming to power, the trade policies and protectionism was expected to disrupt supply chains and increase costs, while a win for Democrats would mean more focus on higher corporate taxes that may raise production expenses. The US textile sector is reliant on imports hence needs trade agreements to sustain growth. At the time of this feature going into press, the Republican candidate was elected to be the next US President, who is scheduled to take oath on January 20, 2025. Port strike In October, the US East Coast and Gulf Coast port operators faced a 3-day strike by the dockworkers, resulting in a cargo backlog. The strike ended with the US Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremen’s Association reaching a tentative agreement on wages. The master contract was also extended till January 15, 2025. The negotiation on all other outstanding issues was to follow this truce. The development arrested further rise of freight charges at right time. Average spot rates on the most affected trade route from North Europe to US East Coast had reached $2,900 per FEU (40 ft equivalent unit) on October 4, increasing 58 per cent since the end of August. The alternative trade route from North Europe to the US West Coast was also hit, where the average spot rates increased 48 per cent in the same period to reach $4,450 per FEU. However, the re-establishment of normal flow of goods was to take another 2- to 3-week time. As of October 4, there were 44 ships lined up and more than 120 on-route, to enter the affected ports. This was expected to impact schedules towards the end of 2024, and possibly into 2025 as well, in the run-up to Lunar New Year at the end of January which traditionally sees an increase in goods shipped out of the Far East. Senate Bill 707 California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (Senate Bill or SB 707) was signed into a law by the US State’s Governor. The legislation established the country’s first EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) textile recycling programme, and marked a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to combat waste and promote sustainability. SB 707 mandates a framework for producers and other participants in the value chain to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products and textiles, including repair, recycling and reuse of garments and fibres. When implemented, it will not only reduce the amount of textiles sent to landfills, but also support the development of upcycling and recycling across California. It will additionally help address the environmental impacts of fast fashion and the throwaway culture which such a fashion has given birth to. It will also incentivise producers to adopt less wasteful production and greener designs. Grower enrolment increased The US textile industry reflected its growing commitment to sustainable practices when the US Cotton Trust Protocol achieved a remarkable 35 per cent increase in grower enrolment for the 2024 crop year. The Trust Protocol currently has 2.1 million acres of cotton under sustainable cultivation, which it aims to increase further. The Trust has plans to achieve this increase in its footprint mainly through the Climate Smart Cotton Program which targets the inclusion of historically underserved communities. Key event A semi-annual exhibition was held at the Javits Center in New York City in the month of July. The event was organised jointly by the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), and Messe Frankfurt North America, in which more than 500 Chinese companies displayed their latest innovations and sustainability efforts. Of this, 137 companies had environmentally friendly certifications. All the Chinese supplies during the event had innovations and sustainability, a clear departure from the ‘stigma’ that is generally associated with Chinese products being of lower quality or the cheap fashion. The Chinese products have shown a change over the years as they get better and better from a quality perspective. The US economy showed strong growth, with GDP rising and wages and consumer spending increasing. However, S&P Global forecasts slower growth and a higher unemployment rate by 2025. Textile imports decreased, while exports dropped 3.17 per cent. The US also faces challenges like a port strike, the new Senate Bill on textile recycling, and a focus on sustainable practices in cotton farming. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SB - WE) Source link

[norajworld]

Vidhura Ralapanawe thought he had more time. The climate scientist, who heads sustainability and innovation for Epic Group, a Hong Kong-based apparel sourcing business, has spent years worrying about how to keep workers protected and factories functioning as the world heats up. He never had high hopes for the industry to take the effects of rising temperatures seriously, viewing international environmental commitments as doing too little, too slowly. But he didn’t expect the consequences of inaction to hit so hard and so fast, either.The last two years have been the hottest on record. In Bangladesh and India — countries where Epic manufacturers — sizzling temperatures sickened workers and strained machinery. Schools shut, power failed and dozens died. “That was a shocker,” said Ralapanawe. “Even for me, knowing the science, I didn’t expect these kinds of massive heatwaves so fast… that really floored me.”The rest of the industry is slowly waking up to climate change as an imminent threat. Kering and LVMH are among the major fashion companies that in regulatory filings have flagged that higher temperatures could hurt access to key raw materials like leather and cotton, killing off cattle and causing crops to shrivel. Warmer winters are bad news for purveyors of puffy coats like Canada Goose and Moncler. Zara-owner Inditex said in its latest annual report that extreme weather damaged stores and disrupted sales on nine separate occasions in 2023, though the impact of these natural disasters on the group’s overall business was immaterial. It’s likely there will be more warnings buried in corporate documents this year, even as the issue is moving down many fashion executive’s agendas. Indeed, instead of focusing on how to adapt to a new, threatening climate reality, climate risk is still largely portrayed as a long-term, unquantified externality — a fancy way of saying “someone else’s problem.” That’s in contrast to more immediate concerns, like how to navigate inflation-linked demand sluggishness, growing trade tensions and delivering on quarterly growth expectations. But there is growing evidence that the world can no longer hope to avoid a climate calamity and the onset of disastrous tipping points may come much more swiftly than previously predicted. “Acting has a cost, but inaction has a higher cost,” said Anna Raffaelli, sector lead for fashion and apparel at climate consultancy The Carbon Trust. “That’s the business case.”The Climbing Costs of Climate ChangeSince 2000, climate-related disasters have caused nearly $4 trillion in economic damage, according to a recent report from consultancy BCG and the World Economic Forum’s Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders. If temperatures continue to rise at their current rate, global GDP could decline by as much as 22 percent by the end of the century. Many of fashion’s largest manufacturing hubs could face severe financial impacts much sooner. Soaring temperatures and increased flooding could curb export earnings for Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam and Pakistan by more than 20 percent by the end of the decade, according to an analysis by Cornell and Schroders published in 2023. The number of high heat days experienced by workers in key cities in these countries has already increased by 42 percent over the last 20 years, an analysis published by Cornell last month found. According to the International Labour Organisation, heat stress alone could reduce global work hours by 2 percent by 2030.Getting a more concrete handle on brand’s climate risks is a challenge. Companies base their analysis on a range of different scenarios, but how the climate crisis evolves is increasingly difficult to predict. Deep and diversified supply chains mean brands have so far been sheltered from the consequences when droughts and floods hit key producing regions. Meanwhile, basic data, like the temperature in factories, remains hard to come by.“If you get a leading global retailer on the phone and press them on the level and quality and confidence in the [climate risk] analysis they’ve done, I think it’s not very high,” said Jason Judd, executive director at Cornell University’s Global Labour Institute. “That’s unnerving.”Risk ManagementThings are beginning to change. Incoming European regulations are set to make brands more responsible for what happens in their supply chains. Large companies operating in the EU will need to publish information on both their environmental impact and exposure to climate risks starting this year. And climate extremes are getting harder to ignore. “Physical climate risk and the social angle of climate risk really hasn’t got enough attention from brands or investors,” said Katie Frame, active ownership manager at Schroders. The asset management company has engaged a number of its apparel holdings on their approach to climate risk and its impact on workers. It’s planning to publish a toolkit in the coming months to encourage broader investor engagement on the issue. Across the industry, thinking on the topic is “still at quite an early stage,” Frame said. Even leading companies are only starting to sketch out their approach to adapt to a new, dangerous climate reality. Kering and LVMH both point to efforts to establish more climate-secure supply chains for raw materials by supporting farming practices that protect and restore soil health and biodiversity. LVMH estimates about 5 to 10 percent of its raw materials are currently produced in line with such standards. H&M Group has established contingency plans to temporarily or permanently move production to lower-risk regions if extreme weather or water scarcity start to have an impact on production or logistics. Nike stands out as having introduced heat stress prevention requirements into its code of conduct for suppliers.But by and large, brands are still acting like climate change is a train that can be stopped, when in reality it’s already careened out of the station with no industry plan in place to prevent a disastrous collision.“People are losing their lives in extreme heat, whether in production facilities or in the field,” said Naidoo. “I don’t think there’s enough recognition of how problematic that is, especially because brands are so far removed from that reality.”For his part Ralapanawe sees developing plans to manage heat levels in Epic’s factories as a matter of urgency. It’s a difficult challenge: The trade off for keeping temperatures bearable inside may be running air conditioning systems that belch yet more planet-warming gases into the atmosphere. And these energy-guzzling cooling systems are expensive to install and run, especially when retrofitting older buildings. In an industry that operates on knife-edge margins, the core issue always comes down to who will pay to manage and address climate exposure.“Places deemed to be higher in climate risk the big brands will leave,” said Ralpanawe. At some point there will be nowhere left to go. Until then, “it’s a different way of racing to the bottom,” he said. Source link

[norajworld]

