Beating Cellulite with Yoga.

So after a month away I have had a chance to reset my daily habits.  Which is good as before I had my second child I was a prolific Yoga person, not always going to classes as I taught myself Yoga and Qi Gung at home from books.  I was an avid traveler so going to classes just wasn't an option.  But over the years I replaced my Yoga with running, instead of walking, personal training instead of stretching and my diet had become more meat focused.

So on my travels I had a change of diet and managed to loose some weight but had failed to manage to develop muscle tone and noticed the presence of cellulite, well more of it I'll be honest it's always been there just at varying degrees of intensity.  So whilst wearing a skirt that I would normally feel quite confident wearing the hail damaged rampant usually happy with thighs caught my attention.  Mmmm need to manage that look and rather than it all be superficial I thought back to how toned my legs were when I was practicing Yoga regularly.  Not only was it great exercise for my body it helped my mind focus on my goals and my general place in the world.  So after a bit of research online I found some Yoga postures that were good for cellulite in the legs, superficial I know but it was a big enough motivator to get me going so I will run with that. 

Now I have this rule when I am doing Yoga to not always wear super loose tops as it usually falls over the place so I love those cotton/spandex knit singlets that offer body support, especially around the tummy region as that goes all over the place in down dog.  That helps me to not look at my body and have negative thoughts. 

To be able to demonstrate the poses I like, I was going to draw some stick figures, which could create misinterpretation as my hand writing is a bit scratchy at times, and then I found this table above had most of the postures that I regularly do.  It is a Bikram sequence, not a Yoga practice I am fond of as it is good for a certain body type, trends always see people overlooking the fact that it may just not be good for me, and the guy behind Bikram has all kinds of ethics that I am not in align with.  But as a demonstrative table it's good. 

Now the postures I would exclude are 6; this can be done in a more gentle pose as shown below.

Yoga Pose King Dancer Steve Williams

and 12 as I find that if you are new to doing Yoga this pose can be a little hard to get your body into. 

What Yoga styles I like is the blend of the Hatha poses with the Iyengar instructions on how to activate the muscles in each pose.  This after 12 years of Yoga was the best not only for my mind to engage in each pose but for the effectiveness of my body to adapt these positions without fear of mismanaging the pose.  My body can't get past the Ashtanga warm up poses let alone the actual Yoga sequences, so Hatha it is.  My mind is crazy active so I need activities that allow my body to chill and nourish whilst getting fit.  That's also why Supping, Stand Up Paddle boarding, is also another activity that is good for me.

Now I haven't found anything that will give you Iyengar instruction on how to get your body in and out of these postures but I have found a site by a New York based Yoga Teacher which I found very informative.  Michael Taylor happens to be married to Tara Stiles and it was her Yoga sequences that I was practicing overseas with a little of my favourite poses mixed in there. 

Now I am a big fan of supporting your local Yoga teachers so if you are a classed based Yoga person then go to a class.  For me I need to streamline my time so I practice it at home and have convo's with my kids and hubbie whilst doing do.  The weblinks above are just a little find on my part to do Yoga from home within a space that will be supportive of how I want to do it.  So find your way, and even if you can't do a lot each day, Yoga teachers always profess it is better to do 10 mins a day rather than none at all. 

So sit on the floor in front of the TV to start if you have to, we all have reasons to do it and it is not always Zen monk inspired and that is totally cool.  From my perspective my body has never run smoother than when I walk my dog regularly and do Yoga.  I find when I stretch my body regularly I think about things differently so it works for me in keeping positive.

Enjoy..

Irene xo

Melbourne I love you..

Ok so I was going to talk about our recent trip to Melbourne but looking through my images in iPhoto I came across this beauty and I think this totally reflects the home I want to live in.

Large enough to have heaps of friends over for dinner, parties and to stay.  

Life is so busy I know my goals in life totally revolve around how i can expand my life with more time for my loved ones and inspiring events to come into our life.

