There are many things in life that just aren’t fair. Like walking into work after an early morning spinning class to find a box of donuts on your desk. Or somehow managing to avoid hearing how Lost ended through five seasons on Netflix only to have the twist spoiled by your well-meaning (but totally clueless) friend right before you make it to the finale. And now: Hearing that while Spanx make you look instantly five pounds thinner, they’re also crushing your organs.

Talk about a buzz kill.

The Huffington Post recently reached out to a trio of specialists – a gastroenterologist, a dermatologist and a chiropractor to find out if shapewear can be hazardous to our health. The short answer? Yes.

Dr. John Kuemmerle, the gastroenterologist, tells the website the tight materials that make up shapewear can compress your colon, stomach and intestine, as well as make acid reflux and heartburn more severe and bring on something called erosive esophagitis. We’re not sure what that is, but it doesn’t sound at all pleasant.

And, oh, yeah: Your Spanx can cause incontinence, too, the doc tells HuffPo, especially for those who have had bouts of IBS in the past. Um, equal parts ick and eek!

Dr. Karen Erickson, the chiropractor, tells HuffPo shapewear also can do a number on your digestion, causing gas, bloating or other tummy woes, along with shallow breathing. Neat! She tells the site sitting too long in shapewear may cause meralgia paresthetica, a condition that compresses a nerve in your leg, causing a range of fun stuff like tingles, numbness or plain ol’ pain.

"It's like putting these giant rubber bands around your upper thighs and tightening them when you sit," Erickson tells the website, adding that swelling, varicose veins and even blood clots could result from too-tight shapewear.

One more tidbit that may cause you to ditch your Spanx, altogether: Dr. Maryann Mikhail, the dermatologist, says bacterial and yeast infections can be caused by shapewear, particularly an infection that will leave you with “red puss-filled bumps.” Is that whimpering we hear?

Now, all is not lost, Spanx fans. HuffPo notes that wearing Spanx now and again is probably fine, but everyday use? You might want to invest in some flowing skirts or trousers.

Acid reflux. Varicose veins. Incontinence. Puss-filled bumps. Maybe looking five pounds heavier isn’t so bad after all. Pass those office, donuts, please.

Lesley Kennedy writes for ShopAtHome.com. Follow ShopAtHome on Twitter @shopathome and Lesley on Google+.

This New Year, ease your way into glitter with some sweet and subtle accessories that will add some punch to your go-to outfits.

iVillage Style Editor Sarah Kelsey teams up with iVillage Minute Host and Fashion Blogger Sarah Francis to discuss their favourite picks for a sparkly new year.Watch as our fashion experts show you how to shine in glittery holiday party clothes.

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Sure, bangs on your little kid’s face generally looks absolutely adorable. There are just two small problems: Scheduling an annoying (and pricey!) monthly trip to the salon for a trim, or dealing with the sloppy peek-a-boo look when you skip it (since hair can grow up to half an inch a month.)

The easiest solution? Learn to do it yourself. Seriously, you don’t have to be a haircutting pro - or anything close to it - to give your kid a totally acceptable (and affordable) trim. “Bang trims are a great start to taking hair care into your own hands,” says Rebecca Braith, education specialist for Great Clips. To do the job right, follow this advice:

Start with the right tools.
Kitchen or crafting shears just won’t, well, cut it. A reliable pair of hair-cutting scissors will give you a much cleaner look. You should be able find a reliable pair at a beauty supply store or the pharmacy section the drug store for less than $20. But regardless of how much you spend, the key to cutting hair at home is to have a dedicated pair to use only on hair, Braith says. You’ll also want to have both a fine-tooth and wide-tooth comb and a spray bottle on hand, as well as clips or a ponytail holder is your child’s hair is long.

Create a clearly defined section of hair to use as a bang section.
If your child already has bangs, this step is covered, but if you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to decide where you want your child’s bangs to begin. Start with dry hair and clip back the hair you don’t want to trim.

Loosely comb the hair down onto the forehead from the parting you created.
Dampen hair with the spray bottle, and place the comb about half an inch above where you want to cut to help you visualize your straight line and to hold the hair in place.

Begin cutting.
Cut the wet hair from the center of the forehead toward either temple, completing one side before beginning the other. Hold the hair loosely with your fingers (pulling hair taut could leave your kid with too-short bangs) and cut it straight across, just below your fingers. Repeat with the other side.