Who doesn’t love an amazing hair unit? With wigs becoming a highly sought-after staple in the hair industry, the competition for having the most undetectable lace and bouncy curls has grown incredibly fierce. Hair in our community is HUGE and because there’s so many fabulous stylists, we had to break them into two categories: Natural Hair Gurus and Wig Specialists! First up: wigs. From Tokyo Stylez slaying Cardi B with the best updo’s, to JStayReady mastering a platinum blowout, some of our favorite celebrity hairstylists have shown us that they can perhaps cut better than Edward Scissorhands. Ahead read more, and be sure to vote for the hairstylist who you think came with the hottest tips and tricks in 2024. Vote for your favorite hairstylist above and don’t forget to RSVP for The Fabys awards in February here! Los Angeles celebrity hairstylist Tokyo Stylez is an undeniable force to be reckoned with. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Tokyo has made a name for herself, quickly becoming highly sought after by celebs like Cardi B, Victoria Monet, and Kylie Jenner. She specializes in everything from sew ins to custom wigs, and can create the perfect avant-garde hair moment no matter the occasion. Represented by OPUS Beauty, Davontae’ Washington has quickly become a FAVE in the industry and his resume is quite impressive. With A-list clients like Ciara, Kelly Rowland, Winnie Harlow, and Megan Thee Stallion, we don’t think there’s a hot girl he hasn’t touch. His roots from Nola brings a wealth of seasoned experience, and artistry that’s unmatched. He gets all the GWORLS together and he goes by the name ‘Arrogant Tae.’ Originally from Chi town, Tae discovered his love for styling at a young age from watching his Aunts do hair. He took that passion, and ran with it, and has since yielded exceptional results. While Porsha Williams was the first to bet on him, he has created some of the best frontal units for clients including Nicki Minaj, Dream Doll, and LaLa. Not to mention, if anyone knows how to color bundles, it undoubtedly Arrogant Tae. He does more than just toss tresses, he gives his clients a 360 makeover when he places his hands on their head. That’s right! Tym Wallace is an innovator, who’s amplifying black women through the enhancement of their beauty. Whether he’s laying down Taraji Henson’s baby hairs into a sleek ponytail for the red carpet, or giving Mary J Blige the perfect crimps to two-step across the stage, the “T” in his name stands for transformative. Platinum and balayage hair never looked better, and Jared Henderson, who goes by the name JStayReady, knows how to bring about a desired look. If you thought Doja Cat and Victoria Monet had an eventful year, then so did JStayReady, as he was the mastermind behind their iconic hair moments. How could anyone ever forget Doja’s infamous performance at Coachella in April where she performed alongside her dancers in monstrous blonde hair suits all made by JStayReady. That moment alone has earned him a place in hair history. Rihanna doesn’t have to tell Yusef to ‘work, work, work, work, work‘ because baby his tools are doing all the talking. Our Bajan princess and South African goddess Tyla are some of Yusef’s clients, and he has garnered a large following on social media. From Vogue, and Elle to Dazed and Paper Magazine, his work has been featured in some of the top publications. He’s also the founder of ‘The Y’ which is a collection of styling tools that allows people to achieve editorial looks in the comfort of their home. Yusef is a hair architect who’s revolutionizing the hair industry. The lace & color experts at Tresses X Sandrine are doing major things and we love to see it. With some of their custom wigs worn by Latto, Cardi B, and Hennessy Carolina, it’s evident they specialize in variety. Whether you’re looking for an ombre bob, or 30 inch middle part buss down, their hair units are bound to bring out your fiercest alter ego. Screenshot They don’t call him Magic for no reason and celebrity hairstylist Magic Mike posses a unique set of skills that go beyond basic hairdressing. His ability to construct different styles, work with different hair texture, and perfectly shape his clients face, is why celebs like Yung Miami, Ari Fletcher and India Love can’t get enough of him. If you’re looking for a natural wig that gives real tease, then look no further and let Magic Mike enchant you. Ashanti Lation, who goes by ‘VIP Ashanti’ is making a household name for herself one celebrity at a time, and she’s keeping her foot on people necks. Based in New Orleans, there’s no city Ashanti won’t go to bring about her client’s vision. Whether she’s crafting the perfect hair moment for rapper Latto on set, or meticulously braiding cornrows on singer Tems, Ashanti is to be valued and prized in the hair industry. In addition to her amazing editorial looks, she has her on hair care line called, VIP Luxury. We love a wig stylist who also understands the importance of prioritizing natural haircare and growth. Could he be the apple of Kim’s eye? He very much could be as we’re sure Chris Appleton is cherished amongst the Kardashian clan for his exceptional work. Known as a world-renowned conceptual hair stylist, Chris is a visionary and keeps his clients like JLO and Camilla in the spotlight. Whether he curating a sexy wet hair look, or artfully channeling a hairdo from the past, he definitely keeps us glued to our screens, and reigns supreme. One thing about Theo Barrett is that he’s going to give you drama every time. His meticulous touch and attention to detail is what sets him apart, and as a self-proclaimed wig connoisseur, he doesn’t take his craft lightly. In addition to being a key hairstylist for the Sherri Sheppard show, Theo Barrett hands have graced celebs including Tisha Campbell, Porsha Williams, Claire Sulmers, and HER among many more. Ricky Wing is flying high in the sky and has left all his client on cloud 9 including Monica, Savannah James, and Marsai Martin. Splitting time between ATL and LA, the pro hairstylist has a plethora of celebrity clients who reaches out to him when they need a luxury wig. Originally from Baltimore, Ricky discovered his passion for hair during his teenage years which propelled him to get his cosmetology license from Paul Mitchell hair school. Ricky Wing is not only installing the flyest hair units , but he’s also using his gift to install confidence in his clients, which makes him a bonafide hair stylist in the industry. Photo Credit: IG/Reproduction Ryan Destiny, Niecy Nash, Adrienne Bailon, and Lori Harvey are just a few bold faced names who keep Ray Christopher on speed dial. Curls, crimps, layed, and slayed, this 2 time Emmy winner and 3 Time Guild award winner keeps his clients gorgeous and on point for a myriad of appearances. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Ferragamo Kellon Deryck has cemented his status as one of the top hairstylists in the industry, renowned for his innovative techniques and ability to create unforgettable looks. His work with Megan Thee Stallion in 2024 showcased his versatility and artistry, from sleek, waist-length ponytails that exude power and confidence to voluminous curls that capture elegance and glamour. Kellon’s attention to detail and deep understanding of hair as a form of self-expression make him a trusted collaborator for red carpets, editorials, and performances. His ability to craft hairstyles that perfectly complement his client’s personality and style solidifies his reputation as a trailblazer in the world of hair artistry. Screenshot That does it! Vote your favorite hairstylist below! And RSVP to TheFabys.eventbrite.com. Want to sponsor? Email events@FashionBombDaily.com. Source link

[norajworld]

Newly married? Well…. What? When? How? With whom??? Guys, I have been there. I can still remember the moment that my husband sent me the first text on 23rd July around 9:30 pm. It was a simple introductory text including a Hi and his name. At first instance, I couldn’t identify him but soon I realized and I got nervous.  And, the next morning, we had our first call, and after it, our discussion continued everywhere, every time- from home to metro to office!! The Journey & Wedding Dresses Ideas: Since it was an arranged marriage, and we never met, we both had no clue of each other’s personalities and are unknown to each other before engagement. The journey from engagement to a wedding is known as the courtship of two people soon to be wed. This is when we became familiar with each other and started knowing each other. Since we were living in two different cities, it was a long-distance partnership cum engagement. A lot happened in this four-month journey. We started falling for each other, made it through the ‘honeymoon phase’, felt excited, and took care of small things. Soon, we noticed a few flaws in each other’s personalities. Later, we both decided to start accepting one another for who we are. Soon after, the date of our D-day was finalized on 1st December, which we were actively waiting for. Now, staying far became even tougher, we both started back counting. This is was the next phase of our relationship, the wedding planning phase. At this point, I was kind of out of moves. I wanted to have a simple wedding function with my loved ones. But my parents and my in-laws and almost every individual involved in this process except the bride and groom wanted to have a great Indian wedding that begins up an engagement commitment and is followed by a lavish wedding ceremony. Here, the Perfect Indian Wedding Planning Begins! As we know Indian weddings are all about lots and lots of functions, hippy music, lavish food, amazing décor, and the custom Indian rituals followed for the longest possible time one can remember. There are so many things to do and so little time for that. From finding a perfect venue to getting a caterer that will prepare a meal that your guests cannot forget, it seems like Indian wedding planning can go on forever. Fortunately, I have a super supportive family to take care of all this. And, I decided to take care of the shopping only. Shopping for a wedding dress, however, isn’t all that easy. Every wedding season introduces new trends and styles, unique colour palettes, and a different range of stunning designs to experiment with. Well, after a lot of online surfing on different sites including Amazon, Myntra, Nykaa Fashion, Flipkart, Meesho, Ajio, and offline search in V3S Mall, Pacific Mall, GIP, Chandi Chowk, Karol Bagh, Laxmi Nagar Market, (I visited almost every shopping market of Delhi), finalized dresses for different wedding functions. After my shopping and treatment procedures, I sent a mail to HR for work from home request and packed my bags to move from Delhi to Deoghar. Wall, it was not an easy departure – leaving your comfort zone but it was exciting as well heading for a new life with your future partner and new family. As soon as I reached Deoghar, the wedding preparation was already started. The venue was booked, decorator and photographer were finalized,  responsibilities were distributed among family members – all set for the big day. Just a few days waiting for the wedding! During all these preparations, how I can forget to take you through the moment when I met my fiancé for the first time. We both wanted to meet before marriage especially I was very concerned. We were connected for the last few months on phone used to communicate daily through audio calls and video calls but it was all virtual but how we both feel for each other when we meet physically. Our First Meeting Let me tell you I was very nervous, stressed, and worried. He was also going through the same feeling I guess. We decided to meet at Dominos. It was not a kind of date or couple meet; I went there with my younger brother and he came with his sister (my sister-in-law to be) and niece. As I reached the restaurant gate, I could see him from the glass wall. He was in a simple Kurta-Pyjama in light cream and white colour respectively that was giving him a decent and simple gentleman look while I was wearing a dark blue plazzo suit by Indo Era paired up with golden chain and earrings. But what? I was sweating in November at the restaurant gate… My legs were stuck in one place. Anyways with all my left courage, I entered the restaurant and took my seat. After some initial Hey! Hello! And some photo clicks, we start talking. It was hardly 5 minutes, I could see myself confidently talking and how Prakash was making every possible effort to make me calm and comfortable. If you are looking for simple wedding dresses ideas, this option is perfect for casual outings and day Pujas. Get this Dress Also, breaking all the stereotypes, (generally, in India, nand (husband’s sister) is supposed to bother her bhabhi (brother’s wife) and create problems for her) my sister-in-law (to be) was trying to comfort me with funny chit-chat and small talks. Even the little girl, Palak (his niece and my to-be) was striving hard to help me enjoy the moment. That time, I was thinking despite being a bold and confident city girl why I’m so nervous but meanwhile, I was very happy that I’m getting a life partner who actually cares for my comfort and new relations where my happiness matters a lot.   Okay, let’s go back to the process for the dream Indian wedding planning and Wedding Dresses Ideas. Haldi & Mehandi Ceremony For mehndi, I wanted to go for a comfortable yet stylish piece. While I’m completely in love with heavy sarees and lehengas, these heavy outfits are tough to carry. And, the Mehandi ceremony takes a whole day full of dancing, singing, laughing,  and enjoyment. I found this bottle green suit with heavy embroidery paired up with a matching plain Sharara and a dupatta with minimal work a perfect match. I pair it with some lovely rose and mogra jewelry – Maang tika, earrings, and a floral neckpiece. Where: I got this green suit from Pacific Mall. It is from the Biba. When it comes to the Haldi Ceremony dress, there are a lot of options varying from a brief saree, to a lehenga and another ethnic outfit. Here, “yellow” is defiantly the color of the Ceremony! Among so many trendy options in yellow and especially in multi-colors, I went for a simple pink Kurti -pajama by Aurelia with a heavy golden dupatta.  Instead of any artificial jewellery, I decided to go for minimal gold jewelry that includes an earring, maangtika, nath, and a chain. Where: I bought the haldi dress in a garment shop in Delhi. It is from the popular brand Aurila. Wedding dress Ideas: Recommended Options for Haldi & Mehandi Wedding Dresses Ideas & Tips for Mehandi Outfit You may love to stay trendy and offbeat always! But when it comes to choosing your Mehendi function outfit, it’s a better idea to pick traditional Mehendi colors shades like green and yellow. Here, you can easily combine it with pops of other colors to an interesting look while maintaining a traditional Mehendi vibe.Since you are the bride, your Mehendi designs will be elaborate and you don’t want sleeves coming in the way. Here, I had made a mistake and selected a full sleeve suit. Always go for outfits that are either sleeveless or that have shorter sleeves to get your Mehendi application undisturbed.Whether you are going for a western top or kurta, for the bottom wear, go for palazzos, ghararas, shararas, skirts, etc. to keep your outfit hassle-free. Mainly when you are applying henna on your feet and legs, you need bottom wear that has a loose fit silhouette to remove the cloth instantly. Also Read: 10 Best Indian Wedding Dresses Ideas for Women Kasatel This is not a popular ritual nationwide; it happens in some Brahmin weddings. So let me give you a quick brief about this ritual— The groom and bride both visit the temple (In Deoghar, we go to the famous ‘Baba Mandir’) and their Kuldevis with their relatives and band baja to worship and request them to come to their wedding functions. It is more like a Barat! Since this is a day-ritual, where I have to walk for a certain distance, I selected a lightweight art silk lehenga choli paired with a net dupatta in a sky-pink colour combination that gives an easy-breezy look that’s just perfect for a sunny day. The elegant stonework on the skirt, as well as the blouse, further adds glamour. Wedding dress Ideas: Similar Lehnga Options for Kasatel (Day function) Other Pre-wedding Rituals Mandap: While keeping it simple, not too heavy, and yet wanting to wear a saree, I bought this maroon saree with golden work. Jogtaphi: In this ritual, the bride wears a pagdi. This light pink Anarkali with mirror work perfectly match my requirement. Matrika Puja: I carried this half georgette and half net saree in light orange and cream colour combination. Wedding dress Ideas: Similar Choices for Saree & Suit The D-day The most memorable part of the whole Indian wedding planning is witnessing the elegance of the Bride on her special day.  My wedding lehenga is something I had been thinking about since I was a little girl. But unlike most of the brides, I did not have months to spend on selecting a bridal lehenga for my D-day. Fortunately, in my first visit to Chandni Chowk, I found this amazing marron bridal lehenga replate with motif and embroidery work. The lehenga is broadly pleated and is covered with stonework.  The choli looks gorgeous because of the exquisite thread and embroidery work all over. The net dupatta has a golden-maroon embroidered border and golden latkans as well. I pair this stunning outfit with a golden net dupatta to accomplish a classy draping style. After finalizing the lehenga the next important thing is the bridal jewellery and it is super important to have the right match! Instead of following the red-green and maroon-green trend, I carried Kundan jewellery with a hint of maroon! Where: I bought this bridal lehnga from the popular market of Delhi, Chandni Chowk. Wedding dress Ideas: Similar Options for Bridel Lehangas Wedding Dresses Ideas & Tips for Bridel Lehenga 🙂 Be realistic in your expectations- the Lehenga that you’ve seen wearing your favourite celebrity may not be suited to you. Keep your skin colour and body type in mind when buying your lehenga to get a perfect shade & your style. Do not finalise your wedding lehenga before getting your dupatta. It is your dupatta and the blouse that is mostly visible in pictures. I had bought my lehenga without checking for the second dupatta. I had to struggle a lot to get the right match. Check its colour and design. You can either choose a matching dupatta or a contrasting colour as per your choice.A blouse can make or break your look. Think twice about how you want the neck and back of the blouse, before giving the final instruction to the tailor. Instead of following the latest trend blindly, ensure your blouse fits you well and has a comfortable length.When it comes to wedding dresses ideas, climatic condition plays a major role. If you are getting married during summer, opt for light-weight fabrics like chiffon, georgette with lesser embellishments and prints. On the other hand, if you are going to get married during winters, go for heavy fabric, heavy embellishments, and a full-sleeved option. Gugat + Vidai Banarasi sarees have been used for decades in Indian weddings. (For gugat, the bridal saree comes from the groom’s side and the same saree bride has to wear on the vidai). I got this cool-toned purple and gold Banarasi brocade saree! Such a saree was looking really elegant on that night. I paired it with a matching color blouse and heavy gold jewelry. She went for the natural makeup look and adorned my hair in a golden clip. Wedding dress Ideas: Recommended Options in Barasi Saree Reception The reception day is as important as the wedding day! I sported a peach lehenga paired up with some minimal gold jewelry for the evening of the reception focused on a simple, elegant, and contemporary look. The lehenga has minute details in silver-colored thread. In addition, the bling of the stones blends perfectly with the white shimmer every here and there in the lehenga. Wedding dress Ideas: Similar Lehenga Options Wedding & post-wedding events were a full one-month affair starting off with some Poojas and Lagan (Kulproith put some tilak on bride and grom’s forehead) then moving on to Sangeeth + Mehendi Ceremony, Kasatel, Mandap & Matrika Puja in India. This was followed by Marriage Oath Ceremony and then a Reception in Deoghar. Then, post-wedding parties with both families. It felt like an adventure! Make-Up Artist: Nikita Makeovers (Insta id- nikita_raj_mua!). Nikita was simply amazing – like a work of art in just 1 hour did she turn me from a girl-next-door to a gorgeous bridal diva full of elegance! She really knows how to dress up different brides from different cultures & change their make-up and looks according to the occasion! Facial & Massage: Pooja Parlour, Deoghar. Can’t say, I’m fully satisfied with her service, but it was fine. What I like about her service is that she does facials, massages, and all other skincare services at the comfort of your home/ venue! Have you checked the 20 Gorgeous Hairstyles For Indian Wedding Function? Indian Wedding Planning Checklist Do Your Research:  Before your begin, your Indian wedding planning, do proper research to know what you really need (or want) and what you don’t in your wedding shopping list. Set a Budget: Trust me, an Indian wedding planning cost can go unlimited. Here, it is best to set your budget and ensure that all your expenses come under it. It will help you from getting disappointed and stressed on your big day! Organized Your Stuff: Organization is vital, sort out and neatly pack all your outfits, innerwear, jewellery, footwear and keep them occasion-by-occasion.  you might be already nervous and stressed and the last thing you want to be searching for is the missing pin to drape your dupatta! Avoid Experimenting: You can be someone who loves to try to make up launches and new cuisines. But it comes to your wedding, whether it is an Indian wedding planning or planning wedding in the US, avoid trying out anything new (unless you have had trials) close to your big day – be it food, makeup, or even clothes!. It might turn out something completely different from what you had expected! Stay Calm: No matter how careful you are, something goes wrong somewhere at the last minute. As they say, things get wrong when you least expect it. Instead of brooding over it, stay calm! You don’t need to be panic and let little things ruin your BIG MOMENTS in life! No issue if the make-up is too heavy; or the dupatta is not draped properly… everyone is going to notice – and just you…as you are the QUEEN of the day! Sit back… take a chill pill… and most importantly ENJOY the little things that make your day. SMILE – even if you are happy/ sad/ nervous… it is the best accessory you can wear! Nothing beats that 😀 (In most of my wedding functions, I was very nervous and forgot my smile somewhere; almost every close person was telling me “please smile”; even the photographer was tired of reminding me to smile. This is the most important advice I can give you from my personal experience.) “Let’s just remember…Life’s such a beautiful mistake”!  Thank you for taking the time to go through my whole journey… it has been happening indeed! After the entire wedding hullabaloo…. Prakash has been called to work from the office so he went back to Hyderabad– I just moved to my in-law’s house to settle and build new bonds. This new life begins in a completely new atmosphere with new people. Now looking ahead to marriage more beautiful than our wedding! Life seems to have other beautiful plans for us…(that, I’ll shared soon:) Thank you so much to all my whole family (including my father, month, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother, sister-in-law, cousins, uncle, aunt, who made this day possible for me. Special thanks to those who were actively involved in preparing for this dream Indian wedding planning. Thank you for reading this blog so far; I hope you enjoy the read! It’s either you are already married, or about to experience this moment in the future. What are your questions from your future partner and from this new beginning? What do you want to celebrate your D-day? And at last, what are your thoughts about these wedding dresses ideas and my journey? I’m eagerly waiting for your answer guys, comment below and let me know your thoughts, please. Source link

