norajworld

[norajworld]

It’s February, people, and if you’re looking to snag a pair of the best boxing gloves to get a better-late-than-never start on your 2025 fitness resolutions, you’ve come to the right place. Boxing was once a sport that conjured images of dingy, underground gyms; electric training montages; and black-eyed heroes slugging it out mano a mano under a spotlight. And, to a large extent, it still very much is—however, as combat sports have launched into the mainstream, countless boxing gyms aimed less at the Rocky crowd and more at folks interested in a high-intensity cardio workout sprung up everywhere. (In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a commercial gym worth its salt that didn’t have a heavy bag kicking around somewhere in the back.)That being said, whether you’re gearing up for a full-on fight, hoping to learn some self-defense, or just looking to sweat out the sins of the weekend, you’ll need the right equipment to get the job done. After snagging a gym outfit, some workout shoes, and a sturdy pair of wraps (there are a ton of solid, affordable options on retailers like Amazon), the next step is to invest in a pair of boxing gloves. That’s why we put together this list of the heavy hitters in each category, from ring-ready fight gloves to lightweight training joints. Ding ding.The Best Boxing Gloves, at a Glance:The Best Boxing Gloves Overall: Superare Supergel Pro Boxing GlovesSuperareSupergel Pro Boxing GlovesIf you’re going to buy one pair of gloves, make it the Supergel Pro. Founded in 2011 with stores in New York and LA—and with a growing list of collabs—Superare is leading the charge of stylish martial arts gear. The Supergel Pro features a full-leather construction and a hook-and-loop closure. They use a proprietary gel padding that was the softest of all the gloves we tested. The wrist guard is long and kept my wrist feeling protected while hitting the bag and sparring, and the Velcro closure is thick and stays secured even through the toughest training sessions. These are a great universal pair of gloves that will serve you just as well in a cardio boxing class as they will sparring.The Best Value Gloves: Everlast Powerlock2 Pro Laced Training GlovesEverlastPowerlock2 Pro Laced Training GlovesIf you want to get into boxing—and want a glove that will last without breaking the bank—the Powerlock 2 is the move. The glove is made with a full-leather construction, and while we tested the laced option, Everlast also stocks a version with a hook-and-loop closure. These were a little tight on my hands at first and needed some time to break in, but for $99, they're a glove that will last a lifetime and serve your needs as you get deeper into the sport. Bonus: They're equally suitable for bag work, pad work, and sparring.The Most Innovative Gloves: Adidas Tilt 350 Pro Training GlovesAdidasTilt 350 PRO Training GlovesAdidas is doing some interesting things when it comes to glove design. We tested their Tilt 350 Pro Training Gloves, which have a noticeably “tilted” angle—hence the name—along the outside edge of the hand. This is intended to mimic your hand's natural alignment and help reduce injuries when punching. The Tilt 350s are also made from a sustainable cactus-based synthetic leather, and though I'm usually partial to a full genuine leather glove (as they tend to hold up better over time), these seem very durable and use a polyester sub-layer made of recycled water bottles to increase their longevity. Plus, they do feel very natural and snappy when hitting the bag. If you’re looking for a sustainable option with tech designed to protect you, this is it.The Best Gloves for Sparring: Rival RFX-Guerrero-V Sparring Gloves P4P EditionRivalRFX-Guerrero-V Sparring Gloves P4P EditionRival makes some of the most innovative and highest-quality boxing gear on the market today. If you’re looking for a dedicated sparring glove, you'd be hard-pressed to do better than their RFX Guerrero V P4P edition. Sometimes in life, you really do get what you pay for, and I could tell the fairly hefty price tag on these bad boys was justified the moment I picked them up. The premium leather is beautiful; the layered foam keeps your hand feeling very protected; and the high-density EVA lamination gives them that signature snap when connecting properly, one of the hallmarks of a quality glove. If you want the best of the best when it comes to sparring gloves—and don't mind shelling out a few extra bucks—check these out.The Best Muay Thai Gloves: Fairtex Universal Gloves “Tight Fit” DesignFairtexFairtex BGV1 Muay Thai Boxing Training Sparring GlovesMuay Thai is a stand-up striking martial art that originated in Thailand. Like boxing, it incorporates punches, but it also permits kicks, knees, elbows, and various clinching techniques. It's been growing in popularity in the US both as a component to mixed martial arts training and a standalone pursuit. Muay Thai gloves are similar to boxing gloves, but generally have a shorter padded cuff and a more open-fist design. They would serve you equally well in most fitness-focused boxing classes—and if you think leg kicks are in your future, then it also might be worth investing. In my opinion, Fairtex makes some of the best Muay Thai gear in the game, and their Universal Gloves boast full-leather construction with an affordable price tag.The Best Boxing Shoes: Adidas Box Hog 4So you’ve signed up for a gym, you’ve bought your gloves, and now you need boxing shoes. Standard gym shoes are fine in the beginning, but dedicated boxing shoes are going to provide a lighter and tighter fit—as well as increased ankle protection. Our recommendation is the Adidas Box Hog 4, since they're packed with modern boxing shoe tech, but still maintain that classic Adidas design. The shoes are extremely light, have a mesh upper to keep them breathable, and are built with 50% recycled materials. (And they really do look cool.) Adidas has been a top dog in the sneaker world for years, and their boxing shoes would make a great addition to anyone's collection—even if you're still stressing out about Sambas. Personally, I feel like Daniel Day Lewis in The Boxer when I wear these suckers.What to Look for When Buying Boxing GlovesBoxing gloves generally come in four different types:Bag Gloves: These are sometimes designed with a harder foam and used primarily to protect your hand while hitting focus pads or landing shots on the heavy bag.Sparring Gloves: These usually have the most padding, softer foam, and a streamlined design. They are designed to be used with a training partner, so you can hit them without inflicting so much damage that they no longer want to be your training partner.Hybrid/Training Gloves: These are usually on the heavier side with softer padding and useful for hitting bags and pads as well as sparring.Fight Gloves or Competition Gloves: These are designed to do damage in, you guessed it, a professional fight. They tend to be lighter in weigh and have less padding, which lets your opponent feel every blow. 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’ll give you tips to style your jeans, no matter the fit or style. Jeans are a staple in everyone’s closet. Or, almost everyone. They’re comfortable (again, for almost everyone), versatile, and can be found in any and every price range, fit, and color. While they were considered purely casual for a long time, now they are as ubiquitous to most social events as a white button-down. But how do we style them constantly without getting stuck in a creative rut? Today, I’m here to help you out with all of my favorite styling tricks for different types of jeans. How to Style Jeans: Tips, Tricks, & Hacks. Jeans are the easiest thing to style, yet they can be tricky. Here are my tips and tricks to make the task of styling your favorite pair easy: Fit is king – The fit of your jeans will dictate what sort of items look the best with them. Pay attention to how skinny they are, how oversized, and if they’re flared or tapered. All these details will give you hints as to what to style them with so you look your best. Shades of neutral – Denim washes vary. You can have the lightest blues to the darkest-almost-black blues. But you can also find all shades of black, white, and every color of the rainbow. Before styling them, look at yours and decide: Are they saturated, faded, or bright? This will inform your styling. Making experiments easy – Patterned jeans have become increasingly popular. If you want an easy way to experiment with your style, a patterned pair in your favorite wash might be the easiest way to go. Cookie cutter? Never – Jeans with cutouts and rips are a simple-yet-cool way to add edge to a simple outfit. How to Style Jeans: A Fashion Guide For this fashion guide, I wanted to exemplify two sides of the styling spectrum. So, for each pair of jeans, I created two different looks: one more classic and another eclectic. This is to show the versatility of jeans, no matter your style. Easy, Outfits #1 and #2 – Fitted Jeans Let’s start with a classic pair: fitted, medium-wash blue jeans. This fit is one of the most versatile out there. They’re not skinny or loose, being the perfect middle ground. For the first outfit, the more classic one, I paired my jeans with a white button-up shirt and tucked it in. Since it is still February, I wore a pair of white socks before putting on red Mary Jane flats. Finally, I accessorized the look with a black belt and threw on a classic trench coat. For the second outfit, I started with the same jeans and white button-up combo. I layered a red and white babydoll dress on top. Then I switched my white socks for red socks and the red Mary Janes for a blue velvet pair. As you can see, with fitted jeans, you can wear almost any type of shoe and top. Since the fit is so balanced, you can get away with more fitted tops if that’s what you want or even something more oversized. The key here is to balance the look with your shoes: if the top is too heavy or big, balance it with heavier or chunkier shoes; if the top is tighter or fitted, smaller, sleeker styles will work better. Easy Outfits #3 and #4 – Straight fit, loose Jeans The next pair are straight-fit jeans. They’re like the younger sibling of fitted jeans. They’re a bit loose all through the leg and more comfortable. Because of this, they need more balance when you style them. For the first outfit, I wore my loose-fit jeans with a simple white T-shirt and tucked it in. Then, I put on a dark grey cardigan, only buttoning the first button, and added a black belt. Finally, I chose a slick pair of black booties to avoid the hem of the jeans scrunching up and make the outfit less casual. For the second look, I switched the white t-shirt for a heart-patterned white button-up shirt. Then, I layered on a red and white striped vest. For shoes, I changed the black booties for a red velvet pair, again, to avoid the hem scrunching up on my ankles. Finally, I threw on a red leather coat. For both these looks, the jeans were accompanied by items that weren’t too fitted or oversized, like the jeans themselves. I chose the shoes because I like how booties help elongate the jeans. If I wanted to wear flat shoes, I would probably hem them or fold them to avoid the scrunching. For this type of jean, the styling is easy as long as you consider that they lean more casual than other styles. If you want to dress them up, you can pair them with more formal items, like button-ups, loafers, and booties. If you choose the casual route, sneakers and T-shirts are great. For all of your looks with loose, straight-leg jeans, don’t go too fitted or too oversized. Try to stay in the middle to create more cohesive looks. Medium Outfits #5 and #6 – White, wide-leg Jeans Now, let’s hit two birds with one stone: white jeans and wide-leg jeans. White jeans are a great alternative to blue jeans: they’re neutral, durable, and comfortable. The color also brings freshness to an outfit, and they tend to look less casual than blue jeans. Wide-leg jeans are one of the most comfortable styles out there and one of the easiest to elevate.   For the first look, I paired my white, wide-leg jeans with a yellow button-up shirt. After tucking it in, I added a brown belt. Then, I wore a beige Houndstooth work jacket. Finally, for shoes, I chose a pair of white booties to elongate my legs even more. For the second look, I changed the yellow button-up for a yellow Peter Pan collar blouse. Instead of a brown belt, I wore a silver belt and matched it with a pair of silver boots. Finally, I accessorized with a silver bag. Wide-leg jeans need more balance than other styles. You have to avoid very slim shoes or tops that are too cropped since they will make your feet and torso look tiny and like your jeans are swallowing you. If the jeans are wide-leg but also capri, slimmer shoes can work, but then the booties have to be super slick, or the flats or sneakers have to be really slim. Anything wider will look disproportionate to the jeans. Finally, white jeans are neutral so that you can wear them with almost every color. But I’d recommend pastels and bright colors the most since they create a smooth contrast that’s easy on the eyes. Medium Outfits #7 and #8 – Barrel Jeans Barrel jeans have been everywhere since last year. I know they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but I love them. Barrel jeans are extremely tapered, with slim ankles and a baggy, curved mid-leg. They’re not easy to style but they’ve quickly become my favorites because they’re so comfortable. For the first look, I went with something simple. I paired my medium-wash barrel jeans with a black t-shirt. Then, I wore a leopard print cardigan buttoned up. I tucked everything in and then added a black belt. Finally, for shoes, I put on a pair of white sneakers that are a bit chunkier than my usual sneakers. For my second look, I switched the black tee for a white, long-sleeved one. Then, I layered with a blue vest. Again, I tucked everything in. Moving on to accessories, I wore a pink beanie. To finish the look, I added a pair of pink sneakers with a bit of a platform. When styling barrel jeans, I recommend fitted tops or more structured ones. If you don’t feel like wearing something like that, tucking your top in, adding a belt, or just doing a French tuck will help balance the width of the jeans. I think Barrel jeans, more than any other style, need you to consider the heaviness of your shoes. Chunkier pairs look more cohesive, but slimmer shoes can create an interesting contrast. Difficult Outfits #9 and #10 – Patterned Jeans Patterned jeans have become increasingly popular. Today’s patterend jeans range from simple stripes of different denim washes to brightly colored, more complex patterns. What I like about patterned jeans is that they can add edge or an interesting detail to an otherwise simple look. For my first look, I wanted to go for a monochromatic outfit. I chose a pair of heart-patterned jeans featuring two different washes and paired them with a navy blue turtleneck. Then, I put on a blue belt to cinch my waist and a pair of blue velvet Mary Janes. Finally, I threw on a navy blue coat. For the second outfit, I wore a pair of lilac floral jeans. First, I paired them with a white T-shirt. Then, I layered on a green vest that matched the pattern on the jeans. I added lilac socks and a pair of lilac floral sneakers to continue the lilac theme. Both pairs of jeans are the statement items in their respective outfits. While I wore them with colorful items and layers, both pairs would look amazing with just a white T-shirt and sneakers. They’re perfect for when you want a simple look but want to add *something* to stand out. Difficult Outfits #11 and #12 – Cutout Jeans Finally, ripped and cut-out jeans follow the same path patterned jeans do. They add an interesting detail or an edgy vibe to otherwise simple outfits. Personally, I don’t wear or like ripped jeans, so my examples will be just with cutout jeans. For the first outfit, I wore jeans with cutouts on the thighs and bejeweled details. Then, I wore an oversized white button-up shirt. For shoes, I chose a pair of sleek black booties. As you can see, the otherwise simple combo of white button-up and black jeans is now a more interesting look just because of the cutouts. For my second look, I went for a pair of blue jeans with a butterfly cutout. Underneath the jeans, I layered on a pair of hot pink tights. For my top, I chose a silver sequined top and layered it under a hot pink shirt. Finally, for shoes, I put on a pair of hot pink sling-back heels. Cut-out jeans can be great allies when you just want to switch up your style or experiment but don’t know where to start. Since they’re just jeans, you can swap your favorite pair with some cutout jeans and see how that immediately makes your outfit different. What Do You Think? Which fit is your favorite? Do you wear jeans often? Which outfit would you wear? Do you have any styling questions? Let us know in the comments below! Source link

[norajworld]

Five years ago, at a friend’s house party, I ended up in conversation with a woman I had never met before. It was surface-level small talk: work, dating, who we knew there. After minutes of mutually tepid chat, I excused myself to go to the bathroom and when I came out, I was distracted by someone I knew waving me into the kitchen. I never returned to the woman.  I didn’t think about her again until earlier this year when a friend let a tidbit of information slip: Oh, you know she hates you. I was in disbelief. Apparently the woman despised me with such an intense fervor, she still brought me up around people to disparage me, and had done so as recently as the week before. “But why?” I wailed. “She just hates you,” my friend shrugged. Our one and only interaction, to me, had been so short, so innocuous, that I found myself genuinely flummoxed. At the same time I was alarmed to find out how much space I occupied in the mind of someone I had met for five minutes, five years ago, and had never thought about once again.  I suggested to another friend that maybe I should ask her to meet up with me to smooth things over. “What things?” she said. “You’re not friends. She didn’t exist to you again until this week.” She was right, of course, but still I carried on like a maudlin child for weeks, until one evening, scrolling on social media, I discovered something that changed everything. What is the “Let Them” theory? “The fastest way to take control of your life is to stop controlling everyone around you.” It was the opening line of a viral TikTok video with millions of views which sees New York Times bestselling author Mel Robbins talk about something that she believes will improve anyone’s life exponentially: the “Let Them” theory.  At its crux, the theory asserts that by worrying or stressing about situations, people or their actions — which we ultimately have little to no control over — it causes us unnecessary emotional and mental distress. In fact, by allowing people to do what they will do anyway, you can see their true colors more quickly and then you can act accordingly. People writing mean things about you on the internet? Let them. A date isn’t texting you back or ghosts you? Let them. Friends purposely excluding you? Just let them. Someone hates you and you don’t know why? You get my drift.  “The ‘Let Them’ theory is extremely valuable, because it allows us to let go of the burden of responsibility of things outside of our control,” says CCPA-registered psychotherapist and host of the The Inner Child Podcast, Gloria Zhang. “The truth is that we cannot force people to behave in ways that they don’t want to. Therefore, trying to control or coerce will always lead to more fear, resentment, and unhappiness. By letting go of attachment to things we can’t control, we become free to focus our attention on things within our control. For example, trying to control someone else’s texting patterns or political beliefs will likely drive you nuts. But focusing on your own decisions, your thoughts, what you choose to eat, wear or say, will lead to a greater sense of inner peace.” I realized it did no good lamenting about the opinions of a stranger who I had long forgotten about (the saying “What people think of you is no one’s business” also springs to mind). She had no bearing on me or my life, and if she wanted to expend five years of her energy hating on me, that was up to her. It felt oddly freeing to not care. I began applying the theory to other areas of my life too.  Applying the “Let Them” theory to dating I had been dating someone new. He was smart, fun and sexy, things were going well… Except for the fact I harbored some reservations around whether he had the level of warmth, generosity or kindness I knew I valued in a partner. Then I had a health scare. As friends clamored around me — as people that love you tend to do — relentlessly pestering me to find out when my doctors appointments, hospital scans and test results were, I noticed he appeared not to care. I told him I felt anxious about it all, at which point he apologized saying it had slipped his mind because he had been so busy with work. But as time went on and a biopsy at the hospital loomed, he failed to check in about it at all. He did however remember to nudge me on a glitzy industry event I had mentioned in passing weeks before that he wanted to attend as my plus one.  It troubled me. I thought about bringing it up again, but stopped myself. I already knew he wasn’t right for me. He was who he was and I didn’t want to try and make him care about something he clearly didn’t care about. It did however reaffirm that I had wonderful people in my life and they were the blueprint of the level of consideration and kindness that I expected from a future partner.  A friend had also been dating someone new. Three dates in and it had been going really well. One afternoon, she tentatively told me that she was afraid to sleep with him for fear he would withdraw, or in her words “go off” her. I was genuinely shocked that my wise, beautiful friend could ever think that something as archaic as withholding sex for any amount of time could allow her to have a different outcome with a man. I told her about the “Let Them” theory and said that if she wanted to have sex with him and she was ready to, she should. And that if he revealed himself to be the kind of person to care about those things, she should let him. In fact, the sooner she finds that out, the better. In a video with 877.7K views, TikTok user Courtney Shields says: “You don’t want someone who isn’t what you’re looking for and you won’t know he isn’t what you’re looking for if you force him to be what you’re looking for. Someone will always show you who they are if you just let them. The key here is when they do, believe them.” Let them — there it was again.  The theory works in diminishing a lot of stress or anxieties many of us might have in early dating stages around whether the person we’re seeing is right for us. Worrying about what they might or might not do, trying to control the narrative, or even shoe-horning them into the mould we want them to fit for us can be tempting, especially if we like them. But arguably, the quicker you let people reveal themselves to you, the quicker you can discern whether they are right for you.  “When you are in the stages of early relationship development there can be a lot of misunderstandings and miscommunication,” says Dr Tara, tenured professor of sexual and relational communication at CSUF. “People bring their past experiences, perceptions and baggage into new relationships, making it difficult to predict their actions accurately. The ‘let them’ mindset works because it allows individuals to ease up on the control factor, navigate these uncertainties more gracefully and focus on what is flourishing in their own life. When it’s not a compatible match, there is no need to waste time. If they treat you poorly, there is no need to try to justify their behaviors.”  To be clear, the “Let Them” theory isn’t about sitting back and not communicating your needs and boundaries first, or not holding people accountable when they hurt you, or not putting effort into understanding others. And this isn’t to say it’s a one size fits all. “I don’t think this mindset works well in long-term relationships because, in long-term relationships you are already past the relational development stage,” says Dr Tara. “You will want to try to make sense of their behaviors and find a solution together through conflict.” It is also important to remember that it is not a rigid framework or necessarily suitable for every individual. “The less support we’ve had growing up, the more likely we are to be triggered by seemingly small events in the present,” says UKCP-registered childhood trauma therapist Sarah Lee. “So I think whether or not you can simply “let them” might depend on your history, your personality, your support network or your current circumstances. Some people might need more support to manage the feelings that arise or the meaning they read into, for example, being left out of brunch than someone who feels more secure and isn’t triggered by feeling left out.”  “Any kind of grounding can be useful in this approach; things like breathing or meditation can help to accept our emotions or express them and let them go. If you journal, you can write down what you’re feeling which can help to let it out. On a longer term basis, I would say that if you know you have triggers from your past that you can’t manage, to seek therapy or support if that’s an option for you.” At the end of the day, it is human nature to worry and we’re all guilty at one point or another of trying to spin PR for our lives or engineer better outcomes for ourselves. But by detaching and relinquishing control it can actually give you profound insights on whether a situation or person is for you. If the situation requires, express your needs and boundaries, but then after that? Let. It. Go.  “The only negatives of ‘Let Them’ theory is that it means one-sided relationships will naturally disappear,” adds Zhang. “If you have always been the one trying to control and make a relationship work, then naturally the connection will go away once you stop trying so hard. However, it’s really not a negative because it frees up space for new relationships that are more aligned for you.”   This story was originally published in March 2024 and has since been updated. Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?Don’t Return To Our Friendship After Your BreakupWhy The “F*ck It” Mentality Is Harming FriendshipsThe Vacation Is Over... And So Is Your Friendship Source link

