#FRIDAYFAVES india & yoga

We are stoked to introduce to you our #FridayFaves segment! Every other Friday, we will toss out a little love for current styles and vibes that we love, whether it be in fashion, music, make up, a local spot, home decorating, you name it!

Nicki's #FridayFaves

This week I (Nicki) have decided to throw out a few items floating around a particular cultural vibe...INDIA! I have been OBSESSING over all things Indian recently (Just ask my boyfriend, he's had about enough of my whimsical chatter about wanting to intern in Inida this summer...). Yeah..., I even have an Inida Pinterest board that you can drool over here.

1. Ahh, metallic tattoos. Call me a child, but I swoon hard after these. There will be a few metallic tattoo purchases to be had for some festival wear this Summer (Sam, amiright?). These beauts are inspired by traditional Indian Henna tattoos, and can be found on Etsy here.

2. Tapestries. Now, these I could put in every room. I have on in transit from India right now from this very shop, so I'm hoping it gets here fast and looks as amazing as the picture! I am looking forward to using one of these tapestries as my tablecloth for an upcoming farmer's market jewelry vendor adventure. You can find this particular tapestry here.

3. I'm all about these cute patterns this season. This fun pillow design seems like it could brighten up the entire room. Ever so cheery! Pick some up here.

4. It wouldn't be India themed without a nice, colorful, flower pattern ELEPHANT, NOW WOULD IT?! Get this cutie here.

5. I will probably own these in the near future. I want to slip these on with some yoga pants on my way to Vinyasa (or Bikram...yikes, that's another story). These "Jutti" can be purchased here, and shipped to you fresh out of India.

6. I have so many patterned things like this, it's getting a little ridiculous. The problem is that all my different patterns don't necessarily go with each other. The more the merrier, I say. Why not get another funky patterned bag? You basically need it.

7. Well, aren't these just so cute? Hot pink Hamsa hands to spice up your wall.

These can be found here.

Thanks for hanging, I hope you like these Indian vibes as much as I do! I definitely see a trend for the Eastern style coming in full steam this spring. If I have thoroughly hypnotized you into a deep love affair with all things Indian, I have accomplished my mission. Now, get thee to the nearest Indian restaurant and order the Madrasi Chicken. You're welcome.

XO Nicki

Photo Credit: Tattoos: SkinJewels (Etsy) Tapestry & first pillow: Jaipur Kala Kendra (Etsy) Elephant Pillow: DecorPillowStore (Etsy) Jutti Shoes: Hand Crafter Luxury (Etsy) Purse: Wild and Spry (Etsy) Wall Decal: Cozy Decal (Etsy)

Sam's #FridayFaves

Also obsessing over the beautiful and brightly colored culture of India, I thought it'd be only fitting to go off of my gal pal Nicki and talk about something that I'm in love with...

YOGA

Yoga has made such a huge impact on my life, and I think it's great for people of all ages, races, genders, religions, and backgrounds. It's a great way to keep your body, mind, and spirit in shape and staying sharp; and there are so many different types of yoga, that I truly believe there's something for everyone out there to enjoy. There are varying degrees of the practice too because not everyone thinks the same; some want to dive head first into it and immerse themselves in, not only the physical side of it, but also the cultural and spiritual side, and others just love yoga because it's a great way to keep your body lean and fit! Whatever the reason is, yoga is a wonderful way to create community and instill empowerment in an individual.

Over the past 20+ years, yoga has really taken to the mainstream culture over here in the Western hemisphere. The past 10 years especially, it seems it has had an exponential growth in popularity. Sure, Western culture has interpreted yoga in many different ways and has indeed modernized it, but we cannot forget that it is deeply rooted in the beautiful Eastern culture. I won't get into the history of yoga today, but I would definitely encourage anyone to look further into it other than just the cool clothes. There is SO much more to it than that.

Now, on the topic of clothes, who doesn't want to wear yoga/workout clothes every day for the rest of eternity? So comfy. And so many amazing brands (Pink, Gap, Urban Outfitters, are starting new movements within their company by adding yoga & workout clothes to their stores. They're doing this because they realize people want change--they want to be healthy, they want to feel good about themselves, they want positivity radiating throughout their lives..., and they want the cute workout clothes to prove it!