[norajworld]

The Palisades Tahoe ski resort has a lot going for it: an idyllic location seven miles from Lake Tahoe’s western shore, a peak elevation of 9,050 feet with 2,850 feet of vertical, and 6,000 skiable acres spread over two bases and served by 43 lifts.The famed California destination, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, has cool, swagger and a wealth of demanding terrain. The resort hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics when it was still called Squaw Valley, and is among the Alpine Ski World Cup’s few regular stops in the United States.Yet at times, it feels as if all people talk about is the weather.Take my first visit to the resort, this past February, which took place in a windy whiteout.On the first day, I rode up the tram from the Palisades base area, then felt my way down the blue runs off the Siberia Express and Gold Coast Express lifts in a sea of white on white. Palisades Tahoe is known for its bowls, chutes and gullies, especially off the KT-22 chair, but I was not ready to venture there essentially blindfolded.While I was trying to find my bearings on Emigrant Face — a bowl-like blue area off one of the highest lifts — a snowboarder zoomed by so fast that he didn’t see a ridge in the fog and took off like an eagle. An eagle that couldn’t fly, because he crashed.Still, against all odds, I was having fun.And so was Joan Collins, 60, from Madison, Wis., whom I met during lunch at the Alpine base area the next day, when it was marginally less foggy but snowing hard. “For me the hardest part was not seeing the horizon, snow blowing in your face so you can’t really see where you’re going,” said Ms. Collins. “But we’ve been hollering all the way down on some of those runs — it’s like a big, powdery playground.”As snow fell relentlessly, parts of the mountain were closed for avalanche mitigation. Several lifts were on hold because of winds that, I later learned, could reach 100 miles per hour on the ridge tops. By noon it was obvious I really should have refreshed my jacket’s waterproofing.My visit coincided with a big dump of snow after an alarmingly dry December and an average January. Not long after, in early March, a major storm dropped eight feet of snow on the resort. Which might sound amazing to powder hounds, except that the roads and lifts were closed.This year, true to form, good conditions allowed the resort to kick off its season five days early in November.First in line for stormsThis yo-yo pattern comes from the resort’s location, 200 miles east of San Francisco. The local mountains, part of the Sierra Nevada range, are first in line when moisture-laden storms travel eastward from the Pacific. And with nothing to slow it down, the unimpeded jet stream can hit Palisades Tahoe with hurricane force. The resort’s relatively low altitude, with a main base at 6,200 feet, helps create conditions that can vary drastically within a single day as well as between the upper and the lower mountains. At least the Palisades base has great easygoing terrain at the top, so beginners and intermediates can enjoy good snow quality instead of being stuck on scraped-out or wet runs at lower elevations.There are other big upsides. When it’s not snowing, “we have really nice weather for a Western ski destination,” said Bryan Allegretto, the Northern Sierra specialist at the forecasting and conditions site OpenSnow. “When the sun’s out, it’s warm relative to a lot of mountain areas, so you get this beautiful, amazing weather for skiing that isn’t super cold.” (The average daytime high in January is 36 degrees.)And in a good year, the season can extend well into the spring. “I ski as long as the resort is open — there’s been several years when I skied on July 4,” Stephanie Yu, 49, who lives in Sacramento, said in a phone interview after my trip.A long history and a new nameNo wonder Palisades Tahoe is among the most popular winter destinations in America, even if, technically speaking, it was born only three years ago.The mountain opened in 1949 as Squaw Valley and acquired its neighbor, Alpine Meadows, seven miles away, in 2011. The new entity went by the cumbersome umbrella Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows until it was rebranded as Palisades Tahoe in 2021, to avoid a term that is offensive to many Native Americans.The next year a gondola connecting the base areas at the two mountains was installed; there is also a free on-demand shuttle between the two.Yet part of the Palisades Tahoe draw is how distinct its two components have remained. Palisades is bigger and sleeker, with more and better dining options, an active après scene, activities like disco tubing (which adds party lights and pumping music to regular tubing), and big-time concerts — this year, Diplo was among the performers.The plentiful lifts include a tram and a hybrid known as the Funitel (a mash-up of the French words “funiculaire” and “téléphérique”), and there is an abundance of signature terrain, which, in addition to the KT-22-served runs, includes open steeps off the Headwall and Siberia lifts (unfortunately, among the first to close because of wind) and a bumps minefield named after the local Olympic freestyle skier Jonny Moseley.The Palisades side is so spread out that you can easily move on to another section of the mountain if one gets closed off or too crowded. After struggling with low visibility on my first day, I eventually found better conditions in the Shirley bowl on the back side. Then, to flee both the crowds and the increasingly strong wind, I headed to the Snow King area, tucked away to the far left of the mountain, as you look uphill. From the Red Dog and Far East Express lifts, I made laps on runs that meandered through trees.More complicated was securing a parking spot for my rental car. Palisades Tahoe is part of the Ikon multiresort pass and in recent years has experienced an increase in crowds and traffic. Palisades visitors who don’t stay on-mountain tend to favor Truckee, a town 11 miles away, but Route 89 from there to Palisades can easily turn into a long ribbon of vehicles. (I stayed seven miles from the resort in the other direction, in tiny Tahoe City, which offers an easier commute.)To deal with the crunch, Palisades Tahoe has started requiring parking reservations on Saturdays, Sundays and select holidays. You can book a spot for $30 or try your luck when free reservations open on the Tuesday before the weekend, with sign-up windows at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. On my first attempt, I hadn’t even completed setting up my account before all the spaces were gone in 12 minutes. A few hours later, it took only six minutes for them to fill up, but I was ready and got a free spotUnassuming AlpineCompared with the Palisades side’s extroverted, big personality, Alpine still feels like an unassuming locals’ hill, with a trail map that looks underfed. Don’t underestimate it: “A lot of the best terrain is hike-to only, well hidden to where your average user won’t find it,” said Mark Fisher, who, with another local, runs a site called Unofficial Alpine that reports on the mountain.For a newcomer, though, the layout felt instinctive and easy, and I was able to have fun with the handful of lifts open on my visit, like the punishingly slow two-seater Yellow Chair — where a wild gust made me slide backward when I disembarked.I also got schooled on an innocent-looking blue run off Roundhouse Express, when my skis hopelessly sank into what looked like mounds of fluffy powder but felt like quicksand. Welcome to the notorious heavy snow known as Sierra cement.Yet something was happening. Trees offered shelter when I needed it, the runs were half empty, there were no lines anywhere, and the snow kept falling. I wasn’t even cold.Fine, count me in: There is something to be said about California skiing.Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024. Source link