[norajworld]

Pauline Black by Dean Chalkley A Two-Tone Story is the film of Pauline Black’s autobiography. The title’s double meaning refers to both the multi-cultural music scene she was part of in the late-1970s and early-80s, and her mixed heritage. The lead singer of ska band The Selecter, is the daughter of a Nigerian man ( who she later discovers was a Yoruba prince) and an Anglo-Jewish woman; as a baby she was adopted by a white family in Romford, Essex, in the 1950s. Everyone knows Pauline Black as the lead singer of  The Selecter, but what they might not know is her remarkable background story. ‘Some of my family had casual racist views…’ she explains about her upbringing, ‘ You had to build a bit of armour around yourself.’ In the documentary, she describes feeling isolated and lonely as a teenager; and with her identity being shaped by her adoptive family, says, ‘I wanted to find some black people’, and starts to look for role models.Moving to Coventry to study for a science degree, in the 1970s, changed her life. There she meets black people, like-minded people and her husband of nearly-45-years, Terry; becomes a radiographer in the NHS and joins a band. The film documents Pauline Black’s powerful story, from the feelings of isolation growing up, to success in The Selecter, discovering her birth family and finally accepting her identity.I spoke to Pauline about the documentary and her remarkable story, she is an incredible woman. An absolute star. Oh, and super-stylish, too.  AW:  I want to ask you about the sense of belonging and those feelings of being isolated and lonely that recur throughout the film. When you were a teenager in Romford, you say you were living in your own world and you turned to books, and then it happens again when you’re on tour in America, you start to feel very isolated. Later when you go into acting and you go for castings and again, feel like you’re being excluded. How have you dealt with that and tried to overcome it? PB: I suppose I’ve dealt with that by, one, growing a very thick skin! And, two, by just putting myself out there, I guess. I am quite a gregarious person given the chance. But I’m not necessarily gregarious in some situations, where maybe you’re being made to feel at a disadvantage for whatever reason. I mean, the problem with racism is it’s very, very hard to pin down. You can’t turn around and say, well, I didn’t get that job because I’m  black. The ‘is it because I’m black?’ question that comes up all the time.So you’re always slightly on the back foot, unless you’re with other people who look like you, to a certain extent. And that can make life difficult, but I learned from an early age that it was going to be like this, so I learned how to navigate my way through. If you’re constantly being reminded of your colour, which you were  growing up in in the fifties, you’re going to become very, very conscious of that and wonder why that’s such an impediment to you. But, once I got away from home, when I moved to Coventry to study and met other people, and other black people, then that feeling started to get whittled away.  It is such a moving story, personally and also politically. Did you find filming A Two-Tone Story a cathartic process? PB: It wasn’t like a cathartic process in those terms. I’d already gone through that when I wrote my book, Black by Design (in 2011), which this film is very much based on. And, that was what Jane Mingay the director, and Nikki Parrott the producer were most interested in. We knew what we were going to do before we set out to do it, but it was kind of organic. It just took shape in a way that I hadn’t expected it to.The first third of the film really is me chattering on, about what had happened and my thoughts and feelings about what had happened; about my childhood and into my adulthood and what made me make certain decisions. Some subliminally, some quite consciously, about what I was going to be involved in for the rest of my life. And, everything had to be filtered – all my career choices, or whatever –  had to be filtered through that prism.Growing up, I was very aware that I was in a racist society. Making the film, well, I just felt that there were other people like me from mixed race parentage who had been adopted, who probably didn’t know their roots, and didn’t know where they had come from or how they fitted into things – that maybe hearing another person’s story might help them.Did you, did you learn anything new about yourself ( making the film)? Oh, I learned lots of new things about myself. I suppose the main thing is that, I had quite a close relationship with our manager Juliet DeVit, because we were the only women on board that huge bus that was trundling through America. We bonded – I think she was very aware of what was going on even if we didn’t discuss it at the time – but hearing her viewpoint 45-years later was quite illuminating. So, that taught me quite a lot about myself; that yeah, I did actually feel that way, and she was very perceptive to have seen that.   At the start you mention ‘growing your identity over time’. Could you tell me a bit about how you’ve changed and grown throughout your life?At the end of the film, when I discover who my father is, I turn around and say it was then, for the first time ever, I felt comfortable in my black skin. I think that it’s kind of identifying that somebody else went through this. I have a sister (my father’s child), who had scant association with him during his life. She grew up in Switzerland. But, we look a bit alike, we have different mothers, obviously. When I met her, which was quite soon after I went looking for my family, it began to ground me a little bit. I began to think that there is somebody else like me. And then I found that I was the oldest of 17 (!) it all proliferated from there.People say that everyone’s got to know their roots before they can find themselves. I do think that there is some truth in that. When you know where you come from, even if you didn’t necessarily have an association with that place (or are going to have an association with that place), it really helps you to define yourself and your place in the world.  Pauline Black playing live with The Selecter. Photo: The Selecter/Facebook I really like the section on style and music and how at that time it was really important for working class people. Don Letts talks about your image, ‘Pauline Black was a Rude Boy/Girl, she had this androgynous thing going on and rocked a fedora like no-one else.’ You have always looked really cool!I didn’t necessarily feel that cool at the time! I remember being on tour in America with the band, we went to New Orleans – I’d always wanted to go to New Orleans and so I was very excited. On the first morning, after we arrived there, I went out walking in full stage gear. The stares that I attracted were quite bizarre! – but as soon as somebody knew I was English, it seemed to trump everything (I hate to use that word, ‘trump’) but anyway… There I was, this English woman in New Orleans dressed in rather a strange way but it was fine. And I thought, yeah, fashion does work!Do you have any style signifiers?Well, wearing black and white. I stick to a black and white palette because I’m a bit dyslexic with colour, if there is such a thing! So, give me something that’s pink, or yellow or orange, and it’s too much for me. I just can’t manage it. Give me black and white. I know what to do with that. So, that’s very much my thing. And hats. I just love hats. It doesn’t have to be a fedora. It can be anything. I happen to suit hats, and  you never have a bad hair day, which is great. And do you think your style has changed over time? It feels pretty consistent to me…I guess that I have stuck with it, but a lot of that is because I’m still performing. So, I think it has evolved over time. There’s a great pair people, Shaka Maidoh and Sam Lambert from the collective/label Art Comes First, they make men’s clothing but they adapt designs to give to me. It’s very cool. They’re so generous with their time and they just like the fact that I walk around in their gear, and the fact that it’s an older woman wearing their stuff. I just love showing off their clothes, particularly on stage. The Selecter by Dean Chalkley. Pauline with Arthur ‘ Gaps’ Hendrickson who died during filming of the documentary. There’s a point where you say nothing prepares you for failure (when the new romantics appear and  ska/ Two-Tone music isn’t as popular )…Well, I think all musicians have that problem. It doesn’t matter who you are, everyone’s gone through the doldrums at some point in time. The hits dry up. Even David Bowie had his Tin Machine period, didn’t he?! But he very quickly got back on board. So, I just rolled with the punches. And, there was always someone who would come along saying, ‘Well, why don’t you try this? You ever tried acting? Well, we’ve got this part we think you’d be good for. Well, what about this TV programme to present?’ And I thought, ‘you could do this’, so I just tried it all. Eventually I came back to the thing that I actually love, which was being in a band and singing. Tell me about finding the press cuttings and all the magazines that your adoptive mum Ivy had kept, was that a surprise?I didn’t realise how proud she was of me at the time. She never said, and it was only after she died…The mere thought of her going into newsagents to buy the NME when she was 60-odd, makes me think, oh wow. But I look at it from her point of view; she was born in 1911. Even if your name was in the newspaper in those days, it was a cause for celebration. And you kind of forget, I think, particularly when you’ve been in a band and it’s had some success. It’s like, oh yeah, we’re in the NME again… You can become a bit inured to it.What would you say drives you?I  think the thing that drives me is that racism, sexism and all of these -isms still exist; but they’re not based on the human race. The human race is a wonderful and varied animal, isn’t it? I think we have better values than that. And who needs a bigger spur, really, than what’s going on across the pond at the moment? I’m hearing stuff I haven’t heard for years – it makes our movie look a bit tame, now! It’s a source of wonderment to me that we are back here again, and it looks as though other countries are going to follow suit ( to follow what happened in America in November 2024). That’s what’s extraordinary. I find it strange that we have not evolved a little more than that, with everything we’ve been through. I  mean, how many lessons in history do we need?   What’s the best thing about being 71? The best thing about it is that I feel much more at ease with myself. I feel much more confident in my opinions and putting them across. Less, ‘Should I say that? Should I not say that?’ Well, if I can’t say it by now, I don’t know when there’s going to be a good time to say it! You get a bit more self-assured. Now I know if somebody wants me to do something, they actually want me to do something because of the way that I am, or what I say.If you’re going to ask me, what are the negatives… They’re legion, aren’t they?! You get to this age, and you think, actually, I can’t do quite as much as I used to be able to and there are aches and pains. So, you begin to understand people a little bit more – and with understanding comes wisdom.  I used to be able to come to London and you know, whizz around all over the place and go to parties, now I come to London, do one thing and then get on the train and go home. You just don’t have that kind of energy, but you do have energy to do quieter things and more introspective things. I quite enjoy that about being older, the introspection and just changing your habits to enjoy the things around you a little more. What quieter things do you enjoy? I walk a lot in the countryside, and read whenever I can. I write, not hoping to be published, I just write my thoughts and feelings. I try and do that every morning. And I try and get up early every morning because you waste half the day otherwise. I’m not a teenager anymore!  So how’s the film tour going?It’s just tremendously exciting. I wasn’t expecting this. I was absolutely knocked out that the London Film Festival was interested in it; partly because there were so many other good ones last year.  We had two showings there, both of which sold out. And, we thought, oh that’s quite good! We’ve shown this film 32 times since it opened at the festival in October – and there’s another tranche of dates coming up (schedule HERE). I’ve been as far afield as Edinburgh, Glasgow, down to Exeter, all over. It’s an opportunity to connect in a way, to put my story out there  – and it doesn’t feel like work.I’m constantly happy about the film’s reception. And, in terms of when it dropped into the discourse, it couldn’t have happened at a more appropriate time. I mean, it was shown in October and then the whole American election happened in November. All of those subjects that I’m talking about are right at number one on the agenda again – and being acted on in ways that I didn’t think were possible. So, it’s timely.  It just tells a personal story, but through that, it also makes you wonder what the hell is going on in this world?!  Pauline Black on Jools Holland. Photo courtesy of the BBC.  How would you describe yourself in three words?Happy at last.  The film is currently screening in cinemas across the UK, featuring in-person Q&As with Pauline Black.More details here: Doc’n Roll Festival – Pauline Black: A 2 Tone Story   Source link

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We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. if you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. FYI After our most recent product review, we’ve updated the article with a comparison table to make finding the perfect scent easier than ever. This added guide highlights key features like top, middle, and base notes, along with the ideal seasons for each cologne, so you can quickly find the one that best suits your needs. Our top overall pick, Calvin Klein CK One, remains our favorite, thanks to its versatile, fresh appeal that works for any occasion. All other original recommendations are still among the best out there, confirming that our initial choices continue to hold up as top scents. February 2025 Hunting for colognes women love can be a bit of a guessing game. A scent may smell good to you, but if you’re wondering what cologne do women find most attractive, this list has your answer. To demystify the fragrance world, I went straight to the source to find out what colognes women love on men: my girlfriends. Aged between 23 and 39, my gal pals dished out the scoop on what colognes women love (and which to avoid, too). If you’re ready to tap into the massive selection of colognes out there, read this first to choose a scent that will make some serious waves in your romantic life. Key Takeaways For a women’s favorite men’s cologne, Calvin Klein CK One and Bleu de Chanel stand out with their fresh, citrus scents, offering a universally appealing and easily wearable fragrance for daily use. These fragrances are easy to wear daily and have a clean smell that’s attractive to women. However, for evening and winter occasions, colognes featuring amber, vanilla, and musk notes, like Boss Bottled Night or Dior Sauvage, are especially captivating, providing a more seductive choice. tomford / instagram Women’s Favorite Men’s Cologne: Comparison Table Product Top Notes Middle Notes Base Notes Size Best For Best Season Calvin Klein CK One Pineapple, Orange, Cardamom Nutmeg, Violet, Jasmine, Rose Sandalwood, Amber, Cedar, Musk 3.4oz Light, refreshing everyday wear with universal appeal Spring, Summer Boss Bottled Night by Hugo Boss Birch Leaf Cardamom Louro Amarelo Wood, Musk 3.3oz Perfect for evening wear, creating a mysterious, seductive aura Fall, Winter Creed Aventus Apple, Bergamot, Pineapple Birch, Jasmine, Pink Berries Musk, Oakmoss, Vanilla 1.7oz Luxurious scent for special occasions or upscale events Spring, Summer, Fall Diesel Only the Brave Lemon, Mandarin, Coriander Violet Leaves, Rosemary Amber, Leather, Cedar 1.7oz Versatile for day-to-night transitions with a bold, fresh appeal Spring, Summer, Fall Bleu de Chanel Citrus, Cedar Tonka Bean, Vanilla Sandalwood 3.4oz Ideal for date nights, with a smooth, timeless appeal Spring, Summer, Fall Tom Ford Grey Vetiver Orange Blossom, Grapefruit, Sage Iris, Nutmeg Amber, Moss 1.7 / 3.4oz Classic scent with spicy, fresh tones for year-round elegance Year Round Dior Sauvage Bergamot Pepper Vanilla, Amber 2oz Confidence-boosting fragrance with a raw, captivating scent Fall, Winter Chanel Allure Homme Sport Blood Orange, Sea Spray, Mandarin Pepper, Cedar Tonka Bean, Vanilla, White Musk 3.4oz Sporty and casual for an active lifestyle with a sophisticated edge Spring, Summer, Fall Y by Yves Saint Laurent Bergamot, Ginger Sage, Violet, Geranium Incense, Balsam, Cedar, Musk 3.4oz Deep, alluring, and ideal for chilly nights and date evenings Fall, Winter Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Cardamom Lavender, Iris Vanilla 2.5 / 4.2 / 6.8oz Rich, warm fragrance for cozy nights and evening gatherings Fall, Winter Polo Ralph Lauren Red Rush Pineapple, Orange, Grapefruit Spearmint, Red Apple Musk, Cedar 2.5 / 4.2oz Refreshing, citrusy scent for everyday wear Spring, Summer   Top Notes: Pineapple, Orange, Cardamon | Middle Notes: Nutmeg, Violet, Jasmine, Rose | Base Notes: Sandalwood, Amber, Cedar, Musk | Size: 3.4oz | Season: Spring, Summer Nothing says classic quite like a Calvin Klein cologne. And CK One is a great starting place, as it’s a light scent that’s easy for everyday wear and a men’s cologne women love. The pineapple is a bright opening note, and the musky undertone adds some depth that will keep people wondering what cologne you’re wearing. Since it’s an eau de toilette, the scent is long-lasting but also ensures you aren’t drowning in fragrance when leaving the house. Finished with subtle notes of green tea, jasmine, and sandalwood, this cologne should be your port of call if you’re looking for something lightweight yet captivating. Top Notes: Birch Leaf | Middle Notes: Cardamon | Base Notes: Louro Amarelo Wood, Musk | Size: 3.3oz | Season: Fall, Winter Hugo Boss has dubbed this cologne the “secret weapon in the armory of seduction,” and the best men’s cologne in a women’s opinion. An intense scent carrying an air of mystery, Boss Bottled is an exotic yet elegant fragrance with notes of cardamon, birch, musk, and wood. Thanks to the sophisticated scent profile, this Hugo Boss cologne is best for evening wear, which is just as well since it should accompany you on any date night. Spray it on your pulses and around your torso for maximum effect. People will always be curious about what you’re wearing. Top Notes: Apple, Bergamot, Pineapple | Middle Notes: Birch, Jasmine, Pink Berries | Base Notes: Musk, Oakmoss, Vanilla | Size: 1.7oz | Season: Spring, Summer, Fall Creed Aventus smells like a million bucks, at least according to my friend Michaela. Her exact words were: “I feel like if you’re wearing Creed, you just smell rich. You smell like money and expensive taste.” She hit the nail on the head, as this is a luxury fragrance with a price tag to match (it’s not the pick if you’re looking for colognes under $50). Essentially liquid gold, this is one of the top colognes women love on men. It’s Creed’s all-time best seller and was created for guys who want to feel the wind in their wings as they tackle whatever life throws at them (or something like that). The scent profile is majorly fruity, with wood and spice notes to temper down the sweetness. It’s a fantastic spring fragrance, though can easily be worn year-round, thanks to the cool earthy undertones. Top Notes: Lemon, Mandarin, Coriander | Middle Notes: Violet Leaves, Rosemary | Base Notes: Amber, Leather, Cedar | Size: 1.7oz | Season: Spring, Summer, Fall This is the scent that made me fall in love with my boyfriend. On second thought, it was probably his personality, but this Diesel cologne definitely scored him a second date. As far as women’s favorite men’s colognes go, Diesel is a good bet. With citrusy top notes, the amber base brings some sophistication into an overwhelmingly fresh fragrance, which adds dimension and plenty of nose appeal. Since it’s a lighter scent, Only the Brave is equally suitable for day or nighttime wear and will seamlessly carry (only the brave) men through all four seasons. Top Notes: Citrus, Cedar | Middle Notes: Tonka Bean, Vanilla | Base Notes: Sandalwood | Size: 3.4oz | Season: Spring, Summer, Fall A powerhouse fragrance for more than a decade, this surprising Chanel concoction is simply magnetic. When asking my girlfriends what colognes do women love, Bleu de Chanel cropped up over and over. It’s no wonder why, considering it’s one of the best men’s fragrances of all time and one of the best perfume for men according to women (especially my group of friends). When I asked why she loved it, Carly, a 28-year-old teacher, told me: “It’s just a timeless scent that smells like a hot man.” Digging a little deeper, my friend Catie who works in finance (and is a serial dater), said, “it’s not too overpowering and smells almost… chic yet manly?” This is thanks to the bold cedar notes, finished with intoxicating sandalwood and hints of vanilla. Spray a pump or two near your collar for date night, and she’s sure to lean in for a kiss (or at least to get a better whiff). Top Notes: Orange Blossom, Grapefruit, Sage | Middle Notes: Iris, Nutmeg | Base Notes: Amber, Moss | Size: 1.7 / 3.4 oz | Season: Year Round Tom Ford has been in the fragrance game since the early 2000s and is home to several classic women’s favorite men’s colognes. While Black Orchid is the brand’s most popular, the women I spoke to prefer Grey Vetiver ten times over. Rather than a heavy and musky cologne, Grey Vetiver is spicy and fresh, with an abundance of citrus and soft wood notes. Since it’s a concentrated Eau de Parfum, expect a long-lasting scent even with minimal use. While it’s a classy choice for evening wear, a spritz on the collar before a workday will definitely turn your female colleague’s head. Top Notes: Bergamont | Middle Notes: Pepper | Base Notes: Vanilla, Amber | Size: 2oz | Season: Fall, Winter Dior Sauvage often tops ‘best cologne’ lists, and with good reason. It’s the gold standard of cologne, with a captivating scent profile that makes women want to jump on any guy wearing it. The last bit is according to my friend Lena, who works as a dancer and met her boyfriend while he was covered in the stuff. Three years later and she still turns her head every time she catches a whiff. It’s raw, fresh, and oh-so-versatile, focusing on bergamot and vanilla. It’s a complex fragrance that doesn’t overdo it but gives an added dose of confidence to the wearer. And how could it not? The smell is nothing short of irresistible. Top Notes: Blood Orange, Sea Spray, Mandarin | Middle Notes: Pepper, Cedar | Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Vanilla, White Musk | Size: 3.4oz | Season: Spring, Summer, Fall A little-known fact is women love Old Spice. It’s sporty and casual while smelling crazy good. So if you’re looking for a fragrance with the Old Spice effect, minus the locker room undertones, Chanel Allure Homme Sport is a home run. This cologne put Chanel on the map for men, as it predated the brand’s now signature Bleu fragrance. It really pops with notes of mandarin and cedar but also shows its sensual side with plenty of white musk. It’s more of a daytime, summer fragrance, but no matter when or where you wear it, you’ll leave a trail of women smelling the air behind. Top Notes: Bergamot, Ginger | Middle Notes: Sage, Violet, Geranium | Base Notes: Incense, Balsam, Cedar, Musk | Size: 3.4oz | Season: Fall, Winter When it comes to what colognes women love, YSL always hits the mark. A heavier fragrance than most of the fruity options on the list, this deep and alluring scent will have ladies following your fragrance trail wherever you go. It ropes you in with simple bergamot and pulls you in deeper with complex mid and base notes like ginger, cedar, musk, and incense. It’s definitely a spicier nighttime fragrance, so wear it on your next dinner date. Great for cold weather, a spritz of this cologne will give her an excuse to snuggle up when temperatures start to drop. Top Notes: Cardamon | Middle Notes: Lavender, Iris | Base Notes: Vanilla | Size: 2.5 / 4.2 / 6.8oz | Season: Fall, Winter While his original Le Male made huge waves in the young men’s cologne world, Jean Paul’s updated version of the classic is well-loved by grown-up male wearers (and women smellers) worldwide. This fragrance isn’t as juvenile as the original and makes for the ideal cold-weather cologne. The heavier scents like cardamon and deep vanilla make it particularly enticing for evening wear. Think dark wine bars, low-lit restaurants, and other sensual hot spots. This cologne will carry you through whatever the night throws at you, and who knows… the scent is so tempting it may even score you more than a good night kiss. Top Notes: Pineapple, Orange, Grapefruit | Middle Notes: Spearmint, Red Apple | Base Notes: Musk, Cedar | Size: 2.5 / 4.2oz | Season: Spring, Summer My friend Natalie (32) is a chiropractor and spends a good deal of her time in the smelling capacity of men. She can always tell who’s wearing Red Rush by Polo Ralph Lauren, thanks to the crisp, clean scent, and has come to regard it as one of her favorites. Red Rush is a crowd-pleaser, especially for men looking for a refreshing fragrance to keep the compliments rolling in (definitely one of women’s favorite men’s colognes). With top notes of citrus and mid notes of spearmint, this cologne has an energizing quality, making it a refreshing daily option for fragrances women love on men. Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren gets an honorable mention from my friend Alex, who told me: “This kid I had a crush on in high school always wore it, and I guess I never let it go. I genuinely do like the scent, and Fang [her boyfriend] has a bottle.” So if you’re not sold on the Red, opt for cool Blue instead. calvinklein / instagram What to Look For When Buying Colognes Women Love Season While many women adore a fruit-heavy cologne during warmer months, they may prefer something spicy during the depths of December. In general, the light, citrusy scents belong to spring and summer, while deeper, more sophisticated scents are a winning choice for autumn colognes and winter fragrances. Keep this in mind when shopping for colognes women love on men, as this could very well change with the seasons. Formal or Casual You’ll also find that some men’s cologne that women love are more casual, while others are strikingly formal. Lighter scents are an ideal pick for daily wear as they’re appropriate for the office and keep things fresh as the afternoon wears on. The right casual fragrance may finally grab the attention of a certain female colleague (hint, hint). Once the sun goes down, it pays to opt for a scent that’s more mysterious and seductive, with plenty of pepper, wood, and vanilla notes. The depth of formal fragrance shows the women in your life that you’re not afraid to be bold. Scent Arguably the most important consideration in choosing colognes women love is the scent. Most women I spoke to were drawn towards clean fragrances that lead with fruit and citrus, with additional notes of sandalwood, cedar, and musk (think Bleu de Chanel and Polo Red Rush). However, heavier scents like pepper, vanilla, incense, and cardamon are best reserved for evening and winter wear and make up some of the world’s best-selling colognes (Dior Sauvage and Le Male, to name a couple). Carefully consider the scent of the fragrance you choose, as this will help you understand the best time of day and year to wear it. Longevity Finally, how long is the scent going to last? In general, most colognes last between one to three hours after application, but this majorly depends on how concentrated it is. If you’re looking for long-lasting colognes, choose an eau de toilette, which is more concentrated than a basic cologne or aftershave. Want something even stronger? Eau de parfums are the most concentrated scents that will leave you smelling fresh all day long. diesel / instagram Why You Should Trust Us With seasoned expertise in fashion, my work is deeply rooted in a passion for uncovering the latest trends from NYC, Paris, and New Zealand. This article on colognes women love combines my professional experience with personal insight, being a woman myself. I’ve dedicated countless hours to researching and testing a wide array of scents to ensure my recommendations resonate with contemporary style and possess a timeless quality so you can easily find the best cologne for men according to women. My thorough approach considers everything from fragrance composition to its lasting power, curating a selection for discerning consumers. Trust in my expertise as we explore the captivating world of colognes together. Final Verdict When pondering what cologne do women like, Calvin Klein CK One stands out for daytime with its vibrant, citrus appeal, while Boss Bottled Night transitions into the evening with its rich, musky aroma, accented by amber and pepper. This nuanced selection addresses the varied preferences under the umbrella of colognes women love, offering something for every occasion and seamlessly blending freshness with depth. FAQ Most of the women I spoke to were most attracted to fresh citrus scents with notes of fruit, sea spray, and cedar. Though many women are also attracted to musky scents, with sandalwood, pepper, and a hint of sweet vanilla. Dior Sauvage is one of the most seductive colognes, thanks to the bergamot, vanilla, and amber scent mix. It’s a top choice for date nights or evenings on the town… Don’t be surprised if women start sniffing you everywhere you go. If you’re looking for colognes women love on men, you can’t go wrong with Diesel Only the Brave, an energizing scent that’s great for day or nighttime wear. Or, stick with the classic Bleu de Chanel, which is well-loved by women far and wide. Jane is a seasoned fashion expert with a particular interest in streetwear, accessories, and luxury leather goods. She splits her time between NYC, Paris, and New Zealand, constantly on the hunt for today’s latest trends Source link