1. Free People is one of those amazing brands that is doing just that. Who doesn't love FP? Sure, they can be a little out of us youngin's price ranges, but we all blatantly DROOL over their clothes. They are the boho clothes goddess.

Free People Movement is a girl's dream. The athletic attire is gorgeous and stylish. Not everyone is incredibly athletic at heart, so these clothes are a great way to motivate women to take on yoga, running, barre, and more.

2. Lululemon. Need I say more? Seriously? They make amazing clothes for yogis, runners, dancers, and more. My particular Lulu crush right now is definitely the Back Up Long Sleeve top. I've tried it on and I fell in LOVE--if only my bank account could fall in love with it too. Sigh. It was incredibly comfortable and warm. Perfect for this winter weather we're all suffering through! If you're mindful, make sure to check when your local store is having sales! By this time, they're probably starting to get new clothes in so, who knows, this top right here may be going on sale really soon! Fingers crossed.

3. If you're one of those people who refuses to have anything to do with Lululemon (and there are many of you out there), here are some of my faves aside Lulu that I really adore.

Fabletics

When you sign up, your first outfit is $25. What the what?! Thank you, Kate Hudson for relating to the every day woman.

Gaiam

Well-known for not only providing the accessories for the modern day yogi, they're also really great about having yoga videos that have a wide range of topics and teachers. Personally, I have probably 5 different DVDs at home and they're amazing for when I can't spend the money to go to a studio regularly.

Yoga-Clothing

All I can say is cute, cute, CUTE! Love these clothes. They look both comfortable and stylish.

And for something more down to earth and funky, check out...

MuldharaYoga

These pants have been popping up ALL OVER Pinterest. I need them. IN LOVE. Her Etsy always has the cutest items, perfect for those with a hippie soul.

4. Accessories. Honestly, one of the biggest things that drew me into yoga was the accessories. Can I get an Amen? Don't lie. You KNOW you've crushed on yoga too for the sole factor of the things that go along with it.

Picking out your yoga mat is almost like a spiritual experience because you have to let it speak to you in a way. This day and age, there are a ton of different brands, types, and options for yoga mats, blocks, water bottles, etc. etc. The options are endless! Everyone has their own personal opinion about what yoga mat they feel is best, but The Mat by Lululemon is hands down my favorite mat I've ever had.

Lululemon is ingenious when it comes to this mat. I have my own personal one in the hot pink color (go big or go home) and I cannot tell you, readers, how it has revolutionized my yoga experience. No matter what type of class I'm taking--Vinyasa Flow, Hot Yoga, etc.--I don't have to worry about slipping and sliding everywhere. This mat has some seroius GRIP to it. There's a security that allows me to confidently go through each pose and this has allowed me to go further into my yoga practice and take risks. I would've never thought that it is essential to picking the right type of mat for yourself and your abilities, but it certainly is. The Mat may be a bit of a splurge, but it's totally worth it. You will not regret it.

So, aside clothes and accessories, I think I can speak for a lot of introverts when I say that going to any sort of "workout" class can be excrutiating. It's the hardest to take that leap and walk into a foreign studio and surround yourself with people you don't know. For first time yoga-goers, let me tell you that I know exactly the anxiety and, also, the excitement of that. Really though, once you've completed your first class, you will be HOOKED. There are always beginner classes that have amazing teachers to help you get through it with grace and confidence. Afterwards, yoga will make you feel like a brand new person, I am not even kidding.

5. If you're unsure about trying out a yoga class because you're worried about not knowing terminology, Free Fitness Tips has made this awesome diagram and it can be a great stepping stone for you! Use this to help you figure out which type of yoga class sounds best for your needs. Remember though, experience is the best teacher! Go try a few classes and learn first hand what works best for you.

You certainly don't have to be the most flexible person to enjoy yoga. The whole point of yoga is to enjoy the process and not look for the end/perfection in the pose. Everyone is at their own personal level and true yogis will encourage others during their process.

And for those of you who just hate anything to do with working out, I can totally sympathize so here's something that we all can enjoy: