ReportWire

Tag: Partnerships

  • How to Coexist With a Business Partner to Build an Empire

    How to Coexist With a Business Partner to Build an Empire

    [ad_1]

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Thinking about the business partnership phenomenon, I remembered the movie The Mighty.

    The story centers on two teenagers: Max, a silent and clumsy giant, and Kevin, nicknamed “Freak,” a small, clever boy who moved on crutches due to an illness. They were constantly mocked and bullied at school. After another incident, the boys decided to fight back against their classmates by uniting into a giant knight. Climbing onto Max’s shoulders, Kevin became the mastermind behind which the stocky giant smashed the attackers.

    Moving from the literal to the metaphorical, The Mighty remains one of my most essential collaboration films. It reveals the most crucial part of the partnership, which I call the multiplication of talents. Let’s break this down and a few more essentials of effectively managing a business partnership.

    Related: Everything You Need to Know About Business Partnerships

    1. Distribute responsibilities

    If two people manage the company, and both have the same vision of plans for development or getting out of this or that situation, it makes no sense. Each of you shouldn’t have to do everything — you should concentrate on your primary skills.

    Another managing partner of our holding and I have different competencies. For example, I am an economist by profession. I look for investors and bring companies to new markets. I mostly lead our projects in Europe and Asia because I have worked in these markets for more than 10 years.

    On the other hand, my business partner deals with strategic planning. He lives in the U.S. and mostly manages our projects there. He is a computer systems engineer by profession, which is one reason his favorite projects are technology-based.

    What do we get from such a division of responsibilities? First, we are building a diversified holding of multi-vector assets, thanks to which the business is becoming more and more sustainable. Second, this is a more convenient way to manage a team: Employees at all levels understand who to go to with which question. And third, this is how we maintain the proper distance and do not micromanage or excessively control each other. Development requires space, so we give it to each other.

    Our cooperation is built on the “do what works best” principle. And it does work: The holding grows from year to year.

    Related: 8 Critical Considerations for Choosing the Right Business Partner

    2. Don’t “hog the blanket”

    A business partnership somewhat resembles a marital relationship. It is important for partners to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses and how they will deal with them.

    If both partners are unable to let go of control or admit their weaknesses, they will almost 100% “hog the blanket” from each other — that is, they compete to take over most of the powers without taking into account the interests of the partner. But in competition, partners weaken each other and the joint project.

    The signals partners give to employees, especially the CEO, are very important. C-level managers perceive the struggle between founders as a standard of relations in the company and a model of managing subordinates. If you see that your employees lack independence in decision-making, it is often due to the example they follow.

    The ideal version of a business relationship is that your partner is equal in strength and scale of personality and differs in habits and ideas. Based on our partnership experience, I know that sometimes the air between you can get electrified, but the best solutions are born in such friction.

    Related: 3 Steps to Creating Powerful Business Partnerships

    3. Give your partner the right to make a mistake

    “Victory has a thousand fathers, but defeat is an orphan,” said John F. Kennedy. In a business relationship, partners must be responsible for each other’s decisions. If they blame each other for bad decisions, they will not last long together. Failures should be a reason to jointly review the strategy and work on mistakes.

    Punctures and unsuccessful investments are constant companions of entrepreneurs. About two dozen startups that my partner and I invested in burned down. If we quarreled after every failure, we would not have built a large international business.

    It takes time to develop the right attitude toward failure. We used to fight for every startup, but we have become more pragmatic with time. If quarterly reports do not match, market indicators have fallen, and there are no conscious growth forecasts — we decide to shut down such a business.

    Related: The 4 Key Tenets of Every Successful Partnership

    4. Enjoy your collaboration

    Partners can be an effective team and make good money together. But it is equally important how they feel in the process and this relationship.

    The satisfaction of working together is the glue of partnerships. Admiration for a partner’s talents and the pleasure of cooperation can save a business even in hard times. The ability to enjoy signals security and therefore the ability to trust. Trust is built through mutual support in upheavals, sincerity, and attentiveness to the person you are doing business with.

    You should be able to have fun together. I have been very lucky with my partner because it is interesting to discuss new books and research with him and debate the vector of development of our projects. And since we argue quite often, it is crucial that the shared emotional ground is solid.

    All the nuances of partner interaction are directly reflected in the business. There is a lot of personal stuff in a productive business partnership, and emotional comfort weighs no less than the number of deals or the value of common assets. At the same time, mature partnerships are not a gift from heaven but daily joint work. I hope the principles I have shared will help you make this work easier and more fun.

    [ad_2]

    Oleg Krot

    Source link

  • Confessions Of A Former Fitness Flake

    Confessions Of A Former Fitness Flake

    [ad_1]

    Accountability has always been my biggest hurdle when it comes to exercise. I wish I was the type of person who’s self-motivated and can work out alone, but that’s just not who I am.

    I was a competitive lacrosse player from childhood through college, but I was never able to stay consistent in my training when I had to do it alone. Every season, I would show up out of shape and then get injured when the intense practices started.

    “I kept trying different ways to work out, but I couldn’t stick to anything.”

    Once I left college, staying committed to exercise became even more difficult. I had always thrived off of the group dynamic I felt when working out with my teammates. Now that I was no longer on a team, I was always thinking: What do I do now? I want to be fit, but I can’t hold myself accountable for the life of me.

    I kept trying different ways to work out, but I couldn’t stick to anything. I did long-distance hiking for a month and thought that would be my thing, but realized it was impractical due to the time investment and the fact that I live in a big city. I got into rock climbing—even bought all the fancy equipment—then quit after a couple of months when my friends stopped going. I tried getting into running, but I found it really difficult to pace myself when running outdoors. I decided I wanted to do fitness classes, so I tried dance cardio and yoga, but I didn’t really like those either.

    It was a frustrating cycle: I would start something new, do it for a little while, then get lazy and sit around feeling guilty for not exercising.

    I needed something I could do with a group of people instead of trying to exercise on my own. I missed the workouts I used to do with my lacrosse team—a lot of interval training and core exercises—and I missed how competitive they were. Luckily, right when I was about to give up, I found Orangetheory Fitness.

    Discovering The Right Fitness Class

    My girlfriend and I had just moved to a new neighborhood and wanted to start working out again, so we were shopping for a gym. There was an Orangetheory down the street where she tried a class and loved it immediately. She’s also a former competitive athlete—a figure skater and rower—and has struggled the same way I have with not having the structure of a team.

    After she went to Orangetheory a couple of times and raved, I decided to try it out. The first class was definitely tough, but I was able to personalize my weights, speed, and intensity to make it just as hard as I could handle without overdoing it. It was clear to me right away that this was different from all the other classes I had tried. For example, in my first dance cardio class, I didn’t know any of the moves and felt like everyone was staring at me and judging every mistake I made. Here, I didn’t feel like anyone knew or cared that it was my first time. At Orangetheory, exercises like running, squats, and other basic resistance-training exercises were things I had done before, so I felt confident in what I was doing.

    Mitchell has found the motivating team atmosphere in Orangetheory that she thrived on as a college athlete.

    Tate Mitchell

    That was eight months ago, and I’ve been going to Orangetheory three to five days a week ever since—I’m closing in on 100 classes. The fact that I’m exercising five days a week for an hour each time is a big deal for me. I didn’t know it was possible for me to be that committed. The heart rate-based interval training, technology that tells me in real-time where my intensity needs to be, and, of course, the results have made Orangetheory a routine I plan to stick to long term. The workouts are still hard, but in the best way possible. I’m still pushing myself, so it’s never easy. I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been, and I absolutely love it.

    Running, Rowing, And Lifting My Way To Better Fitness

    Orangetheory workouts can be done in three components—rowing, interval cardio, and strength training—in whichever order you chose. Rowing was the toughest for me, since it takes specific skills. But with the help of an Orangetheory coach I was able to learn the proper way to do it and now it’s a really fun workout.

    Every Orangetheory class is designed with treadmill, rower, and resistance training to drive results in cardiovascular health, VO2 max, strength, and flexibility.

    The treadmill portion is my favorite. I was so out of shape when I started at Orangetheory that my goal was simply to be able to jog at the slowest possible pace for the entire time. Now I’m full-on running for the entire 14-24-minute block. Running speed varies from “base” to “push” to “all-out” as instructed by a coach. For someone who struggles with keeping my own pace when running, the ability to just do what the coach says and shut off my brain has been life-changing; I’m planning on running my first 5K in a few months.

    orangetheory tate treadmill

    Orangetheory treadmill intervals have helped Mitchell boost her endurance and prepare for her first 5K race.

