Kate Moss & Mario Sorrenti, 1993, by Andrew Macpherson. You might know Sorrenti better as the person behind the camera, but he first turned to modelling as a way to make money, notably photographed by names like Steven Meisel and Bruce Weber. His photos of then-girlfriend Kate Moss became famous, now in a book titled Kate. This was a lovely interview. Although Vogue did quote when he moved to Notting Hill, 'where he hangs out and cooks pasta for his girlfriend... He cooks, she cleans.'

Thamesreach Penthouse by John Young, 1987. Young designed (and later lived in) this apartment and defined the "high-tech" style, which exposed systems, and materials on the exterior of buildings. The flat also has an Eileen Gray Satellite mirror. What I would give to see this house in person. My favourite fact about this house is that it was the backdrop for The Verve’s ‘Lucky Man’ music video.

Paul Rands Unused Ford Logo Design Concept from 1966. Rand, best known for his logo work (IBM, ups, AIGA, etc) was also an artist and art director for Esquire in his twenties. He described Ford’s logo at the time as ‘hopelessly outdated, tied to the company’s 1903 roots and unsuitable for modern industry.’ He didn’t win the proposal but has a great post on the history.

Unknown Missoni Campaign (please help me). I can’t work out who shot this, but it sent me down a total Missoni rabbit hole for which I am eternally grateful. Much of which was shot by Mario Testino. His instagram is just fascinating and a snapshot in time of bigger budgets and mega shoots. I yearn for the days.

An apartment in Domus June 1978 via Guilia Lanaro but I’m deep diving to find my own copy of this magazine. “Tom Sewell (who works in video-communications) has built his apartment out of an old grocery store in Venice, Los Angeles. Two features of this unusual flat are the large bath tub placed in a glass-en-closed area visible from the various zones, and the two large aluminium spheres that roll round the house as mobile sculptures”

Copywriting for the Flamingo Estate Prinsesstårta candle. I am always a sucker for a good chunk of copy but am exceptionally so a fan when it comes from the minds of and Chandelier Creative.

Justin Chance’s Pond (Splash) Waterlilies mural for Bistrot Ha (with beautiful lights by the wonderful James Cherry). Justin is a New York-based artist and writer. This piece references “something French referencing something Southeast Asian. New York. MoMA, Monet, the lily ponds of Vietnam. Hockney (rip).” Obsessed.

Mica Ertegun in front of Rene Magritte’s 'L’empire des lumieres' sold for $121,160,000 at Christie's in New York. Shot by June Newton aka Alice Springs in 1999. This is where it gets good. June Newton was an Australian model and actor who began photographing under a pseudonym in 1970. She shot portraits of Audrey Hepburn, Charlotte Rampling, Anjelica Huston, among others. And her husband was Helmut Newton. I could write a whole piece on her and maybe I will. In the meantime, read this.

If you enjoyed this, consider my are.na, my favourite form of social sharing. I also obsessively consume and ’s posts of similar ilk. I love the internet.

Since writing that piece, natural workout wear has caught on, with pieces in the Strategist () and BoF, and cotton darling H.O.R.S.E. featured in Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. I think the reason brands like H.O.R.S.E. and Literary Sport (the resurgence of freecity sold me on this) have continued to be mentioned and featured among people with taste in and out of the running world is thanks to the brands living in that non-athleisure-athleisure space. Pieces that live on and off the mat, track, or reformer.

TLDR: the cool athletic brands are the ones that aren’t really athletic brands.

So, for this iteration I thought: why not blur the lines even more? Cotton is destined to push into the fashion space at large. When there’s so many new brands, better-for-you proposition matters.

REYÈM

Reyèm was founded in 2019 by “focused on comfortably dressing up” using recycled jersey. This falls into the category of actual “wear to the office” clothes. The Kick Flares (reminiscent of high sport) paired with the Circle Top perfectly ticks my box of just weird enough to be interesting corporate wear. Same formula to follow with an interesting cut trouser or dress. I’d also make the case for these shorts for a walk. And I have an end of summer wedding I’d eye this dress for.

Crème

Founded by fashion photographer Remy Bernhardt, Crème creates pieces through the sustainable upcycling of deadstock fabrics while “always steering away from polyester”. The silk pants or classic trouser (cotton) are an easy classic throw-on, while the Fray pant feels very akin to the viral STILL HERE sport jean (at a nicer price point). Followed by lots of cool girls. One to watch.

Doze

I really think Doze is going to blow up. At the time I’m writing this, their instagram has under 2k followers. I’ll be checking back in. Made in LA, Doze was founded by Katie Morgan and Neridah Twist who were both diagnosed with cancer in their late twenties. Everything is made using natural fibres as a consideration for health and sustainability. Only one drop in, their feed is a treasure trove of how to style the basic pieces like drawstring pants or shorts and relaxed shirting. And I’m a sucker for a brand that uses contemporary art on their feeds.

Kye Intimates

An intimates brand, Kye has been around for a few years now and garnered an early buy-in to the LA cool girl club with collabs with Chelsea Mak, J. Hannah, LESSE. From a creative family, she’s influenced by architecture and ornamentation. Red is called Corbusier and briefs are named for Mies van der Rohe. Everything is wire free and made of natural fibres. They have some everyday pieces like capris and pants or tanks and tees.

FOR MOVING – quick hits

My favourite running brand Literary Sport has some great non-toxic options like this merino mesh top, terry sweatpants, and wool tights. All their other products are also made from fabric sourced in small mills in Italy and Japan.

Year of Ours has just come out with cotton options like this scoop bra and leggings. Lots is sold out so hopefully it marks a move towards more options. I’d love these in cotton.

’s Berwick shorts and joggers in jersey cotton are great loungewear options, as well as the cashmere sweats and tank. Plus, Alex Eagle herself is cool and knows what’s up. I trust it.

Mate the Label was highly recommended on my last post. Basic leggings and bras but better for you. Organic and toxic dye free. Could replace my university lululemon filled wardrobe. Same story with Australian brand estroni.

