As Denice and I continue to commit to the practice of   Pilates, we are really learning about the focus of this exercise. During an in-depth interview with Jeff Fairley, the owner and director of the Body Center in Claremont, we gathered some great details about the uniqueness of Pilates and how it differs from yoga.

Beauty Chat: What is the main difference between Pilates and yoga?

Jeff Fairley: I think that first and foremost I should stimulate that I am a doctor of physical therapy, a functional movement expert, but I would not call myself a certified Pilates instructor because I’m not. I haven’t dug into the background and history of all the different holds of these exercises. I take a biomechanical approach and a neuromuscular control approach to Pilates, meaning I look at how the brain controls these muscle groups.

In general, yoga takes it’s origins many of thousands of years ago in India as a kind of exercise, but also part of an awakening and the introspection that comes with it. Many of the Pilates positions and activities are similar to many of the yoga poses; the work originally came from Joseph Pilates. He had some ideas about how the body should move and how you could heal yourself by having better control over your body; and how to do different exercises to try and help you get some of that control. So I think that there are definitely some parallels and similarities between the two.

B.C.: Why does the Body Center choose Pilates over yoga?

J.F.: That is a good question as well. Well it is interesting, a brief history: my wife and I purchased this studio approximately a year ago and it was called the Body Studio previously. When they [the Body Studio] planned the center they did yoga as well as Pilates and physical therapy. They made a business decision to slowly fade their yoga out of their business model, and so they added the reformer Pilates and physical therapy. We [the Body Center] tried a couple of different ways to introduce yoga, and we recently have introduced it again. 

 So we do have it a couple of nights a week because there is a crowd of people who want yoga. You know, my experience with yoga is that the challenge is slightly different then even with the mat or with the reformer Pilates machine. There is a more of an asymmetrical kind of sustained positioning; a bit different focus in the breathing, a little bit different mental focus, and I think my personal experience is that Pilates is more focused on being precise, and more controlled in the movements. With yoga, I kind of feel like I’m backing away and kind of…

B.C: Just letting it guide you?

J.F.: Yes.

Denice and I go onto agree that with Pilates, you can’t let your mind relax if you want to get as much as you can out of the exercise. Yoga, on the other hand (in its many forms), seems to losing yourself in the relaxation of it all.

Beauty Chat will bring you more interviews with Jeff from the Body Center. Be sure to follow our personal journeys towards getting fit, firm, and fabulous bodies!

We’re curious: Did you know the difference between Pilates and Yoga? If so, which do you prefer?

~ Elana

Photo Credits: www.bodyandmindworks.com and www.worth1000.com

On episode 16 of The Hills Season 3, we were blessed with double-whammy plot points. To start: Stephanie Pratt, the similarly villainous sister of Spencer Pratt, rolled into town with her own insights on her bro and Heidi Montag’s engagement situation. In the first five of her 15 minutes, “She-Pratt” (as she was later referred to) proclaimed that she was all for a Spencer-style wedding in Tibet (?!), complete with her as the officiate, much to the chagrin of Heidi.

Later, Lauren Conrad and the gang spend a night at Opera in Hollywood, where She-Pratt and her sidekick Roxy Olin (who hardcore fans know as a key player in The Great “The Hills is Fake” Debate) confront Lauren in a high-school-hallway-style showdown. Like every good girl fight that takes pace in front of a locker, declarations of hatred and “You don’t even know me” were exchanged. (Poor Lauren. She was trying to be the bigger person, but that line reminds me of bad daytime talk shows). But wait! Look over there, it’s plot twist number two: Justin Bobby is kissing another girl! And not just any girl – a redheaded semi-goth with black lipstick. Or was he?

We’re still not sure, but fortunately, Audrina Patridge finally meant it this time when she said, “I’m done!” Now that the break-up with Justin Bobby is official, is this the last we’ll see of him on The Hills on MTV? Perhaps. But for those of us who like the slacker-passing-off-as-a-bohemian-painter look, he’ll surely live on in our hearts. 

~ Brook

Photo Credit: www.eonline.com

If you’re a natural mop top like me, then I am confident that you are more than familiar with the words unruly and unmanageable. Although I grew up happily with grandma’s self-proclaimed “banana curls ‘do,” this hairdo does not seem to work well in today’s era of sleek and sophisticated (*tear*).

