In a culture where A-listers and influencers are rapidly shrinking before our eyes and GLP1 and GLP2 medications are being handed out like Halloween candy, one voice has emerged to buck this trend. Registered Dietitian, television personality, and bestselling author Lee Cotton, RDN, LDN, doesn’t deny you your right to look and feel your best. She just wants you to take a closer look at your relationship with food, get curious about how, why, what and when you eat, and heal what may be broken. Cotton’s book, A Nourishing Perspective, advocates for a shift in mindset from “diet” to “nutrition” and from self-punishment to self-examination and compassion. Lee Cotton on Nutrition, Mindful Eating and Healing Your Relationship With Food In her book A Nourishing Perspective: Reconnect with Your Inner Voice and Harmonize Your Relationship with Food (Amplify Publishing) Cotton brings forth evidence-backed information for optimal nutrition to support all stages of life. She delves into mindful eating practices and encourages readers to look at their individual social-emotional-culturally-driven connection with food. For example, what are the emotional triggers that motivate each of us to gravitate towards certain foods while avoiding others? What stimulates our appetite or suppresses it? What thoughts and feelings tend to come about before, during, and after a meal or snack? Cotton’s Florida-based private practice specializes in treating individuals with disordered eating, eating disorders, and providing medical nutrition counseling. And in her book, she doesn’t shy away from sharing her own journey from disordered eating as a teen to healing her relationship with food and becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist to counsel and guide her patients on their own path with, as she puts it, “making peace with your plate.” Her book is filled with catchy phrases that hold simple and clear wisdom. Her quote, “you are worthy of nourishment” encapsulates her book’s message and reframes the picture around our bodies and food in a purposeful way. The beauty of this book lies in its ability to seamlessly incorporate science-backed nutrition information with anecdotal prose, and interactive self-reflective exercises with encouraging affirmations. The book does educate readers about signs and symptoms, clears up some common misconceptions, explains treatment options for disordered eating and eating disorders, and includes recommendations for how to support and communicate with a loved one who is struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder. Cotton’s guided interactive workbook exercises provide readers with self-reflective prompts, self-discovery techniques, affirmations, and practical applications they can use in their day-to-day lives. If you are looking to upgrade or reboot your relationship with food and enhance your nutritional knowledge, this is a worthy read. “A Nourishing Perspective: Reconnect with Your Inner Voice and Harmonize Your Relationship with Food: by Lee Cotton, RDN, LDN, is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org and Walmart and other book retailers. Learn more at www.anourishingperspective.com and follow Lee on Instagram @leecottonnutrition. By Allison Kugel. Allison Kugel is a syndicated entertainment, pop culture and wellness journalist, and host of the Allison Interviews podcast. Top photo by Nathan Dumlao/Unsplash

Canadian womenswear brand Joseph Ribkoff is entering a new phase of global expansion with the launch of its first global direct-to-consumer digital flagship, a renewed brand vision and a Fall 2026 campaign starring Elizabeth Hurley. The nearly 70-year-old brand is introducing the changes as part of a broader effort to expand its digital presence and connect directly with consumers. The new digital flagship is launching across key European markets and the United States, with additional markets to follow. The platform combines editorial content, curated collections and online shopping, giving consumers a direct way to engage with and purchase from the brand. The direct-to-consumer launch builds on Joseph Ribkoff’s established global wholesale business. President and CEO Stephen Belfer said the new platform will allow the company to strengthen its relationship with customers while expanding how they experience the brand and supporting its continued international growth. Elizabeth Hurley is the face of Joseph Ribkoff’s new global campaign, “She Icons.” The actress, entrepreneur and style personality represents the brand’s renewed focus on confidence, individuality and personal style, with the campaign positioning her as an example of the woman at the center of its next phase. Photographed and directed by Jake Rosenberg, the Fall 2026 campaign introduces Joseph Ribkoff’s updated creative direction. “She Icons” focuses on women navigating different stages of life while maintaining their individuality, confidence and sense of style. The campaign is guided by Joseph Ribkoff’s new brand philosophy, “Elegance in Motion.” The concept presents elegance as something that evolves with the women who wear the brand rather than as a fixed or static ideal. Hurley said the collection appealed to her because of its fit, comfort and sophisticated styling. She also said she was drawn to the campaign’s focus on women embracing new chapters of their lives while maintaining their confidence and individuality. Joseph Ribkoff will introduce Edit 57 later this season as a new diffusion line with a more contemporary design direction. The line will debut with a limited-edition capsule called “Icons” and is expected to continue with seasonal capsule collections focused on modern femininity, updated styling and creative storytelling. Edit 57 will remain connected to the Joseph Ribkoff identity while providing a platform for more contemporary interpretations of the brand. The initiative expands the company’s product offering as it develops its updated creative and commercial direction. The Fall 2026 “She Icons” campaign began rolling out globally on August 26 across digital, social, print and retail channels. The campaign, digital flagship and Edit 57 launch together represent the latest steps in Joseph Ribkoff’s efforts to combine its heritage with digital commerce, updated design and a broader global strategy. For more information, visit JosephRibkoff.com. Follow on Instagram. Campaign Credits Talent: Elizabeth Hurley, @elizabethhurley1 Agency: Gersh Agency, @gershagency Photographer & Director: Jake Rosenberg, @jakerosenberg Production: Stept Studios, @steptstudios Styling: Zeina Esmail, @zeinaesmail Hair: Serge Normant, @sergenormant Makeup: Sandy Linter, @sandylinter By ML Staff. Photo/Joseph Ribkoff.

