List of All Articles with Tag 'lifestyle'

Disney attorneys want to question a previous administrator of the Walt Disney World governing district as part of its defense against a lawsuit brought by a board made up of appointees of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

The National Toy Hall of Fame is celebrating its 25th anniversary with more public participation in the induction process

A volleyball shoe startup is bringing attention to colleges' multi-million-dollar contracts with athletic apparel companies and terms that prevent athletes from wearing other brands

Britney Spears is and will always be “Mrs Extra! Extra!” The 41-year-old pop star first scored her status as a lauded artist with hits like “Toxic” and “I’m a Slave 4 U” - each song inciting self-confidence and a cult-like following reciting her lyrics as mantras. While her vocals left a heart-shaped imprint in the minds of many, the same can be said for Spears’ one-of-a-kind, provocative style. From glitzy jewels and furry overcoats to cropped graphic tees and ultra low-rise denim, the teen pop heroine has never missed a beat when it comes to her fashion. There isn’t much Spears can’t pull off – and not a lot she’s been afraid to try either. Between newsboy caps, fedoras, and even small animals, if her base garments didn’t scream Y2K in the late 90’s or early 2000’s, than her accessories sure did. It didn’t even matter whether she had her famed NSYNC ex-boyfriend by her side, the “Gimme More” artist still wowed every red carpet, front row, and sidewalk. Spears, the queen of the 2000’s, knows how to experiment with style like no other. With Halloween right around the corner and the Grammy winner’s memoir, The Woman in Me, being released on 24 October, let’s take a look at the artist’s best of the best fashion, from her renowned music video get-ups to her night out attire. Pink tube top and knee pads It would be wrong not to start with one of Spears’ on-stage looks that won her the “Princess of Pop” title. Among the number of outfits to choose from is a statement look that’s burned deep in the memory of many: her 1999 pink latex tube top and matching knee pads, worn while performing at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, California. With her blond tresses pulled back in two tight pigtails, her baggy white pants with their massive hot pink patches, and platform white sneakers, Spears spun “skater” style and made it girl-coded. Denim, denim, and more denim Depending on who you ask, some will say the “Canadian Tuxedo” movement in fashion was led by Spears. You could always count on the powerhouse singer to splice denim or layer it, transforming the fabric’s inherent casualness into glamour. For the 28th annual American Music Awards in 2001, Spears donned a strapless gown made entirely of jean material. Not only did she pair it with a dazzling drop-down choker, but she matched with her former partner, Justin Timberlake, on the red carpet - who wore the most literal form of a Canadian tuxedo. Thus, the two crafted one of, if not the top sought-after photograph used to piece together the perfect couple’s costume for Halloween. Spears’ love for a good denim ensemble didn’t stop there. In 2001, just a couple months after she and Timberlake were applauded for their teamed-textile moment, the “Baby One More Time” creator wore a patchwork jean two-piece to the Teen Choice Awards. She paired a low-cut scoop bralette with a high-waisted layered band jean skirt, adorned with a white button-up that was unbuttoned and tucked in halfway. Elegant white gown and shawl Any talented artist can change their vocal range from a delicate ballad to a rock anthem, but not all can switch their personal style just as easily. Spears always could. If she wanted to bare her midriff and wear knee-high boots, she did. If she wanted to present a proper persona in a long, lush gown, she did. For the 42nd annual Grammy Awards, fans saw a side of Spears that remained hidden up until then. In a mod white halter-neck dress, a dainty crystal necklace, and a fur-shawl, Spears switched from being a grungy girl to an angelic goddess. Orange and pink bohemian get-up The jazzy dresser was back for the 2000 Billboard Music Awards, where Spears once again proved capable to make any style her own. In a long sleeve, low-cut flimsy orange and pink tie-dye dress, with a matching print velvet bra and mini shorts over sheer pink tights, the fashionista flashed boho-chic for the cameras. Spears paired the outfit with a multi-layered colourful choker, a feathered fedora, and pointed-toe red boots. Fur coat and wide-leg denim To watch a star with your name get inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a coveted occasion that many celebrities and entertainers never forget. When Spears received hers, the pop sensation was only 21 years old. In classic Spears fashion, she honoured the moment by dressing like her most authentic self. Spears wore wide-leg denim cargo pants, a pink fur coat, and a ruched embroidered top with strappy silver sandals. Juicy Couture Tracksuit Spears’ street style was no less emblematic of her creativity than her red carpet looks. Aside from her passion for oversised sweaters and lace-up boots, she struck many with her famed velour tracksuit. Plus, a queen of the 2000’s couldn’t be named queen if she didn’t wear at least one Juicy Couture ensemble. In this case, Spears paired a baby blue tracksuit with a bowling ball bag, white trainers, and tinted wraparound sunglasses. Music video Britney and 2001 MTV VMAs Lasly, Spears’ outfits for her “Baby One More Time” and “I’m a Slave 4 U” music videos were revolutionary. With her braided pig-tailed hair, pom-pom accessories, gray sweater, white blouse, mini pleated skirt, knee-high socks, and peak-a-boo red bra, Spears reimagined the “sexy schoolgirl” worn by many on Halloween today. But Spears confirmed she was more than just a schoolgirl when she performed “I’m a Slave 4 U” at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, when she wore a green wrap bra top, mini bedazzled booty shorts, pasted colourful gems all over her body. Not to mention, she donned a thick snake around her shoulders as if it were a scarf. Read More A timeline of Britney Spears and Sam Asghari’s relationship, from dating to divorce Britney Spears will not read her own audiobook after ‘heart-wrenching’ time ‘reliving’ experiences What is Britney Spears’ net worth? Everything we know about her conservatorship, real estate, and divorces Britney Spears announces engagement to Sam Asghari Britney Spears’ fiance responds to fans calling for star to get prenup Britney Spears reassures fans after deactivating Instagram account

