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Fitness Insider: Desirae Pierce of Breath and Body Yoga

Desirae Pierce has been physically active all her life. She did ballet seriously as a youngster and experimented with different pursuits while running her own graphic design and advertising business in her twenties. But when she tried her first yoga class, she knew it was for her. In March 2006 she opened Breath and Body Yoga, a heated studio that teaches the Vinyasa yoga methods of several renowned American yogis. Pierce was recently appointed to be one of the Lululemon Athletica ambassadors for the Austin area.

What style of yoga is practiced at Breath and Body?
Vinyasa - flow yoga. It's the body and the breath linking together and it's a constant flow so you don't stay still in between. The particular type of yoga we teach is called Baptiste Power Vinyasa, developed by a man named Baron Baptiste. And also one called Shiva Rea developed by Shiva Rea. Instead of making up our own sequences, we actually study with other people in the country who have created sequences. In order to teach in my studio you have to be certified in those methods, which is what sets up apart from other studios. Also, the studio was designed for flow - it has hardwood floors, and it's heated. We focus not just on the Asanas - the postures, but it's also getting into the breath and into the soul, and we talk about that in our class.

Tell me a more about the benefits of doing yoga in a heated room.
Well, your bones heat up, first of all, and that allows the muscles to stretch. The ujjayi breath that we focus on that warms up the body. The heat lubricates the joints and it allows you to move the bones really safely. When you sweat, it's one way to detoxify, and get rid of the old. We talk about yeah - you're getting rid of your Saturday nights, but also, you can get rid of emotion. It allows everything to come out.

Tell me about the "40-day personal revolution" you offer.
It's based on Baron's book called the "40-day Personal Revolution." It's about becoming aware of your own self, the decisions you make and the movements you make. The first week is really about becoming aware - notice do you eat spicy foods, or do you eat cold foods. It's not about judging, just noticing. A lot of the times we're very mindless about what we do. When we're in yoga, the first week of the personal revolution is to be very aware of the moment. What you're trying to do is connect the mind back to the body. Now, it's also a 40-day practice and it's a build up to a meditation. The first week you might try just to meditate for 5 minutes and then you build it up. And when you learn to listen to your mind then you can listen to your heart. A lot of people believe that that's where God lives - somewhere near the heart. So when you can listen you can start letting go of your ego and the voice inside your head that tells you you can't do things. And when that happens you start to build up a lot of strength, and maybe traffic doesn't bother you because you know there's not a whole lot you can do about it. You begin to look at life with open eyes and rather than projecting energy out you start to feel from within. It just shifts your energy.

Do you set it up where people start on the same day and do it together?
We do it both ways. You can start it on your own and we can support you and provide you with the books and the juices. There's three days of juice fasting. And we partner with Daily Juice. That gives your digestive tract a break. At the end of your fruit fast you have a lot more energy than you think you would. Your relationship with food really changes. We just finished one - over the summer. We're going to have one start in January and we'll probably do one this fall.

How long have you been teaching?
I've been teaching a little over four years and I've been practicing ten years.

How did you get into yoga?
I owned a graphic design and advertising company in my twenties and it was very stressful so I needed a way to release. I tried jet skiing and running and ballet and a gym membership but none of it was very fulfilling. I took my first yoga class and it was like a beacon. It was a Bikram class - a hot class. I didn't get all of the postures the first year, but it was about exploring.

Why did you want to get involved with Lululemon?
Lululemon is the absolute best yoga wear every made. As a teacher I have to be in yoga clothes six, eight, ten and twelve hours a day. Lululemon absolutely wears the best, it moves the best. And I feel comfortable whether I'm in class or walking through Whole Foods. They're sexy. It's by far the best technical yoga wear on the market. They're really hard to find so I'm really excited that they're here in Austin.