A Miami Beach gallery makes its NYC debut with three artists whose work creates conversation about identity, memory and beauty shaped by different experiences and cultures. For curator and gallery founder Felicia Frazier, New York City has always been part of the story. After relocating from New York to Miami and establishing Dolly and Oz Presents as a platform for bold, emotionally resonant work by emerging and underrepresented artists, Frazier is bringing the gallery back to where her own journey began. This September, the Miami Beach gallery heads north for a limited-time pop-up, titled Where We Gather Now, on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, transforming the moment into both a New York debut and a meaningful homecoming. Founded in 2022, Dolly and Oz Presents has built its identity around art that sparks connection and conversation, championing distinctive voices and creating space for artists and audiences to see the world, and one another, a little differently. On view September 16-26 at 2 Rivington Street, Where We Gather Now brings together contemporary artists Lyall Aston, Jeremy Turpin and Anita Katz, each approaching the exhibition through a distinct medium, perspective and personal history. Together, their works explore a central question: How do we see ourselves, and each other, more clearly? Through their varied disciplines and backgrounds, the artists offer three unique interpretations of identity, connection and the ways we understand one another. All the Kings Men by Lyall Aston Light as a Native Language Born under “an incandescent African sky at the far tip of the globe,” Lyall Aston’s emotionally rich, light-driven imagery fuses spontaneous natural light with cinematic editorial polish. The Miami and New York-based fashion and beauty photographer will feature work from his first solo debut, Here You Go, and selections from his Post Chaste series at the pop-up to show how his nomadic upbringing is reflected in high-fashion editorial and intimate self-reflection. His opening reception takes place on September 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. Rollerset by Jeremy Turpin Beauty Reconsidered Contemporary painter Jeremy Turpin creates acrylic on canvas compositions where he explores global ideas of beauty, identity and self-expression. To challenge how perception and history shape what each person finds beautiful, Turpin uses layered imagery and strategic color over black-and-white forms. His work Levels of Beauty and Good Hair - Bad Hair series examine how cultures around the world from African tribal adornment to Western aesthetic traditions define beauty. Threshold by Anita Katz A Second Act in Sculpture After years of working in interior design and architecture, Anita Katz shifted her career into a path of arts and developed her series Threshold. She creates masks that encompass her family’s migration story from Bolivia. Each mask, made from reclaimed EPS foam, and sculpted with marble powder and acrylic paste, embodies the wounds, milestones, and sacred weight of inherited history which serves as a memory of resilience and transformation. Turpin and Katz will co-headline a second opening celebration on September 23, from 6 to 9 p.m., introducing New York collectors and press to both artists’ work in tandem. “Bringing the conversation to the Lower East Side, one of the most storied gathering places in New York City, felt like exactly the right home for it,” said Frazier. “At its core, this exhibition is about creating connections through art—bringing people together across cultures, experiences and perspectives to spark dialogue, empathy and a sense of shared humanity.” Plan Your Visit Dolly and Oz Presents NYC pop-up, located at 2 Rivington Street in the Lower East Side, opens daily from noon to 8 p.m. except Mondays from September 16-26, 2026. For more information about the exhibition and its artists, visit dollyandozpresents.com. To RSVP to the opening receptions, visit dollyandozpresents.com/blogs/events. By ML Staff. Dolly and Oz.