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Übersetzt von Aline Bonnefoy Veröffentlicht am 6. Februar 2025 Die nächste Mailänder Modewoche findet vom 23. Februar bis 3. März 2025 in der lombardischen Hauptstadt statt und verspricht ein intensives und festliches Programm. Das Angebot wird grundlegend erneuert. Rund ein Dutzend Marken fehlen im Vergleich zu früheren Ausgaben, aber dafür beteiligen sich acht Newcomer, wie Fiorucci und K-Way, und viele aufstrebende Labels neu an der Veranstaltung. Drei Marken planen ihr Comeback in Mailand – Giorgio Armani, MSGM und Blumarine –, dazu sieht das Programm mehrere Sonderschauen vor, etwa zum 100. Jubiläum von Fendi und der 30-Jahre-Feier von Dsquared2. Der Franzose Charles de Vilmorin präsentiert seine Kollektion im Rahmen eines Austauschprojekts mit der italienischen Modekammer.Nach der Show in New York im Oktober defiliert Giorgio Armani wieder in Mailand - ©Launchmetrics/spotlightIn dieser Woche werden in der lombardischen Hauptstadt 55 physische Schauen erwartet (darunter Emporio und Giorgio Armani, die beide zwei Mal defilieren). Damit entspricht der Umfang demjenigen der vergangenen Modewoche im September 2024. Am Abschlusstag der Veranstaltung werden sechs digitale Shows organisiert (Tokyo James, Maison Nencioni, Maxivive, Jacob Cohën, das neapolitanische Label Saman Loira, das zum ersten Mal in Mailand zu sehen ist, und Viapiave33). Insgesamt umfasst die von der Camera della Moda (CNMI) organisierte Woche 153 Events, darunter 65 Präsentationen, 4 Showrooms und 23 sonstige Veranstaltungen. Gucci eröffnet den Reigen am Dienstag, 25. Februar, mit einer gemischten Fashion Show. Das Co-ed-Format wurde für die bevorstehende Saison von mehreren Häusern gewählt, die aus diesem Grund während der Männerwoche im Januar nicht auf dem Laufsteg zu sehen waren. Neben Gucci defiliert auch Dsquared2, die Marke von Dean und Dan Caten. Mit ihrer Show und einer großen Party zum 30-jährigen Jubiläum schließen sie den Eröffnungstag ab. Die Marke K-Way, die bisher jeweils im Winter im Rahmen der Herrenmodewoche zu sehen war, wechselt ebenfalls zu den Womenswear-Kollektionen und organisiert am Eröffnungstag eine Co-ed-Show zur Feier des 60. Markenjubiläums.Dasselbe Format wählt auch das Label Fendi, das am darauffolgenden 26. Februar am Markensitz an der Via Solari eine Modenschau organisiert. Die Show findet unter der Aufsicht von Silvia Venturini Fendi, Kreativdirektorin für Accessoires und Herrenmode, statt. Sie ist zurzeit auch für die Damenmodekollektion des Hauses verantwortlich, da diese seit dem Rücktritt von Kreativdirektor Kim Jones noch keinen neuen Designer verpflichtet hat. Unter den angekündigten Comebacks ist auch die Rückkehr von Giorgio Armani, der seine Kollektion im vergangenen Herbst in New York enthüllt hatte. Er ist am Sonntag, 2. März, wieder im Mailänder Programm aufgeführt. Das Label Blumarine, das in der vergangenen Saison nicht an der Veranstaltung teilnahm, plant ihr Comeback mit dem neuen Kreativdirektor David Koma am Donnerstag, 27. Februar. MSGM schließlich kehrt am Samstag, 1. März, auf die Mailänder Laufstege zurück. Im September hatte die Marke eine Pause eingelegt, um im Juni zur Feier des 15. Jubiläums eine Co-ed-Show im Rahmen der Damenmodewoche zu organisieren. Darüber hinaus umfasst das offizielle Programm zahlreiche Newcomer. Angefangen mit dem Label Fiorucci, das von Francesca Murri geleitet wird und am Samstag, 1. März defiliert. In der letzten Saison hatte das Label seine Kollektion parallel zum offiziellen Programm enthüllt. Auch der Nachwuchsdesigner Francesco Murano (27) gibt sein Debüt in Mailand. Er wuchs in der Nähe von Salerno in Süditalien auf, umgeben von seiner Großmutter, die Stickerin war und seiner Tante, die als Schneiderin arbeitete. 2016 zog er nach Mailand, um an der IED Modedesign zu studieren. 2019 brachte er seine erste Kollektion auf den Markt. Auch der 32-jährige Süditaliener Giuseppe Di Morabit, der aus Kalabrien stammt, gibt am 28. Februar sein Laufsteg-Debüt. Nach seinem Studienabschluss am Istituto Marangoni in Mailand gründete er 2014 sein eigenes Modehaus. Farben, Texturen, kostbare Stoffe und hochwertige Verarbeitungen charakterisieren seine Entwürfe mit Couture-Einfluss. Sein zeitgenössischer, verführerisch-glamouröser Stil hat schon viele Berühmtheiten begeistert, von Lady Gaga bis Zendaya. Der Investmentfonds Style Capital übernahm 2023 80 Prozent des Unternehmens, während der Designer die restlichen 20 % der Anheile hält. Galib Gassanoff (30), der bei Act N°1 sieben Jahre lang mit Luca Lin zusammenarbeitete, trennte sich im Februar 2023 vom Label. Mit seiner neuen Marke Institution, die sich als sozial-künstlerisches Projekt definiert, defiliert er am 25. Februar. Der gebürtige Georgier zog 2012 mit einem Stipendium nach Mailand.Fiorucci nimmt erstmals am offiziellen Programm der Mailänder Modewoche teil - ©Launchmetrics/spotlightAm Sonntag, 2. März, gibt der Peruaner Jorge Luis Salinas sein Debüt in Mailand. Der Designer wuchs in Gamarra auf, einem Zentrum der peruanischen Textilindustrie. Nach seinem Abschluss am Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science gründete er 2016 seine Marke J. Salinas, die traditionelle Handwerkskunst mit technologischen Innovationen verbindet und mit Handwerkergemeinschaften in seinem Land zusammenarbeitet. Am selben Tag präsentiert die von Dolce & Gabbana unterstützte chinesische Designerin Susan Fang ihre Kollektion. Die Show war bereits im September angekündigt worden, wurde aber auf die kommende Saison verschoben. Weiteres Novum: die italienische Modekammer und der französische Branchenverband Fédération de la haute couture et de la mode (FHCM) haben zum ersten Mal einen Austausch ins Leben gerufen, um Nachwuchsdesignern mehr Sichtbarkeit zu verleihen. Für diese Premiere sendet Frankreich Charles de Vilmorin nach Mailand, der seine Kollektion im Rahmen des Fashion Hub in Mailand präsentiert. In diesem Rahmen werden mehrere kreative Projekte vereint, die von der italienischen Modekammer unterstützt werden. Aus Italien reist Marco Rambaldi nach Paris. Der auf Strickwaren spezialisierte Designer, der in der lombardischen Hauptstadt defiliert, erhält die Möglichkeit, seine Arbeit im Rahmen der Paris Fashion Week vom 5. bis 11. März 2025 zu zeigen. Er enthüllt seine Kollektion im Bereich Sphere, der von der FHCM organisiert und von DEFI gefördert wird. Zu den prominentesten Abwesenden in Mailand zählt das Label Bottega Veneta, das sich nach dem Wechsel des ehemaligen Kreativdirektors Matthieu Blazy zu Chanel und dem Antritt seiner Nachfolgerin Louis Trotter in einer Übergangsphase befindet. Ihre erste Kollektion wird in der kommenden Saison enthüllt. Das Haus Boss, das jede zweite Saison in Mailand auf den Laufsteg zu sehen ist, kehrt ebenfalls erst im September zurück. Das Label Philosophy wird Alberta Ferretti einverleibt und verschwindet somit gänzlich. Die gleichnamige Designerin hat sich aus ihrem Unternehmen zurückgezogen und die Zügel Lorenzo Serafini übergeben, der bisher für die junge Kollektion verantwortlich war. Seine erste Kollektion ist am Dienstag, 25. Februar zu entdecken. Nicht auf dem Programm stehen außerdem der vietnamesische Designer Phan Dang Hoang und sein chinesischer Kollege Mao Bao Bao des Labels Chiccomao, die in der vergangenen Saison ihr Mailänder Debüt gaben. Auch Tokyo James, der seine Kollektion neu in Videoform präsentiert, sowie mehrere junge Labels, die im September ihr Comeback feierten, wie Federico Cina, The Attico und Andreadamo, sind nicht mehr Teil des offiziellen Programms. Darüber hinaus fehlen drei weitere Stammgäste: GCDS, Del Core und Rave Review. Die Mailänder Modewoche kann jedoch wie immer auf die Stars der italienischen Mode zählen: Am Mittwoch, 26. Februar, defilieren Jil Sander, Antonio Marras, Marni und Fendi, am Donnerstag, 27. Februar, sind Roberto Cavalli, Etro, Max Mara und Prada zu entdecken, darauf folgen am Freitag, 28. Februar, Moschino, Missoni mit dem neuen Kreativdirektor Alberto Caliri und Versace. Gerüchten zufolge könnte es sich dabei um die die letzte Show von Donatella Versace handeln. Am Samstag, 1. März, stehen schließlich Dolce & Gabbana und Philipp Plein auf dem Programm. Gucci eröffnet die Feierlichkeiten und Giorgio Armani beendet die Modewoche. Copyright © 2025 FashionNetwork.com Alle Rechte vorbehalten. 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 post will show you 20 makeup and skincare essentials for the winter, with tips on how to look your best during the wintertime. Got a case of the “winter uglies”? We’re here to help. Many of us—TikTok superstar Alix Earle included—don’t feel our best beauty-wise during the cold, drab winter season. Whether it’s feeling pale, fighting to keep our skin hydrated, combating flat, staticky hair… it’s no surprise that curing the “winter uglies” has become a topic of conversation on social media. If you feel like you haven’t been looking like your hottest, most radiant self, have no fear: our winter glow-up guide is here! Read on for 20 must-have makeup and skincare products for the winter that will help you look and feel like your best self — and without breaking the bank since it is all under $50. Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse As Alix Earle showed us, self-tanner can make a big difference in how you look (and feel) in the winter. Her self-tanner of choice? Dolce Glow’s Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse, which is enriched with ingredients like squalane, jojoba oil, and Vitamin E for added hydration (something that is key during the winter when our skin tends to become dryer due to the cold). This fast-drying formula offers a buildable tan for a customizable glow — meaning no more pasty, pale skin! Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub If you’re going to self-tan, you’re going to want to exfoliate first for a smooth, even application. In fact, even if you don’t self-tan, you’re still going to want to exfoliate your body because your skin in the winter can become dry and flaky. By exfoliating with a sugar body scrub, you’ll be able to reveal smoother, more radiant-looking skin (which creates the ideal base for self-tanner application). Tree Hut’s Shea Sugar Scrub is affordable and comes in a ton of different scents, so you’ll be sure to find one that you enjoy, plus it’s formulated with shea butter for added hydration. Use this scrub in the shower and follow with a body cream or lotion to lock in its effects. Rhode Glazing Milk Speaking of dry skin, your face is just as susceptible to wintertime dryness as your body is. In addition to gentle exfoliation (opt for chemical exfoliants like alpha and beta hydroxy acids rather than physical exfoliants for your face), you’ll want to incorporate a hydrating toner or essence into your winter skincare routine. Hailey Bieber’s Rhode Skin has become a favorite of dry-skin girlies, especially her brand’s Glazing Milk, a milky essence that boosts barrier function, keeps your skin hydrated, and aids in product absorption. Pat this into your skin after cleansing and before moisturizer to lock in moisture, along with calming redness or irritation. This product has also become popular on TikTok to use as a makeup primer of sorts, with users raving about how smoothly their makeup applies after priming with Glazing Milk. Rhode Barrier Butter Another hydration hero from Rhode, the Barrier Butter is an ultra-rich moisture balm that helps to strengthen the skin barrier and seal in moisture, making it ideal for the winter. This multipurpose product can be used anywhere your skin needs it, whether it’s your face (especially as an overnight treatment), your hands, or often forgotten-about areas like your elbows and knees, which are particularly prone to dryness. You can expect plump, bouncy, and moisturized skin when smoothing this balm on. It also aims to improve your skin’s barrier function while being non-comedogenic to boot. Saie Glowy Super Gel From the cold that makes our complexions dry and dull to the signature paleness that comes with the winter season, it’s no surprise that we could all probably use some help in the glow department. Enter Saie’s Glowy Super Gel, a lightweight, dewy multipurpose illuminator that makes for the perfect glowy (but glitter-free) base. Packed with ingredients to hydrate the skin, including rosehip seed oil and squalane, this illuminator with a gel-like texture comes in four universally flattering shades that will give you a naturally radiant look. You can wear it under your foundation, mix it with your makeup products, or wear it alone for a glowy complexion. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm No one wants flaky, dry lips at any time of the year, but during the wintertime, they can be especially difficult to combat. That’s why having a hydrating lip balm on hand at all times is a must! The Lip Butter Balm from Summer Fridays is a great option that will hydrate and soothe your lips thanks to ingredients like shea and murumuru seed butters. There is a sheer/clear balm, as well as tinted balms that range in sheer colors like pinks and beiges, so you’ll be able to find a favorite easily. RMS Hydra Setting Powder Setting powder is a crucial part of a full makeup routine in order to lock your makeup in place, but during the winter, there’s a fine line between setting your makeup and drying out your face (which can, in turn, make you look cakey). That’s why you’ll want to opt for a hydrating setting powder that will set your makeup, minus the dryness — save the ultra oil-absorbing powders for the summertime, instead! RMS Beauty’s Hydra Setting Powder features a hydrating formula that will nourish your skin and give you a blurred, soft-focus filter effect while still minimizing the look of pores and imperfections. Best of all, this powder is talc-free and non-comedogenic, so you can feel good about using this on your skin. This powder also promises zero flashback and offers a silky texture that won’t cake or settle into fine lines while helping your makeup last all day long. Kosas Plump + Juicy Vegan Collagen + Probiotic Spray-On Serum This Kosas Spray-On Serum makes hydrating your skin a piece of cake thanks to its spray-on formulation. Whether you’re starting your skincare routine or prepping for makeup application, this vegan collagen and probiotic serum hydrates, soothes, and visibly firms, lifts, and plumps your skin in one quick step. It’s even great for a mid-day skin refresher! Use this prior to moisturizer for better absorption, and follow with makeup if desired. With hyaluronic acid, peptides, amino acids, probiotics, and other awesome ingredients, this spray will give your skin the plump, juicy look that we could all use this time of the year. Glamnetic Press On Nails It’s amazing how much more put-together you can feel when your nails are done (and in her TikTok above, Alix Earle agrees). But even if you don’t have the time or budget for a professional manicure, don’t worry — press-on nails are the solution! With more design options than ever, you can give yourself the look of a salon-quality manicure on your own at home in just a few simple steps. Pick from tons of different colors, styles, shapes, and lengths; these Glamnetic nails are reusable and come with extras of the sizes to ensure you find the right fit for your nails, along with nail glue and tools to apply the press-ons seamlessly. The nails last up to two weeks and will look flawless on your fingers, helping you feel put-together in a flash. Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo Another tip Alix suggested in her TikTok was to use purple shampoo to eliminate the brasiness in her blonde hair. If you, too, are a blonde, you’ll want to incorporate using a purple shampoo every so often to keep your hair color looking bright and healthy. Moroccanoil’s Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo is a tone-correcting shampoo that fights brassiness in blonde, lightened brunette, and grey hair, while also repairing and sealing the hair’s cuticle and cleansing it without drying it out. The gentle formula is sulfate-free and refreshes dull highlights with its violet pigments. Follow up with its coordinating Blonde Perfecting Purple Conditioner for enhanced toning and added hydration. eos Shea Better Cashmere Whipped Oil Body Butter  Treat your skin to a luxe body butter that smells delicious — it’s an instant mood boost that’s going to deliver velvety smooth and hydrated skin and is perfect for using after a shower (especially after shaving). Promising 2x more hydration than body lotion, this body butter is infused with a blend of naturally moisturizing and protective butters and oils, forming a protective barrier to lock moisture in, prevent moisture loss, and strengthen the skin barrier. Ideal for ultra-dry skin, what makes this product that much more luxurious is its rich scent, a combination of vanilla, musk, and caramel, that makes applying this cream feel like a self-care ritual. Ortega Ethereal Glow Balm in “Ice Queen” Nothing says winter makeup quite like this glow balm in the shade “Ice Queen,” which reminds me of fresh, sparkling snow. This shimmery multi-use balm is going to give you a luminous look along with a dose of hydration thanks to ingredients like blue agave and Vitamin E. You can use it on the high points of your cheeks, nose, and brows in place of highlighter, on your lips for a subtle pop of gloss, on your eyes as eyeshadow, and/or on your body for a radiant sheen. This product really does it all, and its blue-white hue is perfect for the winter season. Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hydrating Hair Mask Our skin isn’t the only thing that is prone to wintertime dryness: our hair can feel the seasonal effects, as well. Not to mention the static, frizz, and loss of volume. I recommend using a hydrating hair mask in the shower to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy, and Gisou’s Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hydrating Hair Mask is an excellent option, especially for damaged hair. It blends strengthening ceramides, shine-boosting Mirsalehi Honey, and hydrating hyaluronic acid to deliver smoother, glossier hair that feels softer and stronger, along with 59% more volume. Skip the conditioner once or twice a week in favor of an intensive hair mask instead. Your locks will thank you! Tanologist Hydrating Gradual Tanning Lotion We touched on self-tanning earlier in this post, but I’m not going to lie — it can be a hassle to self-tan, and most of the time (especially during the winter), I can’t be bothered to slather it on and wait around in baggy clothes for hours. If you’re anything like me, you may prefer a gradual tanning lotion instead. Swap out your regular body lotion for one like Tanologist’s Daily Glow Hydrating Gradual Tanning Lotion, which will give you a subtle, sun-kissed glow over time, minus the tanning mitt and orange sheets. This lotion, in particular, is a top pick for the winter since it has ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane to deeply nourish your skin. e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Moisturizer Drops Give yourself an instant look of radiance with the Thirst Burst Moisturizer Drops that hydrate and visibly brighten your skin. These non-greasy gel drops can be worn on their own as a serum, mixed into your foundation, or worn under makeup as a primer. The multi-use formula gives skin that dewy, post-shower glow that can be harder to achieve during the cold months, so consider adding this to your winter skincare routine ASAP. HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Hydrating Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick We love a multi-use product, and this Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick from Haus Labs by Lady Gaga is as functional as it is hydrating. Filled with skin-friendly ingredients — with over 70% skincare and proprietary complexes, to be exact —  this serum-based makeup product can be used on both your cheeks and lips for a glassy wash of color. The cold and dry winter weather can cause skin irritation and redness, but this balm will even help to visibly reduce the look of this with its fermented arnica. Its weightless feel and sheer, buildable coverage won’t look cakey, either. Pop this in your bag and apply anytime you feel like your skin or lips could use some color. Futurewise Slug Balm Moisture-Locking Occlusive Have you heard of slugging? This skincare practice involves slathering your face with an occlusive to lock all of your other skincare products in, majorly boosting moisture. This vegan Slug Balm will create a cocoon-like environment for your skin to repair itself while locking in the rest of your skincare (like serums and creams) so that you wake up with ultra-moisturized skin. Since this is an occlusive, it is meant to be used at night so that it can absorb over time as you sleep. If you’re looking to achieve glazed donut skin, slugging is the way to go! And did I mention how cute the packaging is? It will look adorable on your beauty shelf or counter. L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil Elevate your shower routine with a luxurious shower oil — namely, L’Occitane’s famed Almond Shower Oil, a body care favorite. A worldwide best-seller for a reason, this shower oil is made with sweet almond oil that helps to nourish and soften the skin and delicately lathers into a frothy cleansing foam, filling your shower with its decadent aroma. This oil also makes for the perfect base for a smooth body shave and a bath tub soak. However you use it, expect softer and more hydrated skin post-shower. It’s self-care meets body care! Milani Conceal + Perfect Sun Kiss Bronzing Drops A bit of bronzing can make all the difference during the winter, especially if you feel like your skin looks pale and dull. Bronzing drops like Milani’s Conceal + Perfect Sun Kiss Bronzing Drops are one of the easiest and fastest ways to achieve an instant sun-kissed glow; just mix them in with your moisturizer, primer, or foundation for a glowy, radiant base. This formula is filled with skin-loving ingredients that will deliver immediate hydration, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and boost elasticity. Available in three different shades, these are bronzing drops with skincare benefits at an affordable price. Pixi LipMask Tinted Lip Jelly Sometimes, all it takes is some tinted lip balm to feel a bit more put together. But rather than go for your regular lip balm, why not try a nourishing tinted lip mask? The Pixi LipMask Tinted Lip Jelly is a leave-on lip mask that delivers intense hydration paired with a hint of sheer color (I am loving the strawberry hue above, called “Amore”). Made with a unique jelly texture and cute packaging that makes it fun to apply, this lip mask is a wintertime must-have. What do you think of our winter skincare and makeup guide? What are your favorite winter glow-up tips or products? Leave a comment and let us know! Source link

