Work your Wardrobe

If you’ve ever opened your wardrobe and screamed in frustration because you have nothing to wear, you’re not alone. “Most women wear on average, 20 percent of their wardrobe 80 per cent of the time, which is crazy,” says fashion designer and presenter Susannah Constantine, has helped thousands of women rethink their bodies and wardrobes. Woodall says it took her years to learn about the importance of dressing for your body shape. “It wasn’t until I was around 40 that I really knew what suited me best,” she admits. “I now wear 80 per cent of my wardrobe all of the time. It saves me money and I always have something to wear, instead of having the scenario where you’re always coming across the same purple dress you bought because you love the colour but it doesn’t actually fit you so you never wear it.”

Work with what you've got

The first thing you need to do is conduct an audit on your wardrobe – and yourself. “Get naked, take a good look in the mirror and find something that you like about yourself,” says Woodall. “Every woman I have ever met has something, whether it’s beautiful hands, a lovely face, great ankles or a fantastic waist. There’s got to be some things you like. Then write it down: ‘I like my ankles’ or ‘I like my legs’. Next, look at what you hate and write that down. Sadly, all women can always tell you what they hate about themselves.” Now it’s time to get ruthless with your wardrobe. “Take all the clothes you rarely wear out of your wardrobe. Do they hide the parts of yourself that you like? If so, they need to go,” says Woodall. “Get out the clothes you wear a lot, the clothes you feel comfortable in. Ask yourself: ‘Does this cover what I hate?’ And if it does, but it also covers the parts of yourself that you love, then they have to go too.” Lastly, take out the items of clothing that you’re a bit scared of wearing, but that show off your good parts and hide the bad bits. “These are the items you need to wear more often because…

IF YOU LOOK GOOD, YOU’LL FEEL GOOD TOO And that includes even when you’re just hanging around the house. So ban tracksuits and invest in some gorgeous yoga wear, for example. “I like Sweaty Betty, they have great pieces you can coordinate really easily,” says Woodall. Visit www.sweatybetty.com or try Australian brand Abi and Joseph, www.abiandjoseph.com.au

Abi and Joseph non slip socks

are screen-printed with rubber nubs that make up the company’s signature Pilates Chick design, which mimics the owner’s fab Single-Leg Kick. Choose from black, gray or pink ($10.37; abiandjoseph.com).

Health Matters with Nicola Conville

Active Wear

I have a confession to make; I’ve never been to a Pilates class in my life. But the range of Pilates clothes from Abi and Joseph are just so stylish and comfortable that it doesn’t matter what you buy them for. Wear them around the house, to go for walks or to take the kids to school – it doesn’t matter.

I recently wore an entire outfit on a long-haul flight and felt cozy, comfortable and fresh on arrival at my destination, and now it’s all I’m going to wear on planes. I might even try a Pilates class one of these days, just to have another excuse to wear them. Visit www.abiandjoseph.com.au or call (08) 9433 3021

Beautiful Work Out-Gear

FOR THE STRETCHIEST, sexiest and most sensual work-out gear imaginable, we can’t resist the camisoles, leggings and ballet wraps currently on sale online at popular Australian yoga store www.abiandjoseph.com. The weekend wear doesn’t come cheap, but that’s probably because sweats have never been so sassily designed in svelte creamy, chocolate and gunmetal Italian fabrics. Have a peek for yourself: we guarantee you’ll be signing up for yoga, Pilates or ballet classes just so you’ve got an excuse to wear these slimline creations.

Get Fit With Pilates by Georgina Walsh

Since Jospeh Pilates opened his first studio in New York in 1926, the Pilates technique has been widely used by dancers. Today, Pilates remains integral to dance but it is also used in training and rehabilitation across a variety of sports and has become an exercise regime in its own right, attracting many famous aficionadas such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna and Jennifer Aniston.

Pilates has been gaining increasing momentum in Perth over the last five years with many people discovering the benefits of its mental and physical fitness.

Developed by German-born Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s, the Pilates technique is a series of body-conditioning exercises that strengthen and lengthen the body’s muscles. It helps align bones and muscles, promotes correct and efficient muscle use and reduces the incidence of back pain and injury. Techniques are simple to learn and can be either performed on a mat at home, or on a variety of specialized equipment offered at Pilates or fitness studios. Why choose Pilates as a fitness method?

Pilates focuses on strengthening the weak muscles underlying the major muscle groups around the truck, which help achieve core stabilization and contribute to overall wellbeing.