Cartier has opened a new boutique at The Mall at Millenia in Orlando, Florida, offering the Maison's full range of jewelry, watches, leather goods, accessories, and fragrances. Located at 4200 Conroy Road (Suite K-288), the space draws design inspiration from Florida’s tropical climate and natural environment, incorporating elements of indoor-outdoor living throughout its layout. The retail experience begins in the gold-hued Gallery, which displays the brand's core collections under warm lighting designed to evoke Florida sunshine. Guests then transition into the Loggia, which houses leather goods, eyewear, and fragrances alongside custom artwork, including a citrus tree installation that references the region's native fruit and Cartier's Pasha de Cartier Edition Noire perfume. Further inside, the Bridal and Care & Service salons utilize tropical green and orange color palettes alongside specialized art pieces inspired by Cartier's heritage. A panther painting greets visitors at the main entry, while the Bridal salon features custom straw marquetry depicting a bird in flight inspired by an archival Cartier brooch. The location operates Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Connect with Cartier Website: www.cartier.com/en-us/home Instagram: www.instagram.com/cartier By ML Staff. Photo/Cartier.

“I knew I wanted to be an entertainer. I could see myself singing and dancing in front of millions of people,” Zendaya wrote in her 2013 book, Between U and Me. Today, a decade and a half after she wrote those words, she has become far more than a typical entertainer—a multi-hyphenate who seamlessly moves between television, film, music, fashion, and beauty. And now, she is entering another chapter as the new global ambassador for Prada Beauty (prada-beauty.com) and the face of Prada Paradoxe, including its newest fragrance, Paradoxe Sweet Chemistry. That intentionality has defined her critical rise. Zendaya has won two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, become one of the most recognizable actresses today, and developed a reputation for making thoughtful choices about both the characters she plays and the brands she represents—a track record that led Time to name her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2022. It was that same selectivity that drew her to her latest role. “I love how Paradoxe celebrates complexity, capturing both strength and vulnerability without trying to frame or define someone,” Zendaya said in announcing the partnership. “For me, the fragrances we choose are a reflection of how we move through the world. Joining the brand feels like a completely natural extension of that mindset, especially since Paradoxe was already a personal favorite.” The partnership is notable because Zendaya was already wearing Paradoxe before Prada Beauty approached her. According to Harper’s Bazaar, she first tried the fragrance at the 2025 Met Gala after repeatedly smelling it on her best friend. She liked it immediately, received compliments and eventually made it her signature scent. She gave Vogue a similar account, explaining that her first introduction to Prada fragrances came through a close friend who wore Prada Paradoxe Eau de Parfum Intense. After trying it herself at the 2025 Met Gala, she said the compliments convinced her to keep wearing it. Sweet Chemistry has now joined that rotation. The Paradoxe Collection Prada Paradoxe is built around a floral foundation, but the collection explores that idea through different interpretations. The original Paradoxe has a more musky character with amber nuances, while Paradoxe Radical Essence introduces woody and nutty notes. The new Paradoxe Sweet Chemistry Eau de Parfum moves in a sweeter direction, with black currant, orange blossom and neroli milk among its key notes. For Zendaya, fragrance is not simply another element of a beauty routine. It is connected to memory and identity. She told Harper’s Bazaar that she keeps a small bottle of Paradoxe in her purse, while her comments to Vogue suggest that the scent has become associated with an important period in her professional life. The relationship also extends beyond fragrance. Zendaya has been using Prada Beauty makeup and skincare with makeup artist Ernesto Casillas during her recent press tours. She previously served as the face of Lancôme's Idôle fragrance, making Prada Beauty another significant chapter in an already substantial beauty career. But the Prada partnership makes more sense when viewed against the larger trajectory of Zendaya's career. Her ability to move between seemingly different worlds has been part of her story since childhood. From Oakland to the Stage Zendaya was born in Oakland, California, to two teachers. Her father, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, has Nigerian ancestry, while her mother, Claire Stoermer, has German and Scottish ancestry. As a child, she was energetic and outgoing at home but more reserved at school. Her parents even had her repeat kindergarten to help develop her confidence. Zendaya at the World premiere of 'Spider-Man Far From Home' held at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, USA on June 26, 2019. Photo by PopularImages/DepositPhotos Performance entered her life early. At six, she participated in a school play for Black History Month. At eight, she joined Future Shock Oakland, a hip-hop dance group with which she performed for three years. She also studied hula with the Academy of Hawaiian Arts. Her interest in acting grew while she was spending time at the California Shakespeare Theater, where her mother worked as a house manager. Zendaya helped seat patrons and sell fundraising tickets, but she was more interested in what was happening onstage. Her first acting role was a silkworm in a school production of James and the Giant Peach. At 11, she began attending Oakland School for the Arts and performed in productions including Once on This Island, Caroline, or Change, Richard III, As You Like It and Twelfth Night. Her commitment became serious enough that, during seventh grade, she and her father moved to Los Angeles while her mother remained in Oakland. Zendaya later recalled that she missed parts of a conventional childhood while pursuing the career she wanted. Disney and the Making of a Performer Before becoming a television star, Zendaya worked as a child fashion model for Macy's, Mervyn's and Old Navy. She also appeared as a backup dancer in a