I have always been an active person – I love tennis, yoga, walking and biking. But then the age-related injuries and aches and pains made themselves manifest in my body. Tennis was over and, suddenly, I found myself crying in yoga class. “Hey!” I said to myself. “Yoga’s not supposed to make you cry!”

You Have to Accept Your Body

This required me to figure out a new strategy for fitness given my new difficulty in walking (a tightened adductor muscle) and searing nerve pain down my arm (years of tennis).

Then, on top of all this, I had the misfortune of contracting chikungunya from a mosquito bite. It happened back when I lived in the tropics – Merida, Mexico to be exact. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne, dengue-related disease that affects the joints and muscles. As in: it causes tremendous joint pain and muscle pain.

I could barely stand up and, when I did, I hobbled. I couldn’t open a jar of mayonnaise or screw off the top of the ketchup bottle.

There is no medication for Chik V, as it’s called. Ibuprofen is prohibited. You have to just tough it out. So I was bedridden – or couch ridden – for three months. I entered in a period of great acceptance and meditation.

I Had to Do Something!

Five months later, I asked myself how was I going to begin exercising again. I couldn’t even face yoga. I needed to do something to prepare my body so that I could practice yoga again.

How I Discovered the Amazing Benefits of Pilates

Pilates (pii-lah-tees) was developed by Joseph Pilates in 1934 as a rehabilitation method for wounded soldiers. That right there tells you it is gentle and sensitive to the myriads of different “issues” a body might have. It’s about adapting the movements for each person’s body.

There are two forms of Pilates. Floor Pilates, which are movements done on a floor mat, and there is apparatus Pilates, consisting of a variety of different machines. I use the apparatus method, specifically, the Pilates Reformer and the Gyrotonic.

My first day of exercise in 6 months was on the Gyrotonic (recommended for me to start with) and I was petrified. I lay down on the Gyrotonic platform and the instructor placed the straps on my feet. I was told to gently move my feet as if I were swimming, a flutter kick.

It felt marvelous! Because I was attached to pullies and springs, my feet were supported, and the movement felt like a relief. It was one big gift to my body.

When my first Pilates session ended, I knew I would get my body back. Suddenly, I felt like exercising again. I love feeling good and Pilates made me feel good.

I wasn’t sweating. I was invigorated. I felt refreshed, positive and thrilled.

Pilates is super gentle. It promotes alignment, breathing, core strength, coordination and balance. There is no stress on the joints and no pressure on the muscles. It focuses on concentration, control, centering, flow, precision and breathing. This is not a competition sport. YOU are the star in Pilates, no matter what your fitness level.

Now, I’m moving again. I started Pilates twice a week and I now go three times a week. I’ve started walking in the stadiums a few evenings a week and I’ll begin my yoga practice in the near future. I’m buying a new bicycle too!

Invest in Your Body

Pilates is not inexpensive. The prices will vary, depending on where you live. No matter what, you want to go to a center with the equipment and certified instructors for either group or private classes.

In my Pilates center, for example, there is a room with 12 Reformer machines and one instructor. You get on your machine and follow the instructions of the coach, who modifies exercises for each student depending on her ability.

I believe you must invest in your body if you want to have an active life in your later years. Even if you can only do Pilates for short period, try it! It can get your body into shape for pursuing other sports or activities. It is money well spent. Stand tall and breathe. Love your body. It’s the only one you’ve got.

Have you experienced the benefits of Pilates? What did you think of it? Do you have any other recommendations of routines or sports or methods that can help us own our bodies again? Please join the conversation.

While the world was watching Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck reunite in Miami and then back home in Los Angeles, I was busy drooling over Lopez’s latest makeup look. Maybe she’s feeling herself in her (old) new relationship, as one does, or maybe it’s for work. But JLo’s smoky eye is the perfect throwback ’90s beauty look I’m about to copy STAT.

Lopez posted a slideshow to Instagram showing cute snaps of her hanging with her kids. In the first photo, Lopez is pursing her lips for the camera while her son plays video games in the background. (What mom can’t relate to that?!) There’s obviously a filter on the photo so it’s hard to get a good look at the exact colors but it seems to be a brown and taupe smoky eye with black liner, lashes and her classic light pink lip.