But I digress, Melbourne is definitely somewhere I hold close to my heart, I was born there.  And I love the distinctive multi culturalism that isn't apparent so broadly anywhere else in Australia.  Every Italian joint we went to we felt like we were in Little Italy.  The locals are amorous and the sites never disappoint.

We saw Monet's exhibition, getting in the mood for France, and the Gallery was stunning and the actual exhibition was amazing.

Did you know Monet was inspired by Japanese Wood prints and the bridge he has in his beloved garden was inspired by Japanese art.  His two loves were his garden and his art.  He adored his wives and questioned his purpose in life when his second wife past.  But he always came back to art.  

It was his working through process.  

Anyways here is our collation of the art of Melbourne.  I love graffiti so walked and meandered down lanes to take these shots.  

This is going to be my new vege garden, watch out pallets of Brisbane, I shall be coming to get you..

Have an awesome day guys.. 

Irene

#IstyleSessions #windandwaterdesigns #irenepollak

Fashion is just an extension of your inner awesomeness.

[youtuber youtube='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PI_9GegVoYk']

Sometimes we don't realise how courageous we are every day for the decisions we make and the avenues we take.  But it is more for others and automatic for some.  University has been a major decision that sometimes I do question but I am almost at the half way mark and I am glad I have stuck with it as I am changing my destiny.  But it doesn't have to be so epic a decision as we make little changes to our lives we change the outcome to our day.  The YouTube video I have attached is about a man name Mister Rogers who passed away in 2009 from stomach cancer but had dedicated his life to showing people the good in life.

I do hope you take time to watch it as I feel watching him reminds me of the good in the world and the way we can be as we bring out the good in ourselves and others when we follow our dreams.

How this relates to fashion?  When we feel good about ourselves what we put on every day reflects that, not trends.  What I have found from selling fashion for 11 years is that everyone makes my designs their own.  As it is everyone's unique way of thinking that brings about the essence of what their style means to them.  So if you feel good throughout whatever means gets you there, you will always look fashionable, always look beautiful, always do your best.

Fashion is the means of bringing what is inside out.

Love you awesome nerds.  (Pitch Perfect, 2012)  if you haven't seen it, go get it out and have a giggle fest and try and sit still in your seat..

 (I had to write this blog twice and I think the 2nd go round I just made it that little bit better.  Enjoy)

Irene Pollak

humble servant.

Hello 2013

It's been a while since I wrote in my blog so I thought I would start as I enter into my second year of Uni.  

Life has taken me on an interesting trip last year and my love for my designs has evolved and I see it's place in my life as a source of creativity and also with helping in the community.  

I love it that I help women feel better and I also now get to be home more for my family as I was putting them to the side while I tried to make Wind and Water this raving success.  Then I sat with it and thought, how I want to feel with my business is of service.  To feel that I am contributing to the whole but not necessarily the only.  

So now I work less but think more about what I am to design.  How it fits into my wardrobe and flatters my body.  I don't want to be a major consumer or contributor to that lifestyle.  Just enough.  That's where I am at with it.  Hence the smaller production line, the little bit of this and that.  Talking and helping women feel confident with their choices, so not that one, when necessary.  

I figure my life will turn out how I want to feel within it, rather what I think society expects of me.  As long as I do what's good for me and those around me I figure life will be good, people in general will be happy and I can focus on the good things in life.

Stand up paddle boarding, designing, cooking, VLS on Friday nights with my hubby on the deck watching the kids and walking my dog cause he is getting a little bit too much loving in the kitchen.

It's all about the way we feel, that makes life turn out for the better.  

check out Danielle LaPorte, she's Canadian, crazy and so right..

http://www.daniellelaporte.com/

Keeping it simple

Nothing like doing full on study to reshuffle priorities in your mind. After having my beautiful brother and 6 of his 7 children come to visit. I had the chance to go around to the shops and style the whole family. They did look amazing by the time they left, with their looks a few well cut jeans and tops and frocks for the girls and they were set,.