[norajworld]

Women ought to feel secure and at ease at night. The ideal balance of comfort, style, and attraction will be provided by sexy women’s sleepwear and pajamas, making the bed a stylish and welcoming place. There are several plus-size alternatives for stylish and comfortable sleepwear as well as attractive pajama sets. We specialize in creating sexy sleepwear that suits the preferences and demands of every woman. Now let’s explore all the information you require to locate the ideal sexy pajamas. Sexy Sleepwear Woven with Comfort Sexy pajamas are comfortable and stylish. Feeling comfortable in your sleepwear is just as important as looking beautiful. Sexy sleepwear for ladies will provide the ideal balance, whether it’s a playful PJ set or an elegant fabric chemise. It allows you to have a perfect, restful night while radiating confidence. Comfort is our top priority. There is sleepwear made of premium fabrics that feel fantastic on your skin and look fantastic. It’s not necessary to give up comfort to be sexy.  Choosing the Perfect Sexy Pajama Finding the perfect sexy pajama set begins with understanding your preferences. Here are some tips to guide your search: Consider Your Style: Do you like the sleek satin, cozy cotton, or playful lace? Your choice should reflect your taste. Think About Fit: Whether it’s a fitted chemise or a loose pajama set, the right fit can make your natural curves stand out. Purpose Matters: is the sleepwear for an intimate evening, lounging, or even an easy night’s rest? This may help guide a decision to ultra-sex, or more subtlely allure design. Choosing the Right Fabric The fabric of your sexy pajamas makes all the difference in how they look and feel. Here are some popular options: Satin: This is best for a luxurious and sensual vibe. Satin can glide over your skin making it ideal for special occasions. Cotton: It is breathable and soft; comfort is offered without compromising on style. Lace: Adds a delicate and feminine touch to any pajama set. Modal: Known for its silky texture and excellent breathability, making it great for everyday wear. We offer sleepwear in various fabrics to suit your style and comfort preferences. Naturally Nude: Your Perfect Comfy-yet-Sexy Pajamas The highest point of elegance can occasionally be found in simplicity. Nude-toned sleepwear is, of course, stylish and functional. A soft pajama set or a satin slip dress in a nude tone may bring out your natural appeal while remaining delicate yet sexy. These pajamas were ideal for women who appreciate comfort but still need more sex. For a new, carefree style, pair it with natural curls and a little makeup. Pick the Perfect Pairings Sexy Pajamas for women can be paired with accessories to make a style statement. Here’s how to do it: Matching Robes: A lace-trimmed robe over a sexy pajama set will add some elegance. Slippers: Velvet or satin slippers match your nightwear very well. Lingerie Underneath: For special occasions, layer a matching bra or bralette under your sleepwear for added allure. Creating the perfect ensemble can boost your confidence and make your nighttime routine feel extra special. Sexy Comfy Sleepwear Who says sexy sleepwear can’t be comfortable? Foxy Lingerie has a wide selection of sexy outfits for women that fit like a dream. Look for designs that flatter your figure without being restrictive, such as: Soft satin pajama sets with lace. Loose-fitting chemises with adjustable straps. Sexy plus-size pajama sets made of supportive fabrics. Comfort is key to feeling good, and with the right sexy comfy sleepwear, you’ll never have to compromise. The Impact of Looking Good on Feeling Good It makes you feel better, whatever your attire. In addition to making one look gorgeous, sexy pajamas also help one feel more attractive. You are also taking care of yourself when you choose clothes that are both visually attractive and comfortable to wear. Additionally, wearing beautiful pajamas might boost your relationship confidence. It’s one easy approach to feel connected to your mate and empowered. Shopping Tips for Finding Your Perfect Fit Shopping for a sexy pajama set for women does not have to be rocket science. Here are some tips: Know Your Measurements: To ensure a great fit, always refer to sizing charts. Examine reviews: You can learn more about fabric quality and sizing by reading other customers’ reviews. Check this: To find which fits you, don’t be afraid to have fun with other designs, colors, or styles. Take Comfort First: Verify that the fit and fabric suit your preferred level of comfort. By providing comprehensive sizing charts and a wide range of options to fit any style, we simplify the purchasing experience. The Importance of Investing in Quality Sleepwear Purchasing high-quality pajamas is an investment in your comfort and confidence. High-quality appealing pajamas will last for years, whereas cheap fabrics are likely to harm your skin and lose their charm after a few washes. We are committed to providing sleepwear that feels amazing and looks fantastic. Whether you’re looking for a silky chemise or a plus-size sexy pajama set, our collection is made with both style and durability in mind. Conclusion Women’s sexy pajamas and sleepwear represent comfort and confidence, and they’re much more than just regular night apparel. Good sleepwear may change your nights, from soft and silky alternatives to plus-size beautiful pajama sets. We take great satisfaction in offering a large selection of sexy sleepwear to meet the requirements of every woman. Our collection offers something for everyone, from selecting the best fabric to choosing your most effective fit. Why wait, then? Buy Foxy Lingerie to boost your sleepwear performance right now! Related Source link

[norajworld]

Planning on get a new bra but feel overwhelmed about how to choose the best bra for your body? Town Shop has you covered! Our experienced fitters will help you! Town Shops experienced fitters are here to make sure that when you walk  in for a bra fitting, we will show you bras that fit and feel comfortable, so you leave feeling great and wearing the correct size bra!Here are some tips from our experienced bra fitters to make sure you get a great fitting bra the next time you go shopping for a bra.Tip #1. Get fitted““Finding a bra that fits is literally life-changing!” I often hear from our customers that it’s a major struggle to get a great fitting bra. It's no wonder Oprah started a bra revolution when she said that about 8 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra! We always recommend coming in and getting fitted first — it’s a good way to learn about your body and make sure that your next bra shopping trip is enjoyable.” - Alison, a superstar bra fitting expert at Town Shop since 2007 Tip #2. Look for your actual bra sizeNumbers can be daunting, but it's really important to know how to choose your bra size. “Your bra shouldn't be too loose or tight and suffocating. Your bra  should feel like it’s a part of your body when you wear it. Remember that the size is just a number! A bra sits differently on different bodies. Our body shape  are all unique, so a bra in one size will not feel and fit the same on your girlfriend, even if she’s the same height and weight as you.” Learn your size and learn to appreciate your body—it doesn't define you but this will ensure comfy bra wearing. - Denise, Town Shop bra fitter, fitted a thousand women and countingTip #3. Evaluate your wardrobe“Before getting a new bra, check what styles you' re lacking. A great way to start bra shopping is by thinking of what kind of upper body items or tops you wear the most. For example, convertible bras like the Marie Jo Avero Tom Convertible Underwire Bra are a great choice for both casual t-shirts and fancy open-shoulder outfits.” - Denise, Town Shop bra fitter, fitted a thousand women and counting. “Take a moment to analyze your lifestyle. Do you spend most of the day running around? Then you probably need a good sports bra or a T-shirt bra. Or maybe you prefer to incorporate bras in your outfits. In this case, go for a bralette.” - Karen, Town Shop expert bra fitter and happy bra fitting specialist. Tip #4. Check for the correct breast positionNot only does the bra has to be the right size and also fit well, but the cups of the bra have to position your breasts correctly. “The correct cup position will provide support and prevent any pain from wearing the bra. This will also take care of your breast and back health. Your breasts should be centered and front.Look in the mirror to see whether your bust is lifted to the center and set right between your elbows and shoulders—then you know they are sitting well!” - Alison, a superstar bra fitting expert at Town Shop since 2007 Tip #5. Diversify your bra shelfMake sure you have the right bra for every occasion.Here's a checklist for your reference from our expert bra fitter Alison:● for a t-shirt bra, try Empreinte Cassiopee Molded Bra● for a strapless bra, try Simone Perele Caresse Strapless Bra● for a wireless bra, try Chantelle C Magnifique Sexy Molded Bra● for a sports bra, try Anita Active Momentum Soft Cup Sports Bra● for a bralette, try Cosabella Never Say Never Curvy BraletteTip #6. Complete your core collection, but never be afraid to embrace color!“Remember that nude, black, and white bras are the go-to for every woman's wardrobe. The basics always get a seamless look for any and every occasion.”- Matte, the bra fitting maven at Town Shop “Don’t be afraid to shine bright in vivid underwear! Basics are good, but go for a pop of color every now and then. Next time you're going bra shopping, don't skip or shy away from rows of bolder pieces. Or, if you're into something rather subtle, choose a pastel one instead—it’s still color!” - Robin, Town Shop bra fitter and bra connoisseurTip #7. Check coverage“As you’re trying on a bra, make sure to put your clothes back on to check out how the bra looks under your shirt or t-shirt. This will help you see what tops look best to wear with your new bra and will help you make sure that it’s the right purchase, depending on whether you want an invisible bra or if you don't mind it showing through.” - Robin, Town Shop bra fitter and bra connoisseur Tip #8.Get a matching panty“I’m all about wearing the matching underwear! Nothing makes a bra look better than when it's worn as a set! Whether it's an everyday bra, or a cute lingerie piece, make sure you have a panty in the same color. You’ll feel confident, stylish and fabulous!” - Karen, Town Shop expert bra fitter and happy bra fitting specialistTip #9. Balance quality and quantity“I know it can be tempting to go for less expensive options to try and buy more pieces. I always advise to choose quality over quantity. You will spend more money replacing cheap bras that fall apart quickly. It’s always better to purchase a better, quality great fitting bra that, with a little love, will last! - Denise, Town Shop bra fitter, fitted a thousand women and countingTip #10. Taking care of your new bra.When you find your perfect bra, you will want to treat it well, so you will have it for as long as possible. Our bra fitting experts at Town Shop can help you extend the life of your favorite bra with a little love. Here are some simple rules to stick to from our team of expert bra fitters:● make sure to store your bra gently without folding or crushing● hand wash only, in cold water, never machine wash!● don't hang or use the dryer—dry flat instead, the dryer will cook your bra!● wash after every 3 wears“These are simple yet basic routines but they will help you save your favorite bras and extend their livelihood so you can enjoy them for months or even years to come.” - Matte, the bra fitting maven at Town ShopA perfect bra can be difficult to find when you don’t know what to look for or how to find. But hopefully these 10 tips from our Town Shop bra fitting experts haveuplifted you on how to buy your new bra! Check out our bra collections and come by the Town Shop store in NYC to get an expert fitting and try on your perfect size! const observer = new MutationObserver(e => e.forEach(( addedNodes: e ) => e.forEach(e => e.src.includes("connect.facebook.net"))&&(e.setAttribute("data-src", e.src), e.removeAttribute("src"))))));observer.observe(document.documentElement,childList:!0,subtree:!0) Source link