    Tate Mitchell

    The strength portion of the workout is great because it changes from day to day. One workout you’re targeting your arms or legs, another day you’re jumping across the floor with all your might while the coach yells, “Remember the floor is lava!,” and the next you’re doing core circuits and your abs are burning.

    Since joining Orangetheory I’ve noticed such a difference in my body. I purposely don’t own a scale because I don’t want to focus on that number, but I know for a fact that I’m stronger than I’ve ever been. I’ve discovered muscles I didn’t even know existed—hello, deltoids!—and my biceps are looking stronger every day. I can run up steps without getting winded and I just generally feel better.

    Getting Into My Zone

    What really separates Orangetheory from other workouts I’ve tried is the heart rate zone setup. Seeing my heart rate zones in front of me has pushed me to not only be able to run further for longer, but to do it consistently and confidently.

    Orangetheory is a science-backed, heart rate-based interval workout that tracks each member’s performance in every class utilizing the following five heart zones. The goal is to accumulate 12 minutes or more in the orange zone within each 60-minute workout to achieve maximum caloric burn.

    When I’m on the rower or treadmill, I rely heavily on knowing which of the five colored zones I’m in—gray, blue, green, orange, or red—to tell me how hard to go. If it were up to me, I would take a break the second it gets hard and wait until I feel fully rested to push again, but that’s not a good way to gain strength and endurance. With this system, I watch my heart rate decrease, and once it gets into the lower range of the Orange Zone, I get going again. I can rely on the numbers to tell me that my body is ready to keep pushing, even if my brain isn’t ready yet.

    I never expected to be in such great cardiovascular shape. My heart and lungs are so much more resilient than they’ve ever been. I’m not just strong—I’m truly fit! Every time I notice this newfound heart health I just think of my 80-year-old self. I’m really doing this for her and investing in my lifelong health.

    Feeling Right At Home

    A fitness class is only as good as the people in it, and that’s another thing that makes Orangetheory so great. The coaches are amazing. You can tell they’re excited to be there and work hard with us. I’ve found the same kind of team atmosphere through Orangetheory that I once got from playing lacrosse. It’s motivating to work out as part of a group again. When you’re getting tired and you’re about to give up, you look around and realize that the people around you are pushing forward, and you think: “if they’re not giving up, I’m not going to give up.” It’s really empowering.

    “I feel at home in my gym, at home in my new neighborhood, and at home in my body again.”

    I didn’t think I could ever be an athlete again because I was missing the structure and accountability that I used to have, but now I’ve found the gym I need. Orangetheory has turned into more than just a place where I go to exercise. It’s a community. I pass coaches and fellow members all the time when I’m walking down the street. I feel at home in my gym, at home in my new neighborhood, and at home in my body again.

    Looking for an exercise routine you can stick to? Get your first class free at participating studios. See Orangetheory.com for more details.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • I Struggled With PCOS-Induced Hirsutism. Here’s How I Found My Confidence

    I Struggled With PCOS-Induced Hirsutism. Here’s How I Found My Confidence

    [ad_1]

    The teenage experience is fraught with angsty firsts—navigating puberty and the bodily changes that come with it, finding a place among the high school social hierarchy, the pangs of a classroom crush. Dealing with it all is a lot. Then imagine if you threw a condition with debilitating physical and mental symptoms into the mix.

    This was the case for Megan Stewart, who was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) at 16, years after first experiencing a litany of symptoms. PCOS is an endocrine disorder caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. It can produce cysts in the ovaries, which impede the natural ovulation process, leading to irregular periods. It also has symptoms like weight gain, chronic stomach pain, mood swings, and excessive body hair growth (hirsutism). Ultimately, PCOS is the most common cause of infertility among women of childbearing age, according to the Endocrine Society.

    Thanks to higher levels of androgens (male hormones), as many as 70 percent of women with PCOS can experience excessive hair growth in areas typically seen in men—the upper lip, chin, breasts, lower abdomen, inner thighs, and lower back. On an emotional level, this can be one of the most frustrating symptoms to deal with for those affected.

    For Stewart, the hair growth also led to hyperpigmentation. “I kept my hair long my whole life to try to hide [the facial growth and marks] and I didn’t put myself out there much because I was so embarrassed,” she says.

    Even so, Stewart, now in her 30s, was determined not to be defined by the disease—or suffer in silence. Ten years ago, she co-founded the PCOS Awareness Association to help support others with the condition, spread awareness, and provide resources. Today, it ranks as the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to polycystic ovarian syndrome.

    Trial and Error

    An estimated five million women in the U.S. suffer from PCOS, a lifelong condition. Management ranges from changes in diet and exercise to hormone therapies. On the cosmetic front, getting rid of unwanted hair is possible.

    For Stewart, finding a method that worked was a long but ultimately successful road.

    “Waxing, tweezing, electrolysis—I’ve tried them all over the years,” Stewart says. “Tweezing caused inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Waxing left thick patches of dark skin. And electrolysis never got rid of the hair—it just kept growing back.”

    About a year ago, she tried Milan Laser Hair Removal for laser hair removal treatments on her face and neck, abdomen, and underarms—but not without some trepidation. “As a Black woman, I was a little worried about side effects,” she says. “I tried laser hair removal 15 years ago and it burned my skin. But my provider at Milan explained that laser technology has advanced and is now more effective and safe for people of color.”

    milan laser center

    Before laser hair removal.

    milan laser center

    After laser hair removal.

    PCOS and Laser Hair Removal

    “Our laser has the ability to treat all skin tones,” says Shikhar Saxena, M.D., CEO of Milan Laser, which has over 260 locations across the U.S. explains. “There are a few hair colors and types you can’t treat—peach fuzz, grays, or white hair—but as long as there’s some degree of pigment to your hair, the laser can pick up on that. And it’s safe for all areas of the body.”

    A major difference with laser hair removal compared to other methods like shaving, waxing, or depilatories is that it’s a permanent solution. Laser hair removal is successful in getting rid of hair in sensitive areas like the face, neck, and chest because it’s precise enough to target the hair follicle and eliminate it at the root without damaging your skin, Dr. Saxena explains. This precision also helps reduce the chance of inflammation and hyperpigmentation.

    While each person is unique, people with PCOS tend to require more sessions than the average patient, Dr. Saxena says. “Laser hair removal treats hairs that are actively growing, but PCOS can cause dormant hairs to become active at various times, causing new growth,” he says. Because treatment needs vary, Milan Laser offers an Unlimited Package, which starts as low as $29 per month and covers as many sessions as needed for smooth results.

    The Physical and Mental Results

    Stewart calls her experience with laser hair removal a “blessing.” A year in, she hasn’t had to shave or pluck any excessive hair growth. “The last time I saw my mother, she looked at my skin—without any hair growth on my face and neck—and started crying,” she recalls. “She says I’ve come out of my shadow.”

    And several months ago, Stewart had the confidence to do something she never would have imagined: She got seven inches cut from her hair.

    “The fact that I can literally just throw on moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning and go, and not have to worry about being self-conscious about the dark marks or visible hair, has been amazing,” she says.

    For more information about laser hair removal visit Milanlaser.com or @milanlaser on social media.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Naomi Watts Wants Everyone to Talk About Menopause

    Naomi Watts Wants Everyone to Talk About Menopause

    [ad_1]

    Naomi Watts is done whispering about menopause. “When I arrived at [the transition], the marketplace of products and information was lonely, scary, painful…and shameful,” she says. “I would look for books to learn more, but I felt I had to hide them, and even my friends were nervous to talk about it.”

    That experience inspired her to launch Stripes, a new line of perimenopause and menopause solutions. With it, the actress aims to usher in a new era for what she calls the “better half” of a woman’s life. “I feel like the best version of myself now—I’m so much more confident in my body,” she says.

    Stripes offers a suite of skin care, hair care, and sexual-wellness products, all created by a team of expert chemists. Their formulas, each specifically tailored for perimenopause and menopause, use advanced, science-backed ingredients.

    The star has been an open book when it comes to speaking about her own early perimenopause and menopause experience, which began in her late 30s. Here, she shares some of what she’s learned over the almost 20-year journey.

    Layer on the Hydration

    Skin becomes drier and more sensitive during menopause as natural oil and hydration production slows down. For Watts, the long days on set with lots of makeup on didn’t help the situation.