I’d never heard of Layere but apparently it sells out every drop. Case in point: everything on their site is currently out of stock. I’d read this before ordering though… potential yikes.

If you were a fan of edition one of what the cool girls are wearing to workout, have no fear as I may have outdone myself! Luckily there are endless cool, chic, and kind girls on the internet to indulge us. Please enjoy!

As last time, I’ll include some hard-hitters here if you can’t be bothered to read. For the full scoop, keep going!

• The reign of Pane sneakers continues! Mentioned in my last letter and again here. Think of them as a sporty Dries.

• Finally Aritzia activewear gets a moment in the sun! This is how I learned my favourite one piece has been discontinued, but their butter line is incredible. And their socks. Holy grail.

• I fear H-O-R-S-E will never not be mentioned in these lists. Truly for the cool girls. Vintage and cotton activewear are still trending upwards.

• Curious to hear from more running girls… or are we still running? I personally still lean towards Literary Sport, Bandit, and maybe Satisfy as bastions of the running sphere, but want to see new brands emerge!

of Habiter is a NYC-based fashion editor who writes the much cooler version of this post. From fashion girls like to my literary heros and , I not only get fashion inspo but also LIFE inspo. Highly recommend. Also highly recommend everything below.

I typically go straight to the gym after work - so my priority for workout clothes is something light that I can easily tuck in my bag. Luckily I don’t have to carry sneakers - I do yoga or pilates 99% of the time. I like clothes that are tight (it’s annoying when your shirt or shorts fly up during downward facing dog) but not too compressive. I don’t need to feel like a sausage. A lot of my favorite workout clothes come from Aritzia. I like their 5’ shorts and the cami tank. I also have a lot of old cotton tanks and baby tees that I wear to workout. Honestly when I retire old basics (because they’re stained or stretched out or something), those tops typically turn into workout tops. I have some little kid’s tees that I bought in a pack on Amazon that I’ve been wearing for a few years. I don’t care that much about looking cool!

of Well Being is a Doctor of Acupuncture + Chinese Medicine and the creator of the internet’s favourite Rest + Digest tea. Dreaming of the day it comes to London. Natazia is also a sage advocate for balance in eating and exercising (and has the best female-focused advice).

I keep a pretty tight edit when it comes to workout wear. I find what I love and look good in and buy multiples of the same. I never want to run into the issue of my favorite pair of leggings being in the laundry. For weight training or pvolve classes I have become completely obsessed with Vuori and own five pairs of this legging (all in black) and rotate between the halo triangle bra and all the feels bra (either in black or white). You will also find me in a micro short with a baggy track pant, mesh short or cut off short over. I find it incredibly cool to workout in oversized clothing because we all need days where we don’t stuff ourselves into leggings. The only pieces in my workout collection that are colored are shorts from Bandit. And for a top it’s typically a boys hanes tank or a random cut off.

I play tennis 2-3 times per week and rock all white, always. I have skirts with all different sized pleats from wide to tiny. To protect from the sun a new era women’s 9TWENTY hat, which is truly the only hat that matters.

When I am walking in the neighborhood you will find me in unique combinations of sweats I am wearing around the house (or slept in TBD), random vintage tee shirts, uggs or a sneaker. When we get into winter months and a sweatshirts or jacket gets added it all gets really crazy and my wife is embarrassed to be seen with me but honestly I think the crazier the outfit, the better the walk.

of Molly’s Edit is a freelance stylist and producer, though she used to work for Nike which makes her an authority figure on sportswear. Her substack is a treasure trove of “good stuff” which I highly appreciate.

Since I am currently living in Minneapolis, I am soaking up every sunny day I possibly can by taking very long walks. I am a true believer that a walk can cure all, I love picking a new neighborhood and walking aimlessly with my dog. I also love biking and kayaking, anything to keep me outside. Wired headphones, a hat (my go to is a vintage New York yankees hat from eBay or my Idea London hat from Dover Street Market), sunglasses (Jimmy Fairly, Vincent Boulevard or Thistles) and these magical hold all ponytail holders are a must (I discovered these in a small boutique in North Carolina).

I love Patagonia baggies and have picked up a few pairs secondhand (I even wear them out sometimes with little heels). I find my Salomon XT-6 and Nike Air Rifts are the most comfortable for walks.

Bright colored shorts like these from Gap are also in my line up. I like this flowy pair from Zara as well. This Skims scuba zip up is my go-to on walks come Fall.

of Sofissimi comes from a family of boutique owners (this post is very sweet) and now chronicles her own explorations into shops, owners, and her personal style. She is very cool. Naturally I had to reach out.

OK! Not revolutionary but as someone who likes to primarily move via lots and lots of walking, basic strength training, and mat pilates, my workout uniform as follows:

• H-O-R-S-E Sport Short Shorts: I can’t take them OFF! I also love Relax Lacrosse ones (the 4”!)

• Cotton Tees/Tanks: For this I like LA Apparel, Petit Bateau, Rummage Stretch for something fun, or just an old faithful vintage one. The Skyting merch always has really good tees, too. Whatever it is - comfy and un-fussy!

• Lululemon Energy Bra: I can’t get rid of it....it’s been with me forever and lasted an embarrassingly long time. I’m due for something new.

• Solomon XT-Whisper: I’ve tried, I’m just really not a sneaker girl.....I bought these years ago to go on long walks (and not deal with laces, haha) and I’m wearing them into the ground. (Usually paired with a longer crew white sock - I like the Maggie’s Organics ones)

• Vintage sunnies for long walks...to add a little spice ;)

of Health Gossip is a cool girl whisperer, speaking about health through an approach that doesn’t feel judgy, unachievable, or out of touch… like much of the internet does. It’s the replacement for Sakara, Goop, Into the Gloss… etc that my 16 year old self yearns for.

From the horses’s mouth (her own health gossip profile), Lily starts most mornings walking outside, and with go to the gym to do a mix of calisthenics, weightlifting, and pilates depending on the day. Here’s what she wears:

• Hardtail Forever tie-dyed leggings (okay obsessed with the whole line)

• Pane Zephyr training shoes (low profile and easy to transition out of gym)

• LA Apparel + Brandy Melville cotton basics

• Vibram 5fingers mary janes for when I want to get crazy

• Brandy has black cotton gauchos that I just got. Surprisingly hard to find!!

