Known for tottering around in sky-high heels while heavily pregnant, it came as no surprise to some that Victoria Beckham developed a bad back.
The 37-year-old Spice Girl-turned-fashion designer wore gravity-defying Christian Louboutin heels to the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton when she was six months pregnant.
So when her subsequent slipped disc was announced, which reportedly prevented her from picking up new babe Harper Seven, there was predictable speculation over whether this was caused by such inappropriate footwear.
Stiletto aficionados need not fear, however. This common problem, affecting an enormous one in five people in the UK over the duration of their lives, is unlikely to have been caused by wearing heels.
Her condition, instead, could have been linked to her pregnancy, or a number of other factors.
Brian Hammond, chairman of the charity BackCare, says: ‘There's evidence to show that wearing high shoes can give you backache, but not a slipped disc.
‘Heels can aggravate some back problems, but not always, and in some cases, wearing them actually relieves pain.'
He points out the hormone relaxin is released during pregnancy, and this can make women more prone to back problems, because as well as relaxing the joints in the pelvis, it can lead to abnormal motion in other joints, causing inflammation and pain.
The discs of the spine lie between the vertebrae and have a tough, fibrous case containing a softer, gel-like substance. A slipped disc (also called a herniated or prolapsed disc) occurs when a disc is ruptured and the gel inside leaks out.
The bulging gel can put pressure on the whole spinal cord and connected nerves, thus causing pain both in the back and throughout the body. Such problems include sciatica and brachialgia, which cause pain in the legs and arms respectively.
‘People generally get slipped discs when the spine has been abused or over-used,' says Hammond, who points out that around half of 50-year-olds have slipped discs, although some may have no symptoms.
Anything from heavy lifting and twisting, to sitting for long periods without getting up can trigger the problem. Poor seating positions can also predispose people to becoming susceptible.
Hammond, who is a chiropractor and osteopath, says slipped discs can develop suddenly or over a long period.
‘A lot of people ignore their symptoms until they interfere with their life, meaning they can't go to work or play sport.
‘The quicker you deal with it, the better the outcome,' he stresses.
Sciatica is one of the common results of a slipped disc, occurring when the disc protrudes and aggravates the sciatic nerve which runs down the leg. Symptoms include pain in the leg, buttock and foot, and pins and needles.
If the protruding disc is in the neck, patients can suffer from brachialgia, where there's pain and numbness in the arms.
Another rarer possibility is cauda equina syndrome (CES), which causes numbness around the anus and occurs when the protruding disc presses on all the nerves at the bottom of the spine. This condition is a medical emergency that can lead to permanent bowel and bladder problems, and even paralysis from the waist down.
There are a number of ways to treat a slipped disc, depending on its position and severity. They include physical therapies, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and even surgery - although this is only used for around one in every 200 cases.
While bed rest used to be advised for people with slipped discs, these days it's not recommended.
‘The long-term consequences of bed rest actually leave you worse off in the end,” explains Hammond. “The best thing to do is to potter around within the realms of the pain.'
People who've had a slipped disc should do specific exercises to increase core stability, and will benefit from general exercise such as swimming and pilates.
2011年9月13日星期二
2011年9月9日星期五
HOT or NOT: Dawgs sent packing, high heel woes
Dawgs sent packing
This Saturday, UGA's football team left Atlanta with their tails between their legs after being defeated by Boise State 35-21. The defeat is even more poignant due to the fact that, despite the game being held at a “neutral” location, the game was held in the Georgia Dome, just two hours from UGA's home turf. This will hopefully be the first of two times UGA is sent packing from Atlanta.
Employee's paradise
The country might still be reeling from the recent recession, but things are picking up for Tech students looking at entering the workforce. This year's career fair is scheduled to bring over 400 companies to campus, which can only spell good things for Tech students. More attendees means more chances at employment, which bodes well for both Tech grads and Tech itself.
Short shoes
A new rule at this year's career fair has some women at Tech scurrying to get their hands on some new footwear. In order to prevent the floor from being scuffed, career fair attendees are now banned from wearing high heeled shoes while at the fair. While some students are simply annoyed by not having the perceived bearing that heels create, others are upset about having to purchase dress flats.