 So do we really need lots of clothes is it something about the art of a score that makes us have that feeling of satisfaction. I know I get fidgety if I don't have new designs or fabrics coming in. But the shops were crammed with lots of way less than inspiring fashions. Lots of ill fitting clothes, way too tiny, one shop didn't go past 12, and synthetics. Global warming is not a catch phrase. Corn uses more water than cotton and we grow 10 times more corn to feed cattle. So my point is, hang out for the good stuff. Spend a little more for something that has a great cut and style. Don't just consume honour yourself by buying things that fit well, goes with at least a couple of things in your wardrobe. Eat well, call your family at least once a week and read a good book.

 Get inspired about a cause, take time to cook a great meal, learn something new. All these things are what makes for a great life, move more towards the things that inspire you and away from the things that bring you down. Keep

It's simple. Be inspired and inspiring and if we do all of this I think we may just leave this world better than we found it. Check out the story of stuff website. We must be on the same wavelength as her post is what I am talking about. If you are going to buy, buy from the little guys as that money stays in our community.

http://www.storyofstuff.org/

Cleaning your wardrobe part 1

I promise I will get together to do a little you tube video of this so you can see what I am talking about but this will give you study material to work with.

Through the past few style consultations I have done there is one theme that stands out. Everyone keeps their work clothes with their everything else clothes. Now if you love your job and you wear anything you like and wear your casual smart clothes to work then this isn't going to be such a big do, but keeping your work specific clothes seperate is an easy way to start on your wardrobe. Also take notes on clothes that you don't wear due to it needing repairs. Get onto those, either sweet talk some lovely person in your life with cake and tea and a chat while they do your repairs, make it fun or bundle it into a deal for a local sewer maybe semi retired. If you love it fix it, if you don't then throw it, take note what you paired it with and keep an eye out for a replacement next shop. Put a note in your wallet so you remember.

Ok that's it for today, each little step will get you feeling more confident in what you shop for and wear. You will also save money and time when you know what you have and need.

Happy Monday.

Xxoo

Some inspiring things that light my day

As part of my first unit assignments I had to build a web presence on something I was interested in and that was styling. I've had so much fun styling a few select clients this past month and it has inspired me to resume my styling sessions in store at the collective store.
As I wanted to do a few shots from the Satorialist I emailed to ask permission and I got a reply. I think that made everything amazing for me that day. So here is my Satorialist.com shot and others from unknown sources and vogue magazine. Enjoy and I hope it inspires your day.

New designs in the playground

I have been looking at my wardrobe and contemplating what designs I would really love to jump out at me.. So I have been scouting the web to find some inspiration.
Tunics have definitely caught my eye.
Tumblr
Vintage market place have been my play places to discover styles I like and the op shops locally.

Wiki body types

Through doing some uni work tonight I found this Wikipedia link, it's worth a read.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_body_shape

Feather fashion

You know I have been keeping an eye on this trend and it's one you can subtly add to your wardrobe or not. But there are some clever little bunnies offering some reasonably priced alternatives to high end prices. So check them out.
Wild heart jewellery again another fb business.

Also crystal drop necklaces I live these I have found them on lost.found.made Facebook page.

Update your wardrobe

Now that we are getting into a new season it is about pulling together all different looks. I love revamping my wardrobe with the simple things, a new bracelet, new scarves hello mountain of already existing one's or a pop of the new season colour. Or even more mundane is replacing a staple piece in a new colour to spice up the combo's.
The one thing, or one of the things that the GFC has been good for is to slow down this over the top spending. Pausing before you buy is a good thing, even having too many clothes can cause stress on some level. So window shop to your hearts desire and then when you see that piece that just makes you loose all common sense you will know that that will have many seasons with you.
I am loving the chunky bracelets at the moment, a good place to go in the Valley is Stone and Metal, she has amazing jewelry at great prices. It's like the Collective Store of metal artists of silver and gold and semi precious stones. They are having a Marie Clare Up Late in the Valley on the 29th and so is our own little Collective Store at Wynnum. So dust off you bunny tails and get in some Easter retail therapy before the school holiday boom hits.