But, don’t fret my curly-headed gals. Whoever said curls can’t be sleek and sophisticated, not to mention absolutely fabulous (ahem, Ms. Paulina Rubio above), is quite mistaken, especially if Cibu International has anything to say about it.

Cibu is a performance haircare line that takes natural ingredients of the Far East to a new level in these earthy-packaged products that have a hint of Louis Vuitton-esque style and are labeled with clever Asian-infused puns. Jennifer Mapp (Cibu Brand Manager) comments, “It is exclusive to the salon environment and provides you with the tools to become an artist behind your own bathroom door.” 

Although a haircare system that is “intentionally broad,” Cibu offers several specially-formulated products that inspire us curly-hued folks to ditch the faux straight for once and opt for the natural look. Coming from someone whose hair is coarse, curly, and thick (three combined factors that often result in mass destruction) in its natural state, I was a bit skeptical to believe that any product could tame the mane. Cibu definitely called my bluff! Here’s what I’ve been using and totally recommend:

Geishalicious ® Color Protecting Shampoo

With extracts of Lotus, Water Lily, and Bamboo, this product thoroughly cleanses the scalp and strengthens your curls. Also, its natural aroma makes you feel like a true earth child in the shower.

Hi-Ya! ® Reconstructive Conditioner

Since curly hair lacks moisture, this conditioner fights dryness with its Sesame and Silk ingredients.

Miso Knotty ® Leave-in Detangler

Infused with Silk and Soy proteins, this detangler is by far my favorite Cibu product! After getting out of the shower, I spritz this baby on my hair and let nature take its course. It eliminates the frizz and defines your curls.

Wok This Way ® Sculpting Sauce

This gel tames your ringlets by not only keeping them in place throughout a long day, but also by protecting them from UV rays with its Rhatany ingredient.

Pho Finish Workable Finishing Spray

This light-weight kind of hairspray is the perfect stocking stuffer for any beauty-conscious girl. The Bamboo infusion adds strength to your hair, while the Lotus Flower revitalizes. Note the Louis-like print, too cute.

So, C for yourself just how Cibu can revamp your dull curls by restoring their life and shine. After all, what more can you ask for from a mid-tier priced and A-list product?

~Mellori V. 

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Jennifer Mapp

Due to the skipped post last week (sorry Thanksgiving  threw me off), I was looking forward to presenting you with a double dosage of Project Runway. But, um, I sort of fell asleep. So here is a look back at episode 2.

First off, can I retract my previous statement that Marion was going all the way?! Uh, yeah…got that one way wrong. Maybe by me dubbing him as a finalist this season I jinxed him, because Marion is no longer with us. Oops!

So why was he cut? Well, his design wasn’t exactly attractive. The assignment was to create a 2-piece outfit for Sarah Jessica Parker’s BITTEN clothing line (found in Steve and Barry’s stores nationwide). One of the designers, Chris, was ecstatic, crying at the sight of the starlette. He revealed to viewers that he actually moved to New York City because of “Sex in the City.” Although many may have thought that Chris was being over-dramatic, I thought it was cool that he was able to meet his idol.

 After pitching their ideas to Parker, she decided upon her favorites and those were the pieces that were created. Paired up in two’s, with the winners picking their partners, teamwork seemed to be abundant. The only team that was in real danger of clashing was Sweet P and Elisa. Despite some amazement with the spitting (yeah, Elisa spits on her garments to measure them!), the two cranked out a design that the judges really ate up this week. Heidi, however; didn’t appreciate the spitting too much either.

 Victorya’s design was selected as the winner, executed perfectly by her and last week’s winner Kevin. The outfit was definitely the best, kudos to the judges’ decision. The dress and vest is to be produced under the BITTEN line and is currently being sold at Steve & Barry’s stores nationwide.

I look forward to watching episode 3, which I’ll probably catch a rerun of tonight. Because I am going on a two week vacation, look for my thoughts on the following episodes lumped in with the sixth show recap when I get back.

Seems like I’m going to be gone forever, but I promise…I’ll be back with a Project Runway vengeance!

~ Leeann

I often reminisce about the glory days of magazines like Sassy and Jane. And while I’m a little older than that demographic now, I still like the idea of a niche magazine founded by a female entrepreneur who has fought to put her message on the market – something that reads in the same friendly, unpretentious tone.  Hence, my search led me to Eliza, a quarterly publication that promotes maintaining a balance of sexiness and modesty in fashion.  As a mommy of two girls, the premise is right up my alley.