Curtis Chin has been championing other Asian Americans for over 30 years

The changeable weather is not just affecting our mood and how we dress – doctors have warned it is impacting our immune systems, too. After the warmest October temperatures in five years were recorded at the start of the month, temperatures have since plummeted, with the first frosts of the autumn recorded in several parts of the country this week. And now Storm Babet is set to bring heavy rainfall and wind to many parts of the country over the next few days. Old wives’ tales tell us that cold, damp weather means we’re more likely to become ill – but there is some truth in the warnings, says Dr Babak Ashrafi, GP and clinical lead for service expansion at Superdrug Online Doctor. Recent US research found an increased risk of illness when temperatures drop, because cold lowers immunity in the nose and makes us more susceptible to viruses. A drop in nasal tissue temperature of just 5°C has been found to reduce immune response by almost half. “Rapid shifts from warm to cold weather can stress the body and shock the immune system, making you more vulnerable to colds and infections,” warns Dr Ashrafi. “With Storm Babet on its way, it’s important to prepare your body for this sudden cold spell, to keep your immune system on top form.” To make sure your immune system is as healthy as possible, he recommends: 1. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D Dr Ashrafi points out that the changing weather has coincided with seasonal outbreaks of viruses, such as flu. “These infections can put additional strain on the immune system,” he says. “During colder months, decreased sunlight exposure can cut your main source of vitamin D, which is essential for a healthy immune system.” Dr Ashrafi says adding more vitamin D-rich foods into your diet, such as fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, mushrooms, egg yolks and certain fortified orange juices, is a great way to help strengthen your immune system. “It can help protect your immune system by providing an all-important vitamin boost,” he says. “And remember, vitamin D supplements are also a good idea during winter.” The NHS recommends everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during autumn and winter. 2. Dress for the weather Prolonged exposure to cold can increase the risk of illnesses such as the common cold or flu, warns Dr Ashrafi, who explains the body’s core temperature needs to remain within a narrow range for optimal function. “When you’re exposed to cold temperatures, your body works harder to maintain this temperature, diverting energy and resources away from other essential functions, including immune responses,” he says. “It’s always best to check the weather and layer clothing to help insulate your body, making it easier to maintain core temperature without excessive effort.” 3. Maintain a healthy diet Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains will provide essential nutrients to support immune function, says Dr Ashrafi. “Probiotics from yoghurt or kefir are also great for helping to maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a significant role in immune health,” he advises. 4. Stay hydrated It’s important to drink plenty of water or sugar-free soft drinks, even in the autumn and winter, as good hydration also plays a role in keeping the immune system healthy, says Dr Ashrafi. “Ensure you’re staying hydrated despite the cold, to keep mucous membranes moist, helping to defend against infections.” 5. Get some rest Dr Ashrafi explains that sleep is crucial for the production of antibodies, which in turn recognise and neutralise pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. “To boost and support your immune system, it’s essential to prioritise and maintain healthy sleep habits. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night by establishing a regular sleep schedule in a comfortable environment. “These practices will help ensure your immune system functions optimally and can effectively protect your body from infections.” 6. Get your flu vaccination Flu vaccinations target the specific strains of the influenza virus that are expected to be prevalent during the flu season. Dr Ashrafi says: “If you’re considered vulnerable and are particularly concerned about the sudden cold, getting an annual flu shot can protect you from seasonal influenza. “Avoiding flu can be difficult, especially as it can be passed on through sneezing, coughing and even hand contact, so it’s important you wash your hands regularly. Getting vaccinated annually ensures your immune system is well-prepared to defend against the most likely influenza variants.” Read More How to protect your plants as the first frosts arrive How to prep your home for when the clocks go back This is shoe designer Jimmy Choo’s proudest achievement 4 black women on their experiences with breast cancer See Madonna’s extravagant tour outfits – including an updated cone bra Halloween pumpkins – how to grow your own