That’s all! If you’d like to be featured, know someone who would, or have workout wear gossip, hit my line!

Cadaqués is a small village on the Costa Brava. Deemed Spain’s “best kept secret” numerous times if you google it. Not so secret anymore, still worth the hype. A tiny town close to the France-Spain border only accessible by a very long, very winding road. I’m not going to say it’s the Hamptons of Spain (because no one wants that), but it is quaint, eclectic, and vacationed.

With a long history of artists and creatives flocking to pull inspiration and draw in the nature of the beautiful landscape, I felt the lure. Whether that be through the labyrinth of Dalí’s house or the rugged terrain and winding road, it pulled me in.

Here’s my mini guide to a beautiful place I wish I could have stayed in longer and longer and longer. Enjoy!

you must see: this house

As a self proclaimed architecture nerd, I fittingly went to see… a house. Much to the thrill of my travel partner. Cadaqués was the home of Salvador Dalí and his wife Gala, originally a fishermen’s hut purchased in 1930, later transformed into a connected maze of neighbouring houses. He wanted it to feel “womb-like” – uneven floors, unexpected turns, and slanted elements achieve that. Gala furnished it herself and it’s filled with hyperlocal treasures alongside an extensive collection of art from their network. There’s a taxidermy bear waiting to greet you at the entrance. Eclectic!

Also in town, some great galleries like Galería Patrick Domken or keep an eye out for residencies or installations from creatives and studios, which often pop-up like Bisa Studio, which has been on my radar for a while.

surprise! this little town has great shopping

It would be an understatement to say I didn’t expect to fall in love with a CELINE bag here. But Boutique Pepa shocked and delighted me. Founded in the hippie era of the 1970s by three friends, it has been reinvented over the past 4 years to include local and luxury brands like Loewe, Céline and Jacquemus.

Colmado feels more like what you’d expect to see in a town like this – artisanal straw baskets, bags, and hats, as well as other homewears and textiles.

N°7 (named for the owner, stylist Belén Casadavell’s childhood home where Marcel Duchamp rented the penthouse in the 1960s) is a shop for non-souvenir souvenirs. Ringer tees, caps, and socks all say “I’ve been there” but in a chic way. I also love their Briggite Tanaka bags.

meals (and wine) by the beach just hits different – eat (and drink) here

Batalla Taverna was an absolute dream and I could have sat here all night. Funky yet approachable dishes and some different options after tapas fatigue set in (is that a thing?). We sat out near the water, though the girl perched at the outdoor bar was giving me extreme fomo. I love to see a single girl enjoying herself. Get the artichoke and the appetizer (called that, but it’s basically crisps, anchovies, and olives).

Maritim Bar is the perfect little beachside spot right along the road. Looks like a good Malibu diner. Again, sorry for the Americana references but I’m painting the picture here. Live music and events often too. Serves breakfast.

Re Mei if not just for their branding. I’m a sucker but I work in design so I can say so. A little more inset from the beach but the awning makes a cozy nook for dining. Paella and the aubergine seem to be heavy hitters. Good natural wine list.

Joia also had the best ice cream and vegan sorbet. A must visit. Get the melon. Pairs well with Vogue cigs.

If you’re up for a walk, Restaurant Cap de Creus is along a lighthouse hike, and offers a real hideaway meal option. Absolutely beautiful views and good prices. Drive up as well! I

where to stay

Villa Salvador is an adults-only stay about 10 minutes from the city center and borrows many motifs from Dalí’s oeuvre of treasures. Fully immersed in trees and overlooking the water, it’s a hideaway in many senses. The beach nearby was also one of my favourites in the area. Quite with lots of adjacent nesting spots along the road.

I’d look to Hotel Cadaqués1962 as Villa Salvador’s younger sibling. Granted, it is owned by the same parent (haha) company, but it feels looser, freer, and more campy – it has a diner complete with games like foosball and a pool table. Also kid-friendly.

Casa Nereta is more of a concept space turned hotel, with programming and boutique spaces. It was also the original house of avant-garde artist Joan Ponç. Think tarot readings, DJ sessions, natural wine tastings, and weekly yoga classes.

keep your routine… and enjoy the view

I didn’t partake but wanted to shout out this pilates studio I stumbled across upon returning home. A mat, Reformer, and Barre studio that seems to garner the attention of many a cool girl in Cadaqués. Maybe next time I’ll be one of them.

Recently I visited Brussels where I saw Maison Hannon and Musée Horta, Paris where I finally saw Maison La Roche, and in Milan I saw La Villa Necchi Campiglio. As a result, my instagram feed (and explore page) is a mishmash of architects, styles, and eras. I commonly get messages asking about houses – where are they, who designed them, can I visit them? My architectural tourism, once a quirk, has become a signal of taste. An aspirational feature of my hobby, my social performance.

Taste = currency.

We’re told the new currency is taste. Developed taste. A point of view that cuts through the algorithms and endless scrolls of new or regurgitated content. Or content that is new, but with liberal reference to an old concept. Yet, even knowing the reference is a form of signalling. Where taste was once defined as a form of judgment shaped through dialogue and participation in culture has shifted to an (online) ability to name and expound upon a finite set of references. Anything beyond is bonus, bordering on overkill.

I feel friction towards this idea of “good taste” when it purely exists online. I used to pride myself in “having it,” until it became embarrassing? Has it?

As said in a viral post, “What is being called taste right now is mostly recognition.” How many times have we seen the same Jil Sander, Steven Meisel, Prada, Richard Avedon, etc image resurface in one form or another? It’s a signal of artistic pedigree and leisure time to be able to identify the year, the photographer, perhaps the model. All signals that fuel an industry of moodboards, remakes, and “educational” videos from influencers and creatives.

I visit places because I am interested in them, do you?

