Fashion Duo :: More Lilac

Fifi Lapin Tee and Opi Nail Varnish

Beauty :: Nails Inc.

I have always considered manicure an indulgence as the effects are usually short-lived. I have had two manicures in my life, both average: the first was a present from my then boyfriend and the second was in my wedding's eve. In both occasions I went for a neutral colour. Inspired by my cousin I decided to try acrylic nails and booked an appointment with Nails Inc, admittedly the only beauty lounge I could think of. I was a bit nervous about the uncomfortable feeling of having glue stuck upon my nails and didn't want to end up wearing those witch-like nails, always too tick and too squared, or, even worse, those unnatural French. So, I pre-warned my beautician that I wanted something natural and practical because I needed to use my hands a lot with yoga. She had the right solution for me. Instead of applying fake nails, she suggested a three-week manicure with two coats of  organic gel and two coats of semi-permanent paint. I was overly pleased with the results. The only negative comment was that she didn't massage and moisturise my hands, but she did a thorough job on the nails and cuticles. I had them cut short and squared with rounded corners, and polished plum - very elegant indeed. And, more importantly, they look  strong, full of body and shiny. You can also choose a natural shade and then varnish it according to your mood. The nail polish remover won't remove the base paint. The real plus is that the varnish will stay for at least three weeks without chipping. Wow. Let's live and see. 
 

Photos from Fabsugar and Nails Inc.

Spring Trends :: Orange, Magenta and Apple Green Palette

While I was killing some time before having my first proper manicure (I have got to tell you all about it!), I popped into Ted Baker, as they sometimes have in store (literally and metaphorically) tasteful surprises. I adored the orange, magenta and apple green palette. How lovely would it be to pair this ruffle dress with a pair of feathered Loboutins? I find the model's side bun very cute indeed. I think this will become my signature hairstyle for this long awaited Spring.

Ted Baker ruffle printed dress; Louboutin Feathered Peep-toes; Apple Green Clutch/Purse

Fashion Duo :: Dreaming of a Free-Style Summer

In this sunny and freezing London Saturday I am dreaming of a free-style Summer in Italy , by the beach, with my parents and friends. 

I am a big fan of the most stylish bunny on earth and LOVE this newly launched tee.

New Fifi Lapin tee and turquoise sandals by FRYE Jacey

Inspired by VOGUE :: Total Lilac

 

February issue of VOGUE UK shouts Spring from every pore {involuntary synaesthesia}. The cover colour, lilac, is, by antonomasia, associated with Spring blossoming: it flowers in May and symbolises LOVE.

This Melissa peep-toes designed by Vivian Westwood are embellished by a giant green ball which makes these sling back whimsical and fun. They would be perfectly teamed with this cute Camilla Norrback Shirt Dress. It has got puffy sleeves {a detail I personally adore} and is adorned by a discreet bow.

Camilla is a young Swedish designer who produces garments with ecological or environment-certified natural materials, from cultivation, to processing and colouring. 

Melissa shoes are made in Brazil in socially and environmentally responsible factory from recycled material and are completely vegan. 

Both available at Fashion Conscience 

Fashion Duo :: Cipria

Tina Kavalis Fringed dress & Miguel Ases Teardrop Earrings

Mummy & Me

 Fashion Gone Rogue & Let Them Eat Cake

Someone may find the like-mother-like-daughter trend initiated by Kate Holmes too soppy and, at times, pathetic. To me, so long as it doesn't overstep the mark {I would never put my baby daughter in heels}, it can look rather cute. It exudes a symmetric, and therefore pleasant, visual effect. Besides, with the due adaptations {coordinated but not identical!}, it is a playful way to connect with your progeny: it helps the mother feel young and groovy and give the girl, who naturally tends to identify herself with her mother, a sense of belonging. I remember when my parents bought matching sport jackets for themselves and left me out. I was so upset they had to take a photo of me in tears wearing my mum's jacket. I will have to dig out that photo next time I fly back home.

Eco Fashion :: Biker Duo

Where Knee-boots hand-made in a fair trade factory in India + Elsom Skinny ORGANIC jeans

from Fashion Conscience 

Design Duo :: Karmic Mood

I am completely immersed in the study of the yoga tradition which inspired this design and fashion combination. I can't decide whether this colour is pink or purple.

Elle Deco, as seen in Mimi and Meg + Tory Burch Tunic

I Love Colours!