[norajworld]

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission. When you’ve got a teen, the days of taking a Valentine’s Day box to school and painstakingly filling out each classmate’s name on a card are over (and we can’t say we miss it much, TBH!). But no matter how big they get, or how many Valentine’s Day traditions they outgrow, they are still our babies — and we love them to the ends of the earth. And there’s no better time to remind them of that fact than a day set aside to celebrate the people we love most. However, buying for teenagers can be tricky because when it comes to certain things, they can be as finicky as toddlers. So we’ve curated a list of the best Valentine’s Day gifts for teens: tokens of love that aren’t too cheesy, too “mid,” or too over-the-top. Members of the editorial team here at SheKnows are the parents of a collective gaggle of actual teens, so they (grudgingly, because teenagers) acted as consultants on this gift guide — they’re the experts, after all. These teen-approved picks from all price points are sure to warm your teenager’s heart and make them smile … or at least elicit a grunt of approval. Happy Valentine’s Day! Our Favorite Valentine’s Day Gifts for Teens At a Glance Best overall: Heartbeat Hoodie Best for teen girls: Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler  Best for teen boys: Valentine’s Day Snack Pack Best unisex gift: Coolway Sneakers Best splurge: JBL Flip 6 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Best bargain: Dash Mini Waffle Maker Best food-related gift: ‘Hopeless Ramen-tic’ Ramen Bowl Best tech gift: HP Sprocket Portable 2×3 Instant Photo Printer Best for year-round use: Beats Studio Buds True Wireless Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Earbuds Most sentimental: Love Note Capsules Funniest gift: Sarcastic Candy Heart Tee   Heart-Shaped Cable Protector Image Credit: CameCosy These cute cable protectors make frayed (and hazardous!) chargers a thing of the past. You get all four marbled heart protectors in one pack. Heart Shaped Cable $9.99 on Amazon.com     Kaja Heart Melter Lip Gloss Stick Image Credit: Kaja Available in eight colors, the Kaja Heart Melter Lip Gloss Stick is packed with nourishing oils that melt onto the lips for incredible conditioning and a glossy shine. Plus, they’re the cutest little heart shape — perfect for V-Day! Kaja Heart Melter Lip Gloss Stick $19.00 Heartbeat Hoodie Image Credit: Floerns Available in five different colors, this heartbeat hoodie is the perfect subtle way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without being cheesy. Heartbeat Hoodie $23.99 on Amazon.com Portable Waterproof Jewel Speaker Image Credit: LFS While some Valentine’s Day gift recipients would prefer actual jewels, your teenager arguably values their music (and its portability) more. So gift them with a small-but-mighty jewel-shaped Bluetooth speaker they can even take in the shower or poolside. It even comes with a carrying strap and a magnet so it can attach to anything metallic. Portable Waterproof Mini Jewel Speaker $17.00 on Amazon.com   Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler – 40 oz. Image Credit: Stanley ICYMI, Stanley tumblers are still “in” for 2025, so your teen can stay hydrated in style. They’re available in a plethora of different colors — and customizable, too! Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler - 40 oz. $45.00 Silicone Reusable Straw Toppers Image Credit: Zoranala … And what’s the must-have accessory for said Stanley Cup? Why, cute covers for the reusable straw, of course!  Silicone Reusable Straw Toppers $7.69 on Amazon.com Coolway Sneakers Image Credit: Coolway Cult-favorite Spanish brand Coolway has trendy unisex street sneaks in a PLETHORA of different and unique colorways — but in the spirit of V-Day, why not grab your teen a pair of these Coolway Duck sneakers in the color Red Sauce? Coolway Sneakers — Red Sauce $100.00   Papier Valentine’s Day Mini Photo Book Image Credit: Papier Make it (really) personal this Valentine’s Day with this small (6.5″ by 6.5″), high-quality hardcover photo book from Papier. You can fill it with your teen’s favorite pictures of friends, family, and pets and personalize the cover. It’s available in multiple designs, too! Papier Valentine's Day Mini Photo Book $28.90   JBL Flip 6 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Image Credit: JBL As someone who just found out that her teenager was taking his phone INTO THE ACTUAL SHOWER to listen to music, I will personally be buying this waterproof speaker from JBL … because it’s better than buying a new phone. And with 12 hours of battery life, it’s great even for teens who forget to charge. JBL Flip 6 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker $99.95 on Amazon.com   Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Jet Set Image Credit: Sol de Janeiro If you want to show your teen some love AND earn some parental cool points, you can’t go wrong with this Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Jet Set. Sol de Janeiro is one of the most sought-after body care brands at the moment, and this feminine, fruity, and floral scent is one of its most popular. Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Jet Set $32.00 DASH Mini Waffle Maker Image Credit: DASH When you no longer have to worry about tiny fingers burning themselves on a hot appliance, this adorable heart-shaped waffle maker is a pretty cool Valentine’s Day gift. (Bonus points for a quick breakfast they can make themselves!) DASH Mini Waffle Maker $9.95 on Amazon.com humanKINDglow Magic Heart Pimple Patches Image Credit: humanKINDglow Female-owned small business humanKINDglow brings self-love and self-care together with these cute-but-effective Magic Heart Pimple Patches. While you’re at it, pick up a 5-pack of their Hydrogel Mystery Masks: each mask has a surprise word of affirmation. Plus, they’re the grippiest face masks we’ve ever tried: no slipping off your face! humanKINDglow Magic Heart Pimple Patches $15.00 Personalized Heart Collage Mouse Pad Image Credit: Shutterfly If you’ve got a gamer, they’ll love this mouse pad from Shutterfly filled with their favorite photos in a sweet heart-shaped arrangement. Put their name at the bottom for even more personalization! Personalized Heart Collage Mouse Pad $11.99   AirPods Pro Heart Case Image Credit: ANDRIU Compatible with 1st and 2nd generation AirPods Pro, this case is the perfect place for your teen to store their beloved AirPods… on the rare occasion when they take them out of their ears, that is. AirPods Pro Heart Case $12.99 on Amazon.com   Happy Valentine’s Day Cookie Card Image Credit: Cheryl's Cookies This chocolate sugar cookie with strawberry buttercream frosting from Cheryl’s Cookies is a sweet way to show your kid you’re thinking of them on V-Day. Happy Valentine's Day Cookie Card $8.99   ‘Drive Safe’ Keychain You might remind your teen of this multiple times a day, but having a “Drive safe, I love you” keychain makes sure they never, ever forget.  'Drive Safe, I Love You' Keychain $9.95 on Amazon.com   Personalized Neon Wall Sign Image Credit: BIOIWGY Light up your teen’s life (or at least their bedroom wall) with an endlessly-customizable personalized neon sign. You can choose from a ton of different colors, fonts, and shapes with any name, word, or phrase you choose – the possibilities are endless. Plus, it’s dimmable! Personalized Neon Wall Sign $23.99 on Amazon.com     Heart Logo Beanie Image Credit: I & W Hatgear This understated heart-logo beanie (available in six colors with several different heart options) lets your kid keep their head warm — while staying effortlessly cool. Heart Logo Beanie $12.97 on Amazon.com   Posh Peanut Valentine’s Day PJs Image Credit: Posh Peanut You absolutely cannot go wrong with the gift of something comfy (especially for teens, who practically make an art out of lounging around). These long-sleeved posh PJs from Posh Peanut in the print Love Queen are made of super-soft and stretchy bamboo fabric for the ultimate softness and coziness. Posh Peanut Valentine's Day PJs $74.00 Valentine’s Day Snack Pack Image Credit: Crave Box The way to a teen’s heart — on Valentine’s Day or any other day? SNACKS! This box of 50 assorted snacks (both savory and sweet!) is a surefire way to bring a smile to even the surliest teenager’s face. Crave Box Valentine's Edition $41.95 on Amazon.com   Valentine’s Day Squishmallow Image Credit: Squishmallow No matter how old your kid is, there’s just something irresistible about a cult-favorite Squishmallow — especially when it’s a sweet Valentine’s Day speicial edition, Scarlet the White Chocolate-Covered Strawberry. Valentine's Day Squishmallow (Scarlet) $25.00 on Amazon.com     ‘Valentine’ by Jodi McAlister Avid readers will love this YA novel by Jodi McAlister — it’s a paranormal thriller about four teens born on the same Valentine’s Day. One of them is a faerie swapped at birth with a human baby … and now someone is out to find which one is the faerie, and kill them.  'Valentine' by Jodi McAllister $20.50 on Amazon.com   ‘I Love You’ Morse Code Bracelet Image Credit: Sincere If you want to give your kid a sweet wearable message (without it screaming “MOMMY LOVES YOU!”), these morse code bracelets that say “I love you” are the cool and stealthy way to wear their parents’ love on their wrists. BUY NOW: $9.99 on Amazon.com Sugarfina Strawberry Hearts Candy Cubes Image Credit: Sugarfina A few gourmet gummy strawberry hearts from candy company Sugarfina is the perfect means to say “I love you” in a less little-kid way. Sugarfina Strawberry Hearts Candy Cube, 4.1oz Candy Cubes, Pack of 4 |Gummy Candy | Strawberry Gummies | Heart Candy $49.95 on Amazon.com   Heart-Shaped Succulent Image Credit: Costa Farms Liven up your kid’s desktop — quite literally — with this cute live succulent in a heart shape. Even better, the pot it comes in says “love” on one side and “life would succ without you” on the other. Costa Farms Heart-Shaped Succulent $24.32 on Amazon.com   Chocolate Game Controller Image Credit: Queen of the Castle If a heart-shaped box of chocolates isn’t your teenager’s speed, they don’t have to miss out on the Valentine’s Day candy! This chocolate video game controller is a sweet way to show your love without being too mushy. Chocolate Game Controller $10.96 on Amazon.com   Handmade Bath Bombs Image Credit: BRUBAKER These look just like delicious Valentine’s Day treats, but looks can be deceiving — because they’re actually hand-crafted bath bombs! Vegan, organic, made with pure essential oils, and never tested on animals, they’ll make bath time sweet (and skin soft!). Hand-Crafted Bath Bombs $15.99 on Amazon.com Love Note Capsules Image Credit: Infmetry This is among the more time-consuming gifts you could get your kid, we admit — but it’s also one of the most customizable and heartfelt. Inside each empty capsule is a piece of paper that you can write a sweet or encouraging message on, then enclose it back into its capsule. Your child can have a pick-me-up any time they want to feel a little more loved. Love Note Capsules $9.99 $12.99 23% Off on Amazon.com     Fuzzy Heart Pillow Image Credit: MOOWOO If comfy is a whole mood for your teen, let them cozy up to this soft and fuzzy heart shaped pillow – available in blue, white, or pink. Fuzzy Heart Pillow $17.99 on Amazon.com     Crocs Jibbitz Valentine Charms If your teen wears Crocs for every season and every occasion (don’t they all?), they will likely have them on for Valentine’s Day too. Make their Crocs a little festive with this set of five cute “candy heart” charms. BUY NOW: $14.99 $19.99 25% Off on Amazon.com Neon Heart LED Light Image Credit: BHCLIGHT This neon heart LED light will make any day of the year a vibe, but it’s especially perfect for upping the V-Day ambiance. Neon Heart LED Light $12.59 $13.99 10% Off on Amazon.com   Reese’s Valentine’s Football Heart Tin with Reese’s Miniatures For sporty teens who love a good “PB & C” combo, there’s nothing better than this football-themed tin filled with a dozen Reese’s Miniature peanut butter cups. There’s a soccer version, too!  Reese's Valentine Football Heart Tin with Reese's Miniatures $5.99 LEGO Valentine Heart Ornament Image Credit: LEGO You’re never too old (or too cool!) to play with LEGOs, and if your teen loved ’em as a little kid, they’ll love putting together this Valentine’s Day-appropriate masterpiece.  LEGO Valentine Heart Ornament $12.98 on Amazon.com Personalized Cereal Bowl Image Credit: Personalization Universe Got a teen who a.) could live off nothing but cereal (and maybe ramen) and b.) hoards bowls? Then there’s no better gesture of love this Valentine’s Day than a bowl of their very own. Bonus — it’s personalized! Personalized Cereal Bowl $18.99 on Amazon.com   Olive & June Instant Mani Press-On Nails Image Credit: Olive & June A classic French mani with a V-Day twist, these extra-short fake nails last up to two weeks and use non-damaging glue. Olive & June Instant Mani Press-On Nails $10.00 Beats Studio Buds True Wireless Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Earbuds Image Credit: Beats Sure, they’re a little on the pricier side as Valentine’s Day gifts for teens go, but their eyes will light up at having an awesome new way to tune you out — er, listen to their favorite music. Beats Studio Buds Wireless Earbuds $99.99   ‘What I Love About Being Your Mom’ Journal Image Credit: Knock Knock Even if they don’t outwardly show it, every teenager wants to feel loved — and this hardcover fill-in-the-blank journal is the perfect heartfelt way to remind them.   'What I Love About Being Your Mom' Journal $11.99 on Amazon.com     ‘The Comfy’ Wearable Blanket Treat your teen to some next-level loafing with The Comfy: the bestselling wearable blanket featured on Shark Tank. Available in a multitude of colors patterns and made of super-soft and snuggly microfiber and sherpa, this wearable blanket will keep them warm while they’re chillin’.  'The Comfy' Wearable Blanket $59.99 on Amazon.com Foster Grant ‘Only Love Here’ Sunglasses Make your teen the heart-eye emoji IRL with these fun (yet not over-the-top) heart-shaped sunglasses from Foster Grant! Foster Grant 'Only Love Here' Sunglasses $42.00   Valentine-Themed Amazon Gift Card Image Credit: Amazon Even the most difficult-to-please teenager will love a gift that lets them choose their own gift. This Valentine’s Day-themed Amazon gift card will give them the freedom to pick. Amazon Gift Card $50.00 - $2,000.00 on Amazon.com Heart-Shaped Makeup Bag Image Credit: Aaly Beauty This roomy makeup bag (it holds full-sized products!) is cute and easy to clean … if your teen ever cleans anything, that is. Aaly Beauty Heart-Shaped Makeup Bag $28.00 $32.99 15% Off on Amazon.com   BIC BodyMark Temporary Tattoo Markers for Skin For the teen who wants a tat, these body markers are the perfect way to express themselves in ink — temporarily! They can even “tattoo” their significant other’s name on their body without having to get it covered ten years down the road when they’re so over them. Or maybe they’ll draw on one of those heart tattoos that says “MOM.” BIC Body Mark Temporary Tattoo Pens $25.65 $34.99 27% Off on Amazon.com   Reversible Octopus Plushie Image Credit: TeeTurtle Sometimes it’s hard to tell what’s on your teen’s mind — but with this TikTok-viral reversible octopus plushie (Valentine-themed, of course!), at least you’ll know whether to attempt approaching them. Reversible Octopus Plushie $14.95 on Amazon.com   Barbed Wire Heart Necklace It’s OK if your teen’s feelings about Valentine’s Day (or life in general) are less warm and fuzzy and a little more prickly! This necklace has the V-Day vibe that even edgier kids can appreciate. Barbed Wire Heart Necklace $9.99 on Amazon.com Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera Image Credit: Fujifilm Available in pink (perfect for V-Day!), blue, white, purple, and green, the small-but-mighty Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera lets your teenager capture special moments with the people they love best … aka, their friends. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera $79.99   Jellycat Bashful Red Love Heart Bunny Image Credit: Jellycat Your teen may not come right out and tell you they would still really enjoy a stuffed animal, but get them this lovable, huggable stuffed bunny and see if they don’t fall asleep clutching it at least a time or two! Plus, Jellycat is a HOT HOT HOT trending brand among teens right now! Jellycat Bashful Red Love Heart Bunny $51.00 on Amazon.com   Candy Heart Funny Valentine’s Day Shirt Image Credit: Amazon Not everybody is into the whole Valentine’s Day schtick! If your teen falls into that category, they’ll get a chuckle out of this tee featuring candy hearts that more accurately convey their sentiment. Funny Candy Hearts Shirt $19.99 on Amazon.com   Beef Jerky-Filled Heart Image Credit: ManCrates If your kid’s not that into sweets, surprise them with something that looks like a box of chocolates — but is actually a collection of 10 strips of beef jerky in fun and unique flavors! Beef Jerky-Filled Heart $44.99 on Amazon.com Funko POP! Star Wars Valentine’s Day Edition Grogu Image Credit: Funko What’s cuter than Grogu? A pink Grogu. A pink Funko POP Grogu. A pink Funko POP Grogu with cookies!! That’s right: for the Star Wars lover in your life, the Valentine’s Day edition Grogu is the perfect way to show you care. There’s also a Mandalorian and a BB8 version! Funko POP! Star Wars Valentine's Day Grogu $11.99 $12.99 8% Off on Amazon.com O’s Bubble Tea Party Kit If your teen’s always begging you to take them to the nearest bubble tea joint, gift them this kit for V-Day! It includes multiple flavors of boba— black tea, brown sugar, matcha, and taro — and comes with everything you need to make six cups of bubble tea. O's Bubble Tea Party Kit $14.98 on Amazon.com Dr. Squatch Limited-Edition ‘Bow Chicka Wow Wow’ One thing to love about teen boys is that they finally take showers willingly. And this Valentine’s Day-edition soap from fan-favorite Dr. Squatch, with hints of chocolate and strawberry, will make them even more happy to lather up. Dr. Squatch Limited Edition 'Bow Chicka Wow Wow' Soap $19.99 $21.99 9% Off on Amazon.com   Maison Miru Classic Heart Nap Earrings These small and dainty heart-shaped earrings from Maison Miru (available in either silver or gold) are made from medical-grade titanium so they’re safe for sensitive skin — but that’s not what makes them the real standout. They’re Nap Earrings: designed with signature flat backs that make 24/7 poke-free, super-comfortable wear a reality! Maison Miru Classic Heart Nap Earrings $75.00   Crazy Aaron’s Very Cherry SCENTsory Putty Image Credit: Crazy Aaron's It doesn’t matter how old or how cool your teen is: they won’t be able to resist squeezing and squishing this bright red, cherry-scented tub of Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty. It’s a fun stress-reliever! Crazy Aaron's Very Cherry SCENTsory Putty $11.39 $14.95 24% Off on Amazon.com Eccolo Dayna Lee Love Journal & Notebook With Magnetic Heart Flap Image Credit: Eccolo World Traveler Introduce your teen to the lost art of journaling — or use it as a notebook for manifestation, like the kids are doing these days. This 256-page lined journal has a faux leather cover with a magnetic heart flap to keep it closed and the inspiring phrase “Make it happen” embossed in gold. Eccolo Dayna Lee Love Journal $16.97 on Amazon.com ‘Hopeless Ramen-tic’ Ramen Bowl & Chopsticks Image Credit: Enesco If there’s one way to a teenager’s heart, it’s through their almost-universally favorite food: ramen noodles. And they don’t even have to be a romantic to be a ramen-tic! This bowl is perfect for the kid whose love language is, well, noods. 'Hopeless Ramen-tic' Ramen Noodle Bowl & Chopsticks $21.00 on Amazon.com   Sugarwish Valentine Box Image Credit: Sugarwish Order your sweetie a Valentines Treats Sugarwish, and they’ll get a notification via text (there’s an email option too, but since email is for old people, text will probably be your teen’s preferred method of communication). They can go on the Sugarwish website and choose their own treats from a huge variety of delicious candies, cookies, and savory snacks.  Valentine Treats Sugarwish $47.00 (medium-sized)   HP Sprocket Portable 2×3″ Instant Color Photo Printer Image Credit: HP This cool little gadget is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for teens because it lets them print sticky-backed photos of the people, places, and things they love – right from their phones! It’s pocket-sized, and the colors are actually embedded in the paper, so there are no messy ink spills or expensive refills. It’s available in black, pink, white, and purple! HP Sprocket Portable 2x3 $79.99 on Amazon.com Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Teens: Pin It! Source link