It’s giving off total Jenny from the Block vibes.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Source: Instagram

The classic eye look works for any occasion, though it seems a little glam for just hanging at home. Though, this is Jennifer Lopez we’re talking about here. You can get a similar look with the Milani Soft & Sultry Eyeshadow Palette ($29.99 at Amazon) and Maybelline Eyeshadow Palette, The Nudes ($8.99 at Amazon). Plus, you’re going to need some eyeliner like Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Eye Liner Pencil ($3.81 at Amazon) and mascara like Maybelline Sky High Washable Mascara ($8.98 at Amazon).

Now you’re on your way to slaying a cool-toned smoky eye like JLo. Just maybe don’t get back together with your ex, too.

Kristin Cavallari’s Beige Striped Cropped Pants on Instagram

Kristin Cavallari Instagram Fashion 2021

While Kristin Cavallari’s (*insert expletive adjective here*) ex is rumoured to be coming for half of her Uncommon James business in their divorce, we’re coming for her beige striped cropped pants on Instagram. And if you want to as well, you should definitely scroll on down below now in order to claim one-hundred-percent ownership of them asap.  

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her L’Agence Pants

Click Here For Additional Stock

Click Here to Shop the Uncommon James Summer 2021 Collection

Photos: @KristinCavallari

Originally posted at: Kristin Cavallari’s Beige Striped Cropped Pants

Dressing up in your 60s isn’t always easy, and there may be some things that are holding you back. Be it comfort, style, the season, your shoes, or your accessories, these factors can greatly affect how you style yourself every day.

Body issues are another typical problem that a woman in her 60s or beyond might find herself dealing with. Of course, it’s good to embrace the changes as we age, but it wouldn’t be unheard of if you want to subtly address certain areas affected by aging.

With a few well-chosen pieces and a little bit of creativity, you can dress fabulously and feel great at the same time. Especially if you’re searching for classic and elegant looks that you can wear no matter the occasion, look no further. Here are some fashion staples that you can consider investing in on your next shopping trip.

Straight-Cut Printed Dress

A straight-cut and colorful printed dress is nice to have in your closet. Choose a soft and comfortable material, so you can wear the dress in hot and cold weather.

Make sure that it’s not too tight and not too loose, especially in your tummy area. The pop of color serves as the highlight, but it’s a let-down if the dress is not well-constructed and the tummy area becomes the focus instead.

Leopard Print Swing Dress

The leopard print never goes out of style. It’s a classic like the little black dress and should also be a staple in your closet. It goes well with all skin tones and can be a casual or formal piece depending on how you style it.

What could be better than a leopard print dress? It’s the leopard print swing dress! This 1950s classic is the perfect cut and shape to accentuate your shoulders and figure but hide certain areas such as the waist.

Bonus tip: Wear this dress with a belt to highlight your figure and keep the entire ensemble together.

Another style that looks good on most figures is the wrap dress.

Choose an animal print wrap dress that you can wear casual during the day and dress up in the evening.

Little Black Midi Dress

You can never go wrong with a little black dress. It can be worn on any occasion, whether formal or informal, depending on how you style it. But if you want to hide areas such as the knees, choose a midi dress.

See if you’re comfortable about the length and choose the right kind of shoes for an even more flattering look. Pointed shoes can help streamline your lower body. But rules can be broken, and you can wear shoes you’re comfortable with as long as they help elongate your silhouette.

It’s worth investing in a good quality little black dress with a timeless shape. You will have it for many years to come.

Classic Blazer

A well-constructed blazer is another nice piece of investment because it is versatile and can upgrade your everyday look. It can transform a playful dress into a more formal one. With the right fit, it can accentuate your figure and even hide areas that you’re not comfortable showing.

Go for classic prints or neutral and basic colors, so you can use your blazer over any colorful printed dress.

What’s your take on everyday classic and elegant looks? What clothes can you wear almost every day that make you feel good and confident? Share your thoughts below!

Tracy Tutor’s Black Safety Pin Blazer Dress on Instagram

Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles Instagram Fashion 2021

In her caption for this Insta pic Tracy Tutor offered up a pro tip: always match the house you’re showing. And in our copy for this blog post we’re also offering up a pro tip: always look as hot as Tracy, and getting inspired by this black safety pin blazer dress is definitely a great place to start.‎ ‍

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to See Her Versace Blazer

Click Here to Shop Her Saint Laurent Boots

Photos: @TracyTutor

Originally posted at: Tracy Tutor’s Black Safety Pin Blazer Dress