January 25, 2019 at 11:38AM by CWC Western yoga studios take many forms. They’re modern day oases equipped with light therapy, old-school shalas bedecked with Hindu deities, and every shade of “Om” away from home in between. That Sanskrit “Namaste” sculpture keeping watch over an iPad at check-in, though? It could be viewed as an interesting metaphor: How do 21st century, American bodies—which spend pretty much all day standing up and sitting down—adapt an ancient (and still awesome) practice engineered for lifestyles we just don’t live anymore? As of 2016, an estimated 36.7 million Americans practiced yoga, 72 percent of whom were women. But if you turn back the clock to the earliest record of the practice in 2700 BCE, the lives of early yogis were much, much different. “If we look at the origins of yoga asana and look at the population that was practicing it, it was not mostly women. It was mostly young boys, and their lifestyle was probably significantly different than our lifestyle today,” says Lara Heimann, a physical therapist and yoga teacher in New Jersey. “So there are things that bodies can do that they used to do back then, and there are some things that—yeah—don’t make sense.” Yet, the practice endures and it just. keeps. iterating. As of 2016, an estimated 36.7 million Americans practiced yoga, 72 percent of whom were women. Google “yoga near me” in any metropolitan hotspot across the U.S., and your browser will be flooded with options: hot, Kundalini, aerial, and this list
Category: Fashion
I just want a doctor who can explain safe queer sex. Is that too much to ask?!
January 25, 2019 at 11:15AM by CWC My 2010 web history is the only thing more personal than my list of visible-to-sender-and-recipient-only Venmo charges. The Google search bar was first to know when I was I was planning to have sex with another woman for the first time. Sure, I learned some important information, but I had a lot of questions—specifically about how to have safe queer sex (no banana, no condom, ya feel?). At my next appointment, I asked my gynecologist for her advice. Her response? Basically, bleerblbleeebllblbeeelblbleeelbbbl (or, the sound you can make when you put your finger on your lips and move it up and down really fast). Talking about my specific sexual experiences with my gynecologist usually has me asking, “Am I teaching you, or are you treating me?” Within the last nine years I’ve visited to the doctor enough to know this is hardly an anomaly. Many healthcare professionals—especially those of the cis, hetero, and male-identifying variety—are about as clueless about LGBT healthcare needs as I am about walking in barbie heels. (Read: very). Even now, I have a gynecologist who is totally knowledgeable when it comes to most things regarding the state of my vagina, but talking about my specific sexual experiences with this particular physician usually has me asking myself, “Am I teaching you or are you treating me?” (Yes, I’m in the market for a new one.) Last week, a survey published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found what I (and I’d argue most queer folks) have learned through lived experience:
Why fitness influencer Morit Summers decided to open a body positive gym in Brooklyn
January 25, 2019 at 10:01AM by CWC Here’s a novel thought: What if gyms were places that people could go to feel *good* about themselves? For fitness influencer Morit Summers, this was the impetus behind opening Form Fitness, a brand-new, body-positive gym in Brooklyn. “I wanted to make a space that was safe for people, and that people, when they walk in, feel comfortable, and not intimidated and afraid that people are looking at them,” she tells me, bouncing on a medicine ball in the corner of her space. Behind her, two people are working with trainers to the sounds of vintage Michael Jackson blasting over the sound system, and as I watch them hit the equipment, I’m jealous I didn’t bring my sneakers. The mission to create a space like this one was personal, inspired largely by Summers’ own fitness journey that began when she was in high school. “I was 14 and I was really overweight, and I hated gym class. I was embarrassed. I had coaches put me in situations where it was even more embarrassing,” she tells me. That summer, she joined a gym and fell in love with it. She went on to study exercise science and epidemiology in college and found a career in personal training. But even when she was spending most of her life in the gym, she was still being shamed about her size. “I was always the trainer that people would call fat and say: ‘You’re not going to have clients’ and stuff like that,” she
We’re not saying you’re needy but…here’s the top trait you want in a relationship, according to your Myers-Briggs