http://www.stoneandmetal.com.au/default.asp?contentID=974

Zen Pencils

I subscribe to some really awesome blogs and newsletters and I always try to keep them positive.. For if we do not master the mind the rest of our day just goes to shit... I did 4 years of study of Acupuncture with an awesome group of teachers and it wasn't just all about Acupuncture.. I was about how our organs and our thoughts reflect our health and habits..
So these things keep me on track to keep striving even when the wave seems to have me rolling on the sand and getting slammed..
It's no walk in the path but each little interruption I give to a negative thought takes it's power away.. So here is today's little inspiration and I hope you love it as I think this guy has a big future in the way he reflects his art through positive quotes by famous people..

http://zenpencils.com/

Dressing the slim, athletic body type..

No matter which Style book you look at they will all say the same thing about this figure type.. Adding curves and shape is the most important factor to keep an eye on.. So ruffles, detail, bows, anything you can think of really that will give you detail.. You want to keep away from short crop tops etc that will accentuate the fact that you are straight up and down.. Also you want to go against the verticle line rule as that will not do you justice..
So what to look for, is designs that will give you shape, bias cuts are good for you as the magic of this cut makes the fabric move a bit more while you are wearing it.. Pencil cut skirts done the right way will also add some shape for you..
Slim cut pants - look for one's with pockets on the back as well if you can, trapeze style dresses, florals and graphic prints..
Any body type will have an asset they love and something they don't so make sure when you are looking out for new wardrobe pieces that you take that into account too.. It is never just black and white..
The perfect neck line for you is the wrap top, vneck and boatline, add a little padded bra here and there but don't be locked into them.. Allow ruffles and details to help you there.. My vneck vintage ruffle frock is good for ladies with curves and without.. Pick the right size and it is the magic frock..
Also look out for full circle skirts, accentuate your top with a vneck top with that one and you can go all out at the drop waist styles as well as this will throw off any perceptions about being small on top.. They will be blown away by your style..
With your swimmers keep to the detail rule, opt for the padded bikini or if there aren't any that light your fire then go with one that has tassles or ruffles..
If you are a bit on the tall side either go for floor length or below the knee length, what you can really rock is to wear that mid calf length..
There is no such thing as the perfect figure really, as it varies for everyone what your ideal is, though if you have the perfect wardrobe you can look hot in anything you wear..

How to rock the Pear Body.

This photo tells it all for the Pear shape, voluptuous hips and small waist and upper body.. So with any body type focus on your assets always, so for you it is your small waist, arms and your legs.
There is a great trick in styling, to shrink the widest part of the body if you make sure the garment you are wearing cuts right in the middle of it, it will appear smaller.. So take that into account when you are trying on Jackets or shorts depending on where your widest part is for you.
Your staples should be either Aline or full circle skirts, your best cut frock is sleeveless or spaghetti strap styles that flare into an Aline or full skirt...
The optimum pant is the wide leg pant to cover the thigh and to have a relatively flat front, try a slight flare on the bottom to give a balance to your shape.. This will make your legs look longer and leaner, also keep an eye on back pockets as one's that are too small do you no favour neither do too big ones..
Go all out on your tops, that's where your assets are, if you are happy with your arms show them off either by wearing sleeveless designs or by wearing fitted sleeves.
You can pull off the turtle neck, again this flatters you shape at the top, Blazers, remember to keep an eye on the length.. Wide collared shirts are great, or draping tops with rouched or puffed sleeves which will give the perception of the hourglass shape..
Avoid; cargo pants or one's with a lot of detail.. I think everyone should as there are so many other casual pants out there that do so much for you but everyone has a personality that is individual and if you love it, you can wear it.. Keep away from too detailed patterned pants, that just add bulk also don't go cream or light coloured, there are so many other colours that will do you more favours.. Try Turquoise it is actually just as slimming as Black but not as well known..
Try them out, play a little, experiment and not just once, there are so many different fabrics out there. Take the time to explore..
Ideal swimmers for you, high cut on the thighs elongates the legs, go darker, a cool navy looks so stylish and if you can get one with a little slash in the neckline you may be able to pull it off as a top under pants. If it is a one piece go for one with padding, every little bit helps.. Other than that go for embellishments like ruffles, ruching and bold prints and colours on bikini's on top and keep it a solid colour on bottom..
Depending on how your Pear shape manifests there are also rules you can bend.. So go try out these shapes and more.. Think in basic shapes to start and then get more adventurous as you go, i.e. pencil skirts in the right cut..
Designs in my range you can rock are Corset frock, Aline skirts, pleat tops, silk slip, grace pants, or shorts, Bermuda's, Marchella skirt, Nina Pants when they are restocked. Cowl tees are coming and there are lots of frocks coming through like the new Kira Frock, etc.. Happy styling..