Organic cotton pants by Omnitom

Sunday Art :: Lucia Portret

Portrait of Monica Vitti by Lucia Portret

New Year Poem :: The Trees

  The trees are coming into leaf
Like something almost being said;
The recent buds relax and spread,
Their greenness is a kind of grief.

Is it that they are born again
And we grow old? No, they die too.
Their yearly trick of looking new
Is written down in rings of grain.

Yet still the unresting castels thresh
In full grown thickness every May.
Last year is dead, they seem to say,
Begin afresh, afresh, afresh.

Philip Larkin

Thanks, Lisa

Yoga Holidays :: Wine & Yoga in Provence

I would like to complete my yoga teaching training with a yoga holiday, ideally in India, but more likely in Europe. I am planning to review a few places I have been short-listing for location, style and good value.

My husband and I have been invited to spend a week of yoga and wine tasting in La Madalene, a beautiful mansion in Provence. My friend spent a yoga week there in 2009 and came back refreshed and re-energised. We are seriously considering to join this year, as it sounds to me - a  trainee yogini - and Steve - a would-be wine connoisseur - a good compromise. The delicious cuisine, not exclusively vegetarian, is a plus for my carnivore husband. And, compared to other yoga holidays on offer, the costs are reasonable. It is easily accessible by low-fare airlines, but we wouldn't mind to combine a road trip across France.

La Madalene, a converted priory in the foothill of Mt.Ventoux in Provence, sits on a sandstone outcrop surrounded by mature trees with views over vines, fruit orchards and mountains. The house has been carefully renovated and tastefully decorated with a mix of contemporary classics and antique Provencal furniture. I love the natural colours vivified by touches of magenta.

 Photos (c) Dawn Lintern, courtesy of her Facebook Photo Album

Dawn Lintern, yoga teacher and talented singer, has been practising since 2000 and practising for about 15. She focused on Ashtanga for several years, studying with practitioners such as John Scott, Gingi Lee, Hamish Hendry, Nancy Gilgoff and Danny Paradise. She has done teacher-training with David Swenson, with Narayani in Sivananda yoga and more recently Yin Yoga with Sarah Powers. Dawn teaches Ashtanga at Triyoga and Hatha yoga at Yogahome and the North London Buddhist Centre, where she teaches a more personal, creative style combining the riches of her ongoing exploration into different styles of yoga and teaching. Her aim as a teacher is to give as much individual attention as possible, whilst tuning in to the group dynamic and energy of each class in order to encourage people to discover their potential and blossom.


She will be in Provence in May and August. Check the details here.

All-in-one

I am not at ease with the phrase *yoga fashion* because it can be perceived as an oxymoron. Fashion is, alas, very often associated with appearance, stardom and superficiality, all principles antipodean to the yoga values. But for me style is the exploration of a mood and the playful experimentations of alternative dimensions of life; in other words, a form of art, in the same way the art of yoga is an exploration of our body and mind's potentials as organic beings. 

One of my fashion principles is that clothes should flatter your shapes and  caress your skin, and you should always feel good in them. I therefore swap too tight models and synthetic fibres for organic fabrics and comfy, loose garments. When doing yoga, I like practising in one-piece outfits as they do not show an inch of my belly in upside-down asanas and I just forget I am wearing one.

Shakti Activewear unitards are a great discovery as they keep my curves in place, allow fluidity of movement without getting in the way and look sassy. You can shop  them online or check the retail list here. In London some models are sold at Bikram Centre's shops.

Prancing Leopard is a newly launched yoga clothing company designing funky styles with organic cotton. The company also supports local women's communities around the world and the Snow Leopard Trust. 

 

Their jumpsuit collection is delicious - whimsical and comfy at the same time. Sadly, they only sell for the US market and to date I haven't been able to find a stockist in Europe. 

Finally, this pair of post-yoga pants by Yoga Fashion are great to walk out of my yoga centre in style and freedom. I love the harem style in all its variants. Have you noticed the white body painting on the model's belly? How hippie!

Valentine's Day IDEAS

I have always been reluctant to celebrate Valentine's Day, but with time I have softened my views. I certainly won't buy a cheesy card, let alone a present, or pathetically sit in a restaurant surrounded by decines of other couples, but I will be up for some alternative and meaningful way of celebrating love in its wider acceptation. In 2006, I had a lovely Valentine's night at the Tate Modern where between an exhibition and the other, we watched Brief Encounter, a true jewel about unattainable love.