Ironically, when I spoke with Eliza founder/editor-in-chief Summer Bellessa, I learned that she was inspired to launch her own magazine by her friends who have young children.  They noticed that their little ones were always attracted to the bright pictures in Mom’s fashion magazines – but they were the wrong kinds of pictures.  “They had to throw away the magazines they loved because of nudity and explicit content,” she says.  This led Summer (who’s also a model), along with girlfriends Kelly McCann and Michelle Budge to “start a magazine with high fashion, great photography, and interesting, positive articles.”
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So, is it mission accomplished?  To start, the amazing photo spreads showcase perfect marriages of chic yet demure fashion – proof that there is something to be said for keeping it classy and covered.  Also, regular installments such as “Smart Art” and “Saving the World One Issue at a Time” are perfect for the Thinking Woman who would rather not leave a cover that screams “50 Ways to Drive Him Wild!” out on the coffee table.  The unexpected treat, however, was finding that many of the clothes featured (I promise, you never knew modesty could look this hot) are reasonably priced.  Case in point: I actually OWN the top that’s on the Fall cover!  Can you say that about your favorite mag?

Don’t let the mom factor freak you out – Eliza is for modest women at all stages.  In fact, Summer and co. were recently asked to participate in L.A. Fashion Week!  Eliza is available at some newsstands and high-end boutiques in select regions, but your best bet in getting a hold of your own copy is by subscription.

~ Brook

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Summer!

Ever heard of Spongeables Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer and YogaToes? 

If you have, you know how fabulous they both are! If you haven’t, then now is the perfect time to enter a contest to win this duo gift package… for FREE!!

All you have to do is answer this question:

“How do you keep your feet stylin’ and comfy at the same time?”

THAT’S IT!!!!! We (the Beauty Chat team) will pick our favorite answer. Contest runs through November 30th, and you must enter through our homepage. (Just look to the right for the picture of the black Carlos Santana heels!)

Good luck friends! 

~ Denice

I’ll admit, I am a HUGE Gwen Stefani fan — today and yesterday.

And I will always have a place in my heart for the “Old Gwen.” Tweens and pop fans may not be too familiar with her days in the ska-rock band No Doubt (can’t wait for their new album!); they may be so immersed in her Harajuku aura and haute couture fashion that they may not realize how much she has grown up, trading in her steel-toe Doc Martens for Dior heels. I DO appreciate Gwen’s entrepeneurial spirit these days, though. Let’s give it to her — the only girl to rock out with all boys for over 15 years has earned her right to design a fashion line, create a fragrance, and become one of the gossip magazines’ favorite celebrity mothers to showcase.

She looks totally fierce in her new video, “Early Winter,” which is off her her 2nd solo album. Check out her makeup in the mirror scene (black turtleneck)… I love the look!

[video]http://youtube.com/watch?v=EFVTW6-2D7Q[/video]

~ Elana

What do you get when you mix California’s casual style with the Wild Wild West? A trendy, yet timeless collection known as Post Vegas. If you are into new ways of approaching fashion, then this is definitely a line that’s worth checking out.

Clothing design has always been a part of the life of Harriet Selling, Post Vegas creator. From growing up in Hamburg, Germany, to developing the Post Vegas brand in Los Angeles, her creative juices have flowed throughout her entire journey. Not only have her couture dresses been featured in Milan, Italy, she has also studied art and design in cities, such as London.

Contemporary art fuels Selling’s fire, and it is obvious in her designs. Cowboys and Indians, wolves and eagles, and even newspaper clippings and reward sign images from yesteryear appear on Post Vegas attire. Also, don’t be surprised if you fall in love with her hand-stitched embellishments, which give each item a sense of uniqueness.

Another bonus — Selling designed all of her pieces with comfort in mind using the finest cotton, jersey, and silk. As a fashionista who likes to be comfortable herself, she keeps that in mind while developing her clothes. Selling’s philosophy is: “You shouldn’t have to be worried about what you have on.”

Both men and women are invited to sport this clothing. “We design for an age group of 25-45,” Selling explained, “and we have a variety of styles.” That said, Post Vegas offers a little something for everyone. Whether you are going for an eye-catching dress, or a basic white T-shirt, it can be found within this collection.

“I tried to make modern, sophisticated fashion,” Selling explained. And lucky for us she did! You can pick up some Post Vegas garb at your local Nordstrom, H. Lorenzo, Neiman Marcus, or Fred Segal.