When I was in art school, my (wonderful) architecture professor told a story of a colleague who was forced into a residential school as a young Indigenous boy. Later in his life, walking into a building of the same architect that designed the school, he was overwhelmed by the sight of the entry staircase, done in the same style as his school and had to exit the tour. Later, we learned about Frank Lloyd Wright (a favourite of my midwestern professor) and his radical visions for the family life. I wrote many a paper on midcentury modernism, shaker ideals, and radical cities. It was in FLW that I fell in love with architecture, and in the anecdote from my professors colleague that I understood its power.

While I didn’t become an architect, I sought out architecture in my personal practice as a freelance creative, and since moving into fashion, get my kicks in architecture tourism. Which is arguably all the fun, none of the work. Lucky me.

Even luckier is that there’s now quite a bit of status that comes with the ability to travel. And cultural cache that comes with visiting the right places.

Certain landmarks become markers of access and escape on an instagram grid. The shining eggs or David Shrigleys of Sketch in London, the hot air balloons over Cappadocia in Turkey, Le Plongeoir in Nice. More recently niche places like Canyon Coffee, Round Swamp Farm, or Jolene. I could go on. And I suppose a grid of midcentury modern and art nouveau (guilty) says similarly. We’re in an age of algorithmic recommendation soup. My own dad plans vacations with ChatGPT now. It’s commonplace to show up to a pin on a map, take a photo, and leave. Even more so now that image recognition is baked into technology. Just today I saw a place on my feed and within mere seconds had identified it via a screenshot. It’s scary.

This is where the discernment comes in. The difference between knowledge and taste. Scroll instagram or ask a bot and you’ll get the Sketches, the Odeons, the Musso & Franks. It’s easy to visit these places because people understand what they are. Much like its easy to wear a Chanel bag rather than a nylon tote from The Row.

Architecture is the final frontier of tangible taste. Can’t get in? Can’t experience it.

Perhaps architecture is the final frontier to access and knowledge. Many places are privately owned, in the process of being restored, or just not accessible. You need to know someone or have a purpose for being there. It’s gatekeeping, but in a literal sense. When anyone can pull an image from a magazine (or pinterest board), it’s the physical that will endure.

I don’t – or didn’t – think of my architectural escapades as signals of my superior taste, but the more I receive acknowledgement for it, the more I want to interrogate it.

I have several obscure places I want to see next. I’m scheming trips to Berlin, Prague, Bordeaux. Some places I genuinely don’t know how I will get to, or where exactly they are. It’s exciting to think about all there is to discover, and overwhelming to understand the list is endless. ChatGPT is never going to tell you how to find the obscure spaceship-shaped house in rural Belgium. It wouldn’t even tell you to go there in the first place. Finding gems like this takes work. It takes reading and researching and asking real people.

Is there anywhere I need to visit next? Better yet, does anyone have connections to places undiscovered by instagram? Where can I get into?

Coming up… all of New York made it to Paris, Emily Dawn long threw the hottest party in town (ps, did you hear about the heat wave?), Literary Sport made me want to be barefoot, the small brands that won, and running continues to be fashion.

I spent another fashion week in Paris, this time packing nothing but flip flops and a brand new pair of tabi heels. Not conducive to 20k steps a day, but it was the only option in the 40 degree heat. And the only option to wear dancing at Emily Dawn Long’s secret disco. More on this later.

One of the best things about going to fashion week when you’re not working is that… you don’t have to work. I reaped the benefits of the events and showrooms (with running fashion girl du jour ) and truthfully just spent the week with friends. This year, there was a common refrain around the loss of control, of letting go. Granted, I say this more as an overarching reaction than dogma, because there was one unprecedented factor that forced a lot of hands – the heat.

Outfits became stripped back, silhouettes shortened, and branded fans were the hottest accessory (literally, everyone had an EDL fan in hand). I saw a lot of flowy black trousers, flip flops, and slinky tanks or tees IRL, while the shows were more structured and strategic. Dries was a smash hit with light layers and slicked back hair that was pretty 1:1 with attendees. Dior showed sheer suits that felt like the male equivalent to Matthieu Blazy’s silk muslin jeans from Chanel FW25. Elsewhere legs were mainly bare with short shorts and board shorts, which dominated many collections.

While last year felt busy (see my recap here), there was a different sort of energy in the air this time around. I’m not sure if it’s a symptom of fashion becoming more multidisciplinary, smaller boutiques and brands thriving, or simply because it was a beautiful week, but fashion felt fun. Parties were thrown and attended with force, and my only regret was not staying longer. Let me recap some of what I saw, did, and observed.

With the heat, many shows were pushed forward, or adapted to suit guests. Not running. There were about a million runs in what was a million degree heat. I met Grace at Dover Street Market, where Satisfy ended their run and sorry men, but I did not envy you, or your laundry. I will say, one big theme of the running showrooms was climate control garments. Satisfy’s Space Lace was a big fashion piece on many runs I saw, and they continued the momentum through laser cut garments, doubling down on MothTech, and a new heat reactive fabrication. District Vision had some new technology specifically for cooling in hot races. Unna and Alex Zono both had a sheer lattice style weave that would look great layered. I think this will continue as temperatures climb.

And much to my excitement, there did seem to be a considered inclusion towards women’s silhouettes this year. Bandit always does it well, as does Literary Sport, but I think you ladies will be very happy with the more traditionally male brands like Satisfy and District Vision. One for the looks and one for the slower movement and natural fibre considerations.

As a breath of fresh air, Literary Sport hosted a walk to debut their new vibram sole sandal. As a current stress fracture victim, I couldn’t go to a single run and appreciated a brand being inclusive. Sure brands should stick to their niche (running), but how many customers are wearing kit off the run? Literary Sport, dubbed “The Row of running” is a prime example of running kit being capital-f Fashion. There’s a reason GQ styled it alongside brands like Drakes, Emily Dawn Long, Kallmeyer, and Miu Miu. At the showroom, I was most excited by new iterations of lifestyle pieces and updates to favourites like tees and bras.

What LS did was exhibit a of what I think the real success stories of fashion week were — community (or founder) as driver, expressed in unconventional or creative ways. Community has been, and always will be paramount for small brands. It felt like every brand had a party this year, and people were flitting in and out, afraid to miss a potential connection or party favour.