[norajworld]

If there’s one occasion that you want to smell good, it’s Valentines Day.Smell good for a girl, for yourself, in the house or if you manage to go out on a date. There’s a lot of great fragrances that are guaranteed to get you compliments.These are the best men’s fragrances for Valentines Day this year.Top Fragrance For Men On Valentine’s DayWhether you’re a guy reading this, or a girl looking for  a Valentine’s Day fragrance for him, these are the best scents you can find.Most Seductive Men’s Valentines Day Fragrance: Gucci Oud IntenseBest Men’s Valentines Day Fragrance For A Day Date: Terre D’Hermes Pure ParfumBest Men’s Valentines Day Fragrance For Older Guys: Tom Ford Tobacco OudBest Men’s Valentines Day Fragrance For Younger Guys: Dior Sauvage EDTBest All Rounder Fragrance For Men On Valentines Day: Bleu De Chanel EDTGucci Intense OudFirst up I have to start off with a scent which is recent to me, but it’s been around a while, that’s Gucci Intense Oud.When I wear this I feel so elegant and classy, it’s a brilliant scent. The smell is so seductive and sensual, and is a fragrance which I think is perfect for Valentines Day.Out of all the fragrances I own, there’s a really good chance that I’ll be wearing Gucci Oud Intense for Valentines Day this year.Notes: Oud, Incense, Olibanum, Leather, Amber, Woodsy NotesTom Ford Tobacco OudA super strong smoky oud, of course I am talking about Tom Ford Tobacco Oud. It’s a really seductive scent that’s especially good to wear if you’re an older guy.It has that mature old school factor while still being a modern perfume for men, and a really good compliment getter.Top Notes – WhiskyHeart Notes – Spicy notes, cinnamon, corianderBase Notes – Oud, Tobacco, Incense, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Vanilla, Cedarwood, BenzoinBoss Bottled Absolu Parfum IntenseOne of the best fragrances to be released in 2024, Boss Bottled Absolu Parfum Intense has so many fans, including myself. It’s a really enticing scent that’s made to get compliments, and it certainly delivers.I call it a niche quality scent in designer fragrance clothing, and that’s exactly how it smells. It could be the best from the Boss Bottled line, it’s dark, smoky and leathery smell make it a fantastic masculine scent for Valentines Day.Top Notes – Incense, LeatherHeart Notes – Myrrh, PatchouliBase Notes – Cedarwood, DavanaDior Sauvage ElixirOne of the most talked about fragrances of the past 12 months has been Dior Sauvage Elixir. It’s the newest in the Sauvage line, and is a good choice for Valentines Day for many.I say many and not all. I think that this version of Sauvage is more suited to the older gent. If you’re 30+ you’ll appreciate the darkness of this scent.It doesn’t have that youthful X factor of the EDT, Elixir is more of a subtle and mature hit of masculine warm spice.Top Notes – Grapefruit, Cardamom, Nutmeg, CinnamonMiddle Notes – lavenderBase Notes – Sandalwood, Liquorice, Patchouli, Amber, VetiverDior Sauvage EDTDior Sauvage EDT is the original in the Sauvage line, and is still good today. There’s no doubt that it has fast become one of my favourite fragrances of all time. The appeal is almost universal too, and it’s considered the best fragrance of all by many, it’s a winner.A super seductive and sensual smell, it’s one that is sure to get compliments.The EDT is just amazing. Dior Sauvage was made to get compliments.Notes – Bergamot, Ambroxan, Geranium, Pepper, Lavender, Vetiver, PatchouliBOSS Bottled ElixirThe latest scent from the line, Boss Bottled Elixir is a dark and warm scent that has a seductive edge that’s perfect to wear on a Valentines Day night out.A dark, warm and woody type of smell that works well on an evening, which is more subtle the the big heavy hitters above.Top Notes – Incense, CardamomHeart Notes – Vetiver, PatchouliBase Notes – Cedarwood, LabdanumJean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le ParfumA brand new edition, Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Le Parfum is a fragrance you should seriously consider. The original version has been a classic since it’s release, and the new version was made for this occasion.It’s warm and inviting, a very pleasant fragrance to smell. Le Male Le Parfum can definitely be considered a fragrance that women like.Top Notes: Cardamom,Middle Notes: Iris, LavenderBase Notes: Vanilla, Woody NotesCreed AventusIf you want to push the boat out and go for a fragrance which is high end, lots of men swear by Creed Aventus. I have it and I can honestly say, it’s very nice indeed.Once again it’s an inviting scent, and packs a punch since this one is an eau de parfum. Since it’s a perfume and stronger you’ll not need as much, so be careful not to over-do this one!Top Notes – Blackcurrant, Italian Bergamot, French apples, PineappleMiddle Notes – Rose, Dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, PatchouliBase Notes – Musk, Oak moss, Ambergris, VanillaMont Blanc ExplorerMont Blanc Explorer has became quite a favourite, and there’s a good reason. It smells very similar to Creed Aventus, so smells really nice.The best part is the price tag, which is far more friendly than Aventus.Top Notes: Bergamot, Clary sage, Pink pepperMiddle Notes: Vetiver, Cocoa, LeatherBase Notes: Ambrofix, Patchouli, AkigalawoodTom Ford NoirIt’s a spicy and woody fragrance, but Tom Ford Noir does it in a sophisticated and clever way, by not being over-powering but maintains the strong scent.Again this is an EDP, so be careful on over-spraying it, apply little by little in key areas.Top notes: Italian bergamot, verbena, caraway, baie rose (pink pepper), violet flower.Heart notes: black pepper, nutmeg, Tuscan Iris resin, Egyptian Geranium, Bulgarian Rose, Clary Sage.Base notes: Opoponax, amber, Indonesian patchouli, vetiver, civet, vanillaBvlgari MAN Rain EssenceThey’ve only gone and done it, Bvlgari have made a scent that’s as good as the original from the line, this is Bvlgari Man Rain Essence.This green fresh fragrance has a kick of fresh-spicy note to it that’s so inviting you’ll not get enough of it.If you’re going on a Valentines Day day date, this is the scent to wear. It’s clean cut profile is crisp and will have you smelling your best throughout the day.Top Notes: Green Tea, OrangeMiddle Notes: Musk, White LotusBase Notes: Amber, WoodsBleu de Chanel EDTSince it’s release in 2010, Bleu de Chanel EDT has became a bit of a modern classic, and it’s already owned by so many lads out there.If you own it, you’ll know all about the inviting scent, and it is a winner.If you’ve missed the boat on this you might want to give it another try and seriously consider getting this one, which was made for situations like a Valentines night.Top Notes: Lemon, Mint, Pink Pepper, GrapefruitHeart Notes: Ginger, Nutmeg, Jasmine, Iso E SuperBase Notes: Labdanum, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Cedar, White Musk, Vetiver, IncenseBleu De Chanel ParfumThe same DNA as the EDT, Bleu de Chanel Parfum is a more grown up scent from the line up. It still has all of the goodness, but more refined.It’s less sharp and citrus, and you get more soft woods. It’s a more rounded version of the original. If the EDT is for younger guys, the Parfum is suited to older gents.Top Notes: Lemon ZestHeart Notes: Lavender, GeraniumBase Notes: Sandalwood, CedarVersace Dylan BlueWhen you’re looking for a super seductive powerhouse, Versace Dylan Blue has to be considered. A masculine style of scent which is noticeable without being overpowering.It’s an inviting modern classic that almost every lady will love.Top Notes: Calabrian Bergamot, Grapefruit, Fig Leaves, Aquatic NotesHeart Notes: Violet Leaves, Black Pepper, Papyrus Wood, Ambrox, Patchouli BioBase Notes: Mineral Musk, Tonka Bean, Saffron, Pyrogene IncenseVersace EROSKnown to many as the clubbing scent, Versace EROS is a winner. It’s a nice and inviting scent, with strong hints of mint.It has it’s reputation for being an attractive and complimentary scent. For that reason, it’s a good choice for Valentines Day.Top Notes: Mint, Green Apple, LemonMiddle Notes: Tonka bean, Geranium, AmbroxanBase Notes: Madagascar vanilla, Vetiver, Oakmoss, Virginian cedar, Altas cedarFloris SantalI have to include Floris Santal because it’s one of my favourite fragrances. It’s a masculine floral kind of scent, and is really inviting.It’s not musky or spicy like you may think of when considering a male scent, but it’s definitely got that compliment-getting factor.Chanel Allure Homme Sport ExtremeI bought Chanel Allure Homme Sport Extreme a couple of years ago, and it’s really good. As the name suggests, it is alluring which is perfect if you’re meeting up with your lady.It is slightly woody and spicy but soft, so is completely inoffensive.Viktor and Rolf SpicebombAnother easy one to spot with the name is Spicebomb by Viktor and Rolf. You don’t need much of a description for this, the name really does say it all, spicy with a bit of a sweet kick.Top Notes: Pink Pepper, Bergamot, Grapefruit, ElemiMiddle Notes: Saffron, Cinnamon, PaprikaBase Notes: Leather, Vetiver, TobaccoThese are my top fragrance ideas for guys to wear when going out with girls this Valentines Day.Now you’ve got a good selection of scents, all you need is your valentines day outfit sorted.What makes a good Valentines Date Scent?As mentioned, it should be sensual, dark, and inviting. If you’re on the look out for a new scent, or have a few already that you’d like to try out, I recommend looking at the colour of the fragrance, and also there’s a secret in the name. (here’s some tips on how to blind buy fragrances)Typically these styles of scents could be golden yellow or golden brown, these should be more woody types of scent.Clear colour or slightly green could be winners too. However pale yellows or blues could possibly be avoided, as they usually denote lighter citrus, aquatic or fresh scents more suited to day wear and don’t pack the same punch.A good Valentines Day fragrance should be inviting, seductive and sensual. You should feel good wearing it, and it will attract compliments.The name of the bottle can be a bit of a giveaway at times too.Lookout for words relating to nights or the evening. Nuit (night in French) is one which is commonly used, dark or black or other words commonly used by perfume houses.There’s a lot which could make the list, but these are definitely some of the best and inviting scents which I have come across.You can always check out more in my men’s fragrance guide here, which has a more rounded collection of fragrances for all occasions.Fragrance Guides For All Seasons Source link

[norajworld]