    “I was having really bad, itchy, reactive skin, which I didn’t even know was a symptom,” she says. Her solution, Watts found, was layering on clean, moisturizing skin care products made with formulas free from potential irritants. That discovery inspired Stripes products like Dew As I Do Ectoine + Vitamin C Brightening & Hydrating Cream, which contains two potent hydrators: ectoine (to improve skin-barrier function) and squalane, a sustainable, plant-based version of squalene (to lock in moisture).

    Watts’s go-to hydration routine comprises three steps: “I start with Stripes The Cool Factor Ectoine Cooling & Calming Face Mist on damp skin—this helps everything else get absorbed—and then I apply Stripes The Power Move Ectoine Hydrating & Plumping Facial Serum. To seal it all in, I layer on Dew As I Do.”

    Prioritize Sleep

    Difficulty falling and staying asleep is one of the most common issues that women face during their menopause transition. Night sweats (hot flashes that happen at night) and anxiety can contribute.

    Still, Watts aims to rest for a minimum of seven hours a night. “Sleep makes such a big difference for all menopause symptoms, whether physical or mental,” she says.

    To address this need, Stripes will be introducing specially formulated products to help with sleeplessness associated with menopause and everyday stress.

    stripes

    Handle Hot Flashes on Your Own Terms

    Watts’s night sweats were so intense, she would often have to change her shirt multiple times and even put down towels.

    For relief, Watts recommends The Cool Factor Ectoine Cooling & Calming Face Mist, which contains edelweiss-flower extract to comfort overheated skin, a blend of antioxidants that both protect and cool, and ectoine and squalane to hydrate. It’s perfect for unexpected flares but can also be used preventively—or just for a quick refresh. “I use The Cool Factor as part of my morning and evening skin care routines, almost like an essence before my serum and moisturizer,” she says.

    Keep Moving

    Research shows that exercise can ease some menopause symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and decreases in bone density and muscle mass, and may even help reduce hot flashes. Exercise (along with a balanced diet) can also help prevent health issues like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, which menopausal women can be at risk for.

    “Weight-bearing exercises with heavier weights became a big part of my routine, and I also spent a lot of time doing a class that combines mindfulness, Pilates, and dance cardio for more cathartic workouts,” says Watts.

    Make Vaginal Moisturization Part of Your Routine

    Sexual health is one of the cornerstones of Watts’s holistic approach to wellness during menopause. Vaginal dryness can cause serious discomfort and irritation and affect pleasure and function.

    Stripes Vag of Honor

    Vag of Honor

    These side effects were top of mind for Watts and her team when creating Stripes Vag of Honor Ectoine Hydrating & Revitalizing Gel, which combines ectoine, hyaluronic acid, and glycogen for lasting moisture throughout the day. Just like your facial moisturizer, you simply apply Vag of Honor to your vulva twice daily—once in the morning and once at night.

    “I may not be able to reproduce anymore, but I enjoy a healthy sex life and partnership,” says Watts. “At Stripes we like to say, ‘Closed for business, but open for pleasure.’”

    And the moisturizing gel isn’t just for sex, it’s for comfort, too. “Whether you’re horseback riding or wearing tight jeans, you want to feel like you’re moving and breathing,” she says.

    Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About It

    To encourage open dialogue, Watts and the Stripes team created The Hot Spot, a digital platform with educational content that also serves as a safe space where women can swap stories.

    Beyond menopause-related topics, Watts hopes the community can foster conversations around work, relationships, personal goals, and the realities of midlife. “I want the conversation to be more fun, more humorous, more accessible, even enticing,” she says.

    Moving forward, Watts is focused on spreading the word about menopause to every gender and generation. “Being ahead of it and knowing what menopause will be like before you’re there…that’s gold,” she says. “I don’t think generations behind us will suffer in silence like those before did. Menopause is a natural part of life, and it serves everyone in our community to share our stories.”

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • A Doctor-Approved Guide to Vaginal Health

    A Doctor-Approved Guide to Vaginal Health

    [ad_1]

    How often do you think about your vagina? Probably not often, until something changes—it smells different, it’s itchy, or it’s drier than usual—or you want or need help in the intimacy department.

    Widespread and valid concerns about harsh cleansers and douches have led to blanket skepticism about intimate products and uncertainty about what’s safe for one’s vagina and vulva. The good news is that there are helpful, doctor-approved products that can help you start to feel better, especially when experiencing dryness or sexual discomfort during certain phases of your menstrual cycle or menopausal transition.

    “There’s all this stuff that makes you think you’re dirty, that you need to feel ‘fresh,’ and that you need to smell a certain way—the shame-and-should category—and those are products you should avoid,” says Kelly Casperson, MD, a urologist in Bellingham, WA. “But there are other formulas that can really benefit your vagina and your life overall.”

    Caia Image//Getty Images

    Consider this: There are new and advanced products and formulations made specifically with vaginal and sexual health in mind. “We know women are interested in daily products that feel safe,” says Jessica Kizovski, chemist and product development manager for vaginal wellness and skin care brand Stripes.

    Knowing a bit about what’s available could help you find the down-there self-care you desire. Dr. Casperson is here to help decipher what to seek and what to avoid when shopping the feminine wellness aisle.

    Check Out A Vaginal Moisturizer.

    Fact: Lubricating products aren’t just for sex. Just like any skincare routine, a daily vaginal moisturizer can provide comfort and protection to your most sensitive parts.

    “Vaginal dryness and itching on the vulva can happen around perimenopause and menopause or during certain times of your cycle,” says Dr. Casperson. “It can also be the nature of your unique vagina.” One way to find relief is to use a vaginal moisturizer, such as Stripes Vag of Honor, daily.

    Of course, if dryness and irritation are persistent, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your gynecologist to make sure you aren’t struggling with a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or other vaginal issues. But even if those have been ruled out, dryness alone itself should be taken seriously. A lack of moisture and lubrication can lead to irritation, inflammation, increased risk of UTIs, and painful sex.

    Silicone- And Oil-Based Formulas Are Your Friends.

    These are especially beneficial to combat vaginal dryness. “I really like oil-based or silicone-based topicals if you have drier skin or are in perimenopause or menopause, because the lubrication is longer-lasting than water-based lubricants,” says Dr. Casperson. “And I think these textures just feel better and more luxurious.” She suggests Stripes Oh My Glide, which is made with coconut and olive oils and squalane—an emollient that works like the skin’s own natural oils and helps prevent moisture loss.

    Note: If you’re using condoms during sex, latex and oil don’t play well. Oil can damage (and even break) condoms. In those situations, stick to silicone- or water-based lubricants.

    Fragrance Can Be A Red Flag.

    Not only can fragrance ingredients irritate the delicate skin of the vulva; they’re wholly unnecessary. “Don’t use soaps or products that smell like the pine forest or something,” says Dr. Casperson. “We live in such a clean-obsessed culture and have been brainwashed to think that vaginas shouldn’t smell.” Vaginas have a natural odor and discharge that’s healthy and normal. But if something smells off or you’re feeling pain, it’s time to make a beeline to your doctor.

    Understand Your Rx Options.

    If your vagina feels drier than the Sahara, it could be due to the natural dip in estrogen that occurs during perimenopause and menopause.

    “As estrogen goes down, it’s common for the vagina to change,” says Dr. Casperson. “I always want to get my patients on a vaginal estrogen, as it’s the most science-proven method to restore function.” While hormone-based treatment for menopause symptoms may not be appropriate for everyone, it may be an option worth exploring with your doctor.

    In short, there’s no reason to suffer the pain or irritation that comes from vaginal dryness. There are science-based products and solutions that can ease discomfort and provide much-needed moisture and relief to help you feel more like your old self again.

    Find the right vaginal wellness routine for you. To learn more about vaginal health and wellness products, visit Stripes and consider joining The Hot Spot community created for those experiencing perimenopause and menopause.

    Vag of Honor

    Oh My Glide

    The Support System Probiotic Supplement

    The Support System Probiotic Supplement

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Spotify’s Best New Artist Campaign Shines a Light on the Next Generation of Musicians

    Spotify’s Best New Artist Campaign Shines a Light on the Next Generation of Musicians

    [ad_1]

    With localized rap scenes exploding in seemingly every city across the country, new rock bands revitalizing old, mythic movements of yore, and democratized technology giving anyone with a computer and a keyboard the ability to make festival-ready pop hits from the comfort of their bedroom, there’s no need to question if there’s any good music out there. Where to find it is the challenge.