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His shoes have been worn by everyone from Diana, Princess of Wales, to Beyoncé, but legendary designer Jimmy Choo said his greatest achievement is setting up his own fashion school. Professor Choo – as he’s known to his students – set up the JCA London Fashion Academy in September 2021, calling it his “dream”. “I feel very proud – I know my dream has come true,” he told the PA news agency ahead of the masters students presenting their final collections. “My father said to me: whatever you learn, put it back to the industry. So we are lucky we have the JCA – I can put all my spirit and my knowledge, [and] give back to the students.” Before becoming a professor, Choo, 74, made his name with glamorous high-fashion footwear. After moving from his native Malaysia to study in the UK, he set up his eponymous brand in 1996 – designing heels for Diana, as well as being worn on red carpets all over the world and getting a nod in an episode of Sex And The City (when Sarah Jessica Parker’s fashion-obsessed character Carrie Bradshaw famously laments: “I lost my Choo!”) He’s delighted with the JCA Academy, but in a nod to his glittering career, Choo added: “I’ve had a lot of proud moments, from personally designing shoes for Princess Diana and other incredible VIPs [to] seeing emerging designers that I’ve mentored succeeding in their careers.” And while he’s an industry veteran, Choo said he’s still constantly learning. “The best piece of advice I received was to learn as much as possible,” he said, which is particularly important in the fashion industry where “everything changes”. He said: “The material, design, machinery, fabric – everything changes. So you have to adapt. Whatever you do, you must learn something.” Sustainability is one of the biggest areas of change in the fashion industry. “Now people [are] talking about sustainability – how to help the environment and that kind of thing,” Choo explained. “Everyone has to think about the future of the earth – if you spend so much and waste so many things, nature will be in trouble and so will we.” He looks to his students for inspiration, who “never fail to amaze me”. “Sophie Park was one of our footwear designers who made shoes out of plant-based materials such as cacti, pineapple and leaves. Olivia Black and Polly McKevitt both have collections made out of deadstock and materials that would have otherwise been discarded.” Choo enjoys working with young people because “they will listen to you”, and added: “They’re also very down to earth, willing to learn – that’s very important.” In turn, Choo emphasises to his students the importance of asking questions. “You have to ask why,” he said, giving the example of making a suit that doesn’t fit right and questioning why you can’t button the jacket up. “Because you’ve cut the pattern wrong, so your button cannot close. [With] only one inch, you made the whole thing difficult. The key to success, according to Choo, is collaboration – something which isn’t necessarily the norm in the highly competitive fashion industry. At the JCA, he said he never wants anyone to think they’re “better than you, [or] you’re better than me”, he said. “If you’re better than anyone we should share their ideas and the whole thing benefits. We cannot be selfish.” It’s something he suggests is missing from the wider fashion industry. “Of course it’s important to own your ideas, but creativity flourishes when you can bounce ideas off other people. I think it’s important to have a network of people that you can speak openly with in the interest of improving and sparking creativity.” Among all the good advice propelling Choo’s career to the stratosphere, what was the worst he ever got? “Maybe it’s when someone told me I should retire.” Read More The grown-up guide to getting ‘balletcore’ right From tradwife dresses to racist polo shirts: What happens when your clothes become political weapons? Birkenstock or bust: How a deeply uncool shoe became a modern must-have This is shoe designer Jimmy Choo’s proudest achievement See Madonna’s extravagant tour outfits – including an updated cone bra Birkenstock or bust: How a deeply uncool shoe became a modern must-have

