Friday, May 29, 2015

Glamp *Guest Blogger*


By Kelsey Loechner

As the weather warms, so do our desires to spend most of our time outside. There is something so refreshing about the great outdoors and everything that comes with it.  For those of you who want a little nature getaway, but 300 thread count sheets and trendy worthy outfit are still a requirement for you, Glamping is the answer. Glamping = glamorous camping.  Glamping is the fashionable way to camp.

We want to shed light on the different ways to “Glamp” if you will. The camping experience alone is the scenery and the land you stay on. While Glamping adds a tad bit of convenience and just that — glamour. Lets combine sleeping under the stars while adding in the perks of a swanky lodging joint. Get this — theres electricity, real beds and even an actual place to do your business. As it has become more of a desired get away, Glamping accommodations started popping up all around the world. They range from canyons, campgrounds, villas and with king size beds! 3 course meals facials and massages. With no need for water purifiers! The great outdoors is just a step beyond your posh Glamp door.

But wait. Lets get down to the dirty. What about those of us who want to rough it? Get the REAL feel of becoming one with nature? Were here to show you how to do that the fab way. There is no telling what you’ll come across or what circumstances you’ll find yourself in when in the middle of the woods. Rock that au natural hair grease because this is the only time you can get away with it. If it kills you to do away with washing your hair for the time being, pack a travel size dry shampoo and spray that bad boy down. Tie that mop back and accessorize it with a cute bandana, floppy hat or beanie. Grab a pair of adorable denim cut offs with a flannel to match. For the daytime adventures lace up a pair of hiking boots or rain boots. So many cute options out right now. Keep those ankles covered in style.

Nighttime s’more making calls for a chunky sweater with a pair of leggings and wool socks. They will come in handy in a very warm way! Always bring a pair of flip flops so you can walk to bathrooms or be in public showers with an ease. I know you will have to look your pedicurist in the eye again at some point. 

Daytime for your skin, SPF is always a go to, however top it off with a chic baseball cap and some aviators. When it comes to the sun I’d rather cover in a cute hat and shoulder covered top than be sticky with sunscreen. 


Camping, or in our case Glamping should be a fun way to connect with nature to be inspired and find your wild side. But who said to leave your fashion at the door? Forest fashion should make its way to every gals closet, just incase there is a spontaneous weekend outdoors — we will all be happy campers. 



Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Paraben Free the Way to be?


As consumers grow ingredient savvy the debate on the safety of Parabens in personal hygiene and beauty products continues steadily.  The great paraben panic began when scientific studies, followed by viral email news stories, reported that high concentrations of parabens in the body can cause cell mutation leading to cancer – more specifically breast cancer. Many scientific reports have since have discredited parabens having any direct link cancer requiring further study, however, the interpretation of the findings is all over the map.
What is a Paraben? A paraben is a preservative used in products to increase shelf life. They are widely used because they are compatible in many formulas and provide bactericidal and fungicidal properties in products.  All commercially used parabens are synthetically produced although some are identical to naturally occurring parabens, like the ones found in blueberries.
Why the controversy? A very small percentage of consumers with skin allergies, specifically paraben allergies, can experience contact dermatitis or rosacea. 
Research has loosely connected parabens found in anti-perspirants to the usual location of tumors in breast tissue; the upper area of the tissue nearest the armpit.  The controversial ingredient has proven to mimic estrogen and some estrogens are known to drive the growth of tumors. It is also important to note that the mutating activity of estrogen that causes cancerous tumors and estrogen production are not the same thing.  
In addition to scientific reporting, The American Cancer Society has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support a claim that use of cosmetics such as antiperspirants increase an individual's risk of developing breast cancer, but went on to state that "larger studies are needed to find out what effect, if any, parabens might have on breast cancer risk”.
Until research proves otherwise, it’s probably safe to say we don’t have much to worry about as far as facial cosmetics go.  Body products, however, we’re going to say better safe then sorry. 