With its rich culture, breathtaking sights and intriguing landmarks, it’s not surprising that France is on the travel bucket list of so many people. From romantic cities like Paris to food and wine destinations like Bordeaux, the country has something for everyone. With a prolific history including the French Revolution, World War II and stories of love, drama, politics and culture, it’s ripe for unforgettable historical fiction. Indeed, there’s no shortage of historical fiction books set in France. So we rounded up our favorite books in the genre. In the pages of these novels, you can immerse yourself in tales from every era. From the much-beloved The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah to Pam Jenoff’s latest, Last Twilight in Paris, you’re sure to find a story that enthralls—and educates. Keep scrolling for our complete list of historical fiction books set in France. Park Row Books Readers are transported to 1953 London and 1943 Paris in this captivating tale. Louise is still adjusting to her postwar role as a housewife when she discovers a necklace in a secondhand shop. She’s sure she’s seen the necklace before—and it’s linked to a time in Nazi-occupied Europe when her friend Franny died mysteriously. Following clues to Paris, Louise and her former boss, Ian, uncover old truths. A sweeping, dual-timeline story!  What readers are saying: “Pam Jenoff has written many riveting historical novels about WWII and its aftermath. Last Twilight in Paris is a powerful story that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of the German occupation of Paris that might be unknown to readers: the story of Lévitan. Jenoff has created two strong female characters and an intriguing mystery. If you are a fan of historical fiction, chances are you are familiar with this author. If not, this book is a perfect introduction to one of the top authors in the genre, who writes stories that need to be told.” St. Martin's Griffin This #1 New York Times bestselling novel paints a powerful portrait of love and strength amid war. In a sleepy French hamlet, Vianne must say goodbye to her husband as he heads for the front and to her sister, who will join the resistance. Vianne never believed the Nazis would invade France, but here they are, requisitioning her home as she tries to save herself and her daughter from the perils of war. A haunting and rich tale that celebrates the strength of the human spirit. What readers are saying: “Gosh! This book was so worth the read. I really appreciate the author’s inspiration and approach. She amazingly blended truth and fiction for such a believable story. The characters sucked me in and had me questioning at every turn: what would I have done in that moment? I grieved and felt all the emotions reading this story. Early in the book, I was able to keep my emotions together, but once I hit the halfway mark the events started hitting me fast, one after the other, and I think from the halfway point, I cried most of the way to the finish line.” Scribner In this best-selling, beautifully written novel, a blind girl named Marie-Laure lives in a walled French city where she’s hidden from the war. In Germany, an orphan boy named Werner reluctantly uses his knowledge of radios to help Hitler track the resistance. Neither knows the other exists, but their convergence over the paths changes their lives forever. What readers are saying: “I find this review a bit difficult to write because, honestly, I don’t know where to start! All the Light We Cannot See is like no other book that I’ve read before. On its surface, this book is about a young German boy with a talent for fixing radios and a blind French girl who possesses a curiosity and courage way beyond her years – both thrown helplessly into a world torn apart by war and devastation and the impact this has on their lives. But this book is so much more than that! It is about survival, love, courage, family, friendship, etc., but on a deeper level it is also a “study” on human nature and what it means to “do what is expected” versus “do what is right.” St. Martin's Griffin In the summer of 1942, the French police arrested thousands of Jewish families and held them captive. On the 60th anniversary of this horrific event, Julia, an American journalist living in France, uncovers a shocking personal connection to one of those families—in particular, to a 10-year-old named Sarah.  What readers are saying: “From the moment I picked up Sarah’s Key, I was unable to put it down. I have not had that experience in quite some time. The book switches between past (Sarah) and present (Julia) every few pages. Each “chapter” provided just enough information to pique my interest to continue.” Gallery Books Heartwarming, heartbreaking and beautifully written, this story begins in the present day as semi-retired Eva Traube Abrams is stocking shelves at the library when she sees a photo in a magazine. It’s an image of a book she hasn’t seen in 65 years: The Book of Lost Names. THis sends her back in time to 1942, when Eva is forced to flee Paris after the arrest of her father, a Polish Jew. What follows is a testament to strength and the human spirit. What readers are saying: “One of the best books I have read in a long time. Story of WWII and those brave ones who risked their own lives to save the lives of others. Couldn’t put it down as I couldn’t wait to see how it ended. Highly recommend.” Forever New York/Paris 1942: Jessica May, an American model who recently arrived in Europe to cover the war as a photojournalist for Vogue, is determined to do her job even though the soldiers are making life difficult for her. However, Martha Gellhorn and Captain Dan Hellworth’s friendships and the love of a little orphan named Victorine give her the strength to keep going.  Fast forward to France in 2005, where D’Arcy Hallworth is working to curate a collection of wartime photos. While D’Arcy knows this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, she doesn’t realize the photos will help her discover secrets of her past. Soon, everything she thought she knew about her mother, Victorine, was not what it seemed.  What readers are saying: “Natasha Lester never disappoints, and this might be her best work yet. The Paris Orphan is a meticulously researched piece of historical fiction. Upon reading the author’s note, I learned that the fictional character of Jessica May is loosely based on real-life war photojournalist and former model Lee Miller. There are touches of other real people throughout the book (Martha Gellhorn, Iris Carpenter, Lee Carson) and many of the other characters, descriptions, and events are loosely based on real life. It all comes together to create a book that you can’t put down.” Berkley This beautiful and bold novel follows three powerful women in various eras. It begins in 1774 with Adrienne Lafayette, the loving wife of Marquis de Lafayette. The story then picks up in 1914, where socialite Beatrice Chanler is dealing with the horrors of the first World War. Finally, in 1940 teacher Marthe Simon begins to question who she really is as the Nazis begin to invade her hometown. An astonishing, empowering tale. What readers are saying: “I couldn’t put this book down. It is an utterly wonderfully woven story. I know you will enjoy it. The author keeps the characters true to historical findings with such imagination. You will love this book.” William Morrow Paperbacks In this captivating story set during WWI, readers are transported back in time to 1917. Kate Moran’s friend Emmeline Van Alden convinces her to join the Smith College Relief Unit and volunteer to help French villagers impacted by the war. Four months later, Kate and the Smith volunteers set sail for France. Soon, however, differences arise, and women must learn to band together to survive. What readers are saying: “This is an amazing book that transports you back to World War I in France. You become a member of the Band of Sisters helping the local French people and trying to survive in a war zone. The letters at the beginning of each chapter give great insight into what it was like for the Smith women.” William Morrow Paperbacks Based on a real-life female spy network in France during World War I, this story spans 1915 and the aftermath of the war in 1947. Fearless Eve trains as a spy to gather intel under the Germans’ noses until everything falls apart. Three decades later, Eve encounters Charlie, a headstrong young woman desperate to find the cousin she lost contact with during World War II. The unlikely pair join forces on an adventure that exposes the heartache and sacrifices of unsung wartime heroes.  What readers are saying: “Whether you’re a historical fiction fan or not, I recommend this book! Kate Quinn does an amazing job going back and forth from a spy during WW1 to a girl post WW2 looking for her lost cousin. The two characters meet up during the story and it just goes from there! This story will make you mad, sad, giddy and happy! Kate Quinn is a phenomenal writer!” Tor Books In 1714 France, Addie LaRue is cursed to live forever and be forgotten by everyone she meets. Determined to be remembered, her story takes place over centuries as she tries to make her mark on the world. That is, until she meets a man in a bookstore 300 years later who remembers her name. What readers are saying: “This book is poetry. Every sentence is carefully crafted, beautiful in its own right, weaving together into a tapestry of emotions that burrows into your soul and refuses to leave. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t just sit with you—it stays, carves out a space in your heart, and fills it with its beauty. It makes you think deeply, about time, death, life and the choices we make. It lingers long after the final page, asking you to carry its questions with you.” Source link

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With fall and winter season approaching us, the question that comes to so many minds is what to wear. A lot of you may go with a puffer jacket or some of you will opt for a woolen coat. Some trend-forward people will also choose leather jackets. Of course, there are so many options that will definitely make you go crazy to shop each and every outerwear for style and comfort! However, one piece that has been a staple since decades and is equally popular among men and women of all age groups is the shearling jacket. And those who own this are always struggling with the query, how to style shearling jacket. Manufactured with wool skin or lamb skin with leather on one side and wool fleece on the other, shearling jackets provide a very sophisticated and rugged look.  Shearling jackets are ideal for colder weather while being water-resistant and durable. The interior shearling wool features insulating properties that keep the wearer warm and comfortable during the chilly weather. The moisture-wicking properties also ensure dryness of your outfit while you carry a warm shearling outerwear. Thus, the duo of shearling wool and leather together helps you create strong fashion statements while offering practical benefits. Now, when winter has spread the snow among us, now is the time to decide what to wear with a shearling jacket. Those who have this piece long lost in the wardrobe, bring it out to the sun. And let’s begin styling this stunning staple.  In this blog, Petersign presents you with the best ways to put on your shearling jacket. The guide is centered around men as the concept of using shearling jackets is now rising and is anticipated to grow in near future. So, in case, you own this wool garment and are looking for shearling jacket outfit ideas, we have got you covered in this guide! With our wonderful styling tips for your garment, you can easily upkeep with your majestic aura while being all warm and comfortable. We have rounded up a few tips to help you in styling the shearling the right way. So, let’s get started.  Stay All Toasty Yet Confident With Brown B3 Leather Bomber Jacket Manufactured with genuine leather and designed with a shearling collar, we offer this wonderful brown B3 leather bomber jacket. This jacket is truly a must-have for all the men who want to showcase their confidence while being warm and handsome. This jacket also features front zipper closure with shearling cuffs and multiple pockets. So, all in all, it is not only comfortable but also a very practical piece to own.  How to Wear a Brown Aviator Shearling Jacket Styling a shearling leather jacket combinations usually include the basic colors like brown, black, and beige. This is because the shearling jacket looks better with the base colors. Not only with these, but this jacket will also go with light rinse denim jeans and a checked shirt on the inside.  While styling a brown B3 shearling jacket, keep in mind that it has a complete zipper closure on the front. And since the weather is chilly, we will recommend you to keep it close. Upon closing it, the inside garment will automatically hide. However, to ensure your style shines above the rest, you may pair this up with the white ribbed high-neck or full sleeves shirt.  One of our favorite brown leather shearling jacket outfits is to pair the jacket with beige colored pants and beige colored round-neck shirt for winter layering. It will allow you to make a certain combination of light and dark brown altogether and create a sleek appearance. Also, to keep it minimal, replace the beige shirt with a white one.  In our recommendation, the best colors to pair with brown shearling jacket are beige and white. Both of them will complement the dusky tone of a brown jacket. If you do not have any of these, don’t worry, denim or black jeans will also work in the favor.  By incorporating these layering tips with this jacket, you can easily create a balanced and smart look. Just ensure that your jacket is fitting you perfectly without making you appear sloppy.  Keep It All Fire With Black Shearling Collar Bomber Leather Jacket  Another shearling jacket winter that we have is this black shearling collar bomber leather jacket. Crafted from genuine leather, this jacket has a very sleek and rugged appeal. Further features of this jacket include front zippered closure with ribbed cuffs and two pockets on the front. Also, a zipped pocket on the left sleeve is also given with a decorative patch on the other sleeve. The ribbed hemline allows the jacket to sit perfectly at your waist while making you look confident and attractive.  How to Style a Black Shearling Jacket There are so many black shearling outfit ideas that you can bring to life by acquiring this jacket. Go ahead by pairing up this jacket with a gray high-neck and brown pants for a very sporty look. If not brown, then black jeans under the gray top will also balance out your look with a black shearling jacket.  Moreover, you can also create an all-black outfit by pairing this jacket with a black jeans and black ribbed top or a black tee on the inside. Also, if opting for a biker look, go with a black leather pants paired with a ribbed tank top of the same color. It will help you create a perfect biker ensemble without making feel heavy  In our recommendation, dressing up a black shearling jacket with beige colored cargo or white colored cargo will also work for a casual look. You can also go with denim jeans on the bottom and pair the jacket with white tee on the inside for a seamlessly uniform look.  Other casual shearling jacket styles with black hues include mixing and matching the garment with different styles of turtlenecks and sweatshirts on the inside with similar color sweatpants. If you love to wear wide leg jeans, you can easily pair them up with wide leg denim jeans or enjoy the combination of chinos with this jacket.  Layering with shearling jackets provides you with a huge playground where you can mix and match the garments as per your choice. Also, when it comes to black garments, the opportunities to create outfits are countless. So, indulge yourself in a comfortable combination of black leather jacket paired with the best outfits.  Continue to Stay Warm In Men's White Leather Aviator B3 Bomber Jacket Last but not the least, we have this men’s white leather aviator B3 bomber jacket which is perfect for biker and street style looks. Made with genuine sheepskin leather and lined with faux shearling fur, this jacket is truly an epitome of sophistication. Moreover, the features of this jacket include front zipper closure with two pockets on front, one on sleeves, belted shearling collar, and full-length sleeves with adjustable straps and shearling cuffs. The jacket also has adjustable waist belts to provide a snug fit to the wearer. If you are looking for something warm and comfortable, this jacket is a must-have!  Styling a White Shearling Jacket for Winter A few white shearling bomber jacket fashion tips that we recommend you should follow include; pair the jacket with a dark rinse denim jeans and carry a white tee on the inside. Also, you can pair it up over black tee with light rinse denim and stay classy yet warm! This combination is also recommended if you are heading out for a casual lunch.  Moreover, one of our favorite layering ideas for this jacket includes wearing it with white leather pants and white ribbed turtleneck. This will allow you to pull off a perfect biker look without compromising on your comfortability.  If you are still thinking about what colors go with a white shearling jacket, let us clear the air for you. Dark rinse denim jeans and black tee will work fantastic together. However, for a minimal and elegant touch, go with complete white pants and white tee or tank top on the inside. This way, you can easily create a uniform outlook with very minimal efforts.  Another of our recommended street style shearling jacket looks with white color include pairing the garment with white or black sweatpants. Also, cargo pants in a contrasting color like black would help you look your best! Incorporate the best fitting ribbed tank top or crew neck shirt of the same color for enhanced and snugged look!  In terms of the best shoes to pair white jacket, we will recommend you to go with white or black casual sneakers or boots. Ensure the color of the shoes matches the color of the t-shirt. This will instantly transform your look into a dapper one! Try out these combinations and let us know which one did you like!  Keep the Styling Games On Fire!  With this guide compiling the ultimate tips on how to style shearling jacket, you must have found the right way to don it. Be it for the upcoming festivities or for the winters, these tips will work for all your occasional, casual, and professional set up. Showcase your styling sense with these tips and keep the fashion moving with you! The tips are basic but are definitely going to shoot your appearance with a single shearling jacket. So, do as we suggested! Let us know which tip worked the best for you and don’t forget to share the pictures in the comments section. Explore more on Petersign: New Year Leather Jackets Sale Source link

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Find out what to wear to an engagement party. Choosing what to wear to an engagement party can feel tricky, especially with so many styles and settings to consider. Whether it’s a laid-back outdoor celebration or an elegant evening event, your outfit sets the tone for how you’ll blend in while standing out. The first step in choosing your outfit is to check the invitation for the dress code. The right choice shows your excitement for the couple and your eye for occasion-appropriate fashion. This applies whether you want to be casual in shorts or more upscale in formal dresses. No matter the season or venue, here are ideas on what to wear. What to Wear to An Engagement Party Casual Photo: Oleg Ivanov / Pexels For casual engagement parties, opt for relaxed yet polished outfits. These events usually take place outdoors or at someone’s house. A floral print sundress or a short-sleeved midi dress works beautifully, especially for daytime events. Consider breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for warm-weather occasions. Casual dress codes allow for more creativity, so don’t hesitate to play with fun patterns or vibrant tones. Avoid overly casual items like ripped jeans or sneakers unless specified. Accessories like a woven bag or delicate jewelry complete the look perfectly. Semi-Formal Photo: Pexels Semi-formal attire is a step above casual, making it ideal for many engagement photos. This dress code often suits events held at upscale restaurants or bars. A slip dress or cocktail dress in a classic color like navy, blush, or black is a safe and stylish choice. Tea-length dresses are also excellent options. For separates, a nice-looking blouse and dress pants or a skirt is a good choice. Semi-formal or cocktail looks should feel refined but not overly extravagant, so avoid heavy embellishments or floor-length gowns. Formal Photo: Deposit Photos Formal engagement parties call for outfits that exude elegance. A luxury hotel or banquet hall will hold a formal occasion such as this one. Opt for a maxi dress in luxurious fabrics like satin or chiffon to create a refined look. Sequins are also great for formal events. Rich jewel tones or timeless neutrals work well, while subtle embellishments add glamour. A well-tailored pantsuit or jumpsuit is ideal if you want to avoid wearing a dress. Seasonal Outfit Ideas Spring & Summer Photo: Deposit Photos Engagement parties in spring or summer call for light, airy outfits. Choose dresses made from wearable materials like chiffon or silk to keep cool in warm weather. Bright colors, soft prints, or gingham patterns are perfect for daytime events, while pastel tones offer a timeless appeal. A flowy dress pairs well with strappy sandals or wedges, creating a stylish yet practical ensemble. For outdoor venues, consider fabrics that resist wrinkles and add a wide-brim hat or sunglasses for sun protection. Fall & Winter Photo: Deposit Photos Cooler months are ideal for richer tones and heavier fabrics that keep you warm. Look got heavy dresses or long-sleeve options in materials like velvet, satin, or jersey. Deep shades like burgundy, emerald, and navy feel seasonally appropriate. Meanwhile, metallic details can improve your outfit for evening events. Layer your dress with a chic jacket or wrap for outdoor gatherings. Closed-toe heels or sleek boots offer great footwear options. Accessorizing Photo: Barion McQueen / Pexels Accessories easily add personality to your look. For casual or daytime engagement parties, choose playful details like layered necklaces, hoop earrings, or a stack of bangles. A colorful crossbody bag or a patterned scarf can tie your outfit together. Shoes such as espadrilles, wedges, or heeled sandals bring practicality to relaxed settings. For semi-formal occasions, look for polished accents that complement your outfit. Consider geometric earrings, a chic cocktail ring, or a sleek belt to define your look. A structured handbag adds sophistication, while pointed-toe shoes or strappy heels complete the look. Photo: Daniela Mancheva / Unsplash Formal events provide the opportunity to embrace dramatic, eye-catching accessories. Statement earrings with crystals or pearls, an embellished clutch, or layered bracelets can make your outfit look grand. Footwear like metallic or velvet pumps, or heeled sandals with intricate designs, adds the perfect finishing touch. When accessorizing, consider the event’s location and theme to ensure your choices are appropriate and cohesive. Balance is essential so select pieces that add depth to your outfit without competing for attention. Dressing for Your Body Type Photo: Maria Luisa Queiroz / Unsplash Finding an outfit that flatters your body shape can boost your confidence at any event. Here are tips tailored to a variety of body types: Petite Frames: Choose fitted styles like midi dresses with a defined waist or vertical patterns to elongate your figure. Heels or wedges will bring height to your ensemble. Rectangular Shapes: Go for outfits that create curves, like dresses with ruching, ruffle details, or fitted tops paired with flowy skirts. Wide-leg jumpsuits and wrap styles can bring softness and femininity to your look. Hourglass Figures: Show off your balanced proportions with fitted or body-skimming dresses that define your waist. Wrap dresses, pencil skirts, and belted jumpsuits work beautifully to highlight your natural curves. Apple Shapes: Focus on drawing attention to your shoulders and legs. A-line dresses or tunics with empire waists skim over the midsection for a sleek effect. Pair with V-necklines and tailored jackets to elongate the torso. Pear Shapes: Highlight your upper body with detailed or embellished tops, off-the-shoulder styles, or fitted bodices. Balance your look with flowy skirts or wide-leg pants. Makeup & Hair Photo: Deposit Photos Makeup and hair are the final accents of any look. For makeup, focus on enhancing your features with complementary colors. A glowing base, soft blush, and well-defined brows create a polished appearance. Neutral eyeshadow with a touch of shimmer works for daytime events, while a bold lip or eyeliner adds drama for evening occasions. Highlight your features by balancing bold and subtle elements. For example, if you’re wearing a statement lip, keep the eye makeup softer, and vice versa. For hair, consider the venue and weather. Loose waves or a sleek ponytail are versatile options that work for indoor and outdoor settings. For a more formal feel, try an elegant chignon or side-swept curls. Accessories like jeweled hairpins or a chic headband can upgrade your hairstyle. Etiquette Photo: Leire Cavia / Unsplash Engagement parties are a time to celebrate the couple’s love while showing respect for the occasion. Following proper etiquette ensures you leave a positive impression and don’t feel out of place. Respect the couple’s wishes: Always adhere to any guidelines provided in the invitation, such as preferred styles or themes. Some couples may request specific attire to match the venue or event tone. Make sure to follow these instructions to avoid standing out for the wrong reasons. Avoid wearing white: White or ivory is traditionally reserved for the bride-to-be, so avoid outfits in these shades unless explicitly permitted. Opt for colors and patterns that won’t draw attention away from the couple. Don’t overdress or underdress: It’s essential to match the level of formality expected at the event. Showing up in overly casual clothing to a formal party, or vice versa, can appear out of place. If unsure, ask the host or other attendees for guidance. Think of comfort: Engagement parties often include mingling, standing, or dancing, so choose clothing and shoes that allow you to enjoy the event comfortably. Avoid outfits that feel restrictive or heels that are difficult to walk in. Bring a thoughtful gift (if appropriate): While not always mandatory, bringing a small gift like a bottle of wine, flowers, or a meaningful keepsake is a nice gesture. Check if the invitation mentions a gift registry or requests no gifts. Source link