Illegible numbers
Tech's football team displayed a new set of home-game uniforms last Thursday, featuring gold text on a gold background. The uniforms look good individually, but on the field, the names and numbers are nearly illegible, making it difficult to identify who is doing what during the game. The Athletic Association is looking into replacing the uniforms with ones that are legible.
This Saturday, UGA's football team left Atlanta with their tails between their legs after being defeated by Boise State 35-21. The defeat is even more poignant due to the fact that, despite the game being held at a “neutral” location, the game was held in the Georgia Dome, just two hours from UGA's home turf. This will hopefully be the first of two times UGA is sent packing from Atlanta.
Employee's paradise
The country might still be reeling from the recent recession, but things are picking up for Tech students looking at entering the workforce. This year's career fair is scheduled to bring over 400 companies to campus, which can only spell good things for Tech students. More attendees means more chances at employment, which bodes well for both Tech grads and Tech itself.
Short shoes
A new rule at this year's career fair has some women at Tech scurrying to get their hands on some new footwear. In order to prevent the floor from being scuffed, career fair attendees are now banned from wearing high heeled shoes while at the fair. While some students are simply annoyed by not having the perceived bearing that heels create, others are upset about having to purchase dress flats.
Illegible numbers
Tech's football team displayed a new set of home-game uniforms last Thursday, featuring gold text on a gold background. The uniforms look good individually, but on the field, the names and numbers are nearly illegible, making it difficult to identify who is doing what during the game. The Athletic Association is looking into replacing the uniforms with ones that are legible.
2011年9月8日星期四
Kim Kardashian flashes psoriasis as she forgets to 'airbrush' back of legs
KIM Kardashian is perfect in our eyes.
But while we’re beating ourselves up about not being Kim Kardashian, the newlywed has made a move that makes us feel the tiniest bit better about our unfortunate conundrum.
After recently discovering she suffers from psoriasis, the model admitted she was distraught and thought her career was pretty much over.
But the 30-year-old took a brave step - in dangerously high Christian Louboutin heels - as she stepped out to appear on the David Letterman show with Kourtney and Khloe yesterday.
Despite having access to numerous wonder products to help disguise the skin condition, Kim flashed her red blotches like it was nobody’s business in not one but TWO flesh-baring ensembles.
On her arrival the star paired a high-waisted skirt and black lacy top with tie neck, accessorising the outfit with a peppermint Chanel handbag.
Kim left the New York venue in a thigh-skimming leopard print Kardashian Kollection dress, flashing her pins while giving photographers a cheeky wave.
Yesterday the beauty raved that Sally Hansen Airbrush Spray was her cover up savour as she posted before and after snaps on her website.
Ooops, looks like someone forgot to pay attention to the calf area.
2011年9月6日星期二
How High Is Too High—For Your Heels?
We all have our limits when it comes to the height of our heels. I'm prone to wearing more extreme shoes, I suppose, because I've been short since forever. I stopped growing when I was 13—my mom blames it on me becoming vegetarian at that age—and in order to not seem too midget-y, I took to wearing heels early on. I'm only five feet tall without shoes on, so my feet have adapted to wearing unreasonably high heels over time, even though they often make my friends cringe. My highest pair of heels maxes out at around five inches and they're perfectly comfortable, because I've learned that it's often not the heel height that makes shoes suck, but the slope of the arch that creates the most pain. Too extreme an arch and your foot will constantly be sliding forward into the toe of your shoe. That's why I love a shoe with a small platform on it—it helps soften the slope and makes the shoe infinitely more wearable. But everybody's different. I have friends who can't bear to walk in anything but flats. Others that wouldn't be caught dead without their stilettos on. So tell us: What's your take on high heels? How high is too high and what's just right for your feet?
2011年9月5日星期一
Kelly Brook goes cycling in high heels...and doesn't fall on the floor
KELLY Brook has clearly mastered how to ride a bicycle in high heel shoes, if these latest snaps are anything to go by
When we're out riding a bike, we tend to look...well a lot less glamorous than Kelly Brook does in these pictures of her during a Sky Ride cycling event in London
Kelly appeared in purple high heels, cropped trousers and a red bow blouse before popping on a bicycle and riding around, looking pretty comfortable.
The event, which was organised by TFL, Sky and British Cycling, was held to promote the fun of using a bike and involved around over 80,000 cyclists over a 7.2 mile route.
We reckon a pair of trainers might have been a more sensible choice!
When we're out riding a bike, we tend to look...well a lot less glamorous than Kelly Brook does in these pictures of her during a Sky Ride cycling event in London
Kelly appeared in purple high heels, cropped trousers and a red bow blouse before popping on a bicycle and riding around, looking pretty comfortable.
The event, which was organised by TFL, Sky and British Cycling, was held to promote the fun of using a bike and involved around over 80,000 cyclists over a 7.2 mile route.
We reckon a pair of trainers might have been a more sensible choice!
2011年9月1日星期四
Is fashion bad for your health?
From foot-binding to neck rings, women have undergone a lot in the name of fashion for centuries. The modern woman, too, has her fair share of sacrifices. Cash and comfort have been given up for the latest trend. But should we trade in our health, too?
We’re all for passion for fashion, but we believe that the stylish Filipina deserves to look and feel beautiful. We’ve compiled a list of [painful fashion finds, and what you can do for a healthy compromise between comfort and style.
Shady shades
The eyes are the windows to the soul—and for harmful ultraviolet rays. Thankfully, the need for eye protection has produced one of fashion’s favorite accessories: sunglasses.
As we experiment with different tints and frames, we have to remember that utility comes first. We ask, does higher price equal better quality? Do cheap sunglasses harm instead of protect?
When it comes to eyewear, branded is not always better. Dr. Dennis Robertson, emeritus ophthalmologist at the Mayo Clinic, says that it’s the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection that matters.
Allaboutvision.com elaborates on UV rays. UVC rays have the highest energy and potential to harm, but most of it is blocked by the ozone layer. UVB rays have less energy, but escape the ozone and cause skin cancer in high doses. They also cause unsightly eye lesions called pingueculae and pterygia—painless, benign yellow or white growths on the sclera (the opaque, white part of the eye), which can later obstruct vision. UVA rays have the lowest energy and pass unfiltered through the lens straight to the retina. They are associated with cataracts (clouding of the lens) and macular degeneration (damaged central vision).
High-energy visible (HEV) radiation also causes significant damage. They penetrate deeply into the eye, damaging the retina directly.
For shades that shield, choose those that block 90-100 percent of UV rays. If UV-protection details are not available, bring your sunnies to your optician for proper assessment. HEV protection is easier to assess—amber, bronze, or copper tints provide good coverage. Opt for large lenses or wraparound styles to protect the delicate skin around the eyes. Wide-brimmed hats supplement eye protection by up to 50 percent.
Love your lobes
Heavy ear baubles are a mainstay in fashion, from long, dangling chains to large, sexy loops.
Excessive use, though, can make your earlobe tissue expand and your piercing enlarge to freaky disproportions. Worse, the weight of earrings can actually tear the lobe. Before your ears sag to your shoulders, it’s best to save those savvy earrings for special occasions. Choose lightweight jewelry for daily use instead. Also remember to remove earrings before bed to give your lobes a rest.
Not all that glitters
Jewelry is a girl’s best friend—that is, until it starts causing irritation and unsightly rashes.
Nickel allergy is a trinket-lover’s nightmare. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), it is fairly common, and occurs upon contact with nickel, a naturally occurring silver-white metal. Its ubiquity makes it hard to avoid; clasps, buttons, watchbands, clips, pins, and most jewelry contain some.
The exposed area develops eczema, an itchy or burning inflammatory reaction. Small blisters called vesicles appear, followed by swelling and redness, then crusting. Chronic cases evolve into an ugly leather-like thickening of the skin called lichenification.
The bad news is, it can strike anyone at anytime and stay with the victim for life. The only cure is complete avoidance of nickel. Does this mean—gasp!—life without jewelry?
Not at all. One just has to be choosier—the AOCD recommends hypoallergenic, stainless steel, polycarbonate plastic, pure sterling silver, or gold of at least 12 carats. Protective plastic for earring studs can be used in unavoidable circumstances; otherwise, a coat of clear polish or platinum plating will do.
Itching for fashion
Another unwanted fashion glitch is the itch. Some fabrics send unlucky individuals on embarrassing scratching sprees when sweat and sebum (natural body oils) release free formaldehyde, producing irritation.
Formaldehyde? Isn’t that for laboratory specimens? According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society, the chemical is more ubiquitous than we think. Many fabrics contain it in some quantity. Anti-cling, anti-static, wrinkle-free, and pre-shrunk clothes are treated with it, and so are chlorine-resistant and waterproof finishes as well as suede and chamois.
Cotton, polyester, nylon, and acrylic are best bets for the sensitive individual, as they contain almost no formaldehyde. As a precaution, soak all new clothing in hot, soapy water before use to get rid of excess formalin.
Too tight for comfort
Very tight clothes do not only cause lumps and bumps in all the wrong places, they also affect key body systems, as Dr. Kristie Leong of healthmad.com explains. It’s like subjecting your body to a vise-like grip; blockage is bound to ensue.
Nerve impingement from way too skinny jeans causes uncomfortable tingling, numbness, or even pain across the thighs, lower legs, and back. Constricting blood vessels disrupts the delivery of oxygen, causing lightheadedness, blurred vision, fainting, and constipation. Corsets and tight bras limit lung expansion, causing shortness of breath and decreased blood oxygen.
As for the skin, aside from chafing, moist areas with minimal breathing room are yeast’s favorite playgrounds. Particularly common in the pubic area, yeast infections cause vaginal irritation and pain.
Heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), has also been reported. Pants a size or two too small tend to squeeze the stomach, forcing acid back up the throat in a painful reflux.
The cure? Be real. Know your body. Wear the right size of clothing and prioritize comfort. Change undergarments regularly and try them on for size every time you buy; fluctuations are normal. Choose high riding jeans. Better yet, take advantage of the Philippines’ eternal summers and sizzle in flowing skirts and airy dresses.
Resale retail
Style need not be expensive. Many one-of-a-kind outfits are from lowly secondhand ukay-ukay stores. But does it cost us more in the long run?
Secondhand goods do carry a few health risks, according to South Australian Health. Infestations from mites, lice, and fungi are some problems inherited with ukay finds. These critters can survive away from a human host for two to four days; tinea or ringworms remain contagious longer.
Experts say the risk is minimal, and it’s okay to ukay as long as you take precautions. Examine items carefully for general cleanliness. Wash each item thoroughly in hot water (at least 60ºC) and detergent before use.
Heel hell
There’s nothing sexier than a pair of sky-high stilettos. The benefits are many—that bum lift, added height, leg lengthening, and calf muscle shaping—but so are the health risks.
High-heeled shoes force body weight onto the toes, severely altering normal pressure distribution on the feet. It’s easy to see how foot deformities and pain top the list of hellish heel problems. Tight, new shoes present the same problems, owing to constrictive forces over unyielding bones and joints.
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) identifies several deformities from poor footwear. A hammertoe is a contracture or abnormal bending, usually of the lesser toe (second to fifth) joints. Unaddressed, it can become a permanent deformity. A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe, which forces it to bend over the other toes and painfully bear more weight than usual. It is often inherited, but always aggravated by wrong footwear. Blisters, corns, and calluses are caused by chronic friction.
Additionally, being constantly on your toes can shorten the Achilles tendon, which runs from the heel to the posterior leg. This causes irritation and pain when stretched, so that it becomes difficult to walk barefoot.
Pain over the calf and arch of the foot are also obvious signals that it’s time to step down from those platforms. But while we cannot completely give up on shoes, we can take some advice from APMA to minimize the damage.
When shopping for footwear, have feet measured while standing and buy for the larger foot. Tip: do your shopping in the afternoon to accommodate the natural swelling that comes with walking. Check dimensions. Make sure that the width of the shoe matches the widest part of your foot. The toe box should be roomy enough for all toes to spread evenly, but snug enough so the foot doesn’t slide forward too much. Lower or thicker heels are gentler on the foot; so are gradual slopes.
Use silicone cushions, blister pads, and other mechanical buffers as needed. Open-toed and sling back designs minimize blister and callus formation. Avoid “breaking in” shoes—if they aren’t comfortable in the store, don’t buy them.
Remember, the worst fashion faux pas is a fake smile. Clothes are second skin, and being comfortable in them is more fashion forward than the most stylish discomfort.
LOOK Magazine is available in leading newsstands and bookstores nationwide.
We’re all for passion for fashion, but we believe that the stylish Filipina deserves to look and feel beautiful. We’ve compiled a list of [painful fashion finds, and what you can do for a healthy compromise between comfort and style.
Shady shades
The eyes are the windows to the soul—and for harmful ultraviolet rays. Thankfully, the need for eye protection has produced one of fashion’s favorite accessories: sunglasses.
As we experiment with different tints and frames, we have to remember that utility comes first. We ask, does higher price equal better quality? Do cheap sunglasses harm instead of protect?
When it comes to eyewear, branded is not always better. Dr. Dennis Robertson, emeritus ophthalmologist at the Mayo Clinic, says that it’s the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection that matters.
Allaboutvision.com elaborates on UV rays. UVC rays have the highest energy and potential to harm, but most of it is blocked by the ozone layer. UVB rays have less energy, but escape the ozone and cause skin cancer in high doses. They also cause unsightly eye lesions called pingueculae and pterygia—painless, benign yellow or white growths on the sclera (the opaque, white part of the eye), which can later obstruct vision. UVA rays have the lowest energy and pass unfiltered through the lens straight to the retina. They are associated with cataracts (clouding of the lens) and macular degeneration (damaged central vision).
High-energy visible (HEV) radiation also causes significant damage. They penetrate deeply into the eye, damaging the retina directly.
For shades that shield, choose those that block 90-100 percent of UV rays. If UV-protection details are not available, bring your sunnies to your optician for proper assessment. HEV protection is easier to assess—amber, bronze, or copper tints provide good coverage. Opt for large lenses or wraparound styles to protect the delicate skin around the eyes. Wide-brimmed hats supplement eye protection by up to 50 percent.
Love your lobes
Heavy ear baubles are a mainstay in fashion, from long, dangling chains to large, sexy loops.
Excessive use, though, can make your earlobe tissue expand and your piercing enlarge to freaky disproportions. Worse, the weight of earrings can actually tear the lobe. Before your ears sag to your shoulders, it’s best to save those savvy earrings for special occasions. Choose lightweight jewelry for daily use instead. Also remember to remove earrings before bed to give your lobes a rest.
Not all that glitters
Jewelry is a girl’s best friend—that is, until it starts causing irritation and unsightly rashes.
Nickel allergy is a trinket-lover’s nightmare. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), it is fairly common, and occurs upon contact with nickel, a naturally occurring silver-white metal. Its ubiquity makes it hard to avoid; clasps, buttons, watchbands, clips, pins, and most jewelry contain some.
The exposed area develops eczema, an itchy or burning inflammatory reaction. Small blisters called vesicles appear, followed by swelling and redness, then crusting. Chronic cases evolve into an ugly leather-like thickening of the skin called lichenification.
The bad news is, it can strike anyone at anytime and stay with the victim for life. The only cure is complete avoidance of nickel. Does this mean—gasp!—life without jewelry?
Not at all. One just has to be choosier—the AOCD recommends hypoallergenic, stainless steel, polycarbonate plastic, pure sterling silver, or gold of at least 12 carats. Protective plastic for earring studs can be used in unavoidable circumstances; otherwise, a coat of clear polish or platinum plating will do.
Itching for fashion
Another unwanted fashion glitch is the itch. Some fabrics send unlucky individuals on embarrassing scratching sprees when sweat and sebum (natural body oils) release free formaldehyde, producing irritation.
Formaldehyde? Isn’t that for laboratory specimens? According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society, the chemical is more ubiquitous than we think. Many fabrics contain it in some quantity. Anti-cling, anti-static, wrinkle-free, and pre-shrunk clothes are treated with it, and so are chlorine-resistant and waterproof finishes as well as suede and chamois.
Cotton, polyester, nylon, and acrylic are best bets for the sensitive individual, as they contain almost no formaldehyde. As a precaution, soak all new clothing in hot, soapy water before use to get rid of excess formalin.
Too tight for comfort
Very tight clothes do not only cause lumps and bumps in all the wrong places, they also affect key body systems, as Dr. Kristie Leong of healthmad.com explains. It’s like subjecting your body to a vise-like grip; blockage is bound to ensue.