Sources:


Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Emily Soto magic

Always a pleasure working with Emily Soto. She shares my same ethestic when it comes to hair the more romance the better. Here is some behind the scenes magic to share. xx 








Saturday, May 23, 2015

Stems In Your Heels



Could Stem Cell Therapy aid us in wearing high heels for our lifetimes? I would be lying if I didn’t ever think about the day I’ll have to wear orthopedic footwear and cringe. Dr. Benjamin Nikravesh is giving me hope for a lifetime of cute shoes. This may sound vain, but this is truly a ground breaking new procedure that will not only help us retain our youth but also help heal critical foot injuries.   
Stem Cell Therapy: Q & A with Renowned Beverly Hills Podiatrist Dr. Benjamin Nikravesh
There is plenty of talk in the news and among patient populations about stem cells and the possibilities they hold in treating a variety of conditions. They offer great promise for new and existing medical treatments; falling within the realm of what is known as biological or regenerative therapies.
At HelloMD, we are fortunate to work with the most elite medical specialists in the country who are at the forefront of scientific, technological and medical innovations. Many of our doctors are currently working with stem cells and using them with other biological treatments such as PRP(Platelet Rich Plasma), with incredible success.
HelloMD specialist Dr. Benjamin Nikravesh, a renowned Los Angeles Podiatrist focusing on the foot and ankle, took time after a surgery to talk to me about the extensive use of stem cells within his practice. Dr. “Nik,” who is double board certified, is a huge advocate of stem cell therapy; saying they can be miraculous for the right candidate. Read what he had to say:
Can you take a moment to explain why stem cell therapy is so popular today?
Regenerative therapies include stem cells, I call it stem cell therapy because everyone knows a little about stem cells. It is the wave of the future and a miracle to see working in patients.
Our stem cells are like a fountain of youth. We have them throughout our entire bodies but commonly extract them from the hip bone’s ACIS region. Unfortunately, this method of using a needle to suck the cells out is extremely painful. Patients typically complain about the pain and suffering after a procedure.
I do what no other podiatrist does—get the stem cells from fat. Surprisingly, the fat from liposuction can have far more stem cells present than bone marrow. I don’t know about you but I can also use the method to lose a few pounds! Many people feel it is a win-win. We even found the ability to save the fat for up to a year for additional stem cell use.
So why don’t more doctors get stem cells from fat?
Well, I don’t know. I’m at the forefront of the method and believe we should be heading in that direction.
My practice did therapy on a patient injured from a horrific accident resulting in an arthritic ankle. His previous doctor told him the only option was to fuse his bone. Well, once you fuse your bone, that’s it, you will never move again. This didn’t have to be the end result. The patient received the stem cell therapy and 8 months later had full range of motion.
The important thing to note is that multiple treatments with stem cells and PRP(Platelet Rich Plasma) is necessary in order to achieve the optimum results.
What is the difference between stem cells and Platelet Rich Plasma(PRP)?
The difference is that stem cells come from both bone marrow or fat. Platelet Rich Plasma only comes from fat. When blood is taken out of your vein it is platelet rich plasma. The PRP is your body’s natural cortisone minus all the side effects like crystal development. One influential reason why doctors do not inject cortisone into your Achilles’ tendon is because it weakens your tendons and ligaments. Sure, it rids inflammation, but it will rupture, weaken and snap the Achilles’ tendon.
Although expenses are high and insurance does not cover the method(s), I would do it in a heartbeat. I’ve even done it on myself! You can prevent surgery, use your body’s own healing ability and never get sliced open.
Platelet Rich Plasma is not covered by insurance but it is much more natural than cortisone. I like to say that PRP is your body’s natural cortisone and natural inflammatory. Currently, I am using it for fractures because of the significant difference in the healing rate. My patients are recovering much faster than the typical 8 week period and the results are unbelievable.

