Move over Sass & Bide we have a new Aussie label to lust after. Stylestalker ‘a label for self-confessed style addicts’ from designers Sue-Ann San and Rachel Zeilic offers rock/goth influences paired with achingly cool style. Maximum results, minimum effort for the wearer. I have the 'Pierced Pants' on order and my fingers crossed that their infamous ‘Snakebite’ leggings will be back in stock soon. Available from Selfridges and Stylestalker
I am usually quite the workout fanatic, back in the States I would wake up every morning at 6:30am to go to the gym. Since arriving in London, I have slacked off heavily and have been gaining a few pounds here and there. So, when my housemate asked me if I wanted to join her at a Bikram Yoga class, I jumped at the opportunity. Plus, there is a beginner’s deal currently on at HOTBIKRAMYOGA located in Fulham and Balham which is just £15 for 10 consecutive days!
I had participated in yoga before, usually putting on some jogging bottoms and a T-shirt. I knew that wouldn’t be the right attire for a 44°C stale room and I got a bit nervous about what would be appropriate. I ended up wearing a swimsuit top and some leggings, but soon realized I had made the wrong decision. I soon discovered my swimsuit top was not designed to cover someone in the midst of complicated yoga positions. The leggings I wore were ones I use on a daily basis and they were a horribly hot and sticky material. As soon as I got home, I started searching the internet for yoga clothing that would also work for Bikram.
I came across Asquith London, an online yoga and Pilates clothing boutique. They specialize in the finest organic and bamboo clothing, making sure every piece is ethically produced. I called them straight away and spoke with Alice Asquith herself! She was more than willing to help me in my desperation. Not only did she tell me the best types of clothing to buy, she gave me her Top 5 Tips for yoga clothing;
Top 5 Tips for Yoga Clothing
- Loose versus fitted- It all has to do with what you prefer. When in a dynamic practice session, it is usually better to wear more fitted clothing (legging, Capri, bootleg) so the fabric is out of the way. In a gentle practice, loose fitting clothing is nice for a bit of relaxation and comfort (foldover or drawstring trousers)
- Natural Fabrics- Feeling good while practicing yoga is important. If you have a positive outlook of yourself, you will have a positive practice. Asquith’s Certified Organic and bamboo fabrics are not only great for the environment, but they also feel soft and luxurious against the skin.
- Tops- You want to be comfortable doing stretches and moving into different poses while practicing yoga. Make sure your top is long enough to cover your midriff if this is a problem area!
- Cover Ups- When going to and from yoga practice, you may want to have a cover up over your yoga clothing (I’ve noticed people in London stare if you’re in gym clothing while in public). Asquith offers super stylish wrap cardigans and funnel neck zip tops.
- Quality- If you attend yoga practice regularly, you’ll want to have a few outfits. With the sweating that happens in Bikram, you’ll have to wash these clothes constantly. You want clothing that is sustainable, that won’t bobble, fade, or shrink.
Alice explained that because the bamboo plant does not need any fertilizers and is seldom eaten by pests, it is antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-static, making it a great material for the skin. It is also very breathable and able to change temperatures due to the micro-gaps and micro-holes that are inherent to the bamboo fibre. When it is warm, the material is naturally cool to the touch and vice versa in cooler weather. Bamboo is a naturally durable material and can also absorb an extraordinary amount of water, which then evaporates quickly. This makes it perfect for the challenging conditions of Bikram Yoga and I can’t wait to try it out myself!
With these tips in mind, Alice suggested the best pieces to wear for Bikram would be the Bamboo Tie Pants and a Bamboo Strappy Top.
For those of you who want to get your hands on these fabulous items from Asquith London, they are offering Amazing PR readers an exclusive offer! Just go to www.asquithlondon.com, choose your favourite items and make sure to type in AMAZING20 into the promotional code box to receive your 20% discount until May 1st!
BP
Alpaca Packs a Punch
We’ve been converted. After years of spending a small fortune on cashmere sweaters and pashminas, not to mention being seduced by ‘cut-price cashmere’ (a false economy if ever there was one), we’ve discovered a lustrous and silky natural fibre from...the alpaca. For those of you unfamiliar with these enchanting creatures, alpacas are in fact a domesticated species of South American camelid (yes we had to look this one up), although you would be forgiven for mistaking them for small llamas.
Renowned for its distinctive lustre and silky fineness, alpaca fleece has long been used for both knitting and weaving. Indigenous cultures have used heavy weight alpaca fleece for thousands of years to produce warm clothing. Today designers are gradually becoming more au fait with the versatility of alpaca, the British institution Pringle have used it in their knitwear collections, while at Armani they have woven the longer and silkier ‘Suri’ fibres into suits.
Although similar to sheep’s wool alpaca fibre is far more luxurious, not to mention softer, warmer, lighter in weight, not prickly, free from lanolin making it hypoallergenic… oh and did we mention they are also incredibly cute?!
We love the gorgeous pieces from Fowberry Alpacas, a small herd based in North Yorkshire. The alpacas are born and raised in the Howardian Hills, sheared annually and the fleece woven in West Yorkshire at a small artisan weaver, perfect for those of you trying to reduce your clothing carbon footprint. The fleece is organically processed to create a range of hand-knitted, hand-woven and crocheted garments, which include hats, scarves, wraps, cardigans, jumpers and ponchos. No dyes or chemicals are used in production; instead they rely on the natural colours of the herd. The alpaca is actually one of the most colour diverse fibre-producing animals in the world with as many as 22 different shades.
Here at the Amazing PR office we’ve fallen in love with their scarves especially the ‘Extra Cosy Large Scarf’ and the Missoni-esque ‘Biba’ scarves, (currently on sale so we’ll race you!).
Look out for their new range of ‘Baby Alpaca Woven Scarves’, made from only the finest and softest fleece, they are guaranteed to keep you toasty on even the coldest of days and join us in coming over all broody at the sight of these adorable hand-knitted booties.
So in preparation for the next cold-snap we are ditching the cashmere - so over-done - and cocooning ourselves in alpaca, equally luxurious, naturally warm and soft, not to mention more affordable and available right on our doorstep. Plus, let’s face it, those alpacas are definitely cuter than their cashmere goat rivals!
http://www.fowberry-alpacas.com
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All we want for Christmas....
With Christmas just over a week away and with all our pressies almost bought, here at Amazing PR HQ we have decided its time to turn our attention to our own Christmas wishlists. So Santa, if you are reading this, any last minute stocking fillers would be very well received. After all we have been awfully good girls this year... Edwina’s Wishlist:
A Bouquet Delivered Monthly from Pinstripes and Peonies - £880 PA
Slightly decadent I know, but a beautiful bouquet delivered to your door each month is guaranteed to lift the spirits and provide a stunning statement. Pinstripes and Peonies are renowned for their breathtaking and individual designs and will even supply next year’s Christmas wreath free of charge on top of the twelve arrangements.
Les Queues de Sardines Icar Tights - £36
These tights bring a quirky twist to festive dressing. Les Queues de Sardines are noted for their unconventional and unique graphic style. Produced in limited quantities, they are screen-printed by hand on a rural farm in France, so I can be sure I will stand out in a sea of black opaques.
GelaSkins Phone Cover – Around £30
Want to personalise your phone? I mean REALLY personalise? GelaSkins makes art portable with their collection of designs from over 100 artists that can be made into a ‘skin’ for any mobile phone. For further individuality you can even upload your own photo and they will convert it to a clever little anti-scratch, anti-UV cover. I'm sick of other people walking off with my phone in meetings, so I rather fancy a bit of leopard print for my Blackberry:
Katie’s Wishlist:
Emma Franklin Gold Hippopotamus Ring - £115
Central St Martins graduate Emma, designs and makes each individual piece from her animal kingdom inspired collection at her Clerkenwell studio. Her menagerie of designs are heirlooms in the making. I am particularly taken with this gold hippo ring, such a unique and individual piece it’s sure to get people talking. Emma makes each piece to order and also takes commissions, get your order in early, this girl is going places.
Coulson Macleod ‘Love Makes The Ride Worthwhile’ Limited Edition Print - £199
The simplicity of the messages in Coulson Macleod ‘Love Collection’ is what makes them so powerful. This combined with the raw, distressed finish of the typography within a vintage-style, handmade oak frame and you have a unique piece whose sentiment resonates widely, but still retains a personal touch. I have been lusting after a Coulson Macleod design for so long now, it is really is the most perfect understated declaration of love you could give...
Elizabeth and James Rabbit-Trimmed Stretch-Jersey Blazer - £665
Ok this may be a bit of wishful thinking, but this blazer is my perfect piece, casual, easy-to wear style with a luxurious twist. The olive green colour makes it so versatile; I would wear it with everything, from jeans to add a bit of glam, right through to a little black dress with biker boots to give a grungy edge. The Elizabeth and James range is designed by the Olson twins and incorporates the pair’s eclectic-chic style. The blazer is available from Net-A-Porter and as usual they have provided some great styling pointers (see image below).
Eleanor’s Wishlist:
Astley Clarke Evil Eye Charm Bracelet - £125
A lapis lazuli and 18ct gold vermeil chain wrap with a yellow gold, turquoise and diamond micro pave evil eye charm. The evil eye charm safeguards and protects, while lapis lazuli strengthens truth and bonds relationships, my little lucky charm for the year ahead!
The Modern Girl’s Guide to Fabulousness by Bethanie Lunn - £9.99
The essential A-Z of life skills girls! Including tips on how to make the perfect cocktail, find the best vintage boutiques, walk in high heels, diet successfully, a guide to the coolest boutique hotels and best online dating sites. Celebrity contributors include Elle Macpherson, Dita Von Teese and Mark Hix.
Acne Pistol Boots - £415
A classic Acne boot that will keep me going for seasons to come. The high leg shaft is very flattering and the heel is the perfect height for everyday wear. This really is a boot for all occasions, so I think that justifies the expense...doesn’t it??
And not forgetting the fourth member of the Amazing PR team, a cheeky little Tibetan Spaniel who is mainly wishing for a Santa sack full of treats this Christmas.
Mojai’s Wishlist:
Paragon Christmas Stocking for Small Dogs - £5.99
This all-natural stocking stuffed full of treats will keep both me and my human happy. The tasty treats will give me hours of chewing fun, but it’s also healthy and nutritious so will stop her worrying about my waistline. Bring on the Christmas day over-indulgence!
http://www.naturalpetproductsltd.com/healthy-treats/christmas-stockings/prod_14.htm
Mungo and Maud Cashmere Pullover in Chocolate - £108
It’s Mungo and Maud, it’s cashmere, it’s my colour and I am so worth it...need I say more?
http://www.mungoandmaud.com/store/product/1780/Cashmere-Dog-Pullover-Chocolate-25cm/
Jacks Cabana ‘The Cuff’ Dog Bed – POA
Jacks Cabana offer elegant, hand-crafted designs for style conscious pets and their humans. This bed is a statement piece in its own right, so I will definitely be centre stage when visitors come over (think of the possibilities for fuss and treats!). Available in a range of wood finishes and with a clever little space saving drawer, this is slicker than your average dog bed. Better start practicing those puppy dog eyes if you want to be curled up in this in time for Christmas.
http://www.jackscabana.co.uk/bed1.html
And finally, they say money can’t buy you love, but I think my human could give me a helping hand by getting me a girlfriend of my very own.
Merry Christmas everyone! xxx
Sumptuous Silk - One of Life's Little Luxuries
With Christmas just around the corner how about treating yourself to something so luxurious and indulgent that you’ll be reclining on a chaise lounge eating peeling grapes in the style of an old Hollywood star before you know it (this is how we like to imagine the likes of Grace Kelly and Marlene Dietrich spent their time). Alternatively if you are in the process of dropping subtle (or not so subtle) hints about the items on your Christmas wishlist, ‘The Essential Collection’ from Anne Wiggins should be top of that list.
Anne’s debut collection of loungewear and nightwear, appropriately called ‘The Essentials Collection’ offers the highest quality and most luxurious silkwear. The range includes gowns, pyjamas, robes, jackets, camisoles and palazzo pants. Each garment comes in the same flattering champagne colour and can be worn as loungewear, nightwear or under clothing. In particular, the camisoles and gowns work perfectly as slips to wear under tops or your favourite party dress.
The old saying ‘If you want a job doing properly, do it yourself’ applies here, Anne spent a long time searching as a customer for the perfect silk range and found all of those available to be lacking in some way. She decided to create a range that addressed all of her needs and the needs that she felt sure other women must share. Not only are the pieces made from the finest and purest silk Anne could find (which happens to be on a small farm in Japan) they are also completely ethically sourced and produced, as well as being free from any chemical treatments. Anne’s Buddhist beliefs influence every step of the design and creation of the garments, so much so she even insists on an expensive and rare humane method of farming the silk worms to ensure they are not harmed. As an added bonus to all this lovliness Anne’s silk does not demand to be dry-cleaned, it doesn’t even particularly want to be hand washed, it is perfectly happy in a mesh bag on a delicate wash cycle with some silk and wool wash.
The care and attention to detail has gone into each item is clear, reflecting the philosophies and Buddhist beliefs of their designer. Each of the camisoles and gowns has hidden mesh bust underlays so that they drape and flatter your figure. They also come beautifully packaged, boxed in tissue paper with monogrammed ribbon and organic lavender bags.
I’ve got my eye on the long gown (£205) and robe (£270), perfect for reclining glamorously on the sofa and entertaining gentleman callers...Oh ok, more realistically for snuggling down and watching X Factor, but a girl can dream can’t she?! The short gown (£180) would also go perfectly under any party dress as a slip to create a smooth silhouette.
We suggest you start dropping hints pronto…but if that fails why not treat yourself? Come on, it’s nearly Christmas!
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