[norajworld]

.disclaimerwidth:90%;margin-bottom:1rem.disclaimer__lineswidth:100%;margin:0 auto;border-bottom:1px solid #999;padding:0;max-width:150px.disclaimer__copywidth:100%;max-width:355px;font-family:Brown Regular,sans-serif;font-size:.9rem;font-weight:300;line-height:1.3em;color:#333;padding:0 0 .4rem;margin:1rem auto;text-align:center All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. A personal trainer friend of mine has a mantra that she’ll never let me forget: “Anything is possible when you’re hydrated.” Consider me indolent, then, because my daily water intake is pretty shocking. I’ll take a big mug of tea over a glass of the clear stuff any day, and while that certainly keeps my tastebuds happy, I can imagine that my skin is less than impressed. In fact, I know that to be true. Besides obvious dehydration, the cold weather and central heating has zapped my skin of moisture. As such, I’ve navigated a persistent flaky forehead and noticed a handful of superficial lines cropping up underneath my eyes in the past few months. What does dehydrated skin look like? Don’t get me wrong. Skin texture is entirely normal and a totally usual part of aging (I just turned 32, in case you were wondering). But I know I’m not the only one to suspect that something else is up. “What does dehydrated skin look like” and “signs of dehydrated skin” are both commonly googled skincare queries.  While those new faint lines are somewhat self-inflicted, a recent appointment with a dermatologist taught me something new: Increasing your water intake can only do so much to minimize skin texture, dryness, dullness and the uncomfortable tight feeling. Rather, it’s what you put on your face that counts. Popular hydrating ingredients in topical skincare products include hyaluronic acid, which famously holds 1,000 times its weight in water, and polyglutamic acid, said to be even more hydrating than that. But another skincare ingredient has caught my eye lately, not least because it seems to promise a lot more. Enter: ectoin. What is ectoin and what are the skincare benefits? While it’s not entirely new, skincare brands are only just beginning to incorporate ectoin (pronounced ec-toe-in) into their serums and moisturizers. That now includes The Inkey List, which today launches its Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum, $15 — a product I had the privilege of trying before anyone else. The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum, $15 If you’re an R29 regular, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of The Inkey List, in particular its transformative Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturizer, $20, so I was excited to add the serum to my skincare rotation. But before I get into the nitty-gritty, a little science. Dr. Nava Greenfield, a New York-based, board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group, says ectoin is part of a protein structure that comes from molecules found in certain bacteria which live in high-stress environments. “[Ectoin] protects the bacteria from the environmental stressors,” she says, “and it can help protect human cells in the skin barrier [the outermost layer of skin] by attracting numerous water molecules and creating an effective physical film layer.”  This film layer essentially traps water and prevents water loss; no dry, rough skin here. Dr. Greenfield adds that this helps strengthen the skin and its natural barrier function, which keeps in the good stuff (think moisture) and defends against the bad stuff (like bacteria). “In turn, it can create visible results when used in skincare,” she says.  Besides 2% ectoin, this serum also boasts 2.5% hyaluronic acid, 1% ceramide NP (a substance that occurs naturally in the skin and works like glue to keep skin cells intact) and 1% oat, which a handful of studies suggest alleviates dry and irritated skin. You’d think the texture would be thick or sticky but it’s the opposite: lightweight yet substantially moisturizing, and it absorbs in seconds. I knew that it would replace most of my skincare after the very first application. An honest review of The Inkey List’s Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum Unlike retinol, which takes weeks to yield results, ectoin and hyaluronic acid work almost instantly to boost hydration in the skin. (I like to apply this serum to a slightly damp face to maximize moisture.) You know the feeling that your face might crack into a hundred tiny pieces when you cleanse and don’t apply skincare immediately? I’m convinced that using this serum has mitigated that. It makes sense: The Inkey List reports that, when combined, ectoin and hyaluronic acid can hydrate the skin up to 10 surface layers deep. Most mornings I apply two pumps to freshly cleansed skin and follow with a high factor, broad spectrum sunscreen — no need for a moisturizer. In the evening, I double cleanse, apply the serum and follow with the aforementioned ceramide face cream. Super simple. While my 2025 New Year’s resolution is not to stand too close to the bathroom mirror, I can’t help but notice how those fine lines underneath my eyes — and the less deep ones on my forehead — have almost entirely filled out. It’s more obvious to me when I wear makeup because it no longer collects there. The flakes on my forehead have all but disappeared, too, and the serum does a better job of moisturizing my lips than any dedicated lip balm I own. Most notably, though, my skin is so much clearer. I think I know why: A dermatologist once told me that when skin is dehydrated, it won’t produce more water but it can produce more oil to compensate. Oil and dead skin cells are a recipe for breakouts, but seeing as my skin seems to be making less of the stuff while using this serum, it’s perhaps not as prone to clogged pores.  They say that the best skincare products are the ones you enjoy using. I look forward to applying this every morning and evening because it feels like a comfort blanket for my otherwise tight, parched skin. At $15, it’s the cheapest product in my skincare routine currently, but if you ask me — and the dermatologists who sing ectoin’s praises — it’s arguably the most hardworking for dry, dehydrated skin.  Just like the brand’s ceramide moisturizer, I have a feeling that Hydro-Barrier is going to become a staple in my skincare routine this winter and beyond. Get yours before it sells out at theinkeylist.com. Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?R29 Staff On The Product That Changed Their Skin8 Skincare Trends That’ll Be Everywhere In 20253 Experts Answer 2024's Top Skincare Questions Source link