Do you always use stem cells in conjunction with Platelet Rich Plasma(PRP)?
No, I do not.  In most cases they work very well together. The only problem with PRP is that it may increase swelling. The great thing with both treatments is that there is no down time. The most pain comes from the liposuction, not the stem cell extraction.
What initially motivated you to use stem cells for treatment?
I’m always thinking about how I can be at the forefront and find new ways of treating patients effectively and with less harm. For instance, cortisone helps initially but can harm the patient in the long run. The injection of cortisone into the fat pad of the foot’s heel is found to only work short-term and cause fat pad atrophy over time.
Dr. Newman is an innovator of many of these procedures. I have teamed up with him to work with the foot and ankle. We now work together with stem cells that can be harvested and saved for up to a year through liposuction stem cell harvesting. The therapies may not always work but they do no harm. Surgery is invasive and it can take a while to heal so stem cells are a great start.
That said, there seems to be quite a bit of concern over the safety of stem cells; such as excessive cell growth or growth of tumors. What are your thoughts on this?
The risk of infection is possible. In order to avoid it we follow specific protocols. Patients must be in good health and cannot be on dialysis or have a morbid illness. They are required to take a blood test, physical exam and antibiotics before and 7 days after using stem cell therapy.  Unfortunately, if you are too sick, the method will not work. The method is not for everyone and we recognize that.
Do people ever have negative reactions?
It is crucial to pick the right candidate. Successful patients are those that may have a specific problem but are healthy, take care of themselves and have respect for their body. The stem cells tend to work well in athletes with foot and ankle issues or a knee issue. I’ve even injected myself due to hip pains and a torn hamstring and gluteus. After a couple of injections I felt significantly better. I did need multiple injections for the best results, but it works. I have so much faith, my own father has had it done and I practice what I preach.
What are the older techniques that stem cell therapy is replacing? What would you have done 5 years ago?
Stem cell therapy didn’t exist five years ago for what we are talking about. Stem Cell Therapy is brand new. Five years ago I would have injected cortisone. We’ve since learned more about cortisone and why it is not the best method. For instance, cortisone injected under the skin causes discoloration and can permanently turn skin white. After a year the skin pigment may not even come back. Among other non-desirable effects, cortisone also weakens the ligaments and tendons.
Some people say the jury is out on using stem cell therapy over cortisone. Many say that there is not enough evidence to prove that it works, what do you think?
Medically, over the past few years I’ve seen that stem cell therapy has not worked on everyone. My patients are still, however, very thankful and up to 80% end up feeling much better. Again, picking the appropriate candidate is crucial. When the body is actively breaking down, stem cell therapy will not work on very ill people. It is unfortunate that many doctors will promote the use of it in these cases. At my practice we are constantly refining our ways of introducing this method and we just keep getting better and better.
Are there a variety of medical practitioners that you know who advertise the use of stem cell therapy and use it inappropriately?
Yes, I think so. There is actually a science to stem cells that many people do not take the time to really understand. We need to distinguish who are the right candidates and reject those unfit. I also believe that there is this financial upside getting medical practitioners to inappropriately advertise and use stem cell therapy.
Can you give me an example of a procedure where you use stem cells successfully in your practice?
Absolutely, the procedure I perform for bunion removal is extremely successful. No one else is performing the procedure and achieving the same results as I am.
I see plenty of women in my practice who wear beautiful Jimmy Choo shoes or other designer footwear. As a result they end up with an awful bunion/big bone sticking out along side the big toe. The typical bunion surgery involves breaking the bone and sliding it over, causing joints to become much stiffer. This is not the optimal way to perform a bunion procedure. The key to fixing the bunion is to make sure the joint moves well after surgery.
My procedure is called Plantarflexory Metatarsal Osteotomy. First, we take care of the bunion then break the bone. However, rather than moving the bone to the side, we move it down.  By moving the bone down it allows the joint to heal and move with fuller motion. My method takes care of the bunion while allowing for better movement and quicker recovery. I’ve also introduced stem cell injections to the Plantarflexory Metatarsal Osteotomy to help with recovery and minimal scarring.
One problem with surgery is scar tissue. If I lay down stem cells underneath the area where surgery is to be performed, the patient will heal better. It is regenerative, so it makes sense. No one else is using stem cells as an adjunct or combining surgical techniques with stem cells to create a winning combination.
My practice is thrilled to use the innovative approaches to procedures and use of stem cells or regenerative therapies available to us. We truly are at the forefront of our field as well as with technology, teaming with other medical practitioners alike. It is a very exciting time for us.






