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There are a multitude of things that I do in order to relax, but one that I particularly enjoy is settling down on a nice fluffy couch with Elliott, chocolate bar in one hand, glass of wine in the other, and watching an interesting documentary.

Here are my top five relating to the fashion industry in no particular order.

The True Cost:

You’ve probably heard about this documentary by now. Released in 2015, this is one of the most influential films in the conscious fashion world. The documentary is shot all over the world, and discusses the cost of clothing beyond simple monetary means but also looks at what it means in human and environmental costs. It explores the lives of low-wage workers in the garment industry, as well as examines the of pollution and pesticide contamination that is a result of the production of fast fashion. Overall, this film provides with some interesting commentary on consumerism, mass media, and the impact of global capitalism.

Dior and I:

Dior and I is a 2014 film that follows designer Raf Simons as he creates his first haute couture collection for Christian Dior S.A. It opens up the behind-the-scenes world of high fashion design to the viewer and explores the work it takes to create legendary elegance. The focus is on Simons as he balances the classic traditions of the influential house but also implements his own designs to provide for a modern  narration.

Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price:

Made in 2005, this film examines the business practices of Walmart through the combination of interviews, footage, and given statistics. Greenwald argues that Walmart operates with sketchy and unethical practices, focusing particularly on worker’s rights and environmental policy. This documentary presents a compelling argument against the practices of big business and corporate retailers.

Fresh Dressed:

Fresh Dressed, created in 2015, chronicles the history of hip hop clothing and urban fashion as it dominates mainstream culture. It deep dives into the roots of southern plantations and black church culture, exploring the historical past as well as tying in modern interviews from individuals who have had a crucial part in forming the evolution of this style. This documentary is a passionate telling of how originality and self expression overtook trying economic circumstances.

Paris is Burning:

An older film, and known to be culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant, Paris is Burning was created in 1990 and documents the ball culture of New York City in the 1980s. It explores the concepts of race, class, gender, and sexuality in America, especially as it applies to the queer minority, and offers thoughtful insight on how that scene has had an impact on modern culture today.

Tension? Stress? When it comes to neck pain, a little bit of maintenance can go a long way. Take a moment to learn about these quick movements that might bring some alleviation to your discomfort.I work with chiropractors and physical therapists; approximately half of our patients come in for upper back or neck pain and the majority of them work 9-5 desk jobs.With the increased use of smart phones and computers, it’s become more and more common for us to spend our days with our heads down and shoulders hunched.Here are a few quick stretches that you should incorporate into your daily routine that will make a difference in the long run.Lateral Neck Stretch:Actively engage your muscles so that your right shoulder will remain down as you do these stretches; if you’re sitting, a good alternative would be to loop your right hand under and grab the edge of the chair. Look straight ahead and bring your left hand over your head to reach around to the right side. Slowly bend your head towards your left shoulder to stretch the right side of your neck. Use your left hand to apply additional resistance. Hold a mild stretch for 30 seconds and repeat again on the opposite side. Repeat 3 times total on each side.Levator Scapulae Stretch:The levator scapulae is often associated with tension headaches. Begin by engaging your left shoulder or grabbing the edge of the chair to keep your shoulder pinned down. Turn your head approximately 45 degrees to the right and bring your chin towards your chest. Use your right hand to apply additional pressure from the top of your head. You should feel a mild stretch to the left side of your posterior (back) neck. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the opposite side for a total of 3 sets.Posterior Neck and Upper Back Stretch:Look straight ahead and interlace your fingers behind your head. Be sure to sit upright as you begin to tuck your chin towards your chest and tilt your head towards the ground. Use your hands to apply additional pressure and hold the stretch for 30 seconds. Repeat 2 more times.Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) Stretch:The SCM is one of the largest muscles in the neck. To perform this stretch, again, keep your left shoulder pinned down. Bring your head back so that your ears are in line with your shoulders and your chin is parallel with the floor. While looking straight, tilt your head to the right and rotate it to the left. You should feel a stretch on the left side. Use your right hand to cradle your head and apply gentle pressure. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the right side. Perform a total of 3 sets on each side.In addition to the stretches, this one exercise will help to strengthen your neck musculature so that you can maintain proper posture with more ease over a longer period of time. Neck Retractions:Begin by looking straight forward. Pull your head back so that your ear lines up with your shoulders. Be sure to not tuck the chin towards the neck, but rather to maintain a neutral position throughout. (Don’t worry, the double chin happens with everyone.) Hold this position for 3 seconds and repeat this exercise for 3 sets of 12.Do these simple exercises at least a few times throughout the day to maintain healthy mobility in your cervical spine.Disclaimer: these exercises are not meant to be used as the sole means for therapeutic care if you are in serious pain. Please do visit a health care provider if your pain is severe or if you have any history of disk-related disorders, fractures, or any structural deviations.Comment below to let me know if you have any questions or would like more information! What are some stretches that you like to do on a day-to-day basis?

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“Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars, but remember to keep your feet on the ground.“- Theodore Roosevelt

Well, here we are. After weeks of preparation, I present to you, the nerve-wracking first post:Welcome!I am Gillian (soft “g”, as in “ginger”). I’m a recent college graduate with a degree in Athletic Training. When I’m not here, I’m jumping between working my full-time job, working my per-diem job, and moving (dance, yoga, hiking, you name it).So why blog?Well, I’ve only been employed for a very short two months, but in that time, I’ve come to realize that while I enjoy the work that I do, I’m simply not passionate about it.I love to write; I love style; I love human movement; why not put them all together?This blog is a means for both personal expression, and interpersonal exchange. It is a lifestyle blog featuring the balance between my fantasies of grandeur with the realistic choices that sometimes take priority.My hope is that this blog will provide inspiration for women who aspire to a certain aesthetic, whatever that may be, but understand that life happens and sometimes compromises need to be made.Even so, heads up! Just a disclaimer! There will be occasions when I let my inner fairy out to prance and write features that are entirely impractical simply because they tickle my fancy.

In the end, these are just the chronicles of a Neverland native secretly harboring in the real world.

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