Sears commercial featuring Selena Gomez and was featured in a Kidz Bop video. Zendaya wore Ashi Studio SS26 Couture and Chopard jewelry, styled by Law Roach, at the Los Angeles Premiere Of HBO's 'Euphoria' Season 3 held at the TCL Chinese Theatre. Photo, Press Agency/DepositPhotos In 2009, she auditioned for Disney Channel's Shake It Up. She originally tried for the role of CeCe Jones, which went to Bella Thorne, while Zendaya was cast as Rocky Blue. The series premiered in 2010 and quickly became one of Disney Channel's major hits, giving Zendaya her first significant television platform. She did not remain confined to acting. In 2011, she released music, including “Swag It Out” and “Watch Me,” a collaboration with Bella Thorne. She later signed with Hollywood Records and released her self-titled debut album in 2013. Its single “Replay” reached No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. At 16, she also competed on Dancing with the Stars, becoming the youngest contestant in the show's history at that time. She finished as runner-up. Her next Disney series, K.C. Undercover, marked an important shift. Zendaya did not simply accept the role as it was presented. She influenced the character's name, the title of the series and several aspects of K.C. Cooper's personality. The show premiered in 2015, with Zendaya also serving as a producer. That willingness to have a say in the work would become increasingly important as her career developed. Leaving the Disney Image Behind In 2017, Zendaya made her feature-film debut as Michelle “MJ” Jones-Watson in Spider-Man: Homecoming. The role introduced her to a global movie audience, and she returned as MJ in Spider-Man: Far From Home and Spider-Man: No Way Home. She also appeared in The Greatest Showman, where she performed alongside Zac Efron and contributed to the film's soundtrack. Then came Euphoria. Zendaya arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of A24's 'The Drama' held at the DGA Theater Complex at The Directors Guild of America on March 17, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Image Press Agency/DepositPhotos Playing Rue Bennett, a 17-year-old struggling with drug addiction, required Zendaya to leave behind the Disney image that had defined her early career. The performance established her as a dramatic actress capable of carrying difficult material. In 2020, she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, becoming the youngest recipient of the award at 24. She won the same award again for the second season, making her the youngest person to win two Emmys. She was also recognized as an executive producer on Euphoria, becoming the youngest woman ever recognized in the Outstanding Drama Series category. In 2023, she won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama for the role. Her film career expanded at the same time. She played Chani in Denis Villeneuve's Dune, returned for Dune: Part Two, and starred in and produced Luca Guadagnino's Challengers in 2024. As Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach, she deliberately moved away from the younger roles that had defined much of her earlier career. The performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination. A Career That Keeps Expanding By 2026, Zendaya's filmography had reached another level. She returned as Rue for the third and final season of Euphoria, starred opposite Robert Pattinson in The Drama, appeared as Athena in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, and returned as MJ in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. She is also scheduled to return as Chani in Dune: Part Three. Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman wearing Ashi Studio Fall 2026 Couture and Boucheron jewelry, styled by Law Roach arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Columbia Pictures' 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' held at Dolby Theatre on July 27, 2026 in LA. Photo by Image Press Agency, DepositPhotos Her choices have not been limited to acting. Zendaya has also become one of fashion's most influential figures. Her long relationship with stylist Law Roach helped establish her reputation for fashion storytelling and what is often called method dressing, using clothing to connect a promotional appearance with a film's characters or themes. Her influence has been formally recognized. She appeared on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in 2016, was named to Time's 100 Most Influential People list in 2022 and received the CFDA Fashion Icon Award in 2021, becoming the youngest person ever to receive the honor. She has also worked with brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Lancôme, Bulgari, Valentino, Louis Vuitton, On and Rolex. Her fashion work has also carried a broader message. In 2018, her Tommy x Zendaya collections were presented with casts that emphasized age, body size and racial diversity. In 2020, she and Law Roach worked with an all-Black creative team for her InStyle cover, and she received the CNMI Visionary Award for promoting diversity and inclusion in fashion and film. Beyond the Red Carpet Zendaya's public profile has also been connected to charitable work and social causes since she was a teenager. In 2012, she became an ambassador for Convoy of Hope and supported relief efforts following Hurricane Sandy. She later helped raise money for the organization's Women's Empowerment Initiative and participated in Operation Smile's benefit events. Zendaya at the 96th Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, USA on March 10, 2024. Photo by PopularImages/DepositPhotos She has worked with UNICEF, traveled to South Africa with UNAIDS and supported community-based organizations in Soweto. She has also supported education initiatives, including Verizon's #WeNeedMore campaign and a Google.org project supporting computer science education at a community school in Oakland. Her activism has included anti-racism, voting access and representation. During the 2020 George Floyd protests, she temporarily lent her Instagram platform to Patrisse Cullors to share anti-racism resources. She has also encouraged voter participation and worked with Michelle Obama and When We All Vote. Earlier in her career, she participated in campaigns addressing bullying. This history adds another dimension to her relationship with Prada Beauty. Paradoxe is presented around the idea of complexity, individuality and the coexistence of different sides of a person. Zendaya's career has been built on precisely that kind of evolution. She has been a dancer, television performer, singer, producer, dramatic actress, blockbuster star, fashion figure and activist without allowing any one identity to define the next. That may be why the partnership feels less like a conventional celebrity endorsement and more like a continuation of a career that has consistently resisted staying in one category. For Zendaya, Paradoxe was already part of that story. She discovered the fragrance as a personal choice, made it her signature and now represents it on a global stage. Sweet Chemistry arrives at a moment when her own career is similarly expansive, with new films, new roles and new creative territory still ahead. By Evelyn Evans | Photos Courtesy of Prada Beauty