Thursday, May 21, 2015

Bespoke Shirt Manufacturer Revolutionising the Way People Buy Clothes *Guest Blogger*


By Chris Ball
Oxfordshire, U.K (September 19, 2014) - The days of visiting the tailor to get custom-made shirts, as well as the tedious measuring and fitting sessions are over. My Own Shirts is revolutionising the way people buy clothes with their unique 3-stage process that saves a lot of time. Anyone harbouring secret fantasies of a becoming a world-class designer can use My Own Shirt's bespoke service as their training ground. Designing the perfect shirt on the company's website- myownshirts.com - can be done in less than six minutes. In the first step, clients choose the fabric, cuffs, collars, pockets, buttons and more, for their shirt. The best thing about the design process is that clients can watch the shirt evolve in 3D as they go along. The second step is to enter body measurements and the final step is left completely to the manufacturer to execute their craft. Once the shirts are completed, they are delivered to the client within 2- 4 weeks wherever they are in the world. 
The shirts manufactured by My Own Shirts are built to last. They are made using the single needle lock stitching method, which is one of the strongest types of stitching used in garment construction. In single needle stitching, the seams are first sewn together. A second seam is then created to conceal the first seam. Unlike the double stitching method, which is easily distorted when washing, the single needle stitch creates a neat, clean, crisp look that can withstand a lifetime of washes.  Additionally, the single stitching method features 14 stitches per inch, and this as well as the quality of the fabrics used by My Own Shirts contributes greatly to the durability and longevity of their shirts.
For co-founder, Chris Ball, My Own Shirts is more than just about changing the concept of bespoke shirt manufacturing. He said, "For decades, ordinary people have not had access to fine fabrics and traditional tailoring. We aim to bring the very best in fine Egyptian cotton to the reach of everyone."
The bespoke service provided by My Own Shirts is proving to be a hit among the creative, those strapped for time and those who just desire well-made shirts. Callum Bamford, one of the many satisfied clients, said "What can I say? The shirt is absolutely fantastic. I've tried it on for size and it fits like a glove. I'm overwhelmed with how it has turned out. It really is the nicest shirt I have the pleasure of owning. Another client, Mark Daley, said "The quality of material and workmanship is fantastic!". Clients who have experienced the quality of the service can hardly wait until the company decides to pursue bespoke manufacturing of other types of garments. To browse swatches, accessories or design a bespoke shirt, visit http://myownshirts.com/.

My Own Shirts was founded by Chris Ball and Matthew Berwick. The idea for the company was birthed while Matthew was working in Shangai a few years ago and discovered the luxury and convenience of buying tailor-made shirts from the comfort of his home. Matthew met Chris – an entrepreneur, author and marketing specialist – in Turkey in 2011, and the two discussed the possibilities and potential of the Matthew's idea. Four months later, My Own Shirts was born.






Monday, May 18, 2015

Fashion Fitness *Guest Blogger*



Written by Kelsey Loechner

The first day of January tends to be the starting point or in other words ending point for countless people. Every year the holiday frenzy knocks people off their regular day-to-day schedule. Which in turn, leads most of us to choose the first day of January to be the best time to start fresh. Procrastination ends and newfound resolutions come about, urging change and transformations for the better. It is said that the number one new years resolution is to lose weight or stay fit and healthy. We’re here to share with those of you who have this same resolution in mind, that there are ways to make a statement while crushing your 2015 goals. 

More recently than ever, the fitness craze has become a fighting force in the fashion world. Fabulous news, fashion mavens - sporty elements are being incorporated into street style looks. Yes, fitness meshed with fashion and personally loving every second of it. Yoga pants became the new jeans, backless tees that show off those funky sports bras are a must have and choosing between sneakers or designer pumps has naturally become a tough task. The way fitness attire has transformed into everyday wear is actually quite genius. Fitness-chic conveys a message that you live a healthy lifestyle but can still look trendy while doing it. Those metallic leather tights you wore to 7 PM yoga are way too voguish to be left at the studio. Throw on a tunic, a pair of heels, and you’re ready for a night on the town! Guys - those basic black sneaks look just like your office loafers under a pair of jeans.