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Before this Talk, I’d never worn a posture bra. But, now I have and I’m a big fan. My workday is mostly spent in a chair staring at computer screens. I have the “right” chair that’s adjusted “right” for my physique. I have my screens at the “right” height and my keyboard positioned in the “right” location. And yet, I constantly catch myself slumping and leaning forward onto my elbows. So for the last few weeks, I’ve been wearing a longline posture bra, and now I get why so many women think it’s a game-changer. And not just sedentary-working women, but also women needing to stand for long periods of time. If you have neck, upper back, lower back, or shoulder pain, or just poor posture, a posture bra is your friend indeed.Basically, a posture bra acts as an exoskeleton. Once on, it’s a firm external covering that supplements your internal skeleton by providing added support and protection to your torso. This added external support distributes your front weight (tummy & breasts) more evenly around your frame. The result is a realigned and more upright posture with added back support. Your impulse to slump or lean forward goes away. Pressure and muscle strain along your spine is greatly reduced. This is why wearing a posture bra makes sitting, standing, or stooping easier and more comfortable – your back is getting added strength and support.All posture bras have a firm fit and use a semi-rigid powernet fabric. A signature design feature of this bra is its wide pair of criss-cross “swooshes” added to the bra’s full coverage back panel. Each swoosh begins up near a shoulder, then spreads its support downward and across the entire back – not straight down like traditional bra straps that can then dig into your shoulders. This construction along with wide sides is the key to redistributing your front weight more towards your back and waist, pulling your shoulders back to help you stand straighter, and giving added strength and support to your spine.Benefits of a Posture BraThere are many benefits to wearing a posture bra. Large-breasted women love this bra style because it redistributes their breast weight. But women with weak back muscles, back pain, tension headaches, and shoulder pain also report finding instant relief. The styles with full-torso coverage (similar to the iconic girdle) not only help you carry yourself upright but also enhance your figure by providing a bulge-free and flattering natural torso shape. Some say wearing one even makes them a little taller. And no, wearing one is not a crutch that will reduce your muscle tone. Consistent wearing actually helps train you and your body into a better posture positionMost posture bras are designed with nice wide straps that help displace body weight and prevent strap dig. Most close in the front, which requires some room, so women with close-set breasts may not enjoy the fit. The sides and back are substantially sized to provide robust coverage and eliminate back fat and bulges. Their cups are usually wireless for comfort and cut wider to catch all your breast tissue. Ergo, this bra tends to also be a minimizer, so is also a great choice to wear under button-up blouses. And, because it’s wireless and minimizing, if you notice your center panel is not tacking, this doesn’t mean you are necessarily in the wrong cup size. Finally, the back and sides of this bra style will be tall and have vast coverage.We offer 27 posture bra products. Some do have different design elements and features. And several are designed as sports bras. I think the most important features you need to think about are the length you want and where you need the most support.When to Wear a Posture BraMany women wear their posture bras all day as their everyday bra. Having one in your bra arsenal will be very handy. You should wear it when you have sudden back or shoulder pain. It’s a great choice during exercise if you do weightlifting. You should think about wearing it if your day will include long standing/sitting periods. It will provide great comfort during long car rides. And it’s especially helpful to have on when you do any activity that involves bending and slouching, like cooking, sewing, housekeeping, nursing, or sitting at a workstation or keyboard, that requires you to bend forwardThis garment should also be considered as a preventative measure. Because it stabilizes you into a proper posture, wearing it will reduce micro-injuries that can occur due to moving incorrectly.I’ve been wearing mine daily for over a week now when I have long stretches at my keyboard. Don’t laugh, but I put it on right over my outfit for the day. Then, when I need to go to a meeting, I can quickly take it off. I’m loving it! There are 3 posture styles and I’ve been wearing the torsette version.Posture Bra – Longline – This style gives you the most coverage, the most support, and the smoothest look. We provide side seam lengths on all our bras, so this will be the most important one for you to check. Some go past your natural waist and others rest right at your waist. This style has a band range of 34 to 52 but goes no higher than a G(D4) cup size. If you are very short-waisted or petite in height or have a significant tummy or waist measurement, this style will be a big challenge to fit because it assumes a rather even body proportion. You can move up a band size and thus down a cup size once or maybe twice to get a proper fit (e.g.: 38G(D4) can move to a 40DDD(D3) or maybe even a 42DD(D2)), but otherwise you are better served in the bra height posture style.Posture Bra – Bra Height – This design is popular with women looking for upper back, breast, and shoulder support. The size range is 32 to 58 in band sizing and B to K(D8) in cup sizing. It’s also a good solution for women who are apple or pear-shaped, where their bra band size is much smaller than their waist, and so are unable to fit into a longline. The shorter sequence of hooks and eyes in the front makes it easier to get into. If you do not like back bulges, this is the best bra style for giving you a smooth look under clothing, while improving your posture.Posture Torsette – This is the style I’ve been wearing and loving. It allows you to wear your own bra while giving you all the benefits of a longline. If you’re not sure which posture bra style is best for you, I’d recommend starting with one of these and see how much you like it. I did notice that when I wear it over my clothing it becomes a bit tighter. So, if you are thinking about doing this, consider moving up a size. I also bought it in black and I think it looks pretty great worn over a blouse or t-shirt. I’m sort of kicking myself for having not paid more attention to this very helpful bra category over the years. Probably because I thought they were not that stylish. Now that I’ve actually worn one, spoken to experts in my industry, and understand its benefits, I’m now definitely onboard. I’d like to thank the team at Exquisite Form, Ellen Jacobs (CEO of Elila), and Rita Penugonda (Glamorise VP of Product Development) for their generosity in educating me about this very important bra category. Source link

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One of our favorite myths is the idea that all mid-life pregnancies are extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. But, spoiler: That isn’t necessarily true. (By the way, same goes for those other pregnancy myths: Sweets will hurt the baby! Eating a whole pineapple will make you give birth! That half glass of wine you just drank in your third trimester means you’re a terrible mom! Don’t exercise! Stay away from coffee! The list goes on.) While a pregnant person older than 35 is considered “advanced maternal age,” according to the Mayo Clinic, other factors such as lifestyle choices (using alcohol or cigarettes), health conditions (high blood pressure, obesity), or carrying multiple babies also contribute to a high-risk pregnancy. And it goes without saying that many women, either older or younger than 35, need reproductive assistance to get pregnant. Related story Halle Bailey & 1-Year-Old Son Halo Cozy Up in Fluffy White Robes However, being of a certain age doesn’t always mean that you can’t give birth a perfectly healthy baby. And, at any age, surrogacy is a perfectly viable option. Whatever the route to becoming a mom, many of these celeb moms agree that there are definite advantages to delaying motherhood — just ask Salma Hayek, who gave birth to her daughter Valentina at age 41, which is what she calls perfect timing. “When you turn 40, it’s a lot easier than 30,” Hayek told USA Today in 2009. “They lied when they said you get old when you’re 40. The best is the 40s.” Hayek and the other fabulous celebrities ahead are proof that you can start your motherhood journey over the age of 40. So the next time some relative of yours takes an interest in your biological clock or you start feeling down about your future plans, take heart — and remind yourself how pregnancy worked out for Janet Jackson. A version of this story was originally published in January 2016.  Gisele Bündchen Image Credit: Kristin Callahan/Everett Collection Gisele Bündchen welcomed a baby with boyfriend Joaquim Valente at age 44, per TMZ. The Brazilian supermodel also shares kids Benjamin and Vivian with ex-husband Tom Brady and is stepmom to Brady’s son Jack who he shares with ex Bridget Moynahan. Lindsay Mendez Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images Actress Lindsay Mendez welcomed her second child at 43 years old in Sept. 2024. The proud mom confirmed the exciting news to People, saying she and husband J. Alex Brinson are “absolutely over the moon” to welcome their “sweet” baby girl, Ruby Beck Brinson. “Special shout out to my unbelievable husband, J., who is, without a doubt, my hero, valiantly serving and caring for all the women in this family and taking every step in stride,” Mendez continued. “I love you so dearly.” The Broadway star has another daughter from a previous relationship. Kourtney Kardashian Image Credit: Photo by Gotham/WireImage. At 44 years old, Kourtney Kardashian welcomed her and Travis Barker’s first son together, Rocky Thirteen. Kardashian and Barker are now a family of seven, with each already having three children from previous relationships. Barker shares adult kids Alabama, Landon, and stepdaughter Atiana with ex Shanna Moakler, and Kardashian shares kids Mason, Penelope, and Reign with ex Scott Disick. Sienna Miller Image Credit: Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage. In photos obtained by Daily Mail, it was confirmed Sienna Miller and her boyfriend Oli Green welcomed their child together. Along with having a daughter named Marlowe, she welcomed her second child with Green at the age of 42, in late 2023. Hilary Swank Image Credit: Gilbert Flores for Variety At age 48, Hilary Swank welcomed her first babies with husband Philip Schneider — a twin son and daughter born in April 2023. “It wasn’t easy. But boy (and girl!) was it worth it,” Swank sweetly captioned an Instagram post featuring a shot of herself from the back, cradling two babies overlooking idyllic scenery. Jennifer Connelly Image Credit: WWD via Getty Images Jennifer Connelly welcomed her third baby, Agnes Lark, with husband Paul Bettany in May of 2011, when she was 40 years old, reportedly via a home water birth at home. The couple share son Stellan, born in 2003, and Connelly has a son named Kai, born in 1997, whom she shares with former partner David Dugan.  Brooke Shields Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images Brooke Shields gave birth to daughter Grier in 2006 when the model was 40 Although Shields did not use IVF for her second pregnancy, she did so to conceive her first child, Rowan, who she welcomed in 2003. Molly Ringwald Image Credit: Christina DeOrtentiis/Everett Collection In 2009, Sixteen Candles star Molly Ringwald and her husband welcomed fraternal twins Adele and Roman when Ringwald was 41. Their daughter Mathilda was born in 2003.  Christie Brinkley Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images In 1998, Christie Brinkley welcomed daughter Sailor at age 44 with husband Peter Cook. Sailor, also a model, is little sister to the couple’s son Jack, who was born three years prior, and daughter Alexa Ray Joel (b. 1985) whose father is Brinkley’s ex-husband Billy Joel.  Maya Rudolph Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images Comedian Maya Rudolph welcomed her fourth child with husband Paul Thomas Anderson in 2013 when she was 41 years old.  Eva Mendes Image Credit: Newspix via Getty Images In 2014, Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling welcomed their first daughter Esmeralda when Mendes was 40. Two years later, the Hitch actress gave birth to the couple’s second daughter Amada.  Uma Thurman Image Credit: Manoli Figetakis/Everett Collection At 42, Uma Thurman gave birth to her third child, Luna Thurman-Busson, with her ex- fiancé, Arpad Busson. Although she was already a seasoned mom — the Pulp Fiction star also shares kids Maya and Levon with her ex-husband Ethan Hawke — she told Yahoo that “everything feels new” the third time around. Céline Dion Image Credit: Billboard via Getty Images Céline Dion didn’t just give birth to one baby at 42 years old; she gave birth to two. Dion and her late husband René Angélil welcomed twins Eddy and Nelson in 2010 after six IVF treatments. She is also mom to adult son René-Charles. Salma Hayek Image Credit: Quoin Pics/Everett Collection Salma Hayek gave birth to her daughter Valentina, when she was 41. “I had my child so late in life, I thought I wasn’t going to be able to,” the actress told People. “It was such an important thing to me.” Jane Krakowski Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images 30 Rock star Jane Krakowski gave birth to her first child, Bennett Robert Godley, in 2011 when she was 42. According to People, after the birth Krakowski remarked, “Bennett is an amazing, healthy sweet boy and we are both just crazy in love with him.”  Julianne Moore Image Credit: WWD via Getty Images Actress Julianne Moore and husband Bart Freundlich welcomed their daughter (and Moore’s mini-me) Liv in 2002 when she was 41. Moore’s first child, Caleb, was born five years prior.  Gwen Stefani Image Credit: CJ Rivera/Everett Collection In 2014, Gwen Stefani and her ex-husband Gavin Rossdale welcomed their third baby, a boy named Apollo, when Stafani was 44. The former couple also share sons Kingston (born in 2006) and Zuma (born in 2008).  Mariah Carey Image Credit: Kristin Callahan/Everett Collection Mariah Carey welcomed twins Monroe and Moroccan, with ex-husband Nick Cannon, at age 41.   Rachel Zoe Image Credit: WWD via Getty Images Rachel Zoe was 42 when she gave birth to her second child Kaius in 2013. Two years prior, she welcomed her first son Skyler. The fashion guru shares both children with husband Rodger Berman.  Tina Fey Image Credit: Kristin Callahan/Everett Collection Tina Fey welcomed her second child, Penelope Athena, when she was 41 years old (an older sister to Fey’s daughter Alice). The actor and comedian said she “agonized” over whether to have a second child.  Susan Sarandon Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images Susan Sarandon welcomed her sons Jack Henry Robbins at age 42 and Miles Guthrie at age 45. The Thelma & Louise star gave birth to her first child, daughter Eva when she was 39. Alanis Morissette Image Credit: Rich Polk/Billboard via Getty Images Alanis Morissette and husband Soul Eye welcomed their third child in 2019, a son named Winter, when she was 45 years old. The “Ironic” singer and her rapper beau also share son Ever, who was born in 2010, and daughter Onyx in 2016.   Halle Berry Image Credit: RCF/Everett Collection Halle Berry gave birth to daughter Nahla at age 41 with ex Gabriel Aubry, then son Maceo with ex Olivier Martinez, at age 47.  As Berry told Ellen DeGeneres, “I mean, I didn’t think it was possible to have another baby, and I thought for sure I had a need never to get married again. So, I’ve learned never to say never.” Alyssa Milano Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images In 2014, Alyssa Milano gave birth to her second child Elizabella, when she was 41. “My daughter! My daughter! My daughter!” she tweeted after the birth. “Elizabella has made my heart swell and ache with love. Thank you for your sweet messages.” She welcomed her first child, son Milo, in 2011. Nicole Kidman Image Credit: WWD via Getty Images Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban welcomed daughter Sunday Rose in 2008 when Kidman was 41. Their second daughter Maragaret was born via surrogate two years later. Kidman also shares two adopted children, Connor and Isabella, with ex-husband Tom Cruise.   Naomi Watts Image Credit: Elizabeth Goodenough/Everett Collection If she could do it all over again, Naomi Watts — who gave birth to son Kai when she was 40 (following the birth of son Sasha when she was 39) — might have done things differently. The actress once told More “I should have had more kids, started younger.” Watts shares her children with ex Liev Schreiber.  Lena Headey Image Credit: Priscilla Grant/Everett Collection Game of Thrones star Lena Headey welcomed her second child at age 41. “…Just fallen in unconditional heartbreaking divine love for the second time,” she tweeted upon daughter Teddy’s arrival in 2015. Headley and her ex-husband Peter Loughran also share son Wylie, who was born in 2010.  Before the birth of her second child, Headley wrote in a planusa.org guest blog, “My daughter will have freedom of choice. She will be free to dance, to sing, to be educated in the fields that spark her passion, to marry if she wants, to marry WHO she wants, to remain single, or to fall in love with another woman. She’ll be able to wear what she wants, put on lipstick, and read books that spark debate and expand her mind.” Spoken like a true queen!  Madonna Image Credit: Christopher Polk for Variety Madonna has four adopted children  — David Banda, Mercy James, and twins Stella and Estere — and two biological children, Lourdes and Rocco whom Madonna had at age 38 and 41 respectively. Meryl Streep Image Credit: Elizabeth Goodenough/Everett Collection Meryl Streep has four children — Henry, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa — and the youngest, Louisa, was born in 1991, days before Streep’s 42nd birthday.  Helen Hunt Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images Helen Hunt was 40 when she gave birth to her daughter, Makena Lei in 2004 whom she shares with ex Matthew Carnahan. In 2019, Hunt stepped back from the spotlight, in part to focus on motherhood. “It’s so funny when people ask: ‘What happened to you?’ Well, I had a baby – I made a whole person – and I co-wrote, directed and produced two entire films so it didn’t seem so quiet to me,” she told the Guardian. “There’s a difference between working hard and being famous.” Brigitte Nielsen Image Credit: Priscilla Grant/Everett Collection After undergoing several IVF treatments, actor and model Brigitte Nielsen proudly gave birth to her fifth child in the summer of 2018. She was 54 years young! Savannah Guthrie Image Credit: Kristin Callahan/Everett Collection While Savannah Guthrie always wanted to be a mom, the Today anchor wasn’t sure parenthood was in the cards. Guthrie previously told People she thought it was “too late” for her and hubby, Michael Feldman. “[I thought] we’d lost our chance.” But Guthrie became pregnant with their first child at 42 and gave birth to their second when she was 45. Rachel Weisz Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images In 2018, at age 48, Rachel Weisz gave birth to her second child, her first with husband Daniel Craig. The couple typically stay mum about their private lives, but during the pregnancy, Weisz couldn’t contain her excitement, telling US Weekly, “I’ll be showing soon. Daniel and I are so happy. We’re going to have a little human. We can’t wait to meet him or her. It’s all such a mystery.” Weisz also has a son named Henry Aronofsky (born in 2006), with director Darren Aronofsky. Tamron Hall Image Credit: Kristin Callahan/Everett Collection Television anchor Tamron Hall welcomed her first child, Moses, in April 2019, when she was 48. Hall kept the news secret until her 32nd week of pregnancy — then, on the same day, she revealed she had married film producer Steve Greener.  Janet Jackson Image Credit: Priscilla Grant/Everett Collection At the age of 50, Janet Jackson gave birth to her first child, a son named Eissa. Like plenty of other celebrities, Jackson and Eissa’s father, Wissam Al Mana, split before their son turned 1.     Chloë Sevigny Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images The American Horror Story actress welcomed her first child in 2020 at age 45 with boyfriend Sinisa Mačković. “Welcome to the world,” Sevigny wrote on Instagram after the birth. “Vanja Sevigny Mačković, Born May 2nd New York City. Thank you to all the staff at Mt. Sinai East for your bravery, perseverance and kindness, especially the nurses for being so gentle and patient. Blessings to all the other families giving birth during this time.” Geena Davis Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images Not only did actress Geena Davis give birth to her daughter Alizeh when she was 46, she welcomed twins Kian and Kaiis two years later.  “I felt 100% that I would be such a better parent than I would have been even five years earlier and certainly 10 or 20 years earlier,” she told Good Housekeeping in 2006. “If I’d had kids earlier, I could easily have become one of those mothers who overinvolve themselves and try to live life through their kids. I’m sure there are younger people who have figured things out long before I did, but in my case, I became a parent with exactly the right person, at exactly the right time.” Joanna Gaines Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images HGTV’s Joanna and Chip Gaines welcomed their fifth child, a boy named Crew, in 2018 when Joanna was 40. “I kid with people, ‘If you ever want to feel young again, have a baby at 40,’” she told People. “It’s brought this whole new thing for me where I’m a lot more laid-back…” The couple also share daughter Emmie (born in 2010), son Duke (born in 2008), daughter Ella (born in 2006), and son Drake (born in 2005).  Jennifer Love Hewitt Image Credit: Priscilla Grant/Everett Collection In September 2021, 42-year-old Jennifer Love Hewitt gave birth to her third child, a son named Aiden, with husband Brian Hallisay. The couple also share daughter Autumn (who was born in 2013) and son Atticus (born in 2015). Of the third pregnancy, the actress told People, “We had always been open to a third, but definitely didn’t think in the crazy year that the entire world was having that it would necessarily be this moment…This has been such a pleasant, beautiful, surprising gift in this time to be able to get to do all that again with another little human. We weren’t closed off to the idea, it just wasn’t something that we were actively thinking about.” Keisha Knight Pulliam Image Credit: Variety via Getty Images Keisha Knight Pulliam welcomed a son in April 2023 at 44 years old. The Cosby Show alum shares her second child with husband Brad James, and she has a daughter, Ella, with ex-husband Edgerton Hartwell. Naomi Campbell Image Credit: Getty Images Naomi Campbell announced that she welcomed a baby boy in June 2023, at 53 years old! She wrote, “My little darling, know that you are cherished beyond measure and surrounded by love from the moment you graced us with your presence,” she wrote in the caption. “A True Gift from God 🙏🏾, blessed ! Welcome Babyboy. 💙🍼✨ #mumoftwo ❤️💙.” The supermodel, who gave birth to a daughter, 2, at age 50, added, “It’s never too late to become a mother 🙏🏾.” Pin It! Image Credit: Getty Images/SheKnows Source link

