Hi {{first_name|friend}},
It’s challenging to write about wellness therapies that make you feel amazing and yet have little research to back them up. Taffy Brodesser-Akner, the celebrity profiler and author whose novels, like Fleishman Is in Trouble, plum the stressors of a certain middle-aged NYC set, manages to do just that in her exploration of contrast therapy.
If you haven’t heard of it, contrast therapy means going from a hot sauna to a cold shower or plunge — repeatedly. It’s not a new idea. But it’s all the rage right now. Expect a franchise to open near you soon.
Brodesser-Akner is both game to try, and a novice, which makes for an enjoyable read. She bakes herself in a 200-degree box “like a slice of leftover pizza” for 20 to 30 minutes, and then plunges into an extremely cold bath. “The ice comes in like a hundred knives and you are so deeply unhappy, but then so deeply scared because none of this feels right,” she recalls. “Why did you do this to yourself? Do you hate yourself? Does everyone else here hate themselves?”
“But the second time, you leave the tub and suddenly you feel so good, so shiny, so glorious. Something has happened to you — something has happened to me — and I am a bright spark of energy and happiness. I stand in my stupid wool hat and my wet bathing suit and I’m not cold, I’m just alive again.”
Aside from the likely suspects (Goop), there’s not much out there on contrast therapy specifically for people in mid-life or older. The American Medical Association did address it recently, sharing that it can definitely give you “temporary euphoria” but warn that it can be dangerous for anyone at risk of a cardiovascular event, such as those with arrhythmias, uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, or vascular disease. Important to know!
Bye,
Your friends at Gloria
Image via @jessthrowiton_.
It’s the summer of sport: kicked off by NYC basketball fever, stoked by weeks of the World Cup, and followed by the debut of the first four teams of the Women’s Pro Baseball League (congrats to Boston, SF, LA, and NYC). It’s also the summer of sporty clothing, which is being paired with regular pieces for both fitness and everyday wear. Below, a few updates to consider.
Clean, classic, and on-sale. Lululemon Knife-Pleat High-Rise Tennis Skirt, $59. Size XXXS to XL.
A preppy little sport polo that works on the court and off. Quince Flowknit Breeze Short-Sleeve Polo, $32. Size XS to XL.
If you’re in search of a slightly longer bike short. Left on Friday Super Moves 9” Short, $70. Size XS to XL.
Good support in the softest fabric. Beyond Yoga Simplicity Long-Line Bra, $41.50. Size XXS to XXL.
Comfy, cute low-profile socks. Old Navy Running Ankle Socks, $7.
Lightweight and polarized sunglasses designed to stay on during your run. Goodr Slightly Overcooked Running Sunglasses, $45.
Extremely popular for a reason. Aritzia Cheeky Hi-Rise 7-Inch Short, $48. Size 00 to 16.
These retro little cotton baseball tees are appealing. Cotton On ‘90s Baby Raglan Tee, $20 or $45 for three. Size XXS to XL.
Our absolute go-to. Asics Gel-NYC Sneakers, $150.
We’ve been contemplating a cotton-based yoga pant, and these seem like a good entry-level option. Los Angeles Apparel Garment-Dye Yoga Pant, $52. Size XS to XL.
Really into the crispy fabric and cheery color. Alo Alumni Short, $78. Size XXS to L.
A sexy tank dress with built-in shorts. Outdoor Voices Volley Dress, $33. Size XXS to XXXL.
A breezy long-sleeve to toss on for extra coverage. FP Movement Inspire Layer, $48. Size XS to XL.
For the right person, these would be a great present. Stussy Hiro Sunglasses, $180.
It’s hard to find skorts in a longer length, like this one. Chico's UPF Pleated Skort, $39. Size 0 to 20/22.
The iconic ‘80s style, updated a teeny bit. Wilson Pro-Staff 87 Mesh Shoe, $82.50.
We’ve become totally converted to Uniqlo tees, including this one. Uniqlo Airism Cotton Tee, $19.90. Size XXS to XXL.
Appreciate the sentiment here. Carhartt Hat, $43.
Shop the Story
Asics Gel-NYC Sneakers, $150
Left on Friday Super Moves 9” Short, $70
Uniqlo Airism Cotton Tee, $19.90
Goodr Slightly Overcooked Running Sunglasses, $45
Aritzia Cheeky Hi-Rise 7-Inch Short, $48
Wilson Pro-Staff 87 Mesh Shoe, $82.50
If you're looking for new sunglasses this summer, don't forget about Warby Parker. The styles are great, the prices are reasonable, and you can customize many frames with the lens tint that works best for you, including fun colors that make them feel a little more personal. You can also get many styles as readers, with prescription lenses, or as progressives. We're especially liking the Brimmer, Willetta, and Hatcher right now. Browse the full collection here. #partner
A Toxic Love Story. Image via Netflix.
TO WATCH If you don’t want to know the twist behind the strange true-crime case explored in Netflix’s sordid new doc A Toxic Love Story (out tomorrow), absolutely do not Google it. Immediate spoilers. There is also a new London edition of Real Housewives out today, if that is your flavor of entertainment.
TO SHOP Soft Surroundings is a great place to find pieces that make the transition between seasons easy. Right now we're eyeing this embroidered maxi skirt, these lightweight pants in rich fall colors, this easy dress that looks equally great with a layer, a pretty lace-trim cami, and a pendant necklace for something extra. Shop it all here. #partner
TO LISTEN We Call Her Emma is a fascinating podcast about Asma al-Assad. It tries to answer the question of why she married now-deposed Syria dictator Bashar al-Assad and how involved/informed she was regarding the horrors he unleashed upon the country. They did the legwork, speaking with the American PR guy who helped to arrange her glowing Vogue profile (which the magazine has scrubbed from the internet); former neighbors and co-workers of hers from her time in banking; and various insiders.
TO MAKE We took a risk and tried this vinaigrette recipe on a tomato salad this weekend, and it was very good. It’s only three ingredients, too.
“She knew he wasn’t real. She was in love with him anyway.” • Love this old lady trash-removal crew. • Remembering life in NYC’s weed-service underground. • Octavia Spencer is so good in this new show, seriously.
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