~Leeann

Photo Credit: Dennery Marks (Public Relations)

We’re down to the last couple of episodes of Season 3 of The Hills on MTV, where most fans seem to be occupied with these prime concerns: 1.) Discontent over much-publicized allegations of fakery, and 2.) “More Whitney!”.  Well, the producers stay mum on the first subject, but they sure have responded to the Whitney Port War Cry.  All of a sudden, the girl is everywhere!  At Beauty Chat, we couldn’t be happier. 

It looks like Jarrett, the girls’ personal trainer (previously featured on a date with Audrina Patridge) now has Whit on his agenda as well.  While helping Lauren Conrad, Audrina, and Whitney with their reps this week, Jarrett took it upon himself to ask Whitney to join him on a run sometime. Whit was a little overeager in her response (ya think? She was almost salivating), but he was not deterred, and the two trekked through the Runyon Canyon Park trails the next day.�
 Later, there was a dinner date comprised of incessant chatter on Jarrett’s part, peppered by unique colloquialisms such as, “So, what’s your sign?”…need I say more?  I’m thinking that in spite of Whit’s polite interest and semi-excited recap of the date to Lauren, this one isn’t going very far.

(Heidi is thrilled with the church wedding concept, but Spence cringes at the notion of pre-marital counseling.)

But what would The Hills on MTV be without a visit from our favorite couple?  This week, Spencer Pratt continued his quest to thwart Heidi Montag’s plans for the perfect wedding by claiming that he has paid for a Las Vegas wedding package. Heidi responded by dramatically removing her engagement bling and placing it in front of him before exiting stage left. Spending the night with his folks (I presume), Spence returned the next day to reconcile with Heidi as all epic romances do. Aww, sweet. 

~Brook

Photo Credits: www.MTV.com

We, your Beauty Chat fashionista friends, couldn’t have enjoyed our photo shoot more! Each of us has our own unique style and passions, so it only made sense to show you how the Bejeweled sparkly tank (with gold Swarovski crystals!) stole our hearts.  Designer Susan Fix seriously knows how to create a fitted, ribbed tank that can be worn on numerous occasions, for many reasons, and on many distinct personalities.

And yup, with the help of our NYX Black Label Compact, we felt simply lovely! We each had our corresponding shades to match our varied skin tones — pressed powder foundation is fabulous.

Executive Chic

 “Running the days work for an uber- busy Internet  Marketing company, the stress can really get to me, knowing that my outfit screams that I am fun and exciting helps get me through those tough meetings and client calls.  I am Executive Chic, and I let my clients and staff know it!”~ Denice

Domestic Chic

 “When I get home, the first order of business is to change into something comfy (almost always, that means my pink polka-dot pj bottoms).  Being naturally cold-blooded, I usually throw on a sweat jacket overhead.  It’s the perfect attire for putting together a dinner from scratch – which I do almost every night!  I like the Bejeweled tank because it even pairs well with flannel pj’s, adding some much-needed spice to my nighttime ensemble.  It reduces that ‘haggard mom’ look that I so easily fall into.” ~ Brook

Rocker Chic

I love going to see bands live, amongst a  crowd rocking out to the same music. What’s great about this Bejeweled tank is that I can throw it on (it looks great with some Dickies and Old Sckool Vans) and head out to my favorite venue. Not only does it feel comfortable, but it also looks awesome–it’s definitely “rocker chic! ~Leeann

Editor Chic

 “The day is always long and getting through all of the (wonderful) work, written by PlasticSurgery.com staff writers and Beauty Chat contributors can be demanding on an editor! However, when color is chosen correctly, and thy shoes are fabulous, well, a Bejeweled tank with Gold Swarovski crystals work into my outfit quite nicely. I am ‘Editor Chic’ because it’s the only way to be.” ~ Elana

Mommy Chic

“Being nine months pregnant, cute clothes that show my style are hard to find. The Bejeweled tank gives me the bit of sassiness I like to see in an outfit while still being comfortable and stylish.” ~ Jacquie

LA Chic

 “A 20-something recent college grad who absolutely adores clothes and shoes that bring out the inner diavolina. Although a strong-minded gal stubbornly unwilling to compromise her pursuit of education, Mellori V. pleads the fifth when it comes to a good night out on the town adorned with retro or haute couture and lemon drop martinis. However, she is more than willing to settle for good food and better sleep.” ~ Mellori

Product Photo Credit: Thank you Elizabeth!