    That’s where Spotify comes in. Its Best New Artist annual event & campaign has proven time and time again to be a leading tastemaker, shining a light on the nominees who’ve put in hard work and officially hit the first of many career high points. Past honorees include Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, and Lizzo, for example. Because selection to the BNA category is such a prestigious honor, Spotify ends its campaign with an annual event that celebrates the artists, their music, and the incredible year they’ve had. With multiple performances and crowds full of the industry’s biggest and brightest, the event is a key moment in music’s biggest week. Each of this year’s nominees has a unique story and sound that won’t remain hidden for long. Keep reading to see what the next wave of superstars is all about.

    Anitta

    LUFRÉ

    “It was a huge honor to represent Brazilian and Latin women everywhere when ‘Envolver’ reached #1 on the Global Spotify chart,” Brazilian superstar Anitta says, “because that had never been accomplished by a solo Latin artist before.” For anyone within earshot of a radio, though, this latest achievement felt more like an inevitability than any great surprise. Since releasing her debut album in 2013, the Brazilian pop star has repeatedly reached new pinnacles of fame, smashing the glass ceiling for what Latin artists can achieve on a global scale. Her latest record, 2022’s Versions of Me, amassed hundreds of millions of streams, while her stunningly choreographed music videos break the internet the second they drop.

    Omar Apollo

    omar apollo

    Gustavo Garcia Villa

    Omar Apollo thrives in the liminal space where all sounds, no matter their origin, are free to mingle with each other. Combining old-school funk with new-school pop, traditional Mexican music with contemporary Latin trap, Apollo dissolves boundaries to create something new. “I recorded my first song in the winter in my garage,” the Indiana-born singer has said. “It was negative-degree weather and I had gloves and a winter coat on. I was in the garage because I was too embarrassed to record in my house where my family would hear me.” Now, with the release of his debut studio album, Ivory, in 2022, including hit single “Invincible” (feat. Daniel Caesar), Apollo can rest assured he’s found a mainstream audience eager to explore the unknown alongside him.

    Muni Long

    muni long

    BONNIE NICHOALDS

    To call Florida-born songstress Muni Long a new artist would be slightly misleading. “I started singing at the ripe age of 2 years old!” she says. “I’ve always had an ear for music.” A proven superstar on both sides of the industry, the “Hrs & Hrs” singer has a knack for soaring melodies and emotionally astute lyrics. And that made her an in-demand songwriter for the likes of Rihanna, Ariana Grande, and Kelly Clarkson for more than a decade before she finally stepped into the spotlight with a string of successful releases in 2022. Now that her own powerful vocals have been unleashed into the world, it’s unlikely Long will find herself behind the scenes again.

    Samara Joy

    samara joy

    MEREDITH TRUAX

    Samara Joy’s voice—rich and wise beyond her 23 years—seems to contain the past, present, and future of jazz within it. After winning the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in 2019, Joy found her name being mentioned alongside the likes of Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. Though that sounds like a lot of pressure, you wouldn’t be able to tell by listening to her music. Songs like “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood” seem to float and churn, guided by the Bronx-born singer’s perfect vocal phrasing and delicate bursts of expression. To move a genre so rich with history forward into the new age requires a deft hand (and voice!). Luckily, Joy is up for the challenge.

    Latto

    latto

    JORA FRANTZIS

    2022 was a major year for 24-year-old Latto, who became the first female rapper to have a record (“Big Energy”) hit #1 at Pop, Rhythm and Urban radio. Other singles, such as “FTCU” (feat. GloRilla and Gangsta Boo), quickly caught fire, and soon the latest rap superstar to emerge from Atlanta was crowned. An outspoken critic of men in the music industry who wield their power to silence female artists, she creates swaggering flows that announce themselves with authority over bombastic beats. With a keen ability to dominate any song she’s on, Latto’s time is here and now.

    Tobe Nwigwe

    tobe nwigwe

    Tobe Nwigwe

    Tobe Nwigwe built his musical career from the ground up with no foreknowledge of the industry. Endowed with an acute clarity of purpose, Nwigwe began consistently releasing new music and content every week, building a canon of approximately 324 videos and multiple viral singles—including “I Need You To (Breonna Taylor Tribute)” and “Try Jesus,”— the latter of which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Digital Song Sales chart. With a verbose yet never overwrought rhyming style and an unbeatable team behind him (including his wife, Fat Nwigwe, who’s featured on “Fye Fye,” and with whom Nwigwe originally went viral rapping alongside in online videos), this Houston hero is surely just getting started.

    Molly Tuttle

    molly tuttle

    SAMANTHA MULJAT

    In 2022, Molly Tuttle transcended her upbringing as a lifelong fan of bluegrass music to become perhaps the face of the genre for today’s youth. Raised in the suburbs of San Francisco before studying music at Berklee College of Music, Tuttle finally landed in Nashville, where her proclivity for perceptive storytelling quickly made her a name to watch in the country-music hotbed. The “Dooley’s Farm” (feat. Billy Strings) singer is intent on fostering a welcoming community as she ushers her new supporters into the bluegrass fold: 2022’s Crooked Tree, the album that landed her on the Spotify BNA playlist, “is about loving what makes us all unique,” she proclaims.

    Wet Leg

    wet leg

    Alice Backham

    Remarkably adroit at delivering satirical skewerings of the in-crowd, Wet Leg is a band for everyone—as long as you aren’t too cool to have fun. Born on the Isle of Wight in England, the duo had their first show at the Rose Pub in Ventnor. “It’s shut down now, but it was famous for its watered-down spirits. According to our drummer, Henry, it always smelt like cabbage, which was odd, he thought, because they didn’t actually serve any food there.” While their irreverent brand of indie rock made them a natural fit for these smaller clubs, debut single “Chaise Longue” quickly elevated the band into the next level of fame with multiple national TV appearances and a worldwide tour.

    Måneskin

    måneskin

    Måneskin

    Italy’s Måneskin might be the new ambassadors of rock ’n’ roll for Gen Z —but don’t tell them that. “A great achievement for us is to keep making music without any kind of scheme or need to conform—and to always remember to feel free from conventions in the creative process.” After winning Eurovision in 2021 and releasing hit tracks like “Supermodel” and “The Loneliest” in 2022, the band’s stadium-ready mixture of pulsating drum beats, 1970s guitar grooves, and pop melodies firmly catapulted this four-piece into the mainstream. Based on their gender-bending live shows that contain more energy in one evening than most acts muster in an entire career, one thing’s for certain: As this band continues their rise from former street buskers to modern rock stars, they’ll do it their way.

    DOMi & JD BECK

    domi and jd beck

    DOMi & JD Beck

    If DOMi and JD BECK’s habit of using memes, all-caps song titles, and social media soundbites to playfully introduce their music gives them an admirably lighthearted bent, don’t let it distract from the fact that these two savants are making some of the most forward-thinking jazz in recent years. “TAKE A CHANCE,” off their 2022 album NOT TiGHT, illustrates exactly what’s so special about the duo, as veteran musical heavyweight Anderson .Paak delivers smooth verses over a grooving, virtuosic soundscape that DOMi and BECK calibrate perfectly to their guest’s strengths. Untethered to any prescriptive genre mandates, this duo is updating jazz for the Zoomer age.

    This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • 6 Ways Estrogen Levels Affect Your Skin—And What to Do About It

    6 Ways Estrogen Levels Affect Your Skin—And What to Do About It

    [ad_1]

    Hormonal effects on skin aren’t reserved for the teen years or certain times of the month. When we enter perimenopause and menopause—a transition that can begin in one’s 30s but typically starts in the 40s—estrogen levels decrease, which can have a major impact on skin, from its ability to maintain hydration to its bounciness and radiance.

    “When estrogen levels drop, it can cause changes that we often aren’t prepared for,” says dermatologist Dr. Sarv Zand, MD. The good news: In recent years the subject of menopause has become less taboo, and solutions have come along with that. “Destigmatizing menopause and having access to products that serve us during this time of transition is really empowering,” says Dr. Zand. Actress Naomi Watts’ new skincare and vaginal-wellness brand, Stripes, is one example of this. Watts has spoken transparently about her experience of going into early menopause in her 30s, and the brand’s products are specifically designed to address estrogen-depleted skin.

    Whether menopause is in your future or you’re currently navigating it, you deserve to know exactly what to expect. Below, read up on six common skin changes, then find the solutions that may work for you.