Here some 2010 options for London lovers - engaged, married, in a(n) (open) relationship and single alike:

The Big V at Ministry of Sound: Live entertainement with Volupte Lounge to raise money for V-day

Five rooms bursting to the seams with live entertainment: a full banquet and show in the Main Box, a full live vintage band, swing dance lessons, taxi dancers, spoken word, live guest speakers, DJs, aerial acts.

Valentine's Day Workshop at Triyoga: Love your yoga, share your practice

Do you think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary?
What we need is to love without getting tired.
How does a lamp burn?
Through the continuous drops of oil. If the drops of oil run out, the light of the lamp will cease.
What are these drops of oils in our lamps?
They are the small things of daily life: faithfulness, punctuality, small words of kindness, a thought for others, our way of being silent, of looking, of speaking, and of acting.
These are the true drops of love...
Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.
Mother Theresa

Bakhti Kirtan night at Jivamukti Yoga Centre: A night of chanting together to open the heart and connect to the self.

I will keep adding in ideas as I stumble across them...  

Scent of Rose

While 2009 has been a fantastic year, all in all, 2010 has had a slow start and too many nostalgic looks into a long gone past. To lift my spirits, I have booked a few treatments  this month and got myself two rose scented gifts: a candle and a Dr Hauschka body oil. Rose is my comfort zone fragrance: it's delicate and yet penetrating, sweet without being nauseating.

These colourful candles have been designed by yoga teacher Nadia Narain, and they are chemical free and 100% recycled plant wax. The essential oils are so intense that I can smell them without burning my candle. They come in four different scents, each evoking a mood: joy, love, peace and hope, according to your wished feeling. You can choose yours here. I went for LOVE: a wrapping blend of rose and geranium to feel desirable and loved.

I prefer body oils to moisturisers because, when they are of good quality, they are less greasy than creams. If I am lazy, I will just mix them with my shower gel  (which is also rose based) to create an instant softener. You can buy Dr Hauschka's natural body oil directly from their website.

Things I learnt and/or realised in 2009

1. It is vital to have the right ski boots.  
2. Olio 31 is a fantastic cure-all. 
3. I need to be very patient in life. 
4. Skinceutical products are really efficient. Check them out here.  
5. Peonies only grow in May and June. 
6. I am the happiest chick when I travel, do yoga and go to exhibitions.  
7. I don't like being alone and need to feel part of a community. 
8. I am a hippie girl.  
9. Singing kirtan is empowering.   
10. I don't like snowshoeing. 
11. A sun kissed hair colour suits me better.  

12. I always choose (over)sensitive friends because I am a(n) (over)sensitive person too. 

Nude & Black

First row: Shakuhachi and Costume Dept 
Second row: Whistles

Available at www.asos.com

Same swimsuit, different model

Lindsay Ellingson (left) and Candice Huffine (right) both wearing a Gucci cut-out swimsuit. 

Read full post on curves ahead in one of my favourite blogs: Superqueen's. 

A Sparkling New Year

A new decade has just started. Happy new year to you all! I had one of the best new year's eve of my life partying in the Austrian Alps with an international group of 20 friends. After a day spent on the slopes {by far my best  skiing performance in years}, we had a delicious home-made dinner, Secret Santa presents' exchange, fireworks, cigars, board games and plenty of loud music until dawn.

Forever Unique dress

The party season is over for most of us but I am still in party mood and obsessed with sparkling sequins. This sexy mini-dress would be perfect with opaque leggings, a cuff bracelet and a pair of black pumps, better if labelled Loboutin. 

I wish you all a sparkling

2010!

The present I gave and those I received

You might think I gave my better half a so-called *boomerang* present, but it was  a cooking tool he has wanted since our trip to Morocco in 2005: a red flame tagine to prepare meat and veggies stews in the Moroccan manner.

Can you detect a theme here? I got two very funny cat books to add to my collection of illustrated fairy tales.

The two books could not be more different: T.S. Eliot's rhymed stories are narrative poetry and accompanied by old fashioned illustrations; Simon's Cat's black and white illustrations without caption are modern and minimal story-telling which relies on your interpretation - and that's the fun. And yet they both chronicle similar behaviours and habits of the most interesting creatures on earth.