Most people manage debt the way they manage a leaky roof: bucket by bucket, bill by bill, never quite looking at the whole ceiling. The bills get paid, or mostly paid, but the total never seems to shrink, and the stress becomes background noise. What finally changes things usually isn't a windfall; it's asking better questions. These same questions come up again and again for households across Alabama, reliably turning scattered payments into an actual strategy. Each one shifts how you see your bills, and together they reframe the entire project from surviving each month to actually getting out. Ask all five honestly, and your approach to debt changes before your balance does, because clarity is what every payoff plan is really built on. Here's exactly what those five questions are. 1. Start by Asking What You Actually Owe, in One Total Almost nobody carrying serious debt can name their total, and that's not an accident; vagueness is a coping mechanism. But strategy is impossible against an unknown enemy, so the first question is the bluntest: everything, everywhere, added up. Build the complete picture in one sitting: • Every balance: cards, loans, medical bills, buy-now-pay-later, and money owed to family • The interest rate and minimum payment attached to each • Which debts are current, which are delinquent, and which have gone to collections • Your free credit reports, checked for accounts you've forgotten or that aren't yours The number is usually scary and almost always smaller than the dread suggested. Either way, the fog lifts, and everything that follows depends on this map existing. 2. Ask Which Debts Are Costing You the Most Each Month Not all debt is equally expensive, and the difference is where strategy lives. The Federal Reserve's consumer credit data shows consumer credit increased at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.6 percent during the second quarter of 2026. Meaning the nation's household borrowing is still growing, not shrinking, and any balance you leave unexamined is likely doing the same. Sort your list by interest rate and study what each debt costs you in a month, not just what it demands. That single reordering explains why paying minimums feels like running in place: the expensive balances regenerate faster than the cheap ones die. Whether you attack the highest rate first or the smallest balance for momentum, knowing the true cost of each debt is what turns payments into progress. 3. Ask Whether a Structured Program Beats Going It Alone Some households can self-rescue with a spreadsheet and discipline; others are past the point where DIY math works, usually when balances grow despite honest effort. The honest comparison is worth making early rather than late, and weighing the debt relief Alabama households can access with a self-managed payoff. That shows exactly where a program earns its fees through concessions you can't negotiate yourself. Providers who publish program details and eligibility criteria up front, such as US National Credit Solutions, are showing exactly the kind of transparency a legitimate option should offer. The question isn't whether help exists; it's whether structure would change your outcome. If three months of solo effort haven't moved the total, that's your answer arriving on schedule. Pride pays no interest, and neither does waiting. 4. Ask What Each Option Does to Your Credit Before Choosing Every debt strategy leaves a different fingerprint on your credit file, and knowing the trade-offs beforehand helps prevent the worst surprises. The main paths compare roughly like this: • Consolidation loans can help your score if they cut utilization and payments stay perfect • Management plans may note enrolled accounts while steadily rebuilding payment history • Settlement trades a near-term score hit for eliminating balances you couldn't pay anyway • Bankruptcy hits hardest but sets a legal endpoint that years of struggling never will The right choice depends on what you need your credit for and when. A score is a tool, not a report card on your worth, and sometimes the fastest way to rebuild it is to stop the bleeding first. 5. Ask What Happens After the Last Payment Clears The least-asked question is the one that decides whether you're ever back here. Financial obligations are usually a symptom; the cause is a gap between income and obligations that will reopen unless something structural changes. Planning for afterward, while still paying, is what makes a payoff permanent. That means deciding now where the freed-up payment money goes: an emergency fund first so the next surprise bills itself to savings instead of a card, then whatever goal the debt years postponed. It also means noticing which habits, subscriptions, or obligations built the balance and retiring them alongside it. People who answer this question don't just get out of debt; they stay out, which is the only version of out that counts. Final Thoughts Five questions change the way you approach your bills by converting a pile of payments into a plan: a total you can name, costs you can rank, help you've honestly evaluated, trade-offs you've chosen on purpose, and a future that doesn't rebuild the pile. Nothing about the debt itself changed the day you asked them; everything about your leverage did. Bills stop being a monthly ambush and become line items in a project with an end date. Start with the first question tonight, in one sitting, with every account on the table. The balance will take time to follow, but the approach changes immediately. That shift is the whole game. By ML Staff. Images generated with OpenAI.