    1. Less Bright-and-Bouncy Skin

    “Estrogen [facilitates] collagen production and is a driver for skin plumpness,” says Dr. Zand. “When its levels drop, our skin is thinner and can look more dull and wrinkled.”

    If you’re not yet experiencing estrogen loss, a collagen-supportive skincare routine with retinoids and sunscreen can help assuage thinning and dullness once menopause arrives. But if this is a transition you’re already experiencing, look to products designed to help retain collagen, such as Stripes The Power Move Ectoine Hydrating & Plumping Facial Serum, which features an innovative ingredient called ectoine.

    “I call ectoine ‘protectoine’ because it protects proteins like collagen,” says Dr. Zand. “We did a test where we heated egg whites in test tubes, and the tube that also contained ectoine stayed uncooked longer.” The compound is derived from bacteria that survive in harsh environments like the desert, and its properties help prevent damage in hot situations—sounds about right!

    2. Drier Skin Than You’ve Ever Had Before

    When paired with squalane, ectoine can also help hydrate dry skin. And estrogen’s integral role in maintaining moisture and keeping the skin barrier healthy means that when its levels start to drop, products with moisturizing, barrier-boosting ingredients become key.

    “Ectoine helps cells function better and plumps them up,” says Jessica Kizovski, a chemist and product development manager for Stripes. Squalane, another a key ingredient in the brand’s formulas, “has been shown to improve hydration, smoothness, and barrier health, as well as boost the benefits of ectoine,” Kizovski says.

    Another hydration-maintaining trick Dr. Zand recommends is to cleanse your face in the evenings only, rather than twice a day. In the morning, just refresh your skin with lukewarm water.

    Tanja Ivanova//Getty Images

    3. More Sensitivity to Products and the Environment

    “Skin becomes more sensitive overall [when estrogen levels drop],” says Dr. Zand. This might mean you should revamp your skincare routine to include products that are more simplified and protective, and less aggressive.

    Look for clean, well-studied ingredients that boost skin resilience and don’t damage the moisture barrier. Stripes Resting Clean Face Ectoine Nourishing & Calming Face Wash, for example, can break down makeup, oil, and dirt without stripping and drying out skin.

    4. Faster Aging of Hands and Feet

    “Before it shows in the face, I often have patients who notice menopausal skin changes in their hands and feet,” says Dr. Zand, who explains that this is likely because these areas don’t get as much circulation.

    For daily neck-to-toe skincare, try Stripes The Full Monty Squalane Hydrating Vitamin C Body Oil, which contains deeply hydrating ingredients like squalane, as well as antioxidants for improved radiance. And why not enjoy yourself while you apply it with a relaxing self-massage? “Menopause is a time to enjoy our bodies and focus on looking inward and loving ourselves,” says Dr. Zand.

    5. An Acne Comeback

    “For some, an estrogen drop can cause acne as the body becomes slightly more androgen-prone,” says Dr. Zand. “Surprising bouts can be intermittent. This tends to settle as hormones stabilize toward the end of menopause, but in the meantime, it can be very frustrating.”

    If your skin isn’t too sensitized, your doctor can guide you to a retinoid prescription that will stimulate skin-cell turnover and prevent the buildup of dead skin cells that can lead to pimples. Regardless, your skin will still need hydration to prevent overdrying and maintain that healthy barrier. Stripes Dew As I Do Ectoine + Vitamin C Brightening & Hydrating Cream was formulated specifically to work with any skin type, so it can moisturize without contributing to breakouts. A perfect balance.

    6. And, Yes, Those Infamous Hot Flashes

    While the origin of a hot flash begins internally, and lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency and intensity, you can also help calm and comfort flushed skin from the outside. A favorite is Stripes The Cool Factor Ectoine Cooling & Calming Face Mist, which uses edelweiss-flower extract and antioxidants to cool and reduce discomfort, plus ectoine and squalane to hydrate. “I love this mist because it’s both cooling and extremely hydrating,” says Dr. Zand.

    Discover More Tips, Products, and Community

    To learn more about perimenopause and menopause, consider joining Stripes’ The Hot Spot community, created just for those experiencing perimenopause and menopause.

    The Power Move

    Resting Clean Face

    Stripes Resting Clean Face

    The Full Monty

    Dew As I Do

    The Cool Factor

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Tanking Biotech Stocks Will Mean a Big Year for Deals. Who Could Benefit.

    Tanking Biotech Stocks Will Mean a Big Year for Deals. Who Could Benefit.

    [ad_1]

    Nearly two years after biotechnology stocks began to tumble, executives at small and midsize companies in the space are finally accepting that share prices aren’t bouncing back anytime soon.

    With reality setting in, it’s a buyer’s market for companies looking for acquisitions and partnerships, according to many of the pharmaceutical and medical technology executives who gathered at this year’s


    J.P. Morgan


    healthcare investor conference, which wrapped up in San Francisco on Thursday.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • This High-Tech Bike Is a Chic, Compact Addition to My Space

    This High-Tech Bike Is a Chic, Compact Addition to My Space

    [ad_1]

    I love group cycling classes—the heart-pumping music, inspiring words from the instructor, and infectious energy of the room. These elements are difficult to match when riding solo at home, but the freebeat Boom Bike helps me come pretty close, plus it makes getting in cardio beyond convenient.

    For starters, the bike takes up surprisingly little space—it’s 51.5 inches long by 24.7 inches wide by 51.1 inches tall, including the LED screen on the front—which means it can easily fit into a small apartment or studio. I placed mine in my room, at the end of my bed, and it looked just right for the space. The white and black design is simple enough to fit with any decor, and feels more chic and unique than traditional all-black bikes.

    freebeat Boom Bike

    freebeat Boom Bike

    Now 42% Off

    The Boom Bike, which is the brand’s newest model, has thousands of on-demand classes to choose from (the library is updated daily), with options for 15- or 30- minute sessions. Another feature you can sort by? Music! If you’re in the mood for hip hop, pop, or EDM, you can choose to only see classes of a certain genre, or sort by your favorite instructor (shout out to Nicolette, Edward, and Nick).

    The classes are described as a gamified fitness experience. Interactive backgrounds light up as the instructors ride and cue through each song, and the patterns and backdrops change as the next song begins. I’ve found that this aspect helps keep me entertained and alert when my will power and energy are waning.

    Another energy booster is the dynamic LED lightstrip along the base of the bike, which illuminates to match your pace or rotations per minute (RPMs). The flashes recreate that high-energy vibe that you’d get from a group class; I set the lights on “random colors” and “on-beat” mode to help keep me on pace, but you do have the option to choose a specific color palette or even turn it off if you’re not feeling the club-like vibe.

    While you’re riding, the LED screen displays an “easy” or “hard” goal cadence so you can choose how aggressively you’re looking to cycle, plus your current cadence so you know when you’re on beat. I like that you have the option to put the bike on “auto resistance” that adjusts to the instructor’s cues, so you don’t even have to think about turning the knob. During each class, you’ll rack up points towards a total score that’s displayed within a leaderboard where you can see how you stack up against others taking the same class.

    I mostly use the bike for cycling classes, but the expansive library also offers both sculpting and stretching classes (the LED screen swivels so you can easily tune in from your floor).

    Finally, at $1,299, the price point of the bike can’t be beat. You get 45 days of free classes, (unlimited classes will set you back just $39 per month after that), plus 10 different people can create profiles, so if you live with a significant other, family members, or roommates, you can all take advantage and track your own stats.

    I’m not sure whether it’s the endorphins or the whole Boom Bike experience—likely both!—but I always step off the bike in a better mood than when I get on.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • 4 Hairstyles to Keep in Your Holiday Party Rotation

    4 Hairstyles to Keep in Your Holiday Party Rotation

    [ad_1]

    Getting ready for a holiday party can feel like preparing for your very own red carpet moment. It’s an occasion to wear a knockout ’fit, go bold with hair and makeup, take lots of pictures, and celebrate all night long. The only thing missing is your personal glam squad (ok, and maybe the actual red carpet). Thankfully, we’re hooking you up with the next best thing: A holiday hair tutorial livestream with celebrity stylist Marcus Francis.

    The pro, who works with all our fave stars, has teamed up with Batiste to walk you through creating four festive looks. He’ll demonstrate a bouncy voluminous ponytail, a sophisticated braided updo, a cute and polished top knot, and a simple yet totally chic half-up, half-down style—all of which are practically begging to be paired with a sequined dress and bright red lip. Tune in right here on November 29 at 3PM EST to watch and ask Marcus your styling questions in real time.

    In addition to dishing the same styling tricks he uses on his A-list clients, he’ll share how to use Batiste’s line-up of iconic dry shampoos to help you get your hair party-ready, even when a daily wash just isn’t in the cards. The brand is known for its effective, affordable, and delicious-smelling products, all of which are staples in Marcus’ kit. You’re likely familiar with the classic, original formula, but Batiste also offers dry shampoos formulated for different hair colors and types, and they come in a range of scents (did we mention they make great stocking stuffers?). Find your match below, and don’t forget to tune in on November 29 to get your holiday hair on.

    Batiste Dry Shampoo, Original Fragrance

    Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair

    Batiste Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair

    Dry Shampoo, Blonde

    Batiste Dry Shampoo, Blonde

    Dry Shampoo, Volumizing

    Batiste Dry Shampoo, Volumizing

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Your Guide to Crushing the Holiday Party Hair Game

    Your Guide to Crushing the Holiday Party Hair Game

    [ad_1]

    Holiday party season is here, and if you ask us, there’s no better time to go all out. Sequined dresses? Yes, please. Statement-making accessories? Bring ’em on. A bold lip? Absolutely. And let’s not forget about hair. From space buns to hair gems, there are so many fun ways to do it up for festive occasions. We asked hairstylist Erol Karadağ to suggest different ways to create of-the-moment, party-ready looks—and show us how to put them all together for seriously entrance-making style.

    batiste

    The holidays are all about letting your hair down, and we mean that literally and figuratively. Give the hot tools a rest and allow your natural texture to shine. A free-flowing style, winged liner, and a glossy lip are perfect for a cozy night with friends watching festive flicks.

    batiste, hair gems

    Ok, so you want a look that wows but doesn’t involve intricate styling? Rhinestones are reporting for duty. They’re easy to apply, inherently festive, and, best of all, when it comes to how to wear them, there are no rules.

    Karadağ recommends dabbing a strong hold hair gel on the back of each gem and adhering it anywhere you want some glitz. You can start along the hairline and work your way onto your part and then down your lengths until your strands are perfectly bedazzled.

    batiste

    One of our favorite ’90s trends currently making a comeback (along with space buns, but more on that later), braided tendrils are simple yet add a playful vibe that’s right for a white elephant gift exchange or an ugly sweater soiree. Since this is no time to be subtle, go beyond the face-framing pieces and add small three-strand braids in random areas around your crown, too.

    holiday hair batiste

    For your biggest fête of the season, combine all of the above and add some space buns. The look has personality, works on different hair lengths and textures, and will most definitely make you stand out in a crowd. Here’s how to do it: Section hair in the middle and create half-up, half-down pigtails on either side, leaving out small face-framing pieces and sideburns. Twist each pigtail into a loose bun, gently knot the ends through the center, and secure with bobby pins.

    To add texture and an even-more-fun touch, create a couple of small, three-strand braids in the lengths, wrap them around the buns, and pin the ends. Finish by applying hair gems with abandon.

    batiste, hair, holiday, fun

    Batiste Original Dry Shampoo

    Original Dry Shampoo

    Batiste Original Dry Shampoo

    As much as you may be looking forward to every event on your packed social calendar, it can be a handful to manage. That’s why we recommend keeping a great LBD on rotation and getting the most mileage possible out of your hair. For the latter, dry shampoo is a must. Batiste’s formulas are the ultimate for quickly refreshing between washes—they remove oil, leave hair smelling and looking clean, and even come in minis for on-the-go touch-ups.

    To apply, shake well, hold the bottle 12 inches away, and spray in sections at the roots. Massage the formula into the scalp, and you’re ready for another night of dancing, gift-opening, cookie-eating…whatever.

    For more holiday hair inspiration from Batiste, tune in here for a shoppable livestream on November 29 at 3PM EST hosted by celeb stylist Marcus Francis.

    Photographer: Jenn Collins; Hair Stylist: Erol Karadag; Makeup Artist: Allie Smith; Wardrobe Stylist: Sachiko Clyde; Art Director & Producer: Hannah Miller; Beauty Director: Sarah Ferguson

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • This Amazon Brand Is Our Everything

    This Amazon Brand Is Our Everything

    [ad_1]

    Amazon

    You love certain athleisure lines for performance (hello, favorite 5K leggings) and others for cute and comfy pieces you can lounge, travel, or run errands in with ease. But what if we told you Amazon’s cult fitness brand, Core 10, is the kind that does both without bankrupting you? Among the many hits you’ll find within the line—all for less than $60 apiece—are trendy half-zips and fleeces, squat-proof leggings, and elevated joggers (seriously, wait till you set eyes on the wide-legs). Oh, and stylish jackets and anoraks that will almost make you yearn for a rainy day.

    These athleisure staples hit all the right notes while functioning exactly how you need. With flexible, water-resistant fabrics and perfectly relaxed cuts, these of-the-moment picks feel as good as they look. Get shopping with our top ten picks.

    Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

    1

    Core 10

    All Day Comfort 24″ High-Waist 7/8 Crop Yoga Legging

    2

    Core 10

    Oversized Fleece

    3

    Core 10

    Cloud Soft Fleece Cropped Length Bell Sleeve Yoga Hoodie Sweatshirt

    4

    Core 10

    Spectrum Studio Strappy Back Light Support Yoga Sports Bra

    5

    Core 10

    Super Soft Half Zip Long-Sleeve Sweatshirt

    6

    Core 10

    Super Soft Fleece Straight Leg Jogger Sweatpant

    7

    Core 10

    Over-The-Head Water Resistant Hooded Jacket

    8

    Core 10

    Super Soft Boyfriend Sweat Short

    9

    Core 10

    Super Soft Jogger Sweatpants

    10

    Core 10

    Water-Resistant Patch Front Pocket Anorak Jacket

    Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Gift Ideas for the Person Who’s Always Changing Up Their Look

    Gift Ideas for the Person Who’s Always Changing Up Their Look

    [ad_1]

    We all have that one friend who’s made “mixing it up” the foundation of their style philosophy. No corner of their look is off-limits when it comes to experimentation. The way they fearlessly shape shift via hair colors, graphic eye looks, and statement accessories is inspiring. What’s challenging, on the other hand, is finding the perfect holiday gifts for this style-swapper. How can you predict what someone so literally unpredictable will love? The key is to find something that encourages their beauty and fashion adventures by choosing items that are customizable, versatile, and definitely not one-size-fits-all. Below, we found 12 gifts that are guaranteed to suit their vibe—whatever it happens to be today.

    Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

    1

    Manic Panic

    Semi-Permanent Hair Color

    2

    Olaplex

    Hair Repair Treatment Kit

    3

    Half Magic

    Face Studs Makeup Rhinestones

    4

    Olaplex

    Style & Strengthen Set

    5

    Glamnetic

    Trendy Baby 8-Piece Reusable Press-On Nail Kit

    6

    Pat McGrath Labs

    MTHRSHP MEGA: Celestial Nirvana

    7

    MAC Cosmetics

    A Taste of MAC Lipstick Set

    8

    Slip

    Wild Leopard Hair Wrap

    9

    Farm Rio

    Pineapple Flowers Reversible Hooded Puffer Jacket

    10

    Olaplex

    Smooth & Healthy Hair Set

    11

    Street Level

    Reversible Faux Leather Tote and Wristlet

    12

    Studs

    Starry Night Set

    Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • How I’m Wearing My Polo ID Handbag This Holiday Season

    How I’m Wearing My Polo ID Handbag This Holiday Season

    [ad_1]

    ’Tis the season for a packed holiday schedule of soirées dinners and celebrations as well as the need to sort out stylish looks for every occasion. One gift that continues to shine through it all is an iconic handbag. The latest collection of the classic Polo Ralph Lauren’s Polo ID handbags, are elegant carryalls that are the north star for any festive ensemble and come in a variety of colors, textures, and sizes.

    Don’t take our word for it. Just look at these three chic friends of ELLE: influencers Amy Lefevre, Rachel Nguyen, and Amy Joseph, who take the handbag for a spin around their respective cities. Whether these women are attending a fete in NYC’s Upper East Side, strolling among Chicago’s iconic architecture or celebrating in parts of Los Angeles that even locals may not know, the Polo ID handbag is the ideal finishing touch to their seasonal looks. Read on to see how they styled it and why it’s the perfect bag for the holidays.

    Amy Lefevre

    New York City

    Amy Lefevre

    For model Amy Lefevre, the trick to the perfect holiday look is one that’s timeless and sleek. A cozy ivory sweater coupled with a satin maxi skirt has the right mix of textures that feel appropriately festive. Lefevre adds a pair of riding boots because running around New York City requires a stylish yet comfortable shoe. But her real secret to looking put together? A classic suede handbag like the Polo ID Leather-Trim Suede Shoulder Bag in every New Yorker’s favorite color, black. “I’ve always been drawn to black accessories because they go with almost every outfit,” she says. “You can never go wrong!” Lefevre felt a neutral ensemble would complement the Upper East Side with its abundance of museums and elegant brownstones. “It’s one of my favorite neighborhoods,” she says. “The area is so beautiful.”

    Rachel Nguyen

    Los Angeles

    polo id bag

    Rachel Nguyen

    During the holidays video diarist Rachel Nguyen goes all in with festive color, opting for outfits in shades of red, black, and white. Her favorite look consists of a bold crimson turtleneck and matching puffer vest coupled with sleek black stirrup leggings and ballet flats. Instead of going all in with that palette, Nguyen likes to throw in a surprise, namely a bright yellow Polo ID Satin Mini Shoulder Bag. “I love how it’s complementary and less matchy-matchy,” she says. “The right kind of yellow needs to be not not too bright or gold. This one is perfect because you can wear it to literally any event.” Nguyen likes to take hers for a spin around Los Angeles, showing off an untouched section smack dab in the middle of the city that many may not know. “It’s a curious experience, wandering around,” she says. “You can walk three miles without realizing it and find yourself under the Hollywood sign!”

    Amy Joseph

    Chicago

    polo id bag

    Amy Joseph

    Chicago’s most striking aspect may be its architecture, which is why fashion content creator Amy Joseph makes it a point to show off her favorite structure, The Wrigley Building. “I love its golden doors and detailing,” she says. “It’s one of the beautiful buildings that really make this city special.” While the gilded accents might be what draws Joseph to the space, her own aesthetic leans more minimal. “During the colder months, my wardrobe tends to transition to a more neutral aesthetic,” she explains. Her perfect holiday outfit involves a sleek black suit contrasted with tough combat boots. To give the look celebratory flair, Joseph opts for the Polo ID Satin Mini Shoulder Bag. “I’m petite so I love a smaller size that still fits my things,” she explains. “It’s the perfect accessory for all of my holiday events, whether it’s a casual daytime event or a night out.”

    Polo ID Leather-Trim Suede Shoulder Bag

    Ralph Lauren Polo ID Leather-Trim Suede Shoulder Bag

    Polo ID Satin Mini Shoulder Bag

    Ralph Lauren Polo ID Satin Mini Shoulder Bag

    Polo ID Satin Mini Shoulder Bag

    Ralph Lauren Polo ID Satin Mini Shoulder Bag

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • The Best Gifts for Fitness Enthusiasts

    The Best Gifts for Fitness Enthusiasts

    [ad_1]

    Courtesy of the brands

    We’ve all got that friend whose religion is working out. They exercise five to six days a week and are great at all the modalities (kickboxing, cycling, Pilates, yoga, rowing, jogging—what don’t they do?!). They always get kudos from instructors (usually because you can’t miss them up in the front) and have a workout wardrobe so stacked you’ve never seen them sweat in the same look twice.

    Their dedication is undoubtedly impressive, not to mention motivating when it comes to your own workouts. We love their endorphin-backed enthusiasm, especially when they inspire (read: force) you to get your butt up and at ’em for that 6 a.m. class. The best gifts for fitness enthusiasts like these are ones that demonstrate your admiration and celebrate their commitment to health and strength. Ahead, you’ll find 10 picks as killer as their motivation. Gift-giving isn’t a competitive sport, but if it were, this is one time you’d win.

    Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

    adidas

    Ultraboost DNA 5.0 Shoes

    Alo Yoga

    Ribbed Airlift Enchanted Bra Tank

    Greater Than

    Build Your Own Box

    Garmin

    Lily™ – Sport Edition

    adidas

    ALL SZN Fleece Boyfriend Hoodie

    Higher Dose

    Infrared PEMF Mat

    Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • 11 Gifts for the Busiest Person You Know

    11 Gifts for the Busiest Person You Know

    [ad_1]

    We all have that one friend who seems to be running 100 miles per hour, every hour of the day. Whether it’s crushing deadlines for work or trying to cram as many activities as possible into too-short weekends, their mantra is go, go, go. And while some people thrive while living in the fast lane, there’s no doubt that it can be draining. That’s where you come in. Gifting products that help them stay organized and on top of their game, or that offer them small moments of calm and self-care, will be much appreciated. Keep reading for our top 11 picks to give, from a mini version of an iconic dry shampoo to a chic laptop bag.

    Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

    1

    Blendjet

    BlendJet 2 Portable Blender

    2

    Batiste

    Refresh to Impress Dry Shampoo Duo

    3

    Fitbit

    Versa 4 Smartwatch

    4

    Batiste

    Strengthen Leave-In Hair Mask

    5

    David’s Tea

    21 Days to Better Sleep

    6

    Anecdotes Candles

    Self Care /

    7

    Nobull

    Bright Pink Knit Runner

    8

    Batiste

    Travel Size Dry Shampoo

    9

    Courant

    CATCH:3 Essentials

    10

    HidrateSpark

    HidrateSpark PRO

    11

    Calpak

    Haven Laptop Tote Bag

    Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • How to Watch Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 4

    How to Watch Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 4

    [ad_1]

    At this point, the world has come to understand that Rihanna never does anything the “normal” way. From accepting the CFDA’s Style Icon award in a see-through dress to how she announces big life news (remember that baby bump reveal?), it’s all cloaked in drama—and the very good kind of drama, to be totally clear.

    The Rihanna version of a fashion show flips the traditional catwalk on its head. It’s an expect-the-unexpected kind of situation, and, luckily, we’re just days away from being gifted with another installation. Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 4 will premiere on Amazon Prime this Wednesday, with Rihanna serving as both executive producer and creative director.

    Here are the key things to know ahead of this Wednesday’s show, like how to watch and the special guests to expect.

    It’s available to stream on Prime Video.

    Like last season’s vol. 3, the show will be streamed on Amazon. Anyone with a Prime membership can experience it just the way the artist-cum-icon intended it to be: as an artistic experience that transcends labels.

    Part musical performance, part runway, part cabaret—it’s really a pop-culture fantasia that seems to have crept into the star’s heart and soul and pulled out some very cool stuff.

    Kevin Mazur//Getty Images

    The talent roster is deep.

    The names being touted include Anitta, Burna Boy, and Maxwell, and special appearances from Ángela Aguilar, Avani Gregg, Bella Poarch, Bretman Rock, Cara Delevingne, Damson Idris, Joan Smalls, Kornbread, Lara Stone, Lilly Singh, Marsai Martin, Precious Lee, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Simu Liu, Taraji P. Henson, Taylour Paige, Winston Duke, and Zach Miko.

    In short, it’s jam-packed with famous faces. Watch and see who you spot in a super glam version of those look-and-find games you loved as a kid.

    rihanna savage fenty vol 4 performance

    Emma McIntyre//Getty Images

    The visuals, choreography, and overall vibe will be top notch.

    Last year’s show won an award for choreography and was also nominated in the production design category, too. It’s an impressive act to follow, but there’s no doubting that this year’s will have the same skilled experts involved in making it all a must-see moment on the fashion calendar. Notes provided ahead of time call it a “visual feast” tapping into “the hypnotic essence of nocturnal nature.”

    rihanna savage fenty show vol 4

    Kevin Mazur//Getty Images

    You can shop it right away.

    As in the past, everyone involved in the literal extravaganza will be wearing pieces from the newest collection—and everything will be available to shop immediately in the Amazon Fashion Store. That connection between the high-wattage show and your own living room is exciting—there’s something undeniably cool about getting to see Rihanna in something and buy it for yourself right away (and not have it cost a thousand bucks).

    rihanna savage fenty vol 4 amazon bella

    Matt Winkelmeyer//Getty Images

    The icon and pals are basically the best salespeople out there, too. Yeah, you can see what a garment looks like on the site’s model, but you can really see what it looks like strutting, spinning, or otherwise living its best life in the Savage X Fenty Show.

    The brand’s still committed to a wide size range.

    It’s no longer news that anything with the Fenty name means body diversity. The brand’s made sure to bring that commitment into the real world, too, producing everything in an uber-wide range of sizes.