[norajworld]

Hello, and welcome to an August post! We begin today with a new video released by the Prince and Princess of Wales yesterday afternoon. In the video, the royals congratulate Team GB on their showing at the Paris Olympic Games. Great Britain’s Olympians won 65 medals, including 14 gold medals, 22 silver medals, and 29 bronze medals. Here is the message accompanying the video when it was posted on social media.  Snoop Dogg opens and closes the video. More from this Telegraph piece by Hannah Furness. Snoop Dogg, 52, who has become something of a star of the Paris Olympics Games for his unexpected and enthusiastic appearances, opens and closes the video. “Thank you Great Britain from the Big Snoop Dogg, the Prince and his lovely wife,” he says, on the short film published on social media. The video includes many notable names: David Beckham, gold medalist in running Dame Kelly Holmes, cyclist and gold medal winner Sir Chris Hoy, gold medalist in swimming Rebecca Adlington, Scottish sports broadcaster Andrew Cotter, and others. Here is the full video.  Well done @TeamGB, what an incredible journey! Every athlete showed immense dedication, heart and passion. You made us all so proud! Here’s to celebrating every triumph at @Paris2024 and looking forward to more from @ParalympicsGB later in the summer 🇬🇧🥇 pic.twitter.com/oCLz7HuuLG — The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 11, 2024 As you can see, Prince William wears a Team GB polo shirt in the video. The Princess of Wales was wearing a familiar top, her Tori striped tee by Ralph Lauren. The all-over horizontal navy blue stripes sit atop a cream cotton base; the piece also has long sleeves and a boat neckline. It was worn when the Duchess was seen grocery shopping in Anglesey, at a 2013 SportsAid workshop where she played volleyball (below left), and when watching the Houghton Hall Horse Trials in 2016 (below right).  I have added some styles to the repliKate Tops page.  In the video, the Princess appeared to be wearing a thin gold or silver necklace. She also had on a different ring, not her usual eternity band. In these images, you see a blurry closeup from the video, the Princess’s Eclipse Eternity Band ($1900) by royal favorite Annoushka, and on the right, two photos from previous engagements showing the Eclipse ring.  One suggestion is that this is a new eternity band. Another is that it’s the Victorian-style gold ring the Princess was first noted wearing in 2005 at university graduation events. That ring features tiny pearls (presumably for William’s birth month) and garnets (presumably for the Princess’s birth month). Without better photos, we may never know what ring the Princess was wearing. It was a treat to see a new video with the Princess! One note on comments: I had to delete some comments about William’s beard on the Facebook post and would like to avoid that topic in comments on this post.  ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Next, we move to poll results, starting with your favorite Chelsea Flower Show looks. No surprise here; the overwhelming favorite is the dress worn to the 2017 show, the darker green silk style by French fashion house Rochas. Second place went to the pink ME + EM Color Block Silk Shirt Dress. Here are the numeric results. We now move to your favorite garden party look. Your favorite was the Elie Saab separates and Philip Treacy hat worn to last May’s Buckingham Palace party. Coming in second are the vibrant coral Emilia Wickstead design and Jane Taylor ‘Lyssa’ hat seen at a May 2022 party. Your third choice was worn to an April 2022 party, the pale aqua dress by an unknown dressmaker and another Philip Treacy hat. With almost 2300 votes, here are the numbers for the top three vote-getters. Next on the hit parade, favorite Trooping the Colour styles.  The clear winner was the updated Jenny Packham dress and Philip Treacy hat from this year’s celebration. Coming in second, the green Andrew Gn dress and Philip Treacy hat worn to last year’s event. Your third choice was the hot pink Alexander McQueen dress and Lyssa hat by Jane Taylor worn for Trooping the Colour in 2017. We now move to results for your favorite Garter Day ensembles.  The Alessandra Rich dress and Philip Treacy hat worn for last year’s Garter Day events was your favorite look. Your second choice was the cornflower blue coatdress by Alexander McQueen at the 2022 Garter Day ceremonies with a Juliet Botterill hat. Following very closely in third place, the 2016 ensemble featuring a red Catherine Walker coat initially worn in Canada in July 2011, topped by a Lock and Company hat first worn to the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant in 2012. With almost 2200 votes cast, the numbers show how close the voting was for the second and third-place picks.  We look at Royal Ascot outfits now.  Another Alessandra Rich takes first place, the polka dot dress paired with a Sally-Ann Provan hat worn to Royal Ascot in 2022. Your next favorite look was the red Alexander McQueen dress at Royal Ascot 2023, topped by a Philip Treacy hat. The Elie Saab separates and Philip Treacy hat worn to Royal Ascot 2019 came in third. Here is how the voting broke down.   And now our final annual summer events poll, this one for your favorite Wimbledon ensemble. You may recall that the number of outfits (25) prompted me to split the voting into three groups: one voting on your favorite repeated style, and the other two narrowing down the new looks. This poll covers the top two vote-getters from those three polls. Your favorites included the Zimmermann Roamer Day Dress seen at Wimbledon in 2014, the Catherine Walker Wildflowers Print Dress worn to the 2017 Championships, the Suzannah London Flippy Wiggle Dress worn in July 2019, the icy blue Emilia Wickstead Jordin seen a few days later in 2019, the rich yellow Roksanda Ilincic Brigitte dress worn in July 2022, and the Safiyaa Cecelia Dress worn to this year’s Championship.   Now it is time to vote.   (function(d, s, id) var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.0"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); (document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Source link

[norajworld]

Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar. Today: a program manager who makes $98,000 per year and who spends some of her money this week on volleyball game fees.  If you’d like to submit your own Money Diary, you can do so via our online form. We pay $150 for each published diary. Apologies but we’re not able to reply to every email. Editor’s note: All prices converted to US dollars using Google and correct at time of writing. Occupation: Program manager Industry: Nonprofit Age: 36 Location: Mexico City Salary: $98,000 Assets: I just met with my financial advisor and have some shuffling to do to reduce the amount of pure cash I’m holding, but generally speaking I have $26,000 in checking accounts, and $30,200 in savings and HYSA accounts. 401(k) is at $25,300, 403(b) sits at $39,900, Roth IRA at $83,000, and I have $85,300 in another individual investment account. Debt: $0 Paycheck amount (2x/month): $2,693.64 Pronouns: She/her Monthly Expenses Housing costs: $790 for a small one-bedroom in a very touristy area. It is a small, old, quirky spot but it has served me well for my first year here. I’ll be moving next month and my rent will be cut in half. Utilities: Water is included in my rent and I pay for gas every few months — that is usually $35. Gym: I pay anywhere from $80-$100 for gym classes and memberships but I’m not loyal to a single place, so it fluctuates. Internet: $23 HYSA & 401(k): $500 and $850 respectively. I separate my deposits into two accounts — for one I deposit $500 a month (for cash access here in CDMX). The rest goes in my regular checking account. Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it? My parents were very supportive, since they were teachers, but college was always my own goal from a young age. My older sister did not attend school and they were equally encouraging towards her. I went on to earn my undergraduate degree in English and education to follow in their teacher footsteps and recently paid outright for my master’s in organizational leadership as I started a career transition. Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances? We did not talk about finances but I knew we were not well-off for most of my childhood. Before my dad started teaching, he worked several jobs at a time, and we always had everything we needed and nearly everything we wanted. I don’t know how my parents did it — I’m sure it required significant sacrifice — but they always let me use money how I wanted. Still, because I was aware of the tight budgets, I saved almost every dollar I was given throughout childhood. What was your first job and why did you get it? I was a competitive athlete growing up so I didn’t have a job until I left for university where I had a work/study job tutoring in an elementary school. This was my first exposure to teaching in some capacity and I loved it so much I stayed in that job throughout college. Unlike my classmates though, this job was for survival. I did not get money from home and was surrounded by pretty affluent classmates so I watched my money like a hawk. Did you worry about money growing up? Yes — especially when I noticed we were receiving donations from our church or community. This was not my entire childhood but we definitely had more difficult seasons. Do you worry about money now? For sure. I live below my means but I was a teacher for more than a decade, under-earning compared to my peers and living abroad, so I did not feel the pressure in the same way. Spending a few years back in the States deepened a scarcity mindset that I’m trying to come out of now that I have a bit more stability. But still, I worry about getting older, unexpected expenses, and my parents’ security too. At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net? Technically 22 — I was off my parents’ insurance by then because I had joined the Peace Corps and even though I did not get money throughout college, my parents helped pay for much of school so my loans were low and I was out of debt by 24. Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain. No and I don’t anticipate anything like this coming my way. Day One: Sunday 5:34 a.m. — On the heels of Día de Muertos, my partner, V., and I got home and immediately climbed into bed, popped a couple gomitas, and drifted off to sleep. I’m up way too early for a Sunday to waddle to the bathroom in my post-gummy haze. I’m hoping a return to sleep is possible if I barely open my eyes and navigate my way to the toilet solely based on touch. 7:07 a.m. — I do in fact snooze again but I’m up before the 7:45 a.m. alarm while V. continues to happily dream next to me, face down, arms and legs splayed out to the side. I’ve got two volleyball games today but I stayed with V. last night and have to go home for all my stuff. I nudge him awake and he drives me home and then to the gym where I bring a highly competitive spirit to a very recreational league. I chip in for the game fees. $2.93 11:58 a.m. — Luckily, we win both of our games and my friend drops me in Del Valle, a smidge closer to V.’s house. I decide to walk the rest of the way and grab a coffee en route. $3 2:45 p.m. — Eventually we shower and drive to the south of the city to visit the megaofrenda at UNAM. Unfortunately, the excitement is short-lived as I immediately feel ill and spend a fair amount of time in the porta potties. We get some water and turn around and head home. $5 8:56 p.m. — We spend the late afternoon finally finishing Ghostbusters and checking off any other final Halloween films before I eventually take DiDi (which is similar to Uber) home. Before I go, V. and I talk about our plans to move in together in just over a month, our relationship, and how we’re feeling in general. I appreciate how open he is to these conversations; airing out our concerns, nerves, and excitement is made simple by his warmth. $3.42 Daily Total: $14.35 Day Two: Monday 4:05 a.m. — Now this is a little early, even for me, but I signed up for an intensive month-long Spanish course that meets three days a week for 90 minutes. I’m really focused on improving over the next six months since my partner is Mexican and his parents don’t speak English. And because I obviously live in Mexico. I have some anxious anticipation for class so I toss and turn for a while before putting on a sleep meditation from the Calm app (I have a free subscription and I’m not exactly sure how it happened). 7:30 a.m. — To my surprise and horror, this is a one-on-one class. Just me and S., a fresh-faced 20-year-old with the patience of a saint. We review the function of the subjunctive and the 90 minutes flies by. I wrap up feeling like this could offer the confidence boost I really need to use everything I’ve learned over the last year. Afterwards, I dive directly into work calls, spreadsheets, and Slack messages. 12 p.m. — At some point I talk myself into a coffee. I used to be a strict caffeine abstainer but since a period of unemployment back in 2022, I’ve started enjoying an occasional latte — not really the time to pick up an expensive habit, but alas… Now, working from home, I use it as an excuse to leave my house, have some kind of interaction in Spanish, and get some sun on my face. I pay my 65 pesos for the coffee that is keeping me from buying a house and go about my day. $3.18 4:30 p.m. — After closing my laptop around 2 p.m., I nestle into the couch to watch an episode of Cold Case, and at some point I throw together a smattering of things and call it lunch. V. would tell you I just eat ingredients, not actual meals, and he is not wrong. Still, I feel good and walk to the gym for my functional training class, which I paid for as part of a summer promo on Fitpass (Mexican ClassPass) two months back so according to my girl math calculations…yes, free. 6:30 p.m. — On the way home, I need a few more ingredients for whatever kind of nonsense I’m calling dinner, so I swing by Sumesa and grab a couple sweet potatoes, bananas, coconut water, and applesauce, because why not? $13.30 10:14 p.m. — I’ve been playing a bit dumb for a few weeks leading up to Election Day but the reality is, regardless of my country of residence, the impact of the US elections is felt far and wide. I voted while I was home in October but as a California resident, I can’t help but feel that my vote really doesn’t matter. Still, I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be a long one. We have plans to go to a watch party (never worry alone, ya know) and I want to be clear-headed, so I let Harry Styles’ sleep story on Calm soothe me to sleep. Daily Total: $16.48 Day Three: Tuesday 5:15 a.m. — As per usual, I beat the alarm but not by much. I get up and splash some water on my face, fill up my water bottle, and walk to a 6 a.m. Pilates class. This is not a regular part of my routine but it feels good to move my body in the morning. In the spring I ran my first half marathon and haven’t found the will to bring running back into the rotation so I’ll stick to Pilates for now. Again, I booked this through the Fitpass app so I feel like no money spent. 11:10 a.m. — I started slamming keys around 7 a.m. so I take a break for — you guessed it — that coffee I swear I don’t drink. Latte con leche deslactosada. Can the rest of the world get on the lactose-free milk train, please? Mexicans: culinary trailblazers! $3.08 4:30 p.m. — I should have mentioned that the grocery store is literally on my corner so I find myself shopping on a nearly daily basis. An avocado here. One bag of spinach there. Is this smart? Economical? Efficient? No but again, I work from home and love a reason to get up from the screen. I’m cooking dinner for V. and want to get some mushrooms for a second vegetable. I grab a few other staples to delay my return to the store by at least two days. $22.94 8:15 p.m. — Even though V. is not American, he’s joining me for the election watch party, so we Uber over. My friend is organizing and I’m happy to see so many people, both from the States and other places, come together to wail on a Trump piñata. Knowing the results will be late and I’ve got my Spanish lesson in the morning, we leave around 10 p.m. to walk the 35 minutes home. $2.79 11 p.m. — V. can’t stay because he needs to get home to A., his sweet Great Dane, so I set an alarm knowing I’ll be up early to check the election results. I feel detached and almost resigned to the result, which is not a great feeling. Daily Total: $28.81 Day Four: Wednesday 4:15 a.m. — As predicted, I am awake. I’m checking the news, attempting to accept this new reality. What a sad sequence of events. I push calls off my calendar that are not urgent. 7:30 a.m. — In my Spanish lesson, S. asks me how I am doing. I share some of my thoughts in broken Spanish, really stretching the limits of linguistic ability, and we eventually transition to further work on the subjunctive. 10:45 a.m. — After more than two hours of calls and no mention from our leadership about the election results, I decide it is time for every millennial woman’s favorite activity: a hot girl walk. Well, this is more like getting a coffee and a cry, but I’m just waiting for that trend to go viral. $3.18 1:50 p.m. — After slacking relentlessly with other colleagues and checking in with friends back home, I decide it is time to log off. I did my best. I cancel the plans I had later with P. (my first Mexican friend who I sadly don’t often get to see) and plan to sit on my couch, literally become my couch, and continue to watch Cold Case or some mindless Hallmark-esque movie. 5 p.m. — But first. Move that damn body. My functional training classes are focused on explosive movements this week and I’m grateful to feel my body move, to feel physically strong, and snag the endorphin boost. Again, free! And thankfully some much-needed headspace. 6:30 p.m. — On the walk home I decide I deserve an overpriced acai bowl for dinner, or pre-dinner, or whatever it ends up being. I order para llevar and walk the few blocks back to my house to inhale it carefully on my beige couch. $10.42 7:30 p.m. — Finally hop in the shower, then spoon-feed myself applesauce direct from the jar while I serve up another girl dinner to enjoy on the couch. 10% Happier, The Happiness Lab, and Jay Shetty are no match for whatever the hell I’m feeling, so I start researching online counseling programs because it has been in the back of my mind for years. After another four years of Trump, we might have even more need for mental health services so maybe this is how I’m part of the solution. Eventually, I find my way to bed and tonight I let Matthew McConaughey put me to sleep. I fear for my boyfriend when we move in together and how he’ll tolerate all these men I’ve brought into my bed. Daily Total: $13.60 Day Five: Thursday 4:50 a.m. — Determined to have a better day, I’m up at an ungodly hour and take the time to do my Wordle and Duolingo practice. Do I think it is helping my Spanish? No, but I’ve got a 421-day streak that I’m too stubborn to break. I’m running multiple calls this morning so I freshen up and plop down at my desk to commence the key-slamming. 12 p.m. — I convince V. to come over between my calls and we fool around before I hop on my last call of the day. Just the release I needed and happy to have this big, sweet man in my life. Just a Mexican lumberjack of love who in many ways breaks stereotypes and exceeds expectations. 4:15 p.m. — Sadly I don’t have in-unit laundry so I drop a hemorrhaging Ikea tote off at the laundromat around the corner before heading to writing group. My women’s writing group meets today and I use it as an opportunity to process more about the election in direct ways while letting some creative juices run loose after a few apathetic weeks — all fueled by the power of ginger kombucha. Back in February I said I would finally start my Substack, which has not happened, but I think I’m ready and want to commit to just putting shit out in the world. Much like learning Spanish, I know this isn’t just going to happen and I have to be intentional yet graceful with myself at the same time. Anyhow. We shall see. $16.14 7 p.m. — I head to Pilates and I’m talked into buying a new pair of socks even though I’ve been to this studio before and they’ve never asked me to wear socks. Am I a monster because I don’t want to wear socks? Don’t care. A hill I’m happy to die on. When did we decide we should slip and slide around on the reformer instead of just letting our little toesies grip the shit out of things? I wait in the office to pay after class but no one turns up so I decide to leave, tempting karma to come for me. 8:30 p.m. — Once I’m home, I take a quick body shower, eat leftover salmon and sweet potatoes with a side of applesauce (almost an actual meal if you ask me), before plopping down to enjoy some Cold Case before heading for an early bed. Daily Total: $16.14 Day Six: Friday 4:50 a.m. — I wake up early again after a nightmare only I could dream up. Picture this: I’m traveling with friends (a real thing that happened back in July — we went to Argentina) but in this fresh hell I have a flight taking off in two hours and my bag isn’t packed. Even worse, it appears I have things scattered all around the hotel room and I’m having the opposite of a Mary Poppins bottomless carpet bag situation. I cannot fit all these things into my bag and I wake up still trying to cram stuff in there, with only 45 minutes until takeoff. 10:30 a.m. — Fridays are beautiful because we do not have many internal calls. I mean, technically, we are not supposed to have any but not everyone respects that rule. I enjoy some focused work before heading out to enjoy a coffee and a short break. $3.91 1:30 p.m. — I have an afternoon training class booked today and I have questions for whoever decided sprinting on a treadmill in a dark room was a good idea. Imagine the Mexican version of Barry’s Bootcamp. I generally dislike these types of classes but it was available, close, and they have nice showers so I tempt fate and join despite the fact that I have indeed flown off one of these treadmills in the past. Imagine me retelling this story in broken Spanish and miming an airplane to really cement what happened. 8:30 p.m. — We had planned to go to a friend’s going-away party (in true expat fashion, they’re moving to Tulum) but we decide to skip. Quality time is my love language and V. prioritizes our time together and I’m grateful. We go to an Argentine place and split a salad, chorizo, and a fat steak. Not the best place we’ve been to but good enough. V. pays as we are still settling a Splitwise tab from last month. Daily Total: $3.91 Day Seven: Saturday 9:30 a.m. — I’m heading to Parque Bicentenario later for some beach volleyball but we get up early to grab a coffee (okay, I DRINK COFFEE) and then V. and A. walk me to the metro. Again, V. pays to whittle down a tab from our trip back to California. 12:30 p.m. — I play a few rounds and luckily get paired with one of the decent guys, so we sweep our games. I head home triumphantly. I take the metro back to my neighborhood for a proper scrub-down but top up my card on the way — public transportation is really cheap here. $0.98 8:30 p.m. — We arrive at a cantina in the Condesa neighborhood for Calaveritas with Cine Club. I read along and laugh along on cue but enjoy the company, V.’s patient friends, and some time out together. We order a couple sueros and something with pork but I just pick at it since I don’t have much of an appetite. V. pays and I don’t even look at the bill. 11:30 p.m. — We leave relatively early, planning for a lazy day tomorrow, some moving planning, and some kind of trash movie. I call the Uber to take us back to V.’s. $3.67 Daily Total: $4.65 Money Diaries are meant to reflect an individual’s experience and do not necessarily reflect Refinery29’s point of view. Refinery29 in no way encourages illegal activity or harmful behavior. The first step to getting your financial life in order is tracking what you spend — to try on your own, check out our guide to managing your money every day. For more Money Diaries, click here. Do you have a Money Diary you’d like to share? Submit it with us here. Have questions about how to submit or our publishing process? Read our Money Diaries FAQ doc here or email us here. Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?A Week In Montana On A $210,000 Joint IncomeA Week In Los Angeles On A $79,500 SalaryA Week In Providence, RI On A $195,000 Income Source link