If there’s anything that Fashionista’s are eager to get their hands on, besides their favorite designers, it’s those new workout classes and the outfits that come with them. Whether it is the yoga class, boot camp session or the new popular Barre workout, they’re not just throwing on any old duds (so long grungy sweatpants!). While Lululemon introduces their “& go Here to There line”, Tory Burch launches her upscale accessory collection with fit bit flex for a new refreshing flair to the fitness phenomena. Alexander Wang announced in November collaboration with H&M focusing on menswear with the flexibility of sportswear. Fitness has become the IT look on the runway and there are no signs of stopping anytime soon. Sequined sports jerseys and casual baseball tees make those trips to the gym a bit more enjoyable. 


High-end designers are creating pieces that look just like casual wear which are extremely versatile and often unisex. The result of this era is what the apparel industry likes to call “athleisure.” Retailers are even cooking up new versions of jogger pants, workout pant-esque trousers just for men. Ladies love the tops with amazing mesh cutouts, pants with two-toned duel fabric, that even those who chooses not to work out loves the multiple functionality. Slouchy scoop-back tunics and those sleek performance jackets double as street chic when leaving spin class.  Sure, running shoes are intended to get you through your workout but the bold patterns and color combinations team up as fashion-forward kicks too! Such an exciting thing when that gym top looks even better under a killer leather jacket. 

“Look good, feel good,” they say and fashion-forward workout gear helps give us that extra push to keep those self-improving promises to ourselves. It is proven that when you feel confident in your workout gear, you workout harder. To top it off, no time is wasted when transitioning between work and play. 


Saturday, May 16, 2015

The Inspiration Woman project


Q and A written by Sasha Gold

When Bri Seely, a talented fashion designer has a vision she goes for it full force. Although starting as a fashion designer she always felt she would do more than just that. She yearned to impact lives on a deeper level. Thus inspiring this new venture. What exactly is this new project she’s working on? It started as a series of 31 interviews with women on her fashion blog. She wanted to explore deeper of what it means to be a woman today. She had an epic epiphany and the project soon expanded into a 100-interview coffee table book. She says, “The project has become more about helping women realize their inspirational powers and celebrating their womanhood.” 

A few questions and answers with the lady of the hour, Bri Seely:

Q: How did you get to where you are standing here today?

A: I decided to start focusing more on my platform and using my mission to guide me. I've realized that fashion is just a sliver of my life. I have begun to expand into blogging and writing to share my story, in turn encouraging other women to do the same.

Q: When have you been most satisfied in your life?

A: I don't know if I'm ever fully satisfied as an entrepreneur. But I feel that is what drives me. I get done with a fashion show or a project, and immediately start to craft my ideas of how to do it better next time. It keeps me moving forward. I would say that my moments of deepest satisfaction are in the simplest times - enjoying a glass of wine with a loved one, reading a book, sipping an espresso, relaxing with my pets. It's in the moments that I'm able to step back and just be still.

Q: What’s your typical day like?

A: I don't really have a typical day! For example, yesterday I was in the design studio preparing three new garments to go on the runway. Today I am sitting on my couch answering emails and formatting the book. The best part about being an entrepreneur is that I get that flexibility to decide what my life looks like.

Q: Who is your role model, inspiration, idol and why?

A: On a micro level, my role models are my mama and grandma. These two women have such an unbelievable amount of selfless strength. And on a macro level, my role models are women that get up and kick ass every day. It can be SO difficult to stay self-motivated, but I have found that connecting with other women who face similar struggles and keep going despite obstacles - these are the women that I look up to.

Q: What's your superpower?

A: My super power is my voice. I have a very genuine and honest way of speaking with people - no sugar coating and no fluff. I speak from my heart and share my story / thoughts / beliefs in a relatable way in hopes that it encourages others to do the same.