Adult ballet classes in Miami now offer several entry points, whether a dancer is learning first position for the first time, returning after years away, or looking for advanced technique and pointe work. Current programs extend from Miami Beach and Brickell to Kendall, Palmetto Bay, and Cutler Bay, with formats that include drop-ins, semester sessions, mixed-level classes, and structured conservatory training. The studios below are not ranked. Miami Living selected them for their active adult programming, clearly defined levels, scheduling options, or specialized instruction. Class information was verified through official studio and institutional websites on September 3, 2026. Schedules, prices, and availability can change, so students should confirm details before visiting. Miami City Ballet School Best for: A clear progression from introductory to intermediate ballet Miami City Ballet School offers open classes for dancers ages 14 and older at its Miami Beach studios. Its fall 2026 schedule, running from August 24 through December 17, includes Intro to Ballet, Beginner Ballet, Beginner/Intermediate Ballet, and Intermediate Ballet. Evening classes are available Monday through Wednesday, while morning and Saturday options expand the schedule for returning dancers and those with daytime flexibility. New students register through the school's online portal. Location: 2200 Liberty Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Armour Dance Theatre Best for: Level-specific training and frequent weekly classes Armour Dance Theatre publishes separate adult classes at beginner/intermediate, intermediate, intermediate/advanced, and advanced levels. The 2026–2027 school-year schedule includes morning, evening, and Saturday sessions, with advanced classes meeting three mornings a week. Adult tuition begins at $110 per month for one weekly class, while an open class is listed at $30. The school advises new students who are uncertain about placement to contact the academy before registering. Location: 5818 SW 73rd Street, Miami, FL 33143 Miami Royal Ballet & Dance Best for: Mixed-level classes with morning and evening choices Miami Royal Ballet & Dance offers four adult sessions each week in Coral Gables. Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and again from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The program accepts complete beginners, returning dancers, and experienced students, with the evening sessions identified by the school as an appropriate starting point for first-timers. New students begin by requesting a trial class and receiving guidance on placement and availability. Location: 300 Altara Avenue, Suite 1415, Coral Gables, FL 33146 Ayala Ballet Conservatory Best for: Beginners interested in ballet with added core work Ayala Ballet Conservatory separates its adult schedule by experience. Beginner Ballet + Core meets Mondays at 7:30 p.m. and combines foundational ballet instruction with core-strengthening exercises. Adult Ballet, intended for dancers who already understand basic technique, meets Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and covers barre, center work, adagio, turns, and allegro. The conservatory operates several Miami campuses and directs adult students to its booking system for current class placement, pricing, and location confirmation. Listed Brickell campus: 901 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33130 JCS Ballet Academy Best for: Vaganova-based adult training and pointe progression JCS Ballet Academy offers an adults-only program in Kendall built around the Russian Vaganova method. Its published options extend from beginner through advanced ballet and include adult pointe plus strength and flexibility training. No previous experience is required for the introductory adult class, while pointe participation requires appropriate preparation and studio guidance. The academy offers a free trial class and asks prospective students to contact the school for the current schedule and level placement. Location: 14261 SW 120th Street, Suite 115, Miami, FL 33186 IB Classical Dance Best for: Ballet and PBT options at multiple experience levels IB Classical Dance lists Ballet & PBT for Adults in beginner and intermediate/advanced divisions. The studio emphasizes classical technique and artistry and currently offers new students an introductory week of classes for $29.99. Prospective students should use the studio's enrollment form or contact the school to confirm class times before registering. Location: 320 NE 75th Street, Suite 109, Miami, FL 33138 Miami Youth Ballet Best for: Affordable beginner drop-in classes Miami Youth Ballet offers Adult Beginner Ballet twice a week in Palmetto Bay, with no previous experience required. Classes meet Mondays and Fridays from 7 to 8 p.m. A single drop-in costs $18, while five-class and 10-class cards are listed at $80 and $150. The open format makes this one of the more flexible choices for adults who want to try ballet without enrolling in a full course. Location: 9210 SW 158th Lane, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157 Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center Best for: Adults who prefer a structured 10-week course The Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center divides its adult ballet program into beginner and