January 24, 2019 at 12:10PM by CWC In these quick-swiping times, all relationship types seem to be on the table. Whether it’s a casual “see ya when I see ya” deal or an attached-at-the-hip romance you crave—well, you do you. But sometimes, what you think you want in a romantic sitch might not match up with what will actually work best for you. You say you want someone who’ll join you for spin class, Netflix marathons, and everything in between, but your new beau’s constant company is driving you insane. What gives? Your Myers-Briggs personality type could be the key you need to unlock your particular relationship needs. (Don’t know what your type is? Read this and come back!) Every personality is looking for something just a little bit different: ISFPs and ENTPs are deeply independent, for example, whereas ESTJs and INFJs prefer tighter bonds with their partners and more time spent together. What does your type need? Keep reading to see what your Myers-Briggs type most needs in a relationship. W+G Creative ISTJ You value: dedication This type’s mantra may as well just be: “With hard work, anything is possible.” Just like the energy they put in at work and the value they place on friends and family, ISTJs are committed to their partners—and they need to find someone similarly dedicated to maintaining a strong relationship. Actions are everything to an ISTJ; consider them investments in a long-term future. Small efforts every day will encourage the ISTJ to keep their relationships strong. ISFJ
I gave my home a woo-woo makeover and now the magic happens in every room
January 24, 2019 at 08:59AM by CWC The other night I found myself sitting in front of a dream analyst (long story), relaying to her a particularly terrible, vivid, and generally ew dream from a while ago in which my molars cracked and crumbled one by one inside my mouth. The dream was, in a word, horrifying. And I wanted to know WTF was going on. A year ago, I never would have considered anything quite so mystical. But ever since my long-term boyfriend and I broke up, I’ve been embracing my woo-woo side, which has manifested in a delightfully Urban Outfitters-meets–Magickal Bookstore vibe in my apartment. I realize now that my molar dream was a very apt metaphor for how I was feeling at the time—it was like the foundation of my life had crumbled away, and I was struggling to find a sense of control. (Not coincidentally, that’s what the dream analyst said that my weird tooth dream symbolized.) See, I moved into my new place with zero furniture or decor—seriously, I didn’t even have a bed. There was something both romantic and terrifying about this, but that’s like every experience for a Pisces, am I right? On the one hand, this is my first time living along and I got to start over from scratch and decorate my space however I wanted. Without any furnishings, my apartment felt like a new beginning, a wealth of possibilities… but as I began to add essentials like a bed and
Don’t flake on finding out the difference between dandruff and dry scalp
January 24, 2019 at 07:55AM by CWC It’s the winter time, which means you get to witness the gorgeous sight of snowflakes dusting the streets, trees, buildings, and your, er, scalp and shoulders. Wait, could that just be dandruff instead? ‘Tis the season for not only flakes to fall from the sky, but from your head as well. To alleviate the mystery of the head flakes, I spoke to a hair pro to find out everything you need to know about flakes, which as it turns out, aren’t always dandruff. Commonly, there are a few types of flakes: those that result because a yeast called malassezia that feeds off greasy hair, those that happen because of a dry scalp, and even those that are due to a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Here’s how to get to the bottom of what kind of flakes are happening and, beyond that, how to get rid of them. What is dandruff? Basically, those flakes are dead skin cells that fall off of your scalp. “Dander or dead skin cells appear in the hair and flake off in large numbers,” says Dominic Burg, PhD, chief scientist and hair biologist at Evolis Professional. “It’s quite normal to shed skin, as it’s constantly replenishing itself—but when this happens excessively, it can lead to visible flakes on the hair and clothing.” Dandruff itself though is caused by a yeast on the scalp. “There’s an organism that lives ubiquitously on all of our scalps—it’s M. Furfur or P. ovale, and
Victoria Beckham’s formula for looking like a “haute mess” after working out
January 23, 2019 at 08:29AM by CWC After every intense workout, I can always count on the presence of wet hair in my face, bright red cheeks, and sweat stains across my favorite activewear top. If I’m extra lucky, sometimes there’s even a smear or two of jet-black “waterproof” mascara around my eyes. It’s a #lewk and I’ve come to accept it. But then there are times when I need to pull myself together after a workout and I cant just embrace the sweat. For those occasions, I’m thankful that Victoria Beckham has discovered a formula that should take me from hot mess to haute mess in double-quick time. Beckham is famous for making even the simplest pieces look like high-fashion. I’m hardly surprised that she has a three-step rule that helps her avoid looking like a sweaty mess after the gym. “A baseball cap—definitely—because after a workout, the hair can look questionable,” she said at a Reebok event on Wednesday. “Also, a good pair of sunglasses and an oversized men’s tailored coat over the top of your workout clothes. There you go—you just made yourself look very chic.” View this post on Instagram Launch day! Morning workout in my new #ReebokxVictoriaBeckham crop top, leggings, Bolton low trainers (available in March!) and cap!! x VB A post shared by Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) on Jan 22, 2019 at 4:03am PST //www.instagram.com/embed.js A baseball cap and sunglasses? I can definitely do that. Plus, it’ll save me a whole lot of money on sweat-soaking dry shampoo. And when
