Wrap dresses have been around for ages – designed by Elsa Schiaparelli in the 1930s, by Claire McCardell in the 1940s and so on, but it was Diane von Furstenberg who created the iconic wrap dress, which she claims actually ‘made her’ in the 1970s.  

Years later and millions sold, the DVF team is working to rebrand in hopes of appealing to a younger generation, but the signature wrap dress remains a staple in their collections – and in my closet.

A must-have staple for every wardrobe, the wrap dress is a trend that returns every year.  It’s flattering on all body types, comfortable, and easy to opt for when you “have nothing to wear.”  I also personally love to wear it when I’m mid-endo flare-up and cannot stand anything tight around my waist.. my endometriosis sisters will understand. 

DVF wrap dresses come in mini, midi and maxi lengths in seasonal and signature prints, but there’s just something about springtime that really drives my urge to wear the ish out of my wrap dress collection. Be it that tights aren’t needed and my feminine desire to shed the winter layers that are cardigans, vests, and double coats and soak in the sunshine while the fresh air wafts through the quintessential silk jersey material – the wrap dress truly thrives in spring.   

We’re two days into the season and I’ve already purchased two new wrap dresses from The Real Real.  I also took it upon myself to gather a few favorites for you to shop as well!

Dubbed the SoulCycle of dance, KINRGY is a program created by Julianne Hough – a spiritual fitness journey if you will, which my endo sis describes as a whole self experience.  KINRGY is about moving your body, breathing and activating your imagination.  It is meant to build mental and spiritual strength as much as the physical.  

Having used dance as my form of therapy (even before I realized it actually WAS a form of therapy), I had been wanting to sign-up for an online class for awhile, and while I don’t suggest KINRGY for everyone – it’s definitely Goop-tastic (see: Gwyneth Paltrow) – you’re guaranteed a sweat which is nice to know going into a new workout.  There are only so many yoga and barre classes one can take, no?

Unlike a typical dance class, KINRGY is not about perfection, but rather expression, and there was something cathartic about surrendering your mind to your body during the class.  I’m not going to lie, KINRGY is definitely a bit cult-like (NXIVM’s Keith Raniere would eat this shit UP), but so is SoulCycle… plus, I ended the class completely drenched, energized and ready to tackle my to-do list.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Lots of breath work, child-like movement, and an overall healing experience for the mind and body.

Netflix’s six episode documentary series, ‘Cheer’ follows the ups and downs of Navarro College’s competitive cheer squad as they work to win a coveted national title.

I know I haven’t been tossed in the air for fifteen years(!) and my professional cheer career was more the stereotypical role of appearances, hair flips and pom poms, but ‘Cheer’ director Greg Whiteley does a phenomenal job of capturing what these athletes put their minds and bodies through to achieve greatness.

In general, I believe cheer gives you the tools you need to guide you through the rest of your life.  Whether it be teaching punctuality, self accountability, a positive attitude (see: Smiling Through the Pain), being a good teammate – so many life lessons can be implemented to make you successful in the real world because of cheer.

Above all else, cheer teaches you trust. 

At one point, Morgan Simianer, a flyer for Navarro makes note that one would have to be “psychotic” to allow yourself to be flipped around and thrown in the air.  Speaking from experience, you are literally trusting people with your lives – but because of those bonds built and underlying trust, the risk is worth the reward.  I look back at some of the stuff I did; the concussions, the broken bones, the many trips to the ER, and would still do it all over again.  In a heartbeat. 

This sport teaches you to be fearless and roll with the punches.  An injury could happen anytime to anyone (see: Sherbs) – and in business and in life, things change all the time.  Cheer prepares you not to bat an eyelash when life throws you a curve ball and to truly thrive under pressure.

Even if you’ve never cheered a day in your life, I’d highly recommend watching solely for the display of athleticism in the Navarro squad.  

‘Cheer’ is streaming now on Netflix.