[norajworld]

Although Taylor Swift’s official height is 5 feet 9 ¼ inches (175.9 cm), she has humorously claimed in some interviews to be 5 feet 11 inches—or even 6 feet 2 inches in heels, a look she often embraces. As she sings in Long Story Short, “If the shoe fits, walk in it ’til your high heels break,” and Swift has certainly lived up to that mantra, confidently strutting in sky-high stilettos that make a statement both on and off the red carpet. Taylor Swift is often seen in luxury footwear on Your Next Shoes, including brands such as Louis Vuitton, Elie Saab, Sophia Webster, Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, Stuart Weitzman, Casadei, Brian Atwood, and Charlotte Olympia. Taylor Swift flaunts her legs and feet in Sophia Webster’s iconic butterfly heels at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards, adding height with the delicate stiletto design while showing off her chic pedicure (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock) Before diving into Taylor Swift’s most memorable footwear moments, it’s clear that heels play a major role in her signature style. Whether she’s towering over the red carpet in luxury stilettos or making a statement in custom tour boots, her shoe choices reflect both elegance and confidence. Let’s take a closer look at some of her most iconic designer heels. Stepping into Style: Taylor Swift’s Iconic Footwear Moments Louis Vuitton: During a date night with Travis Kelce in New York City, Taylor donned a Gucci corset and Ralph Lauren coat complemented by Louis Vuitton “Roxy” boots. These sleek pointed-toe platforms, crafted from smooth calf leather, featured a gold-tone LV Circle accessory, adding a touch of luxury to her ensemble. Stuart Weitzman: At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, Taylor channeled a punk-inspired look with a yellow plaid Dior ensemble paired with Stuart Weitzman’s “Ultrastuart Maverick” thigh-high boots. These stretch nappa leather boots, adorned with side buckles and silver-tone eyelets, perfectly complemented her edgy outfit. Giuseppe Zanotti: Attending the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Taylor stunned in a sultry black Alexandre Vauthier gown accessorized with metallic gold Giuseppe Zanotti sandals. The triple-strap design and 4.5-inch heels highlighted her model-like legs, adding a glamorous touch to her look. Christian Louboutin: For her Eras Tour, Taylor collaborated with designer Christian Louboutin to create custom footwear. The collection featured knee-high boots, moccasins, and strappy heels, all modified with rubber soles to facilitate dancing and prevent slipping, ensuring both style and functionality on stage. Jimmy Choo: At the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, Taylor graced the red carpet in a custom Versace gown paired with black Jimmy Choo “Metz” sandals. The satin uppers and angular square toes of the sandals added a modern edge to her sophisticated ensemble. At the 2025 Grammy Awards held on February 2, 2025, she displayed her feet in Casadei 120mm Cappa Blade Stratosphere sandals that you can buy at Farfetch. Her 4.7-inch heels boasted mixed leather and suede uppers, crystalized accents, open almond toes, and thin ankle straps with buckle closures. Taylor Swift stuns in a custom Vivienne Westwood chainmail couture gown and red Casadei stiletto sandals, effortlessly matching the 2025 Grammy Awards red carpet (Credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty Images for The Recording Academy) Her towering heels make her stand out, but how does her height compare to other A-list stars? Taylor Swift’s Height Compared to Other Celebrities Taylor Swift is about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) taller than Ed Sheeran, who is around 5 feet 7.75 inches (172.1 cm) tall, and approximately 8.75 inches (22.2 cm) taller than Ariana Grande, who measures around 5 feet 0.5 inches (153.7 cm). Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Ariana Grande share a fun moment on stage at the 2014 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (Credit: FashionStock / Shutterstock) Taylor Swift is significantly taller than Kim Kardashian, who is 5 feet 2 inches (157.5 cm) tall, and Rita Ora, who is 5 feet 5.5 inches (166.4 cm) tall. She is approximately 7.25 inches (18.4 cm) taller than Kim Kardashian and about 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) taller than Rita Ora. Taylor Swift, Rita Ora, and Kim Kardashian pose together at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards (Credit: Action Press / Startraksphoto) Taylor Swift is also significantly taller than Selena Gomez, who is 5 feet 4.75 inches (164.5 cm) tall. Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift light up the red carpet at the 2016 Grammy Awards, with Selena in a shimmering navy gown and Taylor making a bold statement in a vibrant crop top and high-slit skirt ensemble (Credit: Kyle Rover / Startraksphoto) Taylor Swift’s Shoe Size and Style Preferences Taylor Swift wears a US size 9 and has often been seen sporting cowboy boots, a style she has embraced throughout her career. Taylor Swift shows off her feet in stunning jeweled sandals on the red carpet paired with a playful fake heart tattoo (Credit: Nikki Nelson/ WENN) In a 2013 Vanity Fair article, she described herself as five-foot-ten, emphasizing the importance of being seen for who she truly is. I think what I would mostly be looking for in a guy … is someone who sees me in my actual dimensions: 23 years old, five-foot-ten In 2015, she lightheartedly claimed to have grown an inch in the past year, adding a touch of humor to her ever-evolving height anecdotes. Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn hold hands as they leave an event together, looking elegant in a light blue coat and black tuxedo (Credit: Blitz Pictures / INSTARimages) Taylor Swift’s Sky-High Heels Add Inches to Her Model-Like Figure “I’m 5’11”, so when I wear heels, it’s definitely a really good view that I have. I’m like 6’2 when I wear heels, so I tend to wear cowboy boots a lot,” she told EW about her height. Zendaya, Hailee Steinfeld, Taylor Swift, Lily Aldridge, and Martha Hunt towered on the red carpet at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards, all standing well above average height (Credit: Vince Flores / Startraksphoto) “I grew an inch [in the past year], which means I’m the latest developing human in the world,” Swift told People in 2015. Taylor Swift wasn’t always confident, especially about her height. In 2008, the singer revealed to Girl’s Life that she felt uncomfortable being taller than most girls in a group. “I didn’t like being tall when I would walk up to a group of girls, and they were all a head shorter than me,” she revealed. Taylor Swift and Harry Styles step out together, bundled up for the chilly weather, during their brief romance in late 2012 (Credit: Alequin / Bosch / INFphoto) “When I can put on a pair of four inch heels and walk into a room and be taller than everybody else, now I look at it as a good thing,” the 5ft 9 ¼ (175.9 cm) star added and confirmed she’d be happy to date someone shorter. “I don’t have any height limits. Like, if a guy is shorter than me, that’s cool, if he sweeps me off my feet, you know? If a guy’s taller than me, that is cool too.” From red carpet moments to off-duty street style, Taylor Swift’s footwear choices consistently showcase her ability to merge classic elegance with modern fashion. Whether she’s opting for sky-high stilettos or vintage-inspired boots, each pair adds a unique touch to her ensemble. Her impeccable taste in designer heels not only complements her statuesque frame but also enhances her effortlessly chic aesthetic. One of her standout street-style moments perfectly embodies this balance of sophistication and playfulness. Taylor Swift Rocks Flirty Sundress and Sky-High Louboutins Taylor Swift wears her short blonde hair in a bob while showing off her impressive height on July 22, 2014, in New York City (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN) In July 2014, Taylor Swift boosted her already remarkable height in a pair of high Christian Louboutin “Lady Peep” pumps while running errands in New York City. Taylor Swift shows off her long legs in a green patterned sundress (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN) In July 2014, the successful songstress used the sidewalk as her runway, showing off her long legs in the berry-colored pumps and a flirty green-and-white sundress. She completed the look with Ray-Bans, a chic Tod’s handbag, and her signature red lipstick. Taylor Swift’s feet in berry-colored Christian Louboutin pumps (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN) The then-24-year-old Pennsylvania native enjoyed some off-time while preparing for her role in the 2014 American dystopian drama film The Giver. Taylor Swift adds several inches of height in towering “Lady Peep” pumps (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN) What do you think of Taylor’s glamorous and seductive “Lady Peep” Louboutin pumps? Celebrity Fans of Christian Louboutin’s Lady Peep Heels Christian Louboutin’s iconic Lady Peep platform pumps have graced countless red carpets, with celebrities styling them in uniquely stunning ways. At the 84th Annual Academy Awards, Michelle Williams added a soft and sophisticated touch to her look with light peach Lady Peep heels, perfectly complementing her ethereal gown. Meanwhile, Gugu Mbatha-Raw embraced the shoe’s versatility at the ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ premiere, pairing a sleek white Vionnet gown with classic nude Lady Peep pumps. Taking a bolder approach, Carmen Electra turned heads at the 2013 Oscars in a striking red Rafael Cennamo gown, finishing the look with matching crimson Lady Peep heels. From Hollywood royalty to modern style icons, this sky-high platform pump remains a favorite, seamlessly elevating any ensemble. Pink Patent Leather Christian Louboutin “Lady Peep” Platform Pumps, $945 Taylor Swift’s Love Affair with Christian Louboutin Heels From music videos to red carpet appearances, Taylor Swift has repeatedly turned to Christian Louboutin’s signature red-soled heels to complete her iconic looks. In her “Delicate” music video, Swift made a bold statement by slipping off her studded Keopump pumps, a symbolic moment that resonated with fans. At the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards, she captivated audiences in a dazzling Versace ensemble paired with crystal-studded Elouix thigh-high boots, proving that she’s not afraid to take risks with footwear. Most recently, during her record-breaking Eras Tour, Swift partnered with Louboutin to create custom stage shoes designed for both style and performance, incorporating non-slip rubber soles to accommodate her high-energy choreography. Whether she’s performing, attending a star-studded event, or making a statement in a music video, Swift continues to embrace the timeless allure of Louboutin heels. Source link

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We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. if you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Good things in life come in small packages, including the best niche fragrances for men. Rather than mass-produced colognes, niche fragrances allow curious men to dabble with exclusive scents. Thanks to the small-scale batches and limited quantities, niche colognes will keep people wondering, “what is he wearing?” The best niche fragrances for men have unique qualities that make them worth every penny. Especially after you’ve exhausted dozens of mainstream designer scents. The colognes on this list are special because instead of targeting the fair-weather crowd, they entice men by offering something distinctly different. Ready to upgrade your cologne collection? These are the nine best niche fragrances for men that will always keep you at the forefront of the pack. Key Takeaways Choosing the best niche fragrances for men is a mighty task, but our verdict is in. Corridor Static takes the cake thanks to the intriguing scent profile, ease of wear, and accessible pricing. It’s a fantastic year-round scent with fresh wood notes reminiscent of sunny days in the forest. If you’re after something deeper, &Horace Eau de Parfum strikes a tremendous balance between sweet and spice and works well for a winter fragrance and nighttime wear. Or play it safe with Jo Malone’s best-selling niche fragrance, Lime Basil & Mandarin, for a pop of welcome freshness. creedfragrances / instagram Aqua di Parma is among the most well-known niche fragrance houses due to its cult-like following. Founded in 1916, this brand is hardly a newcomer in the cologne world. Fueled by Italian luxury and expert craftsmanship, Aqua di Parma has spent more than 100 years perfecting its art. Colonia Pura is the choice for something sophisticated and energizing. The scent keeps it simple with refreshing top notes and a deeper base for a captivating contrast. It starts with Italian bergamot and orange before divulging into flowery jasmine and coriander oil. Finished with cedarwood, Indonesian patchouli, and musk, it strikes a flawless balance between the lively beginning and the more intense notes that follow. This harmonious niche fragrance for men is the optimal choice for year-round wear. And the depth of the scent will be appreciated by any guy looking for something more intriguing than department store cologne. Top Notes: Bergamot, Orange, Petitgrain | Middle Notes: Coriander Oil, Jasmine, Narcissus | Base Notes: Cedarwood, Patchouli, Musk | Size: 6oz | Type: Eau de Cologne | Season: Year Round Prefer your colognes in solid form? Mr. Gladstone has three niche fragrances for men in a pocket packet to smell good on the go. Designed for the more rugged gentleman, Cathay is a musky cologne based on Shanghai in 1932. Think smokey bars, Chinese spices, decadent silks, and surprising freshness. Plus, good colognes under $50 are hard to beat. It’s a fantastic choice for men seeking a deeper fragrance as opposed to something fruity. Cathay is bursting with seductive amber and musk, clean mandarin, sweet vanilla and honey. Wear it during colder months or dark date nights—a little bit on the pulse points will go a long way. If you prefer something crisper, Mr. Gladstone also makes a fresh woody scent based on Patagonia. Or opt for a refreshing summer cologne inspired by Saint-Tropez’s shore. Top Notes: Mandarin | Middle Notes: Sandalwood | Base Notes: Vanilla, Amber, Musk, White Clover Honey | Size: 0.5oz | Type: Solid Cologne | Season: Winter Fresh, cold and light is the name of the game with this niche fragrance for men. Created to harken the nostalgic feel of film noir and Paris of yonder, this is the cologne to wear when out on a cold crisp night or running morning errands. Evocative of the concrete and fresh smells of the city of romance, this fragrance evolves with you and when you wear it. Bring out the effervescent lemon and bergamot on bright mornings while grabbing a pastry and coffee with a date. Alternatively, bring out the mysterious ink, concrete and dry wood by wearing this out to your favorite bar or restaurant. For something truly original with surprises in every sniff, this is the best niche fragrance for men. Top Notes: Aldehyde, Fresh Lemon, Bergamot| Middle Notes: Concrete, Ylang Ylang, Tuberose| Base Notes:  Ambrox, Orris, Cumin Seeds, Ink, Leather, Dry Woods, White Musk | Size: 1 oz / 30 ml, 1.69 fl oz / 50 ml, and 3.38 fl oz / 100 ml | Type: Eau de Parfum | Season: Fall, Winter. Best for nightwear. Maison Francis Kurkdjian is one of the most legendary niche fragrance brands. Though the batches are small, the colognes are mighty. The brand has set itself apart with rare ingredients and sky-high price tags to match the luxury. Kurkdjian creates designer scents for the ages. Oud Satin Mood is one of the best niche fragrances for men seeking an evening cologne. This seductive scent draws on Oriental influence, with a wood base, Turkish rose heart notes, and a rich vanilla and Laotian Oud finish. This cologne isn’t made for daily wear due to its deep dimension. But as the weather gets colder and the days shorter, Oud Satin Mood will easily work its way into your date night rotation. Top Notes: Violet, Bulgarian Rose | Middle Notes: Turkish Rose | Base Notes: Laotian Oud, Vanilla, Amber | Size: 6.8oz | Type: Eau de Parfum | Season: Winter If you like pina coladas and getting lost in the rain… You’ll definitely like this niche fragrance for men. Jo Malone based this scent on warm days in the Caribbean, overflowing gardens, and sweet citrus trees. It’s overwhelmingly crisp, so if you’re hankering to upgrade your Old Spice body spray, this is an apt choice. Lime Basil & Mandarin is a true crowd-pleaser and will rack up compliments anywhere you wear it. Since it’s light and herby, it’s a dependable daily scent. Or spritz it on your pulses for special occasions to make a lasting impression. The white thyme, peppery basil, and twist of lime make the smell irresistible. Fusing classic British craftsmanship with unexpected scents, Jo Malone has set itself apart as a luxury innovator with some of the most elegant fragrances on the market. This cologne is a reasonable mid-range price if you’re ready to invest without dropping several hundred dollars. Top Notes: Mandarin | Middle Notes: Basil | Base Notes: Amberwood | Size: 3.4oz | Type: Cologne | Season: Spring, Summer If you have a larger budget to spend on niche fragrances, Creed Aventus is a posh option to consider. Despite the extravagant price tag, Aventus is revered as one of the best men’s fragrances of all time. It’s well-loved by gents across the globe for its spellbinding scent profile, crowning it king of the cologne world. The apple and pineapple top notes are surprising and exciting, followed by deeper birch, jasmine, and patchouli. The base notes ground the fragrance in musk, oakmoss, and sweet vanilla, creating a well-rounded scent that transcends the seasons. Wear Aventus wherever life takes you. It’s designed to be the sophisticated man’s trusty sidekick. Top Notes: Apple, Bergamot, Blackcurrant Leaves, Pineapple | Middle Notes: Birch, Jasmine, Patchouli, Pink Berries | Base Notes: Ambergris, Musk, Oakmoss, Vanilla | Size: 1.7 / 3.4oz | Type: Cologne | Season: Year Round Created for the man who isn’t afraid to show his true colors, &Horace is among the best niche fragrances for men. This woody scent is versatile, with contrasting sweet and spiciness for an always interesting (never dull) smell. It’s designed for daily wear, an exciting option if you seek a signature scent. &Horace takes wearers on a journey, beginning with fresh bergamot and tangy white pepper. The long-lasting cologne deepens with an iris and cedarwood heart before dissolving into a powerful base of sandalwood and tobacco. The combination of these notes smells like a warm hug with enough freshness to wear on any sunny day. Either spritz a bit before the office or reserve it for the special moments in life. This unique niche fragrance is a tough act to follow. Especially given the affordable price point. Top Notes: Bergamot, White Pepper | Middle Notes: Iris, Cedarwood | Base Notes: Tobacco, Sandalwood | Size: 3.4oz | Type: Eau de Parfum | Season: Year Round This is a stellar summer cologne for men, with vibrant bergamot, bright grapefruit, French lavender, and sunny jasmine. It’s reminiscent of breezy afternoons spent under the sun, long bike rides through the countryside, and sipping lemonade on a warm terrace. Bottling some of the best feelings in the world, this niche fragrance for men turns heads thanks to its nostalgic qualities. Ideal for daily warm weather wear, the lavender notes create a calming balance. It’s bursting with freshness thanks to the tart citrus and finishes with rich sandalwood to bring earthiness into an overall clean scent. Made by a lesser-known brand, this niche fragrance house puts a modern spin on old-world colognes. Top Notes: White Grapefruit, Bergamot, Lavender | Middle Notes: Jasmine, Sandalwood | Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Musk | Size: 1.7oz | Type: Eau de Parfum | Season: Spring, Summer Corridor Static was designed to encapsulate the spark between two people. But how do you manage to bottle one of the most whimsical affections known to man? Somehow the brand has done it in collaboration with an old-school French perfume house. Pairing a genius idea with a flawless nose, Corridor Static came to life. A product of happy coincidences, this niche fragrance for men is spicy and alluring. It pulls through with peppery top notes, a sap-heavy heart, and fresh, earthy base notes. The result is a woody, intimate scent made for daily wear. This cologne is designed to go where you do, which is just as well, considering the fragrance is magnetic. If you’re looking for a lesser-known, special cologne, Corridor Static will not disappoint. Top Notes: Timur Pepper, Myrtle, Nutmeg | Middle Notes: Myrrh, Olibanum, Coffee | Base Notes: Vetiver, Fir, Basalm | Size: 3.4oz | Type: Eau de Parfum | Season: Year Round fielefragrances /instagram What to Look for in the Best Niche Fragrances for Men  Scent The scent is the most important consideration when picking out niche fragrances for men. This shapes the entire cologne. It also defines where and when you can wear it, so choosing a fragrance that will serve your intended purposes is essential. Fresh scents comprised of sweet citrus, fresh fruit, and seaspray are ideal for daily, warm-weather wear. The brightness of these ingredients makes the colognes easy to rock, especially when balanced out with wood or musk. Go this route if you’re scoping out the best colognes for young men. Deeper scents come to play as the weather cools down or the light starts to dim. This is when you’ll want to opt for spicy fragrances full of patchouli, pepper, and tobacco. Nighttime fragrances often include sandalwood, amber, or vanilla to add some seductive sweetness. Colognes like Acqua di Parma’s Colonia Pura are great for daily wear because it includes a little bit of everything. Bright citrus, herby middle notes, and a base of cedar, spice, and musk for complexity. Season For warm weather and summer, choose niche fragrances for men bursting with fruit, citrus, and bright herbs. You can wear this type of cologne to the office for a dose of freshness throughout your day. Or spritz a bit before a function to stand out in a crowd. The best spring fragrances have cool herbaceous attributes, while warmer autumn colognes may dive into pepper and spice. In the depth of winter, opt for a spicy scent packed with wood and tobacco, with sweet notes of vanilla and amber. These deeper fragrances add dimension and can double as nighttime colognes, great for dressy cocktail hours or seductive date nights. Price Finally, consider price when choosing niche fragrances for men. You’ll find niche fragrances cater to a vast range of budgets, ensuring there’s something for every gent. If you’re beginning to dabble with niche fragrances and aren’t sure what to choose, start with a cologne at a lower price point. As you begin to define your personal scent profile, you can splurge on more luxurious items. maisonfranciskurkdjian / instagram Final Verdict There are some incredible niche fragrances for men, with new additions entering the market every day. If you’re looking for a signature scent from the niche fragrance world, try Corridor Static, a fresh indie cologne born from a New York designer paired with a French perfume house. If you’d prefer a niche fragrance from a well-known brand, some failproof options are Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin, Acqua di Parma Colonia Pura, and Creed Aventus. FAQ Some well-known niche fragrance brands include Jo Malone, Aqua di Parma, Creed, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian, though there are many spectacular smaller niche fragrance brands out there too. For something different, try Salle Privee, Fiele Fragrances, or Static by clothing brand Corridor. Creed Aventus is a fresh niche fragrance made by hand in small batches. These luxury colognes have garnered acclaim from far and wide as some of the best niche fragrances available. The best men’s niche fragrance of all time largely boils down to personal preference. Still, Creed Aventus is certainly up there, along with many of Aqua di Parma, Jo Malone, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s designer niche scents. Jane is a seasoned fashion expert with a particular interest in streetwear, accessories, and luxury leather goods. She splits her time between NYC, Paris, and New Zealand, constantly on the hunt for today’s latest trends Source link