Exhibit b was Emily Dawn Long and her absolute takeover of Paris. I ran into Leah from River Crossing (shoutout Toronto) duo at the Pien Studios x Karhu launch party and bonded over her tee, only to bump into her again the next day wearing mine! Because we all had to wear our tees the second we got them. It was real first day of school mentality. I went to the popup the first day, a few hours after opening and found most of ‘the good tees’ gone. I think I got a pretty decent one. I’ll also admit to getting a Wanda hat, but I couldn’t wear it without suffering heat stroke.

Friday night, Emily hosted her second disco (the first one got a Vogue feature). No phones allowed, dancing mandatory. It was a real who’s who, but of New York. I joked, do I love Paris or do I love New York? I left for Brussels early Saturday morning, so I missed seeing everyone hungover at Dreamin Man (it continues to be a hotspot).

What follows below are overflow observations aka the brands, launches, and things to watch before they blow up:

• Transat was the new menswear name on everyones lips. Founded by high school friends Angelo and Martin, it’s simple flares and baby tees for men. Lots of references to 60/70s French style. Already seen in person on Sam Hine at Celine.

• I am also so intrigued by this new brand. Will update if I find more out.

• Two cool girls came together with Rummage Stretch’s popup at Turn Paris. I met Isabella at a magazine launch and am now even more so personally invested in her vintage activewear dream world.

• Tokyo Sense’s pop up brought Japanese style to Paris with 30-something Japanese designers, brands, and makers. The brand was all over my feed a while ago thanks to its branding by MOON. I love this concept and it seemed to do really well.

• Small Talk Studio hosted a showroom with small brands archie, CSiLLAG, and Silphium. Three brands I think could blow up. wrote about it here.

• Bode may not have had a show, but they did host a fly-tying demonstration at their Paris boutique to launch their Fly-Tie. Obsessed.

• hosted a summer soirée with Kye and new brand Katt Fore. I adore the shoes and will definitely be keeping an eye on the brand. I think they’ll be big.

• Dimanche Creative also hosted a curated space with cool girl brands like Monastery Made, Chelsea Mak, Studio Ford, mosquito, and Olga Basha Jeans.

• Sneakers and sporty silhouettes seemed bigger than ever. Akin to my flip flop comment earlier, I loathe trainers with everyday outfits. I’ve seen some I might consider wearing. Martin Sallieres with a funky low profile rounded toe shoe here. Tarvas is new to me but said it’s “the first good-looking big-toe shoe ever made” and I agree. Camiel Fortgens showed a very sleek bowling shoe iteration I could get on board with. Diemme went low lop too. For running, Mizuno has been on my mind since Literary Sport started styling with them and they’re making waves with new silhouettes and bold colours.

I’ve written before about how London truly is not (and cannot be?) LA, and why trendy boutique health ventures like Erewhon just don’t have legs on this side of the pond. But fitness? That could be another story… at least with the amount of:
a) LA influencers “moving” to London (taking long vacations) and b) comments in their post in a generally positive, if not ecstatic vein. London has its fair share of exclusive fitness clubs, iykyk referral-only instructors, and gyms that cost more than my rent. But Alo is crucially influencer only. A distinction I would argue is more foreign to London fitness studios, but perhaps more in line with members clubs?

What does this mean for the lacking (but trying) wellness ecosystem of London, which has seen an influx of North American trends in the ~3 years since I’ve been here? I’m talking sauna, salads, and smoothies. The 3-S’s if you may. For me, Alo signals something. Exactly what I’m not certain. But it represents an interest in the brand’s expansion. The stores came quickly, and though I still don’t see a ton of the product around, clearly there’s demand. But it is so much of another world I strain to see it settle in place.

I wrote about Corner Shop 180 when it opened last summer, a business that was poised to be “London’s Erewhon” and while I dismiss the claim, I think it offers something better: a re-assessment of what wellness looks like here. A non-glossy, almost quirky, definitely posh manifestation of someone (Alex Eagle) that knows the industry. Alo is not that. Let’s discuss.

Alo is new. Headquartered in an I.M. Pei designed building in Beverley Hills (after having taken down a Lichtenstein for their own black and white e-comm photography). Originally designed as the headquarters for Creative Artists Agency, the building was markedly a stripped back step away from the architecture of LA. The NY Times, at the time remarked that the building “takes a careful look to realize that a tremendous amount of money has been spent” – not unlike Alo Yoga’s “athleisure” one could argue.

Alo Wellness Clubs are newer. Originating in LA in 2022, with a second NYC location opening two years later, the “clubs” have always been exclusive beyond money. Fame and followers are a ticket in, rather than an understading of pilates cues. Easily said for cities like LA and New York, where influencers are a dime a dozen and brand deals are the hallmark for success, but London doesn’t have the exact same sort of transactional “come get a smoothie with me” type of content creator. At least not in the algorithms I run in. The “it girls” in London aren’t the ones with the most brand deals. They’re the quietly connected names you see in renaissance tabloid culture (niche memes, reddit snark, and underground magazines who host readings at Ellie’s). I won’t name names, but you know the type.

Private member clubs have always been a symptom of the class system of London. They have begun to expand to American cities like New York, but crucially at a higher price. Why? Because status signals access in London. Who you know (and who you are) rewards access to storied places. Much can be said about the colonial roots and gatekeeping nature of the upperclass institutions in London – and this isn’t to excuse it – but it does lend itself to more considered architecture and design.

Since last writing on London wellness culture, an ABUNDANCE of new wellness ventures have opened their doors. Among them, Tramp Health, perhaps the embodiment of what you’d imagine an upscale health club in London should look like: expensive and exclusive, so yes a true reflection of what you’d expect of a nightclub-cum-spa. It joins storied gyms and health clubs like the Sloane Club (est 1922), Lanserhof at The Arts Club (est 1863), Surrenne at the Emory (from the Maybourne group)… the list I’m sure will continue to grow.

Conversely, Alo is and has always been designed for instagram and the Alo space for influencers.