Nerve impingement from way too skinny jeans causes uncomfortable tingling, numbness, or even pain across the thighs, lower legs, and back. Constricting blood vessels disrupts the delivery of oxygen, causing lightheadedness, blurred vision, fainting, and constipation. Corsets and tight bras limit lung expansion, causing shortness of breath and decreased blood oxygen.
As for the skin, aside from chafing, moist areas with minimal breathing room are yeast’s favorite playgrounds. Particularly common in the pubic area, yeast infections cause vaginal irritation and pain.
Heartburn, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), has also been reported. Pants a size or two too small tend to squeeze the stomach, forcing acid back up the throat in a painful reflux.
The cure? Be real. Know your body. Wear the right size of clothing and prioritize comfort. Change undergarments regularly and try them on for size every time you buy; fluctuations are normal. Choose high riding jeans. Better yet, take advantage of the Philippines’ eternal summers and sizzle in flowing skirts and airy dresses.
Resale retail
Style need not be expensive. Many one-of-a-kind outfits are from lowly secondhand ukay-ukay stores. But does it cost us more in the long run?
Secondhand goods do carry a few health risks, according to South Australian Health. Infestations from mites, lice, and fungi are some problems inherited with ukay finds. These critters can survive away from a human host for two to four days; tinea or ringworms remain contagious longer.
Experts say the risk is minimal, and it’s okay to ukay as long as you take precautions. Examine items carefully for general cleanliness. Wash each item thoroughly in hot water (at least 60ºC) and detergent before use.
Heel hell
There’s nothing sexier than a pair of sky-high stilettos. The benefits are many—that bum lift, added height, leg lengthening, and calf muscle shaping—but so are the health risks.
High-heeled shoes force body weight onto the toes, severely altering normal pressure distribution on the feet. It’s easy to see how foot deformities and pain top the list of hellish heel problems. Tight, new shoes present the same problems, owing to constrictive forces over unyielding bones and joints.
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) identifies several deformities from poor footwear. A hammertoe is a contracture or abnormal bending, usually of the lesser toe (second to fifth) joints. Unaddressed, it can become a permanent deformity. A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe, which forces it to bend over the other toes and painfully bear more weight than usual. It is often inherited, but always aggravated by wrong footwear. Blisters, corns, and calluses are caused by chronic friction.
Additionally, being constantly on your toes can shorten the Achilles tendon, which runs from the heel to the posterior leg. This causes irritation and pain when stretched, so that it becomes difficult to walk barefoot.
Pain over the calf and arch of the foot are also obvious signals that it’s time to step down from those platforms. But while we cannot completely give up on shoes, we can take some advice from APMA to minimize the damage.
When shopping for footwear, have feet measured while standing and buy for the larger foot. Tip: do your shopping in the afternoon to accommodate the natural swelling that comes with walking. Check dimensions. Make sure that the width of the shoe matches the widest part of your foot. The toe box should be roomy enough for all toes to spread evenly, but snug enough so the foot doesn’t slide forward too much. Lower or thicker heels are gentler on the foot; so are gradual slopes.
Use silicone cushions, blister pads, and other mechanical buffers as needed. Open-toed and sling back designs minimize blister and callus formation. Avoid “breaking in” shoes—if they aren’t comfortable in the store, don’t buy them.
Remember, the worst fashion faux pas is a fake smile. Clothes are second skin, and being comfortable in them is more fashion forward than the most stylish discomfort.
LOOK Magazine is available in leading newsstands and bookstores nationwide.
Fashion: Great with child
“I’ve never stepped foot in a maternity shop,” declares the almost-due Ashleigh Dempster. “It’s not happening. I’ve made it this far.”
Her best friend and business partner, Amanda Blakley, lagging slightly behind at 8-1/2 months pregnant (they’re due within two weeks of each other and insist it’s all a huge cosmic coincidence), admits to once wandering into a Pea in a Pod store in Miami. “I had to walk out because it was unbearable. Everything was drapery and unflattering. I would never wear that if I wasn’t pregnant, so why would I wear that now?”
“We didn’t change or alter our style just because we are pregnant,” she adds. “We didn’t all of a sudden change our style to hippie Earth mother.”
The fearlessly fashionable twosome are the founders of The Society, a culture club that hosts events that bring together the arts — from fashion to architecture to literature for their young urbane members. (Example: Just after Labour Day, The Society is having a Vintage Lawn Party, an excuse to dress up, drink gin and play croquet, badminton and bocce ball on a University of Toronto lawn.) The two have spent a fair bit of time during their pregnancies hopscotching among their outposts in Miami and New York.
When your business involves bringing together cool people and hip brands for ultra-stylish parties and events, finding fashionable maternity wear is an ordeal. It would be easier finding a dress for a pig.
Which is why the two glowing first-time mothers-to-be have thrown out the rule book regarding what to expect when you’re expecting.
“One of the best pieces of advice I got was to buy things from Zara, H&M and Forever 21 — cheap little cotton stretchy things — because when your pregnancy is finished, you’ll never want to look at those things or wear them again,” says Blakley.
Even now, so close to the end, the two can still be found in high heels, miniskirts and skinny jeans that show off their impossibly still-slim legs. Their swollen tummies, meanwhile, are wrapped with form-fitting dresses or tops (giving new meaning to the term confinement!) that blatantly bare their baby bumps.
“You only have the bump for about five months of the pregnancy so why not embrace it?” observes Blakley.
It was not so long ago that pregnant women did their best to hide their growing bellies with tent-like dresses with infantile Peter Pan collars and polka dots. We can thank Demi Moore for busting that immaculate-conception image of pregnancy when she posed nude, her belly bulging, on that iconic cover of Vanity Fair in 1991. Other celebrities — notably Cindy Crawford and Britney Spears — have since followed suit, proudly photographed showing off their bump. This past weekend, Beyonce chose the very edgy VMAs to announce she is expecting, posing on the red carpet, hugging her early bump.
The sight of an exposed protuberant belly is still a discomfiting sight for some, though. The opening-night party for the J. Crew store in Yorkdale Shopping Centre was attended by Blakley and Dempster in their standard pregnancy attire, prompting one guest to take to Twitter to sound off about whether Dempster’s miniskirt and white shirt, which exposed her lower belly, was appropriate for an evening party in a mall store.
She is unfazed: “I wear a lot of what people think is a major no-no. Since I started showing five months on, I’ve been wearing cropped tops — it’s comfortable and cute because you’re pregnant and you have a little belly.”
Plus, they chime in together, “It works for us!”
Another style signature they refused to give up during pregnancy were their fantastic shoes.
“I’ll be wearing heels on the delivery bed because they are saving us through this entire pregnancy!” says Dempster. “Whatever you’re wearing, if you put on a great pair of heels for two hours — they are not comfortable for much longer! — they make everything look better, and you feel better.”
Blakley agrees. “Heels give you confidence.”
And they have that in spades. Heels high, tops cropped, bellies out, the two are striding toward motherhood, poised and self-assured.
BABIES, BODIES AND BEAUTY
Looking great during pregnancy doesn’t just apply to clothing. What you put on your skin is also part of looking and feeling your best. Ashleigh Dempster and Amanda Blakley, founders of The Society, share their beauty and fitness tips.
Ashleigh Dempster
Face: Since becoming pregnant, I have switched to the Tata Harper line for face wash, face cream, replenishing oil and eye cream. At Gee Beauty; Tataharperskincare.com
Body: Alaffia Shea Butter Baby Balm from Whole Foods to help avoid stretch marks. I slather it on day and night.
Nails: I found a great non-toxic polish line, Karma Organics. At 889 Yonge Street.
Sunscreen: I have yet to find an all-natural sunscreen but did switch to Skinceuticals SPF 50 when I became pregnant, as your skin becomes more sensitive to sun. At Gee Beauty
Naturopathic Medicine: In addition to my workouts, I have regular visits to the Dempster Clinic — my brother is naturopathic doctor John Dempster. He also got me on the juicing train, which I have been doing through my pregnancy to make sure I get those extra veggies in my diet.
Her best friend and business partner, Amanda Blakley, lagging slightly behind at 8-1/2 months pregnant (they’re due within two weeks of each other and insist it’s all a huge cosmic coincidence), admits to once wandering into a Pea in a Pod store in Miami. “I had to walk out because it was unbearable. Everything was drapery and unflattering. I would never wear that if I wasn’t pregnant, so why would I wear that now?”