In an era of anti-ageing obsession, Pilates is ideal. It strengthens and tones the muscles without imputing stress on joints. While improving posture and flexibility, Pilates offers a synergy between mind and body by executing the techniques in a precise and flowing manner.

Who should do Pilates?

Everyone! All ages and sizes and both genders will benefit from Pilates. It is particularly attractive to those who: require an injury prevention program; wish to reduce mental and physical stress; suffer from back pain or other joint or muscular problems; require a gentle, yet effective, exercise regime; or simply wish to be more comfortable in their daily activities. Pregnant woman can engage in Pilates but should consult with their physician first and asses which movements are best for the body’s individual needs. Pilates is also great just for purely body toning and attracts many people for this reason, while others find it helps the body’s natural functioning, as well as boosting confidence and mental wellness.

Where do I begin?

Perth has a number of dedicated Pilates studios with different Pilates equipment such as the; Reformer, Trapeze Cadillac Table, Wunda Chair and the Pulley Tower machine (globally known as the Gyrotonic Expansion System). The specialized equipment add a whole new level of interest and intensity to the Pilates experience, and because of the resistance from springs and assistance from ropes and pulleys, benefits are gained much faster from the machines. In addition, most fitness centers offer group floor classes and many physiotherapy studios offer Pilates for rehabilitation purposes.

A&K Travel:

Designer Travel Wear

Ex-ballet dancer and Pilates instructor/studio owner, Abi White has developed a sophisticated range of stretch clothing for the fashion conscious, active woman. Originally designed as pilates and yoga wear, her collecticn has now become popular for weekend wear, travel, exercise or work wear, arc!, with its fabulous cut, lashion.savvy and quaky manufacturing, it has already devekped a cult following around the country. A&K recommends travel essentials such as the Relaxed Fit Pilates Pant, Ballet Wrap Top, the Italian Jersey Camisoles infused with Essential Oils and Vitamin C, the Cotton Leggings and Classic Cap Sleeved Tee for your next international journey. Visit www.abiandjoseph.com for more info.

Daily Candy

WEAR Abi and Joseph
What: Ballerina Wrap Tops. comfy Yoga Pants, and supportive cotton camisoles to get you in the mood for exercise.
Why: Put your thing down. Flip it. And reverse it.
Where: Online at abiandjoseph.com

Girl with a Satchel

From celebrities disembarking at LAX/JFK after a long haul flight, to yummy mummies doing time at playgroup, fashionistas winding down at cafes on weekends, workers ensconced in home offices and legitimate gym/Yoga/Pilates/dancer types, wearing Yoga gear has become the lifestyle fashion statement du jour. Even if the closest you've come to practising a Downward Dog is bending over to lace up your shoe.

However, if you are to adopt this distinctly Gwyneth Paltrow way of dressing, some GOOP-like rules apply. Because, put bluntly, your ass is on the line. If you're going to take your casual look to Starbucks, it's best you go for quality to ensure your boobs and butt look their very best. As Gwyneth herself says, "It's a fine line between comfortable and being demoralised by being frumpy." In this sartorial genre, cut and fabric are of the essence. Cheap and cheerful is not.

Thankfully, abiandjoseph.com excels in this flattering-sans -fuss fashion arena. With fabrics imported from Italy or made in Australia, and fastidious designs by Sydney pattern-maker Marianne Backhouse, abi and joseph's line of comfy yoga pants, ballerina wrap-tops and supportive cotton camisoles are pure, practical luxury. Want proof? Check out the glowing testimonials.

The brainchild of Pilates instructor and ex-dancer Abi White (pictured with her "Puppy Girl"), abi and joseph specialises in quality, classic, well-fitting basics, which traverse the fashion line between active and casual wear.

"Recently we've enjoyed an abundance of praise for our garments from fashion editors and customers who thank us for making clothes they can comfortably and fashionably travel in," says White. "Our Relaxed Fit Pants are used probably as much for plane rides and hotel stays as they are in the Pilates studio!”

While you might balk at the idea of spending $115 on a pair of Yoga/Pilates pants, let me stop you in your daggy trackie dacks for just a moment: on a cost-per-wear basis, these babies are definitely GFC-friendly. Plus, they traverse multiple sartorial scenarios (workouts, travel, lounging, coffee runs, movie nights, working from home), making them uber-efficient in the manner of an energy-saving light globe, so you can feel earnest while looking effortlessly chic.