intermediate courses for participants 18 and older. The fall 2026 intermediate course meets Mondays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., September 14 through November 23. The beginner course meets Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., October 7 through December 14, with the final meeting held on a Monday. Each 10-week course costs $145. Formal ballet attire is optional, soft ballet slippers are preferred, and the courses do not conclude with a recital. Location: 10950 SW 211th Street, Cutler Bay, FL 33189 University of Miami Herbert Wellness Center Best for: Short sessions in a university wellness setting The University of Miami Herbert Wellness Center offers Adult Ballet Lessons at beginner and intermediate/advanced levels. Instruction covers ballet terminology, barre, center work, and traveling exercises, with an emphasis on alignment and movement quality. The fall 2026 Session I runs from August 22 through October 2, and registration is open to both members and nonmembers through the center's premium instructional programs. Current times and prices appear during online registration. Location: 1241 Dickinson Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146 Pinecrest Dance Project Best for: Adults seeking a ballet and conditioning combination Pinecrest Dance Project offers adult ballet for students ages 16 and older at the Pinecrest Community Center. Taught by Susana Fajardo, the class begins with traditional barre work and incorporates upper-body conditioning, flexibility, and coordination exercises. Comfortable clothing that permits movement is accepted. Location: 5855 SW 111th Street, Miami, FL 33156 By Luiz Porto/ML Staff. Photos courtesy of each business featured in this story. Top/first photo/DepositPhotos

Vaginal health can shift quietly before noticeable discomfort begins. Changes in bacteria, yeast, acidity, or tissue conditions may develop before odor, itching, altered discharge, or irritation appears. Examining microbial patterns can provide useful clinical context when symptoms recur or remain difficult to explain. Results do not replace examination or treatment, but they may help people recognize trends, prepare focused questions, and seek appropriate care before a minor disturbance becomes persistent. Image by DepositPhotos A Clearer Baseline A flora test can offer more detail than symptom-based assumptions. Depending on the method, testing may identify protective bacteria alongside organisms associated with bacterial vaginosis, yeast overgrowth, recurrent urinary symptoms, or aerobic vaginitis. That information gives a healthcare professional a stronger starting point, especially after repeated treatment failures, unclear findings, or symptoms that return soon after medication ends. What Vaginal Flora Reveals A healthy vaginal community contains many microorganisms living in changing proportions. Lactobacillus species often produce lactic acid, helping maintain conditions that discourage certain disruptive organisms. Still, no single microbial profile defines wellness for every person. Hormones, antibiotics, menstruation, sexual activity, pregnancy, and menopause can alter this local environment. A report may show whether lactobacilli remain prominent or whether other groups have increased. That distinction can matter when symptoms alone provide few clues. Early Signs Worth Tracking Small changes may deserve attention before discomfort becomes severe. New odor, unusual discharge, burning, pelvic sensitivity, or urinary urgency can accompany microbial disruption. Some people notice symptoms after antibiotics, a contraceptive change, intercourse, or a shift in hormone levels. A private record can capture cycle timing, medications, sexual activity, products, and symptom duration. Those details help a clinician compare episodes rather than rely on a single recollection during an appointment. Why Recurring Problems Need More Detail Repeated episodes may reflect an incorrect diagnosis, incomplete treatment, resistance, or another condition with similar features. Standard testing does not identify every organism present in a sample. Broader analysis may reveal patterns linked with bacterial vaginosis, yeast overgrowth, or urinary complaints. Interpretation remains essential. Detecting a microorganism does not automatically prove illness. Treatment should reflect symptoms, examination findings, medical history, and validated diagnostic results. Hormones Can Shift the Microbial Mix Estrogen affects vaginal tissue, moisture, acidity, and nutrient availability for particular bacteria. During pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause, hormonal changes may contribute to dryness, irritation, odor, or infection-like symptoms. Comparing findings across different periods may clarify whether complaints follow a hormonal pattern. That record can support discussion about local estrogen, moisturizers, medication changes, or other clinically appropriate options. H3: Fertility Questions Require Care Microbial findings may relate to reproductive health, but they cannot predict pregnancy on their own. Conception also depends on ovulation, sperm function, fallopian tube health, age, and broader medical factors. People trying to conceive may bring results to a reproductive specialist as one part of their medical history. Decisions