“We didn’t change or alter our style just because we are pregnant,” she adds. “We didn’t all of a sudden change our style to hippie Earth mother.”
The fearlessly fashionable twosome are the founders of The Society, a culture club that hosts events that bring together the arts — from fashion to architecture to literature for their young urbane members. (Example: Just after Labour Day, The Society is having a Vintage Lawn Party, an excuse to dress up, drink gin and play croquet, badminton and bocce ball on a University of Toronto lawn.) The two have spent a fair bit of time during their pregnancies hopscotching among their outposts in Miami and New York.
When your business involves bringing together cool people and hip brands for ultra-stylish parties and events, finding fashionable maternity wear is an ordeal. It would be easier finding a dress for a pig.
Which is why the two glowing first-time mothers-to-be have thrown out the rule book regarding what to expect when you’re expecting.
“One of the best pieces of advice I got was to buy things from Zara, H&M and Forever 21 — cheap little cotton stretchy things — because when your pregnancy is finished, you’ll never want to look at those things or wear them again,” says Blakley.
Even now, so close to the end, the two can still be found in high heels, miniskirts and skinny jeans that show off their impossibly still-slim legs. Their swollen tummies, meanwhile, are wrapped with form-fitting dresses or tops (giving new meaning to the term confinement!) that blatantly bare their baby bumps.
“You only have the bump for about five months of the pregnancy so why not embrace it?” observes Blakley.
It was not so long ago that pregnant women did their best to hide their growing bellies with tent-like dresses with infantile Peter Pan collars and polka dots. We can thank Demi Moore for busting that immaculate-conception image of pregnancy when she posed nude, her belly bulging, on that iconic cover of Vanity Fair in 1991. Other celebrities — notably Cindy Crawford and Britney Spears — have since followed suit, proudly photographed showing off their bump. This past weekend, Beyonce chose the very edgy VMAs to announce she is expecting, posing on the red carpet, hugging her early bump.
The sight of an exposed protuberant belly is still a discomfiting sight for some, though. The opening-night party for the J. Crew store in Yorkdale Shopping Centre was attended by Blakley and Dempster in their standard pregnancy attire, prompting one guest to take to Twitter to sound off about whether Dempster’s miniskirt and white shirt, which exposed her lower belly, was appropriate for an evening party in a mall store.
She is unfazed: “I wear a lot of what people think is a major no-no. Since I started showing five months on, I’ve been wearing cropped tops — it’s comfortable and cute because you’re pregnant and you have a little belly.”
Plus, they chime in together, “It works for us!”
Another style signature they refused to give up during pregnancy were their fantastic shoes.
“I’ll be wearing heels on the delivery bed because they are saving us through this entire pregnancy!” says Dempster. “Whatever you’re wearing, if you put on a great pair of heels for two hours — they are not comfortable for much longer! — they make everything look better, and you feel better.”
Blakley agrees. “Heels give you confidence.”
And they have that in spades. Heels high, tops cropped, bellies out, the two are striding toward motherhood, poised and self-assured.
BABIES, BODIES AND BEAUTY
Looking great during pregnancy doesn’t just apply to clothing. What you put on your skin is also part of looking and feeling your best. Ashleigh Dempster and Amanda Blakley, founders of The Society, share their beauty and fitness tips.
Ashleigh Dempster
Face: Since becoming pregnant, I have switched to the Tata Harper line for face wash, face cream, replenishing oil and eye cream. At Gee Beauty; Tataharperskincare.com
Body: Alaffia Shea Butter Baby Balm from Whole Foods to help avoid stretch marks. I slather it on day and night.
Nails: I found a great non-toxic polish line, Karma Organics. At 889 Yonge Street.
Sunscreen: I have yet to find an all-natural sunscreen but did switch to Skinceuticals SPF 50 when I became pregnant, as your skin becomes more sensitive to sun. At Gee Beauty
Naturopathic Medicine: In addition to my workouts, I have regular visits to the Dempster Clinic — my brother is naturopathic doctor John Dempster. He also got me on the juicing train, which I have been doing through my pregnancy to make sure I get those extra veggies in my diet.
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