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NICKLAAS SKOVGAARD, HENRIK VIBSKOV, BAUM & PFERDGARTEN, A ROEGE HOVE, CARO EDITIONS, MARIMEKKO and ROTATE.Eclecticism Ruled the Roost in Copenhagen, with Joyous Colour Stories Completing the Narrative. Debonair Neck Ties Gave a Heads Up to the Key Trend of the Season.Image Credit Copenhagen Fashion WeekAt Nicklas SkovgaardCopenhagen Fashion Week kicked off with the likes of Nicklas Skovgaard, Henrik Vibskov and iconic Baum & Pferdgarten strutting their stuff, despite a few setbacks: big names in Skandi fashion like Danish label Saks Potts sadly closed after 10 years, (Di)vision followed suit and megabrands Ganni and Cecilie Bahnsen ventured to Paris Fashion Week.That said, the hype and the energy was still palpable on the runways, at the various presentations as well as on the uber-fashionable cobbled streets of Copenhagen. A few newby design houses joined the fanfare of media, global buyers and fashionistas – the likes of Icelandic outerwear brand 66North and Swedish label Filippa K.As for trends, we saw plenty head-to-toe very elegant monochromatic ensembles, layering one single colour to create depth.Graphic black across various textures also popped up in many collections, looking eternally sophisticated and elegant.Texture, as is often the case in A/W collections, played a pivotal role – from fuzzy surface designs to shearling, ‘teddy’ fur and mohair to the boldest faux fur. Knits came in mammoth proportions – both in garment size and in stich size!The necktie – loose, knotted or casually draped – was the accessory of choice this season (we also spotted those at Paris Menswear at the likes of Dries Van Noten and Saint Laurent). Suave and dapper, this little accessory made a big impact.Layering as a trend needs a special mention – in a climate where the temperature can change dramatically in the same day, it makes good sense to be able to peel off – or add on – those elegant layers! Doing the school run on bicycle or on foot before heading off to a inner-city lunch, requires the flexibility that only smart layering provides.Transparency and sheerness in fabrics was also part of the offering this season, and made for wonderful contrast between the heavy textures and their lighter, flimsier counterparts.You’re invited to our special hand-picked selection of the best of the best at Copenhagen Fashion Week.NICKLAS SKOVGAARDUndoubtedly one of the most beloved Danish designers, Nicklas Skovgaard, dusted off his shelves and rediscovered a wealth of gems he’d dished up over the years – and reworked these classics into a collection that wowed for A/W 2025/6.This collection has a decided 1980s feel to it: the voluminous coats with their belts and collar ties, not to mention the teal and black colour blocking that couldn’t be more reminiscent of the 1980s if it tried.Big shoulders, dropped waists, cowl necks, skater skirts and faux fur made up a collection that was endearingly kitsch and tongue-in-cheek retro. The 80s were alive and well, in fact, Dirty Dancing sprang to mind!Gloves provided the needed accents and pops – bold red, white, black, gold and teal – to tie the ensembles together effortlessly.Texture and transparency – two big trends of the season – popped up in many ensembles, to great effect.An ultra-glamorous maxi length faux fur coat was perhaps the garment of the collection, and it was easy to imagine this staple in one’s wardrobe as an instant source of (practical) glamour – on foot, on a bike, on a bus, doing the school run or strolling in the city.Nicklas SkovgaardNicklas SkovgaardNicklas SkovgaardNicklas SkovgaardNicklas SkovgaardNicklas SkovgaardNicklas SkovgaardNicklas SkovgaardNicklas SkovgaardNicklas SkovgaardNicklas SkovgaardNicklas SkovgaardROEGE HOVEWatch A. Roege Hove’s show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9pxfyB02aIKnown for her iconic knitwear, Amalie Roege Hove yet again showed why she is the undisputed Nordic queen of yarn.Roege Hove’s knits are so beautifully textured and honed, their shapes so sculptural, that it’s impossible to not see them as pieces of wearable art.The stretchy knits follow the body’s contours beautifully – some transparent, others opaque. Cutaway shoulders, off-the-shoulder necklines, cut-out waists and easy tube dresses featured in many of the offerings.The sculptural mid-grey dress with its hip features and sunray pleats may perhaps be our favourite, but every piece in the collection shouted ‘must-have’ in its delicious cosiness.Roege HoveRoege HoveRoege HoveRoege HoveRoege HoveBAUM & PFERDGARTENWatch Baum & Pferdgarten’s show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMSBZqoMSOUDesigners Rikke Baumgarten and Helle Hestehave of iconic brand Baum & Pferdgarten simply opted to call their collection ‘Heartbeats’ in response to the many crises the world is facing right now.Hearts (some were giant, inflatable ones) featured in many places – from the runway to the choice of music.Perhaps the most striking of the pieces were part of a collaboration with Danish artist Lulu Kaaland. These crocheted tube dresses and flair miniskirts were delightful in depicting the natural landscape. The tube dress, in fact, continuing the ‘Heartbeats’ theme with its red heart chart spikes!Perennial classics like leopard print, denim and camouflage featured as stand-alones, but also in combination with other fabrics.Black boots – another classic – anchored most of the looks in this solid collection.Baum & PferdgartenBaum & PferdgartenBaum & PferdgartenBaum & PferdgartenCARO EDITIONSA newby to Copenhagen Fashion Week (showing for the second time), designer Caroline Bille Brahe dished up a joyously eclectic collection for Caro Editions.Colour, with a decidedly vintage feel to it, featured in every ensemble. The pieces were delightfully characterful: corduroy, velvet, gingham, tweed, plaid and many other gems combined to create a very rich tapestry of what will likely become fashionable heirlooms.Most ensembles were beautifully embellished and embroidered, and the shades, patterns and fabrics all worked together to create very interesting combinations indeed.Stripy neck ties gave a nod to the key trend of the season.We particularly loved the colour blocking of navy, dark chocolate and red in one of the menswear ensembles.This collection is young at heart – whimsical one may even say, but very super refreshing and inspiring. And there’s not a sign of black or white for this designer… riotous colour rules the roost!Caro EditionsCaro EditionsCaro EditionsCaro EditionsCaro EditionsCaro EditionsCaro EditionsCaro EditionsCaro EditionsMARIMEKKOWatch Marimekko’s show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wttER7qxze0Synonymous with Scandi fashion – and of course pattern (particularly large florals) and bold colour – is world famous brand Marimekko.Flowers are in the spotlight this season in particular. “In this collection, we explore the dialogue between light and dark with colour bringing an interjection of joy,” according to creative director Rebekka Bay.Aptly the collection was called ‘Anatomy of a Flower’ – featuring abstract flowers from blossom stage to full bloom, ranging in size from miniscule to mammoth.As a contract to the bright blooms, some monochromatic shades were interjected too, like the diagonal print mini coat – a metaphor for stormy weather?Easy button-down tunic dresses with fluted sleeves shared the runway with sunray pleated and A-line dresses – all exceedingly wearable and covetable.This is a very happy offering, and Marimekko fans all over the world will be delighted to see what they know and love in this brand, alive and well in 2025.MarimekkoMarimekkoMarimekkoMarimekkoMarimekkoMarimekkoROTATETexture, texture and more texture!This delightful collection by Rotate, jampacked with contract – from sheerness to dense faux fur, from micro miniskirts to voluminous coats and bell skirts – oozed style, and mimicked the Copenhagen streetwear scene down to the ground.The ensembles were wonderfully eclectic, and reminiscent of Britain’s Buffalo movement of the ‘80s, a movement that inspired a generation of designers and photographers in the ‘80s, ‘90s and beyond (think Vogue Italia).These pieces are dashing and cavalier, styled with a suaveness that left us gagging for more. The cosy faux fur coats, in particular the striking burgundy rendition, were infinitely ‘must-have-able’!Rotate’s designer summed up the cool mood of the collection in saying, “Everybody wants to look like a Scandinavian girl.” RotateRotateRotateRotateRotateHENRIK VIBSKOVHenrik Vibskov’s show is always a much anticipated event at Copenhagen, and this time, showing at the famous venue of the Theatre Republique, was no different. (Creative genius Vibskov was both costume designer and a participant in the production.)The collection depicted the aftermath of a rather decadent party that nature was wanting to reclaim. Nature certainly featured in many of the outfits – from the camouflage landscape fabrics to the prints that depicted rocks, landscapes and even fish. Vibskov pointed out that they even incorporated footsteps, as a “reminder of the traces humans leave in nature.”Headscarves, one of the key trends of the season, featured in many ensembles.We adore the eclectic mix conjured up in almost every offering: stripes were combined with plaid fabric and a cummerbund, for example, or how about the navy pinstriped coat with its new-age neon print and tongue-in-cheek Minnie Mouse eared hat?It was certainly a case of more is more, and to fabulous effect.Henrik VibskovHenrik VibskovHenrik VibskovHenrik VibskovHenrik VibskovHenrik VibskovGOODBYE FROM GLORIOUS COPENHAGEN FASHION WEEK!For any questions/feedback regarding the above mentioned designers or brands, please do contact us anytime by clicking here Source link

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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be one of the leading causes of death in the United States, claiming over 929,000 lives annually—enough to fill 222 Wrigley Fields. Among the numerous health interventions available today, controlling hypertension, or high blood pressure (BP), stands as the most impactful way to reduce heart disease-related incidents.  Equitable strategies to address high blood pressure are critical given the compounding effects of racism and health inequities disproportionately impacting women. The inequities are stark: more than 50% of Black women have high blood pressure, compared to 39% of non-Hispanic white women and 38% of Hispanic women. Half of Black women over the age of 20 are affected by high blood pressure, and 80% of Black individuals with high blood pressure don’t have it under control. These numbers reveal an urgent public health crisis that disproportionately impacts Black communities., Innovative Approaches to Tackling Cardiovascular Disease Addressing Root Causes of Health Inequities Health inequities are deeply rooted in systemic racism, social determinants of health, and the historical mistrust of healthcare institutions within Black communities.,7 Research from the National Academies of Sciences highlights how these inequities are perpetuated by biased treatment practices, lack of access to quality care, and the ongoing impact of discrimination in healthcare settings. To truly combat heart disease, health innovators are focusing on making healthcare institutions more trustworthy and responsive to the needs of Black women. Studies have shown that discrimination in health care not only exacerbates high blood pressure but also leads to poorer health outcomes overall. Trusted relationships between patients and physicians or other healthcare professionals are essential to improving blood pressure control and overall heart health.6 Managing Psychosocial Stress and Fostering Social Connections High blood pressure in Black women is often exacerbated by psychosocial stressors, ranging from microaggressions in the workplace to the burden of systemic racism and health inequity.  These stressors elevate blood pressure levels and make it harder for women to manage health conditions on their own.8 That’s why it is important to talk about health and mental health and connect to a squad that amplifies and promotes heart health. The U.S. Surgeon General’s recent advisory emphasizes the importance of social connections for both mental and physical health. For Black women, strong social networks and community support can play a crucial role in managing stress, adhering to treatment plans, and maintaining overall well-being.9 Launching Targeted Campaigns to Support and Improve Heart Health The American Medical Association (AMA), the nation’s largest professional association of physicians, is committed to eliminating inequities in cardiovascular disease. Improving Health Outcomes at the AMA offers a clinical quality improvement program, called AMA MAP™ Hypertension, which includes stratification by race, ethnicity and other factors to help clinical practices identify areas for improvement and action steps to take at the patient level.  The AMA MAP framework prioritizes the following key clinical care processes to improve Blood Pressure Control:   Measure Accurately: Obtain accurate and actionable blood pressure (BP) measurements to diagnose high blood pressure and assess BP control. Proper measurement is foundational for early detection and ongoing management. Act Rapidly: Initiate and intensify treatment when necessary. Rapid intervention can prevent the progression of high blood pressure to more serious cardiovascular events. Partner with Patients: Educate and empower patients to take an active role in managing their health. This includes improving adherence to treatment plans, providing education on lifestyle modifications, and ensuring patients have the tools to manage their condition outside of clinical settings. In addition, because we know social drivers of health need to be addressed to eliminate disparities in cardiovascular disease health outcomes, the AMA is committed to bringing together organizations to work collaboratively to improve health in Black communities. The AMA launched the Release the Pressure (RTP) campaign in 2020, in collaboration with a coalition of national healthcare organizations and heart health experts to partner with Black women to support and improve their heart health.  Release the Pressure (RTP) actively engages Black women, encouraging them to prioritize their heart health and build stronger relationships with healthcare professionals. Through national and local partnerships, RTP addresses both the immediate and systemic factors contributing to high blood pressure. These range from raising awareness and providing education to tackling broader issues such as health care access and availability of heart-healthy foods. RTP’s goal within local communities is to increase awareness, encourage Black women to take control of their heart health, and foster connections with healthcare professionals. The campaign promotes self-care as an essential form of self-preservation—a means to reclaim control over well-being. By offering practical steps to prevent and manage high blood pressure, RTP is dedicated to empowering Black women in their journey toward better heart health. Recently, RTP sponsored a Health Innovators Hub and Health Innovator and Entrepreneur SOKO MRKT Stage panel at the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture in partnership with the New Voices Foundation. The panel brought together key health innovators to discuss forward-thinking solutions to address cardiovascular health disparities. These innovators from various backgrounds share a common vision: closing the health inequity gap for Black women by addressing the systemic and social determinants that contribute to high blood pressure. Health Innovators Leading the Charge The five health innovators who participated in the New Voices + Release the Pressure Health Innovators Hub at ESSENCE Festival are working to provide solutions to address heart disease and improve health outcomes for Black women. Their work centers on creating accessible, equitable, and structurally competent health interventions: Crystal Dobson, founder of CardiacFITT: Crystal Dobson created CardiacFITT to empower individuals with heart disease and high blood pressure to take control of their health through fitness and lifestyle modifications. Her approach emphasizes personalized fitness routines and education on long-term lifestyle changes to reduce cardiovascular risks. CardiacFITT aims to help clients manage their conditions and improve overall heart health through sustainable habits. Jennifer Jaki Johnson, founder of WellMiss: Jennifer Jaki Johnson launched WellMiss to provide Black women with accessible digital health tools to monitor and manage their heart health. Through the platform, users can track key health metrics, receive personalized health insights, and access educational resources. WellMiss focuses on addressing the unique challenges Black women face in maintaining heart health, including hypertension and cardiovascular risks. Star Cunningham, CEO of 4D Healthware: Star Cunningham leads 4D Healthware, a company that uses data-driven technologies to offer personalized health management solutions, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like high blood pressure. By integrating wearable devices and health monitoring software, 4D Healthware provides real-time data to improve patient outcomes. Cunningham’s mission is to revolutionize chronic care management through innovative, patient-centered technology. Ashlee Wisdom, co-founder of Health in Her HUE: Ashlee Wisdom co-founded Health in Her HUE to address the specific health needs of Black women by connecting them with culturally competent healthcare providers. The platform curates a network of doctors and health professionals who understand the unique experiences of women of color. Health in Her HUE also offers educational content and community support to empower women to advocate for their health. Kwame Terra, CEO of bEHR Health Systems: Kwame Terra founded bEHR Health Systems with a focus on building healthcare solutions that prioritize the well-being of Black communities. The company leverages data and technology to offer preventive care and improve healthcare outcomes for marginalized groups. bEHR Health Systems aims to address health disparities by developing systems that center equity and proactive health management. What You Can Do To take charge of your heart health and support the mission to reduce heart disease in Black communities, here are some steps you can take: Go to ReleaseThePressure.org and take the Heart Health Pledge. Watch the Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) Video to learn how to monitor your blood pressure at home. Share the information with your squad—friends, family, and community members—so they too can take action!  Follow RTP on social media to stay updated on the latest heart health tips and community initiatives. By supporting health innovators and taking proactive steps toward heart health, we can work together to prevent heart disease and improve the quality of life for Black women and Black communities across the country. ¹ Tsao, Connie W., et al. “Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report from the American Heart Association.” Circulation, vol. 147, no. 8, 25 Jan. 2023, ² Brunström, Mattias, and Bo Carlberg. “Association of Blood Pressure Lowering with Mortality and Cardiovascular Disease across Blood Pressure Levels.” JAMA Internal Medicine, vol. 178, no. 1, 1 Jan. 2018, p. 28, ³ Virani, Salim S., et al. “Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2020 Update.” Circulation, vol. 141, no. 9, 29 Jan. 2020, ⁴ Smith, Timothy. “Why BP Must Be Top of Mind at Every Black Woman’s Doctor Visit.” American Medical Association, 9 Mar. 2022, www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/population-care/why-bp-must-be-top-mind-every-black-woman-s-doctor-visit. ⁵ Abrahamowicz, Aleksandra A., et al. “Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Hypertension: Barriers and Opportunities to Improve Blood Pressure Control.” Current Cardiology Reports, vol. 25, no. 1, Jan. 2023, pp. 17–27, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9838393/, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-022-01826-x.⁶ ANDERSON, ANDREW, and DEREK M. GRIFFITH. “Measuring the Trustworthiness of Health Care Organizations and Systems.” The Milbank Quarterly, 15 Mar. 2022, Accessed 19 Mar. 2022. ⁷ Baciu, Alina, et al. “The Root Causes of Health Inequity.” National Library of Medicine, National Academies Press (US), 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425845/. ⁸ Kalinowski, Jolaade, et al. “Stress Interventions and Hypertension in Black Women.” Women’s Health, vol. 17, no. 17, Jan. 2021, p. 174550652110097, ⁹ Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf. Source link