    Bras are done in band sizes 30 to 46 and A-H cups (the largest being 46DDD/42H). The lingerie, pajamas, and loungewear in the line ranges from extra-small to XXXL.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • 5 Secrets to Healthier Hair, Straight From a Celeb Stylist

    5 Secrets to Healthier Hair, Straight From a Celeb Stylist

    [ad_1]

    Pro hairstylist Bridget Brager’s list of celebrity clients is as long as it is impressive, and if you follow her on social media, you know her wealth of knowledge is seemingly never-ending. In other words: When she’s giving out hair secrets, we’re all ears.

    One major thing we appreciate about Brager as a stylist is that her approach to hair starts with a healthy scalp. It makes sense, then, that among her many bona fides is a partnership with Rodan + Fields. The skincare brand recently launched two derm-designed haircare lines, Volume+ Regimen and Smooth+ Regimen, with products formulated to get to the root of your hair concerns.

    We chatted with Brager, who told us about her favorite ways to use the new products and let us in on the hair secrets she tells her celeb clients to help them achieve all-around healthier hair. Not only will her tips change the way you think about your hair routine, they may also give you newfound respect for your scalp.

    1. Try double-cleansing (yes, for your hair).

    “You’ve heard of this technique as part of your skincare regimen,” says Brager. “Well, the same theory can apply to your scalp.” The idea is that the first round of shampoo breaks down the top layer of dirt, oil, and build-up, and the second actually gets to the root, washing the scalp and ensuring hair is completely clean. If you don’t thoroughly remove product buildup, it can affect hair health and growth, and, she says, “can lead to additional weight in your hair, which makes everything look flat and lifeless.” The Rodan + Fields Volume+ line is designed to be gentle enough for this double-cleansing process. “It makes your hair squeaky clean without drying it out or stripping color, and helps balance your scalp’s natural biome,” says Brager. Follow with conditioner as usual.

    VOLUME+ Regimen

    2. Focus your blow dryer at your roots for volume.

    Using excess heat on the hair can be damaging, especially on the ends. This is why it can make a difference—in both dry time and the health of your hair—to stick to the roots. Brager says that the technique also provides extra lift.

    Here’s what to do: “As you dry, I recommend flipping your head upside down or simply stretching the strands [in the opposite direction] at the root to encourage lift, body, and volume,” says Brager. She adds, “This is a great way to wake up your second day blowout too.”

    3. Try a cold rinse.

    One of the best secret weapons for smooth, frizz-free hair is not a product but a quick trick. “Rinsing your hair with cold water helps seal the cuticle and lay flyaways down, and as a result it makes the hair look smooth and shiny,” says Brager. Sealing the cuticle also helps lock in moisture for more hydrated strands.

    The smooth-hair secrets don’t stop there. “Follow up your cold water rinse by using a microfiber towel, and always remember to pat your hair dry instead of rubbing it vigorously with a towel—that can cause the cuticles to expand making your hair look frizzy and dehydrated.”

    For an extra glossy finish, Brager recommends styling with the Rodan + Fields Defrizz+ Oil Treatment, which helps lock in hydration and provides heat protection.

    DEFRIZZ+ Oil Treatment

    DEFRIZZ+ Oil Treatment

    4. Maintain distance when using dry shampoo.

    One of the biggest mistakes people make when using dry shampoo? Spritzing it too close to the scalp. Not only will that leave behind a powdery appearance, it can also lead to bigger problems: “Spraying too close to your scalp can cause product buildup and [result in] a flat hairstyle,” says the stylist.

    Instead, pull back six inches when applying a product, like the Rodan + Fields Refresh+ Dry Shampoo, which features rice starch to absorb oil as well as chamomile extract to moisturize and soothe. The added distance will give you more even distribution for best results.

    REFRESH+ Dry Shampoo

    REFRESH+ Dry Shampoo

    5. Try conditioning before you shampoo.

    OK, we know we suggested following your double-cleanse with conditioner. But if you’re struggling with extra-greasy hair, swapping the order in which you use your products may be your solution. If your hair is heavy, matted, or oily, “condition first and shampoo after to take extra weight away,” says Brager, who recommends the Rodan + Fields Volume+ Conditioner which nourishes, repairs, prevents damage, and promotes fuller-looking hair. This technique—called reverse washing—is suitable for everyone, but tends to work best for oily and fine hair types.

    VOLUME+ Conditioner

    VOLUME+ Conditioner

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Honoring Its Legacy, SheaMoisture Is Building Up Black Communities, One Indie Business at a Time

    Honoring Its Legacy, SheaMoisture Is Building Up Black Communities, One Indie Business at a Time

    [ad_1]

    “Lifting as we climb” is a phrase that has been used by Black American women in life and business since the late-1800s. SheaMoisture, the iconic hair care company that is so much more than a beauty brand, puts those words into action by reinvesting in the community and supporting Black entrepreneurs and their small businesses. It’s all part of an effort to close the $11 trillion racial wealth gap in the United States.

    To date, the company (a subsidiary of Unilever) has reinvested $10 million in supporting Black communities and businesses through programs, partnerships, and donations. This initiative is funded by purchases of SheaMoisture products, so every masque and body lotion sold is an opportunity for consumers to look good and do good.

    One deserving company that has benefited from a partnership with SheaMoisture is Brown Girl Jane, which offers plant-based supplements and personal care products in chic, minimalist packaging. The brand was founded in 2020 by sisters Malaika and Nia Jones, and their friend Tai Beauchamp, who all first met while attending college at an HBCU. The trio was inspired to create the brand while they were all working corporate jobs and, CEO Malaika Jones says, “being everything to everyone.” At that point in their busy lives, she recalls, “We looked up and realized that we were giving no consideration to our own wellness.”

    Brown Girl Jane

    They decided to create the kind of wellness products they couldn’t find out in the market already—plant-based, vegan solutions aimed at a multicultural audience. In developing effective and accessible wellbeing products, Brown Girl Jane’s mission is to carve out a much-needed space for women of color in the wellness industry. “Communities of color have always lived from the earth and been able to harness the power and magic of plants,” says Malaika Jones, who spoke to us on behalf of her partners. Yet, “for far too long, women of color have not been included in the wellness conversation. [We’ve] been ignored and, frankly, misunderstood in terms of our nuanced needs and even the language that best serves us.”

    In just over two years, Brown Girl Jane has not only disrupted the wellness space, but—like SheaMoisture—has positioned itself as a positive force in the Black business community. In June 2020, the then-new brand started the #BrownGirlSwap pledge online. “We asked followers to swap five of their daily wellness and beauty products with those made by Black female vendors,” says Jones. “It was a call that turned into a movement, and it’s an example of how these little steps can really make an impact in the lives of founders and for our community.” The initiative put Brown Girl Jane on SheaMoisture’s radar, and the brands have been partners ever since.

    We are so aligned in terms of the focus on community and giving back.

    Together, the two brands have created a #BrownGirlSwap grant program that has helped raise half a million dollars for fellow Black female entrepreneurs. In addition to funding, recipients receive entrepreneurial mentorship from industry veterans, and a platform to amplify their brands.

    “I do not know of any initiative like this between an indie brand and a major conglomerate,” says Jones. “It has allowed us to learn from some of the best, and I think it has allowed them to get aligned with a company that’s closer to the ground. It’s been wonderfully, mutually beneficial.”

    According to Jones, there’s no end in sight for the partnership. “The way we work together is ongoing, deliberate, and intentional,” she says. “We are so aligned in terms of the focus on community and giving back. Being able to help others in this way and learn from the process has been one of the joys of our business, and honestly, in life.”

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Ocado signs partnership with South Korea’s Lotte Shopping

    Ocado signs partnership with South Korea’s Lotte Shopping

    [ad_1]

    Ocado Group PLC
    OCDO,
    +34.46%
    said Tuesday that it and Lotte Shopping Co. have signed a partnership to develop Lotte’s online business in South Korea with the Ocado Smart Platform.

    The online grocer and retail-technology specialist said six customer fulfillment centers will be developed nationally by 2028, the first of which is expected to go live in 2025.

    In addition, Ocado’s customer-fulfillment center solution will be rolled out across Lotte’s store estate, the company said.

    “With this new partnership, our unique, proprietary technology will now power the online businesses of twelve major retailers across 10 countries worldwide,” Ocado Chief Executive Tim Steiner said.

    Write to Ian Walker at ian.walker@wsj.com

    [ad_2]

    Source link