Do I understand that you're the Austin ambassador?
Yes, I was the first Austin ambassador chosen, which was a huge honor. So I'll represent them on media events. The company's really supportive of yoga and they really understand all the postures. With Lululemon clothes in a heated studio their material is very breathable so it draws the moisture away to keep you cool. Whereas some clothes that contain cotton it can stick to you and get all gross. But Lululemon dries really fast so after class you can run to Central Market or Whole Foods because you're not all sweaty.

More on Breath and Body Yoga at www.breathandbodyyoga.com
More on Lululemon at www.lululemon.com and below.

designer insider
posted - beth / 7:01 PM / 09.05.07

Designer Insider - Shannon Yarbrough

Designer Insider - Shannon Yarbrough of Sophie Grace
Louisiana native Shannon Yarbrough has always had a creative outlet. In the past she's done acrylic painting, and she practiced makeup artistry right college. After several years doing one-of-a-kind "gala couture" in Austin, Yarbrough has created Sophie Grace, a fashion line set to debut in spring 2008. This fall she goes to market to find buyers for her collection of upscale, eco-friendly dresses and leisurewear. The line may not have officially launched, but it's already gotten some celeb press - Chinese star Bai Ling wore the Sophie Grace trench dress at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. We predict many more style-mag moments to come.

When is the line is set to debut?
Spring 2008. We had a soft launch last fall. I wanted to find out what our production capability would be in Texas. But with the orders being what they are, it became difficult to do that kind of volume here. We are now produced in New York.

Is this your first time designing a collection?
Yes. I started the company in 2005 and began doing all of our sourcing and all of the research to get to the point where we are today.

How many collections per year will you create?
Resort, Spring and Fall.

Is it just you doing this?
No, I have a wonderful sample maker, a fantastic pattern maker and an intern from UT who's an amazing help.

Who are your fashion designer inspirations?
Gosh, there's so many. Roberto Cavalli. Pucci.

What is the price point on the line?
For the luxury leisurewear, right around $400. The dress collection starts right around $750.

Tell me about the eco-friendly aspects of your clothing.
We use soy and Modal (a textile made from spun Beechwood cellulose) and their blends. They're very durable. They take less water than some of the other materials to create. All of our things have a bit of spandex so they wear longer. We know where all of our fabric comes from - it's all sustainable.

How did you get inspired to take that approach?
At first I chose the Modal for its handle. It feels so soft against the skin - it's a luxury fabric. Because I have worked for so many years out of my home, I live in leisurewear. These pieces were stretching out, so that's why I chose modal with spandex. I started to learn more about it and more about bamboo.

And it fits in nicely with the green explosion we're in the midst of.
I was doing it before other people were. I started in 2005. It's been a rapidly growing trend. People are starting to learn more and more about what that means. But it also has to be something structural and that looks great on. Our pieces (the leisurewear) can be machine-washed.

Do you have a favorite piece or two from this first collection?
Every time one comes along I think it's my favorite. I like the swimsuit cover. We're doing more in this fabric - it's a silk charmeuse.

Who do you see as the Sophie Grace customer?
She's between 27 and 55. Someone that wants something that is different. I don't think our customer wants to blend in. She has her own personal style. We really do have pieces that are outside of the norm - especially the fabrics or prints are really unique. I think it's the little details, too. The oversized hoodie (on the tracksuit jacket). It has seams in the middle that are gathered. It's got four pockets on the pants and a back triangle pocket with a Swarovski crystal.

Where does the name Sophie Grace come from?
One of the things about Sophie Grace is that I wouldn't really categorize it. Sophie is very sophisticated and elegant and Grace is the more funky-edgy side. Whereas the trench dress is a more soft style. They are my alter egos. How I dress for the day is how I feel.

Designer page http://www.mysophiegrace.com.

(editorial by Jenny Miller)

designer insider
posted - beth / 10:51 AM / 08.24.07

DIYfers UNITE - Austin Stitch November 10th

There's a new application deadline for the upcoming Austin Stitch. All applications will need to be in by August 28th. Any DIYfers worth their sewing machines will want to be a part of this show. The turn out is impressive. Over three thousand people showed up to last year's event.