You’re not imagining it—so many cool, sustainable fashion lines are coming out of California right now
January 22, 2019 at 11:41AM by CWC Every city has its “thing” when it comes to fashion. Parisian designers deal in effortless glamour, New York’s the epicenter of individuality and personal expression, while Los Angeles and San Francisco—where so many healthy trends begin—are quickly gaining a reputation as hotbeds of crazy-covetable sustainable fashion labels. Perhaps the best-known of these brands is Reformation, an LA label that launched in 2009 and has since become a staple for cool girls around the globe. (Many of whom likely aren’t even aware that their slip dresses and cropped tees are made using eco-friendly fabrics, in a factory prioritizing fair labor practices.) “When I started Reformation 10 years ago, sustainability in fashion was not a priority in the industry,” says founder Yael Aflalo, who says she set out to be “a leader for that change.” And she more than achieved her goal—once she proved that environmentally-friendly, ethical clothing doesn’t have to be boring, tons of other newcomers followed suit. Interestingly enough, many of the ones getting the most attention are based in Reformation’s home city and state. According to Dechel Mckillian, owner of sustainable concept shop Galerie.LA, around 40 percent of the brands she carries are from Los Angeles alone. (The rest are sourced and manufactured around the world, from Lithuania to China.) Scroll through any style-conscious, West Coast wellness influencer’s Insta feed, and you’ll see tags for designers like Christy Dawn, who creates all of her Topanga Canyon-goddess sundresses in limited editions from deadstock fabrics;
7 major brands told us their best-selling leggings and the list is way more satisfying than today’s Oscar noms
January 22, 2019 at 10:24AM by CWC Science says what you wear can influence your behavior, a claim to which every person who’s ever, you know, gotten dressed for a date, an interview, or a hip-hop dance class, responds “duh.” Personally, I spend more time trying on slouchy-sexy-cool outfits before a dance class than I do actually learning how to dance. When I get it right, I feel like Beyoncé. When I don’t, I feel like a middle-aged lady who takes class once a month trying to hold her own with real dancers young enough to be her daughter. Which is what I am. But I digress… Following this logic—that an outfit which makes you feel most like a badass may help you behave most like a badass, too—I’ve wondered if the same might be true for wearing something that’s the *best,* too. Will buying the best enable you to become the best? With this half-baked theory in mind, I’ve scouted the best-selling leggings from (what else?) seven of the best athletic wear brands around. If one of these magically transforms you into Serena Williams, I get 10 percent (JK). If they don’t, well, you’ve still got some damn good outfitting happening north of your ankles. Keep reading to shop the best of the best in leggings, 2019. Photo: Athleta Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket Tight in Powervita, $89 This soft, high-rise yoga pant features something called a CoolMax crotch gusset (giggle, giggle), AKA a lining which allows your vag to
15 statement sneakers that’ll level up any outfit
January 21, 2019 at 12:34PM by CWC From futuristic shapes to overbuilt soles, bold sneakers are at the crux of nearly every wardrobe these days. They serve as a fresh finishing point to a multitude of outfits (and not just those rooted in Spandex). Even the most feminine-leaning tastes are subbing heels, flats, and mules for sporty styles, further solidifying the footwear category as number one. Right now, a new wave of statement sneakers is staking its claim with fluorescent laces, bright, rainbow color blocking, and holographic accents—see the runways of Escada, Off-White, Versace, Christopher Kane, and MSGM for proof. More than an evolution of chunky dad sneakers, these electric styles are a part of another spring drift: neon colors, without diving headfirst into DayGlo shades top to toe. To stylist Courtney Madison (who’s worked with major celebs like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Mindy Kaling, and Katy Perry), these new statement sneakers are a must-try for 2019. “The Escada high tops are that perfect pop of color without the heaviness of some recent sneaker trends,” she says. When styling these types of kicks, Madison is for playing up the boldness. “I think the best way to wear this look is with something a bit oversized and dramatic,” the stylist says, recommending bold and bright sneakers with an oversized sweater or blouse worn as a dress on top or with refined pieces like a blazer dress. “There’s no reason why you can’t wear sneakers to work if the rest of your look is pulled