should rest on established evidence, not fear generated by a single laboratory report. Reading a Report Carefully Reports may list organism names, relative abundance, microbial load, or risk categories. Relative abundance describes each group’s share of the sampled community, not necessarily its total quantity. A modest percentage can matter in some clinical settings, while a larger proportion may cause no symptoms. Collection details also influence interpretation. Menstrual blood, recent intercourse, antibiotics, vaginal products, and treatment timing can affect a sample. A clinician can explain which findings deserve follow-up. Image by DepositPhotos Testing Before Symptoms Escalate Testing may help people with recurring complaints, symptoms that return after treatment, or persistent uncertainty. Establishing a reference point can also be useful before menopause, pregnancy, or another major hormonal transition. People without symptoms should avoid treating laboratory findings on their own. An intervention without a clear indication may disrupt a stable community. Depending on the situation, examination, culture, or targeted infection testing may offer more useful answers. When Professional Care Is Urgent Severe pelvic pain, fever, sores, heavy bleeding, pregnancy-related concerns, or rapidly worsening symptoms require prompt medical attention. A home sample cannot safely assess every cause of those signs. Symptoms after sexual contact also warrant suitable sexually transmitted infection screening. A microbiome panel and an infection test answer different clinical questions. One should not replace the other. Turning Data Into Better Decisions The value of vaginal flora testing increases when clinicians review results alongside symptoms and timing. One sample describes a single moment. Several records may show whether a pattern is stable, temporary, treatment-related, or connected with a particular trigger. Useful data should lead to focused questions, not anxious conclusions. Clear notes can shorten appointments, reduce repeated guesswork, and help clinicians choose safer follow-up steps. Conclusion Vaginal flora may change before symptoms become disruptive, making early observation useful for people with recurring concerns or major hormonal transitions. Testing can identify protective bacteria, fungi, acidity-related patterns, and organisms linked to common conditions. Results still require clinical context, because detection alone does not establish disease. Careful symptom tracking, accurate medical history, and timely professional guidance can help individuals respond sooner and make sounder decisions about intimate health. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of DepositPhotos

Aman has introduced Vera, a new fine fragrance created to coincide with the opening of Amanvari on Mexico’s Sea of Cortés. Developed to reflect the meeting of jungle and sea around Amanvari, Vera is designed to capture the resort’s quiet, remote landscape and extend the experience beyond a guest’s stay. The fragrance opens with chocolate and raspberry notes for depth and intensity, balanced by elemi and saffron. A heart of cedarwood, violet and jasmine leads to a base of leather, sandalwood and amber, aimed at creating a warm yet clear composition that suggests light on water and warm air on skin. Vera is part of Aman’s fine fragrance collection and is available through the Amanvari site for those seeking a scent inspired by the brand’s new Mexican coastal property. By ML. Photo(s)/Aman

Tiffany & Co. has unveiled a new wave of jewelry pieces under its Expressions of Love theme, highlighting designs crafted by the brand’s artisans and inviting customers to explore the latest collections online and in stores. The offering features new designs within signature lines, including the Bird on a Rock collection, which showcases distinctive gemstone settings and is positioned as a centerpiece of the campaign. Alongside the new designs, Tiffany & Co. is directing customers to curated selections such as gifts for her, most popular jewelry and Tiffany icons, as well as services that allow clients to consult a diamond expert, book appointments and personalize select pieces. Additional details on the new Expressions of Love jewelry and related services are available on the Tiffany & Co. website. By ML. Photo(s)/Tiffany & Co.

Versace has launched the Icaro line of sneakers as part of its latest seasonal collection, expanding the Italian fashion house’s range of luxury footwear. The Icaro design features a bold silhouette with prominent detailing that incorporates signature Versace house codes, positioning the style as a statement sneaker for the new season. The sneakers are available in Versace boutiques and on versace.com for customers seeking new additions to their sneaker collections. By ML. Photo(s)/Versace

Givenchy has introduced the Shark Pinch boot, a renewed take on one of the house’s signature designs created by artistic director Sarah Burton. The new boot extends to a thigh-high silhouette and features metal Pinch hardware, first seen in Burton’s debut season for the brand, with a sculptural construction that emphasizes both structure and sensuality. The Shark Pinch boot is available in Givenchy boutiques and on givenchy.com for online purchase. By ML. Photo(s)/Givenchy Paris