As a result, the girls will move to a new location in order to accommodate the over 200 vendors set to apply this year. "So all of you fantastically talented crafters and clothing designers get your applications in for your very own booth and runway segment!! " - Naughty Secretary Club Apply here >

style insider: Check the girl's blog, it's updated several times a week filled with awesome Stitch stuff.

(purses by Austin's Anne Marie)

designer insider
posted - beth / 12:49 PM / 08.09.07

Style Insider - Kaie Wellman

Portland-based Kaie Wellman has a self-described "hardcore travel addiction," a foodie husband and a background in fashion. Who, then, could be better suited to publish the eat.shop guides, which began in Portland and added Austin to the repertoire in 2005? The author/photographer and small but intrepid team have chronicled the food and fashion of 13 locales across the globe, and are busy adding new cities every six months. Here, in Styleshaker's exclusive email interview, Wellman weighs in on Austin fashion, her queso obsession and why she sometimes wants to chuck it all and move to an ashram.

Q: When did you pull together the first eat.shop.austin?

In November 2005 the first edition of eat.shop.austin was published. I'm currently in production on the second edition, which will be released in late October of this year.

Q: Why did you choose to cover Austin?

When it dawned on me that I was going to start doing the eat.shop guides for a living, I made my fantasy list of cities to do, and Austin was on the top of the list. Partially because Austin is very Portland-like, with its raging creative types, but mainly because this is a big city that thinks more like a town - and I love that.

Q: What has changed since the last edition?

Wow - a lot. A chunk of businesses in the last edition closed their doors, but then a number of new businesses sprang to life. So goes the cycle of small, local businesses.

Q: How many trips to Austin did you make when you were doing the book?

I started coming to Austin when I was 19 years old, and since that time have been probably all together about eight or so times over the years. When I'm in production on the Austin book, I spend approximately two to three weeks in the city hitting the streets.

Q: Is it difficult to write intimately about a city where you don't live?

No, not at all because there are so many people involved in these books that live in the city, and many are natives. Marianne, who co-authors the Austin book with me, has lived in town for almost a decade, and is married to a native Austinite. So what I'm doing is bringing my sensibility to a city and then sifting what's happening in that place through my filter.

Q: What makes Austin different from the other dynamic cities you have covered?

Austin really is like no other place I know, with its mix of politicians, students, academics, techies, musicians, creatives. It's a serious mélange and it works because everyone seems to be glued together with a super-glue form of queso.

Q: Would you go out on a limb and mention your favorite hangouts in Austin - what you do, what you eat, what you miss?

I would fly here just to go to Uchi. The moment I leave Austin, I miss having all my food covered in jalapeños and drinking Big Red. I think it's spectacular Austin has an organic farm (Boggy Creek Farm) smack dab central in its urban core. By George is one of the best women's clothing stores in the U.S. - Katy and Matthew (Culmo) are retail gods.

Q: Do you notice anything completely signature to Austin's style?

I think Austinites are individualists - so you'll see a mix. There are girly girls wearing pretty cotton candy-colored sundress and wedges, and then girls kickin' around in shorts and little flats and a great vintage top. As for Austin boys, oh my. There's nothing like the musician type wearing the pearl-button shirt and cords.

Q: What's your favorite dish to order when testing a new Austin restaurant?
I admit it - I am obsessed with queso. Other than that, I really love to talk to the chef and see what he/she is really excited about.

Q: When will the next eat.shop.austin hit bookstores?

October 30th 2007!

Q: Where can Austinites pick up a copy?

BookPeople, of course. By George often carries the Austin guide, and some of the other eat.shop cities. Therapy. Big Red Sun - and in October when the new edition comes out, you'll see it at many of the stores featured! And also at www.eatshopguides.com

Q: With all this writing about eating and shopping, do you ever get sick of those two activities?

Thank you, thank you for asking that question - because as much as it's my stock answer to tell folks that I have a job that does not contain a complaint clause, there are times that I fantasize about joining an ashram where there is no food and no material possessions allowed. Of course I only feel this for about 24 hours post working on a book, and by the next day I'm already fantasizing about my next meal - or the hanging wicker 70's chair I saw at Austin Modern.