The sumo wrestlers weighed an average of 120 kilograms (264 pounds) each.

His shoes have been worn by everyone from Diana, Princess of Wales, to Beyoncé, but legendary designer Jimmy Choo said his greatest achievement is setting up his own fashion school. Professor Choo – as he’s known to his students – set up the JCA London Fashion Academy in September 2021, calling it “my dream”. “I feel very proud – I know my dream has come true,” he told the PA news agency ahead of the masters students presenting their final collections. “My father said to me: whatever you learn, put it back to the industry. So we are lucky we have the JCA – I can put all my spirit and my knowledge, [and] give back to the students.” Before becoming a professor, Choo, 74, made his name with glamorous high-fashion footwear. After moving from his native Malaysia to study in the UK, he set up his eponymous brand in 1996 – designing heels for Diana, as well as being worn on red carpets all over the world and getting a nod in an episode of Sex And The City (when Sarah Jessica Parker’s fashion-obsessed character Carrie Bradshaw famously laments: “I lost my Choo!”) He’s delighted with the JCA Academy, but in a nod to his glittering career, Choo added: “I’ve had a lot of proud moments, from personally designing shoes for Princess Diana and other incredible VIPs [to] seeing emerging designers that I’ve mentored succeeding in their careers.” And while he’s an industry veteran, Choo said he’s still constantly learning. “The best piece of advice I received was to learn as much as possible,” he said – which is particularly important in the fashion industry where “everything changes”. He said: “The material, design, machinery, fabric – everything changes. So you have to adapt. Whatever you do, you must learn something.” Sustainability is one of the biggest areas of change in the fashion industry. “Now people [are] talking about sustainability – how to help the environment and that kind of thing,” Choo explained. “Everyone has to think about the future of the earth – if you spend so much and waste so many things, nature will be in trouble and so will we.” He looks to his students for inspiration, who “never fail to amaze me”. “Sophie Park was one of our footwear designers who made shoes out of plant-based materials such as cacti, pineapple and leaves. Olivia Black and Polly McKevitt both have collections made out of deadstock and materials that would have otherwise been discarded.” Choo enjoys working with young people because “they will listen to you”, and added: “They’re also very down to earth, willing to learn – that’s very important.” In turn, Choo emphasises to his students the importance of asking questions. “You have to ask why,” he said, giving the example of making a suit that doesn’t fit right and questioning why you can’t button the jacket up. “Because you’ve cut the pattern wrong, so your button cannot close. [With] only one inch, you made the whole thing difficult. The key to success, according to Choo, is collaboration – something which isn’t necessarily the norm in the highly competitive fashion industry. At JCA, he said he never wants anyone to think they’re “better than you, [or] you’re better than me”, he said. “If you’re better than anyone we should share their ideas and the whole thing benefits. We cannot be selfish.” It’s something he suggests is missing from the wider fashion industry. “Of course it’s important to own your ideas, but creativity flourishes when you can bounce ideas off other people. I think it’s important to have a network of people that you can speak openly with in the interest of improving and sparking creativity.” Among all the good advice propelling Choo’s career to the stratosphere, what was the worst he ever got? “Maybe it’s when someone told me I should retire.” See jca.ac.uk and @JcaLondon. Read More 4 black women on their experiences with breast cancer See Madonna’s extravagant tour outfits – including an updated cone bra Halloween pumpkins – how to grow your own Presenter Louise Minchin: Menopause conversations are no longer taboo – but we need to keep going Online apps recommended to manage lower back pain From choppy bobs to fox red, 5 celebrity-approved hair trends for autumn