Q: What is your fashion esthetic?

A: My personal fashion aesthetic is very simple and minimalistic. On a normal day I am so focused on my productivity that I dress very casual. When I have to attend an event, I stick to the luxury femininity represented in my fashion brand (I'm usually wearing one of my designs in this instance). I love being a woman and want that to be reflected in my dress without having to explain it. I use a lot of natural waistlines, flowing fabrics, soft gathers, and juxtapose sheer with opaque. 

Bri is very passionate about sharing her story, and the stories of fellow women. Which revealed to her a disheartening trend that she is dedicated to change, she has recognized how women search outside of themselves for happiness and validation. What makes women conform to external pressures, especially in the world of fashion and beauty, of where their place should or shouldn’t be in our society. 







Friday, May 15, 2015

Store tour

Retail area








Upstairs loft





 Where the Hair happens!



Menu with the details! Come visit. 3706 E Anaheim Ave Long Beach, CA 90804


Thursday, May 14, 2015

Why You Sweatin’ Me?


Deodorant/antiperspirant and body odor is such an awkward and touchy subject in our American society. Dates back to about 5th grade for me. Hormones are starting and when nobody wants to be the smelly kid. I actually remember in 5th grade when my teacher had “the pit talk” to the class one day after recess.  Could you imagine our faces? I also remember her anti-make up talks too. My, oh my how that worked out for me. (Oh to grow up in the Pacific Northwest.) Well now I’m giving you my “pit talk”. I’m sure you have heard that deodorant/antiperspirants are now giving you cancer, just like everything else. If you have not heard this let this be a PSA. It takes great social strength to say I’m going to let my BO linger, which is quite admirable, but will never be this gal’s reality.  It’s totally easy to throw your hands up and be like whatever! I’m not going to be stinky! I’ll get cancer one way or another! This is a HUGE mental battle for most, but then again maybe just me. There has got to be a better solution than stinking. I’ve tried what I would like to think a wide variety of natural deodorants and have not been happy until now which sparked my interest to write this article. I endured smelling worst than any BO I could handle, squeaky slightly sticky underarms, and my favorite to date a rash because apricots and my skin do not get along. I have triumphed to come out on top and smelling better than before. 

Let’s get scientific for a minute.  (Hope I didn’t loose you.) Did a little light reading and research on the subject.  Let me give you a little background. Aluminum found in antiperspirant forms a temporary plug in sweat ducts stopping you from perspiring. Parabens are preservatives that help keep the shelf life of products. Seems simple enough right? 

Researcher’s hypothesis state that when antiperspirants are left frequently on the skin near the breast area some of the product is absorbed into the skin causing estrogen hormonal effects. What is found in cancer cells? Parabens and estrogen. What is found at high levels in the brains of Alzheimer’s patient’s? Aluminum.  There was a study done in 2004 by Pub Med, which found parabens in every 18 out of 20 samples of tissue from breast tumors. I would say seems like a no brainer! We should probably stop using parabens and aluminum in products. Well every study I’ve read concluded with however this study was inconclusive and cannot be proven.  Boy am I a torn slightly hippie (by my PNW associations) girl! So what I found is there has been no confirmation or direct links to cancer or Alzheimer with use of deodorant and antiperspirants. So what Dr. scientist PHD is saying, “Maybe, kinda, sorta, could be.” 

Some more food for thought; there is a warning on all deodorants containing aluminum “Ask a doctor before use if you have kidney disease.” Well I don’t have kidney disease but I’d rather not give my kidneys a work out so I can smell better. In my book any beauty product should NOT come with a warning. It’s beauty, vain, and not necessary. Don’t get me wrong, I’m in the beauty business and I’m not saying we should all rub dirt on our cheeks for bronzer. Let us never under estimate the power of a shower people. Until someone can get back to me with more solid information on if my romantic rose Teen Spirit deodorant was a bad choice in my early years I will be using and loving my lavender scented EO organic deodorant just to be on the safe side. Next time you smell someone with killer BO applaud them for being so bold. I know I will and then I will hold my breath.  


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