It’s black and white logo wallpaper that’s instantly recognizable across the feed. Is there a reason to design a “snow room” with a mirror other than prime selfie real estate? No. Much has been said about the “world building” of modern brands. To be successful you create a feeling, not a product. If the feeling only exists to serve a platform, where does that get us? This is an important case study – and one that I think grounds in reality the demise of Thirdspace and reign of Farmhouse. One is rooted in new fitness while the other leans towards “tradition” in lesser terms.

Perhaps this falls into the “taste” discourse. The notion that regurgitating references results in “slop” culture. Correct me if I’m wrong, but this feels like a very American problem. At least from a brand perspective. And certainly not an architecture perspective. I like to think that even buzzy portmanteaus of recent years à la WSA, Bridges, or Cafe Tondo were created for more than just photographic potential.

We should be creating spaces that are accessible to all, rejecting the rigidity of the past, forging new paths forward. However, consumerism exists. People will always find a way to assert their financial and cultural dominance. But if we’re going to create spaces that are only accessible by the 1%, shouldn’t they be informed by actual history? Not if it’s solely for the purpose of instagram. I’m reminded of ’s (well over-referenced) Airspace essay:

“The ideal Airbnb is both unfamiliar and completely recognizable: a sprinkling of specific cultural symbols of a place mixed with comprehensible devices, furniture, and decoration.”

What is the ideal gym? Is it’s sole purpose a backdrop for sponsored content? A sterile container that houses perfect bodies created online for our consumption?

The Alo gym (sorry, Wellness Club) is perhaps the first of its kind in London, or at least the first to explicitly say “sorry, influencers only”. But you can feel the sentiment echoed around other fitness studios, and the privilege imbued is 1:1 with members clubs that pervade.

If you’re new, I write a lot about activewear as an expression of our own personal style, rather than something to purely serve a functional purpose. I work in fashion and design, and I was sick of going out for runs not feeling like… myself??

The fashion meets sport renaissance came for men a few years ago and is continuing to grow with new technologies and functions, which is great, but leaves women stuck with the same old clothes we’ve grown up with, or a feminized version of “off the beaten path” cool brands.

Lots of people can write about what’s happening in running, and praise these new brands for bringing awareness to the sport in general. That’s not my place. Fashion and style, for many (men) may seem trivial. But you have to wear something to move in. Why can’t it be for women, and ideally… by women?

Here’s my latest list, I hope you enjoy!

Pruzan

Every single girl I run with has a piece from Pruzan. That may be aided by one of the founders running in our group, but the fact that we all actually wears the pieces is testament to the quality. They got quite a bit of attention in the running fashion world with their last drop, centred around the female of speed. Because… they’re a unisex brand – pieces are catered towards women’s comfort, but with a genderless position.

Their bike shorts are the only ones I’ll wear (they actually stay up without a drawstring), and I appreciate a looser fitting tank to pair with it. They also do have a bit of an audience for their mesh tops, which I haven’t seen elsewhere.

SAISEI

A very new to me brand, but with styling that leans Literary Sport. I don’t think this is the first or the last time we’ll see the influence of LS leaking into other brands that want to appear premium or “intelligent.” Nonetheless, I like their stuff. Everything is seamless and neutral which again isn’t groundbreaking but if it’s good quality, why fight it?

I like the range of lengths in their bottoms (shorts to capris to leggings) and appreciate that even though there are different fabrics for different sports (cycling vs form vs movement), the products all stay the same. And a capri bodysuit!

Spence

Spence is a (unisex!) “next-generation American Racquet Sports brand” founded last year by Amanda Greeley to fill an actual gap in the market, but also embody that ever so popular notion that sportswear can be worn on and off the run (or court).

I’m not a huge tennis player, but can get down with their pieces for everyday. Or maybe it’ll inspire me. Their new drop is really good. I love this crinkle dress that looks nothing like a tennis dress. Which I love. Also love this set from the drop. I really appreciate their attention to fabrication… sport lace is new and fun. These shorts paired with this jumper or jacket is perfect. Side note: I love the throughline of silver – tee and bag (which I have and always get complimented on).

Nu Swim

Nu Swim is a New York based swimwear and lifestyle brand housed in Tangerine, a wonderful Brooklyn boutique. While they’re not strictly activewear, I stumbled across their sport line and really love it.

I love these nylon shorts, and for all my girls who want to workout in cotton, they have a range of 100% organic cotton basics like leggings, sports bras, and sweatshirts. I like how their styling mixes in their other collections, it shows the versatility (aka it’s okay to wear your workout clothes in public) when paired with a button down or cotton easy pant.

Alex Zono

Alex’s clothes are funky, and that’s why we love them. It feels quite rare to see a brand built out of pure expression and fun nature… and genuine love of running. Some pieces aren’t for everyone, but should be. I love watching each new release to see how he styled and shot them, because they never feel conventional. I’ve been talking a lot in and out of work about ‘real people’ casting – how to do it in a way that feels real, rather than performative, and Alex does it.

You’ve definitely seen his hats everywhere (and the resell value is insane), but I love his graphic tees as another easy entry point. He once had these great chiffon shorts I’ve told him need to come back, but these ones are a fun alternative.

Other Callouts

• Splits59 is coming for H-O-R-S-E’s vibe with these very PE adjacent shorts and capris. Get the cotton version. Likewise with these, that are styled very NON workout-y.

• Raide Research’s women’s trail shorts look very promising re: pockets… has anyone tried??

• Guys do we hate or love Dairy Boy’s new sport drop? I’ll default to ’s point that it looks like “warmed-over Rummage Stretch”

• Canadian brand Balmoral’s new drop of cotton tees and accessories is very fun

• Not a brand, but over on we’re talking sports bra innovation. An important topic!

Do you have any brands I need to know about? Shoot me a line!

Typically, when in the “what to wear” situation, I throw on a pair of jeans and loafers and call a spade a spade – I am a creature of comfort. I have a uniform. And, a few years ago, that uniform would have been leggings and a sneaker. Toronto girl by default, we accessorize with designer bags and overpriced lattes.