Dressing for your Apple Body Type..

Ok so this number is not really correct but I do love the voluptuous Barbie.
Okay so the basic way to determine whether you are an Apple body type it comes down to one simple question.. Do you carry your weight in your middle..? Ok there maybe some on your arms, thighs etc but do you have a waistline? You do not have to be a big woman to be an apple, I am an apple purely because my beautiful babies seemed to train my body that now when I carry weight it goes to my tummy..
So let's get to the basics now on how to get the best out of our beautiful figures that we have right now..
Staples: you should have cute Aline shifts, short skirts, blouses with a gently shaped waistline.. wrap shirts, wrap frocks and wide leg or bootleg pants... I am working on more aline shifts this coming round of designs and a funky blazer that will suit all body types but it is definitely good for Apples.. also long fitted tops and jumpers that fall to the hips.. It elongates the waists.
Go for patterns on your bottoms, bohemian tunics are super cool.. also go for fine knits like Cashmere, it gives you the warmth but not the bulk..
Your best cut dress would be an empire cut waist, something that fits under the bust, please don't for shirring frocks as they don't last quality wise.. It is to have an aline or flared skirt.. The corset frock is perfect for every body type as it shows off the sexy neckline and pulls you in under that bust and billows out softly depending on the fabric..
Avoid; bold patterns on the top, focus away from your middle, hence the detail in the pants, shiny fabrics, they are synthetic anyway and will pill after a few washes.. short jackets or waists that skim the waistline, unless you wear it up all the time and with something fitted on the bottom then yes you can get away with it.. Chunky knits, well you know why.. Tapered pants are evil, you can wear skinny jeans if you have great legs and can add a wedge to the outfit, but remember keep your attention down low..
Necklines; now necklines you should work towards are a cowl neck, hello sexy, a scoop again that neckline is always flattering no matter what you size.. then also the fave the Vneck, it elongates your torso..
Ok so play in the dressing rooms for a while, try on things you would normally say no to and don't buy too big a size.. Showing off your shape is always the right way to go.. Enjoy.

Getting it right first time...

So when we go shopping do we really know what we are looking for or are we hoping that something will leap out and catch our eye.. Yes it is fun that way, sometimes you come home with a booty of goodies but some days are just not as productive.. But if you know what you are looking for you can feel assured that you didn't waste money..
So to be able to do that you need a little info to help you to be sure..
Almost 80% of women do not know their cup size, that's insane..
So when you know what your body type is and your asset then you get a first step insight into how to shop smart.. It's not all you need but its a great start..
Ok so to work out your bust size you need to work out your band measurement put the tape around your back, under your arms and take the measurement above your bust.. Along the flat part of your chest above your bust.. Then go across you nipples and the difference between the above and across will give you your cup size..
1" = A, 2" B, 3" C, 4"D, 5"DD etc..
Mine is a 36B. It takes all the guess work out of shopping and makes you feel like you know what you are doing.. There are difference types of bra's and I think for B cups upwards a Balconette Bra is divine, it allows your cleavage to gently fall into place and also make you look like you have truly alot more than it seems.. Bigger busts go for the higher cut bra as it will give you support plus make your bust look smaller.. Small busts go for a high cut bra as well with a little padding, not too much, just a little.. your tops should fit your bust based on your size and the cut you choose to flatter your neck line..
Keep this info in a diary or in notes on your iphone.. You need it where you can access it so go iPhone..
Start with the under garments and everything else you throw over will work a dream..

2012 the next Adventure begins..

There is lots of talk of goals but I have found last year that I kind of lost my way by mid way through the year because I had achieved my goals or the goal posts had changed.. Thus I no longer want that anymore as some of my goals looked so foreign to me by the middle of the year I was wondering what was a I thinking in Jan.. The mind is fickle and to put it under so much pressure in January when your brain is fried from the previous year's crescendo just seems like another chore..
So how bout we instil new principles to live by for the year.. That seems like a doable low pressure thing, then as bright opportunities come up during the year then we can take them and run with them without having guilt of not sticking to the plan we set after a hazy holiday..

So I read a few blogs regularly, will do more this year as I really want to improve my blogging and social media aspect of my business.. And I came across this great little piece of wisdom.. It's the 10 rules to success, I feel it has enough within it to inspire you and to also give you a good structure to work from..

I posted it on my FB page as I am so not tech savvy enough to work out how to link it but will have it on my facebook page soon.. Otherwise I will put an inspiration page on my website..

For me some of the important things I am aiming for is being more present in my relationships with my family and friends.. Heading up north or making more phone calls home and being relaxed when my kids come home from school and being ready with some fun projects for us to do.. Putting more effort into making life within the home a lot more fun and enjoying the simple life..

Also with my business, spending more time designing and getting into the fun of it all. Rather than it being a business to me it is a creative process and I have lost a bit of that in 2011.. So getting back to designing and getting into handmade circles that is where I am going..

I'm very excited about this year as I feel I have a much more balanced outlook.. Starting the year with a stroll..

See you soon,

Irene

Giving gifts that are hand made..

My sister in law, Lesley, sent me this email that said how much we save the environment by buying local but also buying handmade.. Etsy has always been a special place to go when I feel like getting funky as you can get something handmade, well priced..
http://www.etsy.com/buy?ref=si_buy
Then again go to your local markets, Southbank, mmmm not as much handmade as I would like but still one of the better markets, although the West End market is pretty cool also..
Or BrisStyle events http://www.bris-style.com/ these ladies work hard and are so creative it just makes you want to go and study something or try and whip something up at home as well.
There are bargains to be had at big chain stores and I get that, you need knickers and bra's and socks and the likes. But something that gives you that sense of cool without paying $1000 for one piece. Then there is nothing like supporting handmade and believe me this trend is getting bigger and bigger and hopefully the mass produced will be a minority and this cycle will swing back to a balance where we have less but are a whole lot happier for it..
Also check the amazing Leonie at the Collective Store 78 Bay Tce, Wynnum, she is getting a cult following. People are coming from the Gold Coast and Sunshine coast to check out the shop..
http://www.thecollectivestore.com.au/
Also new to the scene is Handmade Highstreet, shop 1/466 Ipswich Road, Annerly..
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Handmade-Highstreet/134167206684569
merry xmas

Feel good exercise

Being a modern woman balancing being a wife and a mum, my two most important roles, I also need to be a business woman as that allows me to share and be me in the world..
There are a lot of lonely times within that especially with modern business being through the web, don't get me wrong I love it and I have free time to help at my kids schools without too much hassle.. But in those times between 9-2.50 Monday to Friday when I am not doing that I have to stay disciplined to keep my mind positive.. We all work on that at different degrees..
So one thing I really love doing when I am out and about is that if I see a woman who has put some effort into her outfit and she is totally cool with it all. I like to take the time to say something positive but simple like "I love your frock, it looks so good on you!". Sometimes it hits the floor but that is only once out of 100. It makes me feel good seeing some shine for a moment at the fact a perfect stranger has noticed her and I love seeing women making that effort to look amazing and chic..
It's not about hunting down a woman but if you notice someone just make the extra effort to say something so that she knows you noticed.. You never know what change you could make in that persons day, but you will always recognise that that little effort for such a smile in return is so totally worth it..
We don't have to stop poverty or feed every child in the world or rescue every animal every day to feel good, we could, in the meantime, make a woman feel amazing..
You are totally and always worth it..