abiandjoseph.com is super-easy to navigate, with comprehensive size charts and a 30-day exchange/refund policy, while all garments come in a delightful foil bag. The Short Sleeved Ballet Wrap Tops, $99, Deluxe Wraps, $125, and Relaxed Fit Pants, are firm GWAS favourites. Plus, subscribe to the abi and joseph mailing list and you'll get 10% off your purchases as well as a chance to win one of the label's Vitamin Infused Camisoles. Vitamin enrichment via my clothes?! I'm feeling as virtuous as Gwyneth already. Yours truly, Girl With a Satchel

Karen Cheng - Blogger

I recently discovered a brand called Abi and Joseph, that specialises in quality, comfortable, active wear for pilates, yoga, general exercise, and travelling. I contacted them and they agreed to let me review some of their garments. I was really excited when I received the package, because I had read lots of outstanding reviews on the internet. I put on the first outfit (pictured above) and it felt amazing. The quality of the fabric was fantastic - strong, stretchy, very, very soft and comfortable. I have to admit that I usually just buy cheap active wear, and after two seasons, the elastic wears out, the edges buckle, the material starts to pill and I always wonder why I don’t spend a bit more on quality products. So this was probably the first time I’ve worn active wear that was so high in quality and comfort. Pictured above, I’m wearing a Short Sleeve Ballet Wrap Top (this was my favourite piece). I loved its cut, softness, and versatility – you can tie the straps behind and wear it as a cardigan, or wear in a bolero style. Or tie the knots on the side, or front. I’m also wearing an Essentials Innerwear Camisole and Slim Fit Yoga Pants. The cami paired up very nicely with the ballet wrap top. Couldn’t wait to hit the gym!

On the left, I’m wearing a Delux Wrap Top. This was also one of my favourites. It was so soft, comfy, swishy, drapey, snuggly and versatile – that I wore it for the rest of the day. I seriously just sat on my couch, wrapping the draping collar up against my neck and going aaaaaahhh. I’m wearing it with a Pilates Bra, which was surprisingly comfortable, especially since I don’t like bra tops. And lovely Cotton 4/5 Leggings. On the right, I’m wearing the same Delux Wrap Top, this time tied up at the back. I’m wearing the same Pilates Bra with a very nice (and long) Essentials Tank on top. I know all these garments are supposed to be ACTIVE WEAR, but I could have happily fallen asleep in any of these outfits – which is probably why they’re great for travelling. I’m looking forward to trying them out on a plane. And they make great gifts too!

Abi and Joseph have free delivery within Australia for all purchases over AU$180.00. They are also offering free shipping on all orders to Singapore over AU$200. And subscribers receive10% discount on their first purchase!

The World According to Om Gal A yoga and wellness blog with soul, style, and smarts.

People cozy up in this corner of the blogosphere to read, relax, and as one om gal put it "counterbalance all the polluting of my brain that I do on Perez." Recently, I learned that this occurs even in the far reaches of the globe, as in, Australia. Yup, it's true; Hugh Jackman wrote me an email this week to say that he loooooooves the blog. He reads it every morning, while eating a batch of my pancakes before his workout.

OK, that's a lie. To my knowledge, Wolverine is not a follower of Om Gal. [Sigh].

However, a fabulous yoga apparel designer is, which to a lycra-loving clotheshorse, like me, is a close second. This designer inquired whether I might accept some samples from her line. After taking a quick looksy at the Abi and Joseph website, I agreed to test-drive new duds from Down Under. By the time my air mail package arrived in Boston, I was overjoyed.

And, who could blame me? The proud owner of a luxe, new pair of yoga pants (that come in "LONG!") and two elegant camisoles, I can't decide if I'm more thrilled about the clothes or the discovery that OmGal.com's readership includes Aussies.

Interested in infusing your own wardrobe with some stylish Abi and Joseph gear? Order online and use the code OMGAL to get 10% off. Like I said, blogging is a rewarding endeavor, ideally, for writers and readers alike.

Posted by Om Gal at 10:34 PM
Labels: Rebecca's Reviews, Style

The White Stuff

If anyone knows what constituted good exercise wear, it’s WA Pilates Studio owner Abi White. White has come up with the label abi and joseph, which specializes in stylish, good quality lifestyle wear.

Abi and joseph is manufactured here in Perth and has enlisted supermodel Gemma Ward’s sister Sophie Ward as the face of the label.

This brand new range offers year round classics made with stretch fabrics imported from Italy. The fabrics are infused with Vitamin C and essential oils so it actually moisturizes the skin whilst you wear it. Popular pieces include the wrap top, cap sleeved tees, Vitamin Infused Camisoles and black cotton leggings, which has proved to be a favourite with Wheels and Doll Baby designer Melanie Greensmith. Abi and joseph is available at Luxxe on King Street, Ricarda and Empire Retreat.