Today though, I try to limit leggings to the gym, or in this case – long walks. Because a loafer is not a practical walking shoe, and sometimes you wanna sweat!

So… have you heard? Leggings are dead. Big Workout Pants are in. It’s time to ditch our leggings. Vintage in back in, and the understanding that athletic fabrics may not be good for us is calling for cotton! Or maybe, leggings are just boring.

I see the point, and truthfully, welcome the advent of comfier, chicer, and less form-fitting bottoms that can take me from workout to wine.

The “throw on and go outfit” staple heros (hint: it’s easy pants)

I have become victim to the following – throwing on a pair of leggings for what will just be a quick errand, telling myself I look chic, and inevitably being out some 4 hours later in said leggings, kicking myself for not just trying. What’s a girl to do?!

In the latest episode of , retail expert said what we’ve all been thinking (no one is wearing leggings) and called for appreciation of the “easy pant.” I am so here for this take. I personally substitute all active bottoms with my Nili Lotan Shon pants – I even wore them on a hike last weekend. The thing with these pants, and the ones below, is that they are comfortable but not cozy. This is a very important distinction. I’m not going to wear them to a movie night, but I am happy lounging in them. And they’re not restrictive or structured enough to not walk in.

• Mentioned in the episode are the Ruti on the go pants and the Leset Kyoto pant (I’m dying over this green). Both these options are versatile enough to be dressed up or down, which is a plus for those of us that like to take long lunchtime walks, or pop to a date after work.

  

• I’d also add a straighter leg category than can lean a bit more casual or formal, strictly depending on fabrication. A silk or taffeta option from Donni is more dressy, while this cotton Brooke Callahan pair or these Deiji studio pull-ons are casually cool.

• And, sorry to say but I am one of the crazy people that will lounge in jeans. If I were to wear some on a walk, I’d choose a barrel leg like the Shon, or a relaxed pair like Still Here’s sport jean. Alternatively, buy a vintage pair of mens Levis two sizes up.

• I wear these Aritzia lounge pants to the office sometimes… oops!

The “I still want to wear leggings but want to be cool” leggings

There really isn’t anything offensive about a black legging, but it can feel schleppy when you’ve worn it too long, or god forbid, in the presence of a group of girls not in spandex. Thankfully, for better or for worse, there’s a million modifications to level up a legging.

• Play with the hem with a stirrup legging (tall girl option from Norda), a flare, a funky zip from women-owned pruzan (I met some friends for a walk today and 2/3 were wearing these exact leggings), or just a capri from a cool girl brand.

• Or the rise – I’m obsessed with district vision’s v-stitched leggings. Nike x Skims does a good alt, alo has a more structured version, and I’ve seen these on Melissa Wood. Add a drawstring or flattering v cut.

  

• If you’re a colour girl, do I have options for you. lululemon aligns will never fail to deliver, neither will year of ours, and I feel like FORM is the new Set Active. What will the legging colour of summer be?

• And if not, test the water with a contrast stripe (Splits59 has my favourite options), fun band, or a heathered situation a la beyond yoga. A shine, velvet, or rib is also a good option.

The actual workout solution to spandex

Because we all want to feel and look good while making ourselves feel and look good, there must be an alternative to leggings. And thankfully, there are. Many.

• A track pant is the easiest barrier to entry. I like something that still reads a bit sporty, so I can technically get away with blaming a more casual outfit on a “workout” when I end up at coffee after. I think these are structured enough to be considered a trouser, while something like these or these are fun and sporty. H-O-R-S-E makes a great cotton pair.

  

• If you’re off to a more relaxed sweat session like yin or restorative movement, or en route to the sauna, may I suggest sweatpants? These don’t have to be a traditional cuff, although I love and treasure the days of aviator nation and freecity. If you do want a cuff, Suzi Kondi makes the best terry pants (a matching set!).

• If not, literary sport has a tailored pant my friend lives in, Donni does a great slightly cropped pair, or this barrel leg option look promising.

Thank you for indulging me! Let me know – ARE leggings dead? Long live the legging!

I’ve long had a fascination with what people wear to work out, and how it reflects their personal style. And in the ever-evolving cool girls who work out roster, there’s no shortage of damn good (and chic) finds. So, here’s what everyone from my friends like to the coolest girls in the fitness space like are wearing.

Quick hits cheat sheet (because this is a long one):

• Literary sport continues to dominate for the girls, with the cardigan and sweatpants among top mentions.

  • Not mentioned, but on my list is Body of Work, another chic brand with their own sporty cardigan, good pants, and quarter zips.

• OV still has it – lots of mentions for the exercise dress! Lululemon also continues to reign for leggings (I will only run in aligns) and bras.

• Cotton is cool (I called it) – H.O.R.S.E shorts or track pants, plant based leggings, or wool bike shorts are ranking top of mind.

• District Vision and Satisfy are for fast people, they wear jackets or fleeces.

is one of my very close friends and just so happens to write one of the coolest newsletters on this platform, . She clearly was the first person I’d think of to answer this question.

I have no shortage of workout gear, but recently I’ve not really wanted to wear any of it. Part of the reason is the predictability — I’ve been wearing my favourite pieces on rotation for years — and the other part of it is the fact that I workout 6x per week and I feel like I’m constantly wearing the same gear. I also don’t want to look like I’m on my way to workout any more. It feels… unfashionable.

I’ve been going to the gym more than I’ve been running, and Pilates has been taking a back seat recently, so I’m preferring different (looser) silhouettes and natural fibres. It’s easier to wear whatever you want in the gym, so there’s a freedom in the fashion. I’ve been wearing cotton tank tops over my sports bras, Literary Sport’s cotton sweatpants and LS’s wind proof trousers in brown and black on top of my bike shorts; I take them off when I get too hot. I’ve been wearing my colourful Pane sneakers, and matching socks. I’ve also worn my district vision x new balance red bodysuit to do a hyrox style workout; I wore it for the NY marathon and I enjoyed wearing something other than black in the gym.