"When in doubt, leave the hair a little longer to start until you become more confident in your skill,” Braith says. In fact, it’s always a good idea to err on the longer side – despite the fact that you’re giving your kid a trim for a reason. Young kids often have strong cowlicks at the front hairline that naturally split the hair or push it up and away from the forehead, Braith says – a problem that’s exacerbated by a super-short fringe. Her advice: “Bangs should be at least 1 ½- to 2- inches long so the hair has more weight and is more likely to lay straight.”

Plus, that gives you a little wiggle room to fix mistakes. Not that you’ll make any.

Lesley Kennedy writes for ShopAtHome.com's Online Shopping Report. Follow ShopAtHome on Twitter @shopathome and Lesley Google +.

Whitney Way Thore is living every YouTubers’ dream. A video of her with her dance partner absolutely killing it to Jason Derulo’s "Talk Dirty to Me" has gone viral, with more than 1.3 million views since it was posted on Jan. 29. I remember seeing the video for the first time and being thrilled to see a member of the fat dance community who is incredibly talented and was just living for her dancing.

Whitney is a radio producer and personality who grew up dancing and then, following a significant weight gain that was eventually diagnosed a side effect of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, she walked away from her dancing during college, confining herself to dancing socially. Then one of the personalities on the radio show she produces suggested that she start a “fat girl dancing” video series and she took up the challenge and the rest is quickly becoming YouTube history.

Whitney has done a fabulous job of harnessing the momentum, giving interviews to news organizations all over the world and encouraging her new followers to contact the Ellen show to have her on as a guest, and to submit pictures of themselves pledging allegiance to her No Body Shame Campaign. On her website, among adorable pictures and fabulous dance videos, you can find her Manifesto and invitation.

I am learning to practice aggressive self-love. I have lived my life as a 130-pound woman and as a 350-pound woman in North America, in Europe, and in Asia. Cultural norms, societal pressures, and the whims of the fashion industry do not define my worth as woman or a human being. My intelligence, personality, talents, and contributions do not fluctuate with the numbers on a scale. I am unwaveringly me at any size and I’m learning constructive and pro-active ways to help shape my ideals and the ideals of the world I live in. Do it with me?

A beautiful sentiment all too often unheard, from a dancer with a body type all too often unseen in a culture that tends to choose its singers, dancers, and actors based on their ability to meet a stereotype of beauty first and their talent second. But even Whitney isn’t immune from the pressure to change her body size, telling reporters that she would like to lose 100 pounds. I asked her about it and she told me:

“As far as future weight-loss plans, I'd like to lose 100 pounds. Two years ago, I lost 100 pounds in 8 months by following a rigorous diet and exercise program designed for me by a trainer with whom i worked closely every day. Our ultimate goal was a loss of 200 pounds. Having lost 100 pounds (so i was 250 pounds) I could easily run 4 miles, I became a licensed Zumba instructor....but I still faced ridicule for my weight and it wasn't long before my disordered eating behavior crept back in. I was completely obsessed with fitness and obsessed with reaching a weight that no one could call "fat." After the weight loss, I got a boyfriend and a job and with the lifestyle changes, I had put all the weight back on in a year and sunk back into depression. It was then that I truly realized I had to love myself - I couldn't let my happiness depend on my weight...that would always be a losing battle. So now, when I think about the lifestyle I want to lead, the way I'd like to dance....I think my 250 pound body served me much better. I’m certainly more physically comfortable the more fit I am. What I don't care about anymore is that other people will always call me fat and that is okay. For the first time in life I've realized that if I'm "fat" for the rest of my life, but can lead the lifestyle I want - like running 4 miles and dancing every day - who cares?”

Whitney’s experience is typical of so many dieters – many lose weight short term while few keep it off long term with the majority of people gaining back more than they lost. But there is another option. We can follow the evidence and opt out of this cycle of failure perpetuated by those who profit from it.

Enter Health at Every Size, an evidence-based practice where the focus is on creating health through healthy behaviors and not manipulation of body size. As HAES practitioners if we want to become more fit, we work on strength, stamina, flexibility and technique -- seeking greater fitness and not a change in body size, allowing our bodies to settle where they will.

So by all means join the No Body Shame Campaign, and then consider taking it a step farther. Consider practicing Health at Every Size and joining the Size Acceptance community that has been advocating for a world where bodies of all sizes are celebrated, and where the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are inalienable and never size dependent, since the 1960’s. And if you’ve been waiting for a different body to show up so that you can do the things you dream of, consider taking the body you have out for a spin and being you -- amazingly, unabashedly you -- in the body that you have right now.

Put some pep back into your winter step with a touch of summer. A self-tanner and bronzer will give you a sunkissed glow months before summer. Get More iVIllage Minute Inspiration Here

A scarf is the most versatile accessory for any season. Liven up any outfit by learning how to wear a single scarf in multiple ways.

From child-sized umbrellas to raincoats and DIY boots, it's easy to dress your kids in cute gear that will keep them warm and dry in the rain.

The latest hairstyle making waves on the celebrity circuit doesn’t involve a deft hand with a blow dryer or a team of pro stylists. Nope, just water, a product or two and some scrunching.

Yes! Finally, our daily ‘do is a red carpet "do"!

Apparently, the “wob,” that’s short for wet bob, is the hairstyle du jour of the rich and fabulous -- think Beyonce at the Grammy Awards, Malin Akerman on the Oscar after-party red carpet, Miley Cyrus on the cover of W magazine.

“It’s really an edgy, downtown, sexy look,” hair stylist Patrick Melville tells the New York Daily News. “It’s kind of one of those things you would wear to a cool party, or out to a club, or if you’re going dancing. You wouldn’t want to go to the office party looking like that.”

Oh, well, that bursts our bubble.

Where you rock the wob aside, the style works best on those with chin-length bobs on the choppy side, according to the newspaper, and the secret is using products to achieve a wet look, rather than, sigh, just jumping out of the shower and heading to work. 

“People aren’t going to rush out to work with wet hair dripping on their business suits to make a Power Point presentation,” Beauty Blitz’s Polly Blitzer tells the Daily News. “It should look like you were stuck in a rainstorm or you were singing in the rain, but then you combed it to the side.”

Oh, so as long as we comb it, we’re good? We always knew it was just a matter of time before “busy working mom hair” became a thing. Well, at least we hoped it would, anyway. Now, what we really need to know: Does it still count as cool if you pair your wob with a slightly wrinkled button-down and dress pants as it does with a Beyonce-like bodysuit? We say, yes. Yes, it does.

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Robin White has a unique Philosophy on skincare -- largely because she's been working with the beauty company since it began 17 years ago. During her tenure with the team, she has worked closely with the company’s creator and founder, Cristina Carlino, and has taken on several roles including director of sales, director of education and events.

Not only has she excelled at launching new products and running marketing campaigns, she's done so while balancing her busy family life (she's a mom who travels a ton for her gig). She once told UrbanMoms.ca: “Us moms, we tend to put ourselves at the bottom of the to-do list, right? We’ve got to deal with the kids, the house, the job and when we finally get time for ourselves we start prioritizing on what needs to be taken care of first and we know we need to be efficient about it.” (Preach, sister!)

Charming, flawless and incredibly smart, we could think of no one better to sit down and talk to about their career and legacy as part of our Women We Love series. Here's what makes Robin White tick.

What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?
I wanted to be whatever my father was. So, that meant becoming a business woman and a public speaker.

If you couldn’t do the work you're doing anymore, what would you do?
I’m not entirely sure, but I know it would have something to do with writing.
 
In your fridge right now, you would find...
Pomelo! I fell in love with this sweeter cousin of the grapefruit while traveling in Thailand and couldn’t get enough. I finally found some in a nearby grocery store. I try to fill my fridge with fresh vegetables and other good-for-me stuff. You’ll find them all right beside the bucket of cookie dough….
 
How you'd spend a dream weekend...
There would be running, fresh snow, skiing, making dinner, playing with the kids… and wine.
 
Coffee or tea?
Coffee! I can find a Starbucks in almost any city around the world…
 
Salad, fries or half-and-half?
I know the right answer to this… I try to stick with salad but I’m secretly thrilled when any dining companion orders fries. It’s kind of a rule that you have to share fries, right?
 
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Definitely a morning person. My alarm goes off at 5 a.m. every day. I usually get up and get started, but sometimes the snooze button is so tempting...
 
If you had to eat one cuisine for the rest of your life, it would be?
That would have to be Italian -- the bread, pasta, sauce, boratta, parmesan, meatballs…
 
Best words of advice you’ve ever been given?
From my father: “There are consequences to everything you do, choose wisely.”
From my mother: “Wear sunscreen.”
 
How did you get to where you are in your career?
This has been the most fortuitous combination of being in the right place at the right time and following my heart. I started my career in beauty by mistake. It was a temporary job as a Clinique consultant in Minneapolis. I didn’t realize how complex the business organization behind a beauty brand was. The more I learned, the more I wanted to be involved. I became Regional Education Executive and that is when I learned how much I liked to talk, travel and teach. I moved to Chicago and started to work for philosophy in a training and development role. Later, as Director of Sales in the corporate headquarters in Phoenix, I learned about product development and retailer relationships. I then got involved in Public Relations and became the global brand spokesperson. Since then, as Director, Global Press, I have been traveling to new and emerging markets and speaking to the beauty press around the world. And that means that I get to come back to Canada regularly!
 
End this sentence for me: I can’t start my day without my...
Philosophy purity made simple cleanser. It instantly cleans, refreshes and brightens my skin. I keep it in my shower -- it’s my wakeup call.
 
Did you have a nickname in school and would you share it?
Not that I know of!
 
aircut you most regret?
It’s a toss-up between a rather unfortunate shag (think Mrs. Brady) and the “mushroom” cut -- both so wrong for so many reasons.
 
Fashion era you most admire?
I have a photo of my mother in her skirt suit walking down the city street with her friends. They all look so put together -- elegant and sophisticated. It must have been from the late 40’s.  Such classic, timeless, chic style.
 
How many lipsticks are in your purse right now?
I am addicted to lipgloss and lip balms. It feels like I need to have one within arm’s reach at any given time. Let me check… five in my bag, two on my desk and I know I have two on my bedside table.
 
Best book you’ve read in the past year?
I just finished reading Havisham, the back story of Miss Havisham of Great Expectations. I always wondered how she got to be such a tragic character.
 
Food trend you can’t wait to be over?
The “cronut.” Enough already.
 
Style trend you wish more people were into?
Wearing white after Labour Day. I love mixing white pants or jacket with more traditional fall hues. Except for shoes -- those need to stay in the closet.
 
If you had to take up residence in a celebrity home, whose would it be?
Oprah.
 
Celebrity crush?
Either Ryan -- Reynolds or Gosling.
 
App you can’t live without?
Right now, it is the MetroNorth train schedule. I recently moved to New York and my entire work day revolves around which trains I take to and from the city. I learned the hard way that the trains don’t wait for you.
 
Android or iPhone?
iPhone.
 
Ideal vacation spot?
I love to go skiing. My son and I try to get to Beaver Creek, Colorado, every year.
 
The one word you would use to describe Canada is...
Home.
 
Top philosophy must-haves:

• purity made simple one step cleanser
• microexfoliating treatment
• miracle worker anti-aging retinoid eye repair
• time in a bottle daily age-defying serum
• amazing grace perfumed firming body emulsion

We all know how important eye makeup remover is to our nightly beauty routine. (Very, very, important—for the health of our sensitive eyes, and our white pillowcases). The next time you run out of your favourite store-bought bottle, just head to the kitchen for these quick and easy, totally natural, remedies. These are so gentle and effective (not to mention completely affordable) you may never go store-bought again.
 
Olive Oil
You’ve probably noticed you have to shake your bottle of remover before using it; that’s to mix up the oils. Practically any natural oil can be used, but olive oil is your best bet—with the highest probability of it being in your cupboard. Use a cotton ball or quilted pad and wipe over your eyes, rinse with water. (For extra efficacy, equal parts olive oil and Witch Hazel works extremely well.)  
 
Avocado
Avocado is great for facemasks, body scrubs and yes, even eye makeup removal! Similar idea here to the olive oil: Dip your cotton balls in the avocado and use to remove your mascara and eyeliner, rinse with warm water.
 
Shortening
A swab of this will remove even the most stubborn of eye makeup.
 
Coconut Oil
The many uses of coconut oil haven’t stopped yet so no wonder it can be used to take makeup off. Use a cotton ball, quilted pad or even your fingers to wipe over your eyes and then gently wipe clean with warm water.
 
Baby Wipes
True, these don’t exactly fit into the ‘kitchen’ part of the equation, but if you have kids you probably have these in every room of your house. Even the kitchen. Grab one of these already-wet-wipes the next time you run out of makeup remover; they work like a charm.
 
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You don't need a closet full of clothes to achieve a different look every day. Here's how to make multiple outfits with just a few items of clothing.