Q: Future plans outside of the eat.shop guides?

To lose the 10 pounds that I've put on since I started doing these guides. And then put the weight back on as I continue to do more guides. It's a vicious circle.

http://www.eatshopguides.com

designer insider
posted - beth / 7:57 PM / 07.03.07

Austenite - Amy Gizienski

Jane magazine highlights Austinite Amy Gizienski's article on Do-It-Yourself Personalized Notepads.

Notepads will never go out of style; you can be sure of that. There will always be a time when you'll need to jot down a phone number, write a to-do list or even make the occasional flip book. So when I threw a dinner party for my boyfriend's birthday, I couldn't think of a better way to gift my guests than with their very own, very personalized notepads!

What you'll need:

* Card stock
* Scissors
* Stapler
* Clear Packing Tape
* Glue Stick
* Scrap Paper
* Your Favorite Books, Websites, Magazines

What you'll do:

1. Cut the card stock into a 3/8" strip, fold in half.

2. Cut out images from magazines, websites & books to use for personalizing your notepad. Check out www.reckonwordwide.com to print up illustrations of your friends' favorite pop-cultural obsessions.

3. Decorate. Glue your pictures onto the front and back of your notepad or add illustrations of your own. Black and metallic gold Sharpies® can go a long way.

4. Once it's personalized to perfection, cut strips of packing tape to fit the width of the notepad cover. Starting on one end, wrap the notepad to create a protective cover over your new masterpiece.

5. Cut out strips of scrap paper to fit the size of your notepad. Place your small pile of paper on the inside cover and staple to the spine of your notepad.

6. Fold in half and watch with great satisfaction as your friends ooh! and ahh! over their very own, very personalized party favor!

Source: Jane Magazine Newsletter

designer insider
posted - beth / 10:17 PM / 06.14.07

Events Recap - Lights, Camera, Fashion!5

The Fifth Annual Dennis Quaid Charity Weekend Event, "Lights, Camera, Fashion!5" was a great step forward for Austin style.

The show began with an opening introduction from actor, Dennis Quaid. He explained his involvement and support of selected local charities: Austin's Children Shelter, Any Baby Can and the International Hospital for Children.

The night quickly progressed with a performance from a set of hip-hop dancers. Some would call it an icebreaker as others may call it random. Regardless, it added a unique start to the high-energy show highlighting twelve looks from Nicole Miller, twelve looks from Vivienne Westwood, ten looks from Ted Baker and the exclusive preview of sample pieces from Emanuel Ungaro.

The show was entertaining to watch. The crowd participation was over the top. A group of men flanking the runway gave standing ovations for certain looks. Not to be out done, an equally excited group of women followed suit. The responsive and rowdy celebrity crowd quickly reminded me, we do things a bit differently in Texas. There's nothing like sitting next to Chuck Woolery as you Hoot and Holler for a cutie in an outstanding Emanuel Ungaro suit.

The clothing was appropriately accented with Austin's own Anthony Nak signature pieces. Anthony Nak made the evening special with the public debut of their 2007 Fall Collection. Fresh off the amazing reception received from industry and editorial review of their new Fall collection at the 8th Annual LUXURY (Jewelry Couture Market) this past week in Las Vegas. It was a complete honor to be a part of a local crowd witnessing the first public showing.

In fact, the debut of Anthony Nak's collection and exclusive preview of Emanuel Ungaro's men collection indicates Austin's style has matured.

Kudos to the talented dynamic group who made this event a success. Estilo owners, Cami Cobb and Stephanie Coultress, provided the clothing and worked closely with stylist Brandy Smith, make artists from Ultimate Face and model agent Lea Moon.

Collectively, the group truly brought together something unique to Austin, maybe even something to be out done.

(left to right: Brandy Smith, Stephanie Coultress, Cami Cobb)

Take a listen to the audio interview with Estilo's Stephanie Coultress and Anthony Nak's Brandy Smith just before the show began.

designer insider
posted - beth / 8:59 AM / 06.11.07

SJP Makes Life More Difficult ...

Sarah Jessica Paker is making life for difficult for mega retailers H&M and Gap, Inc.

Her latest endorsement deal has the spitfire overseeing the design to production process of her new clothing line, Bitten. Bitten the inexpensive clothing brand to be distributed through Steve and Barry's. The retailer will offer jeans for $14.98 and bags for $9.98. The complete collection offers anything your youthful heart desires.

designer insider
posted - beth / 10:38 AM / 05.27.07

Designer Insider - Cat Gendler

Austin's Cat Swanson is loving marriage, thriving in New York and working as the Design Director at Rachel Roy.

Learn more about the perks of going solo, the importance of gaining international experience, the ease of living in New York and the excitement of leading a design team from my Q and A with this 2003 UT Alumni.

Q: What inspired you to start your own collection in 2003?

After designing under Arkadius in London, I had expressed an interest in launching my own collection. Within one month I was offered, by the president of a company called Fashion Music, an opportunity to participate alongside some of the world's leading designers in a fashion show and auction to aid the Prince's Trust at Sotheby's. The opportunity sort of fell in my lap and, because it was the chance of a lifetime, I ran with it and rode the momentum following the show with the launch of my own collection in New York Fashion Week the following September.

(Cat Gendler's Designer Evolution from left to right: 2004 spring/summer Tiger Lily, 2004 fall/winter Imminent Storm, 2005 spring/summer Quetzal, 2005 fall/winter Queen of Shades, 2006 Spring/Summer Silver Sea and 2007 Fall/Winter Rachel Roy)

Q: What are the perks of going solo?

The number one perk is complete and total creative freedom.

Q: What are the draw backs of going solo?

Having to balance running a business with being creative.

Q: What is the importance of living in New York (surrounding creative forces, resources, instant PR and buzz)?

Although I ran my business out of Austin for the first two years, I ended up opening my own showroom in New York City. Not only is there more opportunity for a young designer in New York, but you just make yourself more accessible that way - to the press and to buyers. I did enjoy the mystique of being from Texas, and so did many of the people that I worked with. I think the ideal would have been to eventually be able to have a showroom and sample room in NY but an office and design studio in Austin.

Q: What has been your favorite part of your relativity new position as Designer Director within Rachel Roy?

Working with an amazing team!! Rachel is the epitomy of elegance. Its wonderful to head up design for her and to have two amazing designers to work with on the team!! There is an amazing energy at our workplace, that I have never experienced elsewhere....although my position requires tons of work, it doesn't feel like work because I love what I'm doing and the environment. Also, Rachel recently hired a president from Givenchy, Marianne Tesler, who is an amazing role model in terms of managing a fashion business. So everday, I have the opportunity to push myself creatively and to grow!

Q: What's in the works?

We just wrapped up our Holiday capsule collection and will be closing our Resort collection soon. Then it's on to the big Spring/Summer collection and Fashion Week. In October, Rachel Roy will be opening a shop in what used to be the Plaza Hotel, right on Central Park, which is exciting! Also, my husband, Tomer, is relaunching his made-in-Italy menswear collection in June, which we are really looking forward to.

* Shop Rachel Roy online at net-a-porter.com and several specialty boutiques within the US.

designer insider
posted - beth / 8:13 PM / 05.20.07

Designer Insider - Via Christa Chains

Austin's Tyler Reed is the designer behind Via Christa Chains a collection of Distinctive NYC Art Chains.

His goal is to produce a definite and calculated effect on people. He views Via Christa Chains as a modern means of communicating emotion as a unique individualized distinctive experience. The ideology is reflected in each chain.

I'm a fan and love my one of a kind piece. It's unique but not overly complicated.

His current collection, the Covenant, incorporates everything from old doorknobs, mixed linked antique chains, bullet shells and large semiprecious stones. Each one of a kind piece is a definite focal point to any outfit.

Here's a quick recap and glimpse on what motivates Tyler Reed:

"I started Via Christa Chains with my first store in New York in November 2006. My background is that of an artist, I've always had a nack for putting things together and making something different and artistic from everyday objects. I have no formal training, but have been doing art, paintings, and making my own clothing since highschool. I get ideas from daily life, anything I see that I like I can usually emulate with my own spin. I learned how eclecticism in myself and the environment around me can be turned into a sort of art of contrast.

My main goal in the future is to get my name and my chains out there on people in the music and art scenes and use that as a springboard to classify myself not just with the chains but as my own unique genre of art. "

Where to buy:Luxe de Ville by Oskar Los Angeles CA, The Gossip NYC, Gomi Austin TX, The Libertarian Gallery 7th and Brazos Austin TX and soon on shop.styleshaker.com

Upcoming Events: The Stilts Fashion Show on Wednesday, May 16, 10:00pm at Club Deville will feature hair and make-up by Chanel Wilson, jewelry by Via Christa Chains, graff toys by Tyler Reed, clothing by Gomi Kitti and Barney's Coop, sounds by CP3Point.0. $3 at the door.

Via Christa Chains, info@viachristachains.com 512.965.5257.

designer insider
posted - beth / 9:05 AM / 05.01.07

Designer Insider - Samantha Packham

Samantha Packham is a self-proclaimed product junkie, make artist and owner of Violet Rouge. Her make-up boutique located in south Austin houses six individual stations of exclusive make-up lines, bath and body products and cosmetic bags.

It's the knowledgeable one-on-one assistance to those willing to learn which makes Violet Rogue the place to shop for new product. A quick walk through of each station is worth every minute guaranteeing you will find that new color, application technique or fun gift.

I asked Samantha to answer a few questions before she carefully walked me through the quick makeover.

What's the concept being Violet Rogue?

The concept behind VR was two fold. I could not find the brands I was used to using in London, and being a make up artist, I thought I could create a shop that would offer the Austin woman something different, an alternative to the mall. After loads of research I found all these great line that no one else in Austin carried, it all just felt together.

How long have you been in Austin?

I have been back in Austin for just over a year. I had lived in Austin for four years before I moved to London.

Do you consider yourself a product junkie?

Totally, completely, absolutely yes.

What was the first sign you knew you had different level of appreciation for "products"?

I am not really certain. I have always loved make up. I remember being 6-7 and playing with my mother's lipstick. I have always been a girlie girl. I just love products, they can be cheap or expensive. I am just as tempted in Walgreen's as I am a high end store.

What individual lines do you carry?

Cosmetic: 3 Custom Color, Face Atelier, Besame, Pixi, I nuovi, and Girlactik Bath & Body: Nature Girl, Lucky Chick, Cake, and Perfect Organics Skincare: Nature Girl and Task for Men Other Lines: Cris Notti Bags, The Lip Scrub, Nature Force Blotting Papers, Whish Body Products and A design brushes

What are some of your most popular sellers with the Austin girl?

Face Atelier foundation, The Lip Scrub, A Century in Red lip pallette from 3 Custom Color, Mandarin White Orchid Sugar Scrub from Lucky Chick, Naples Blush from Girlactik

What future in-store events do you have planned?

April 28th is bring in your make up bag day. Woman can come in and I will help them go through their make up bag, decide what needs to be thrown away and what can be added to their bag to help create the look they want.

May 12th I am doing Mommy Make-overs and Margaritias. Bring your mother in, or yourself and I will do their make up and give them a margarita. Just a bit of fun to celebrate mothers. Call for an appointment. And all gifts will be 15% off till Mother's Day.

In June I am hosting a bridal event. It will be Afternoon Tea for the Bride to Be with one dress designer, one stationary shop, a caterer, and a florist. Details will follow.

Enjoy the instructional audio interview with Samantha Packham, owner and Make-up Artist for Violet Rouge as she applies makeup to Melissa Marsh.