I’ve recently started running again, and I’ve been wearing my literary sport trousers with either my butter-coloured district vision windbreaker or a pleated Nike jacket that reminds me of issey miyake’s pleats please. These pieces look like clothes; I love jogging in baggy trousers and jackets because it feels so different to what everyone else is wearing, and also, I don’t look like a runner when I stop for matcha afterwards.

I’m unsure how I transition all this to a spring summer wardrobe when the weather gets warmer, but I just ordered some grey jersey sweat shorts which may be a solution for the gym and maybe a jog. I have no idea what to wear for Pilates any more. I’ve developed an allergic reaction to leggings but generally, you do need form-fitting (spandex) shapes. Cotton ribbed tank tops and bike shorts will be where I likely land, but I’m into the idea of workout skirts and dresses. I wrote about running a marathon in a skirt / dress last year, and I’d like to put that to the test.

is the founder of SKY TING, the coolest NYC yoga studio frequented by Hailey Bieber, , and Kaia Gerber.

At SKY TING, I see a lot of our merch in class, especially our varsity lacrosse shorts and track pants (both sold out, alts from relax here and here), which we make seasonally. They feel sporty, effortless, and easy to wear from yoga into the rest of the day. I’ve also been noticing more vintage and Y2K-inspired pieces in class lately. The matching set feels less dominant right now, and people are dressing with a bit more personality. It feels more styled, more individual, and a little less expected.

Personally, I’ve been loving pieces that don’t feel too “activewear”. Things that can move between class and real life without trying too hard. I’m super into these Donni pants, or anything from this brand, which is all cotton. I’m trying to wear more natural fibers when I workout, there are way too many microplastics in mainstream athleisure.

Outside of SKY TING, I’ve been dancing a lot at Gibney and Peridance, playing tennis, and doing private Pilates uptown where I live. I’m pregnant now, so I’m starting to slow down a little, but in my usual New York rhythm I’m either on the tennis court or in the dance studio. I also love to surf whenever I’m on retreat.

of taestebud (“an exploration of taste”) is a long term freelance writer who waxes poetic about every niche interest you could ever have.

I’m training for a trail half marathon in April, so my workouts have been very running heavy lately.

It’s also quite cold here, so I’ve been training in a nike acg down jacket and Solomon vest, and satisfy fleece. For tights, I cycle through a few favorites including Nike, adidas, janji, athleta, and on. For shoes, I’ve been running a lot in altras. I just got literary sport’s running cardigan which I’m excited to try when it warms up.

created the non-workout workout platform Range that got me through the pandemic, not running, and many a spiral. She’s smart in how she approaches exercise, and everything could be done in sweatpants. Which is a plus.

When it comes to my relationship with activewear, I must be able to take deep breaths for my belly, ribcage and pelvic floor to fully express themselves. This is of the utmost importance, if you ask me! After squeezing my body into tights, leotards, restrictive leggings and bras for most of my life, I have become totally allergic to feeling suffocated by my clothing. The best way that I can describe this is only wanting to feel as though my clothing is floating on top of my skin opposed to holding me in. I am done holding myself in, in every sense of the word! Living a rural life in Vermont, I choose to invest in pieces that are transitional and can be worn in multiple ways. When I am teaching on Range, you can almost always find me wearing Sokoi, Misha + Puff, ARQ, Hara the Label and the occasional Nagnata merino wool shorts. Can I build a few combinations for you?

• Hara The Label Bra +Misha and Puff Pants (living in a cold climate, I live my entire life in wool pants making them well worth the investment)

• Sokoi Tank Top + Sokoi Mushroom Pants (Soko of Sokoi is a dear friend of mine and we designed these pants together last year for a collaboration called Into The Body/Onto The Body. Our second collection is coming SO SOON and is a set that quite literally was designed to bring you from movement into life.)

• Hara the Label Bra + Ruti Pants (Throw on a wool sweater and a pair of clogs and this is my typical daily uniform when I go and run errands and grab coffee. These pants can also be dressed up making them even more versatile, but I also teach in them every single week)

• Nagnata Wool Shorts + Deiji Cotton Top (I have had this cotton set for almost 5 years and wear it religiously)

On the days that I am not teaching on Range, I’ll either roll out of bed wearing my Oddobody undies and a men’s Vermont Flannel, a cotton set from Deiji, or I’ll simply stay in my hiking clothes that are usually either Gramicci or Outdoor Voices from the OG days. To be totally transparent, I genuinely wish that more people would lean on what’s already in their closets! What makes you feel empowered to move? What makes you feel comfortable to explore your body in motion? Wear that and screw what anyone else thinks!

writes , a series of interviews that aim to answer why people wear what they wear. So what better person to ask? Fun fact: I actually first started following Lulu when this Drake’s editorial came across my feed. Little did I know she would be a treasure trove of smart content.

Since moving to New York City, the way I work out has completely changed. I was very active growing up. Not being active was never a choice, nor did it ever cross my mind; I loved it! When I moved to New York City, I pretty much stopped that entirely. I was so exhausted from walking over 8 miles almost daily (a part of fashion production internships people don’t talk about!) that I got super out of shape when it came to doing organized activities.

Recently, as in the last month or so, I’ve been trying to get back into being active. I go on long walks with my dog, but I’ve been trying to make a point of doing more at home. I don’t believe in paying for a workout (in New York City), I have a gym in my building, and with all the small creators, it’s easy to find something to do. I save videos on Instagram, screen record, and put them in a folder. You just need motivation and a good playlist!

A few years ago, I decided to buy only dark-colored workout clothes. Mentally, picking out an outfit delayed my workout, and I knew I needed to have no choices. I’m loyal to Lululemon sports bras and leggings. In the summer, I like the dresses or Patagonia baggies. I’ve had some for over 10 years, and they are still going strong. In terms of tops, Los Angeles Apparel tops and tanks, or Lululemon. I have a black pair of Hokas, simple!

If you want to tell me what you’re wearing, hit my line!

Lots of fitness fashion news this month: Outdoor Voices powers on with a “Stroller Roller” collection that feels very OG-OV, if not a 1:1 with the polka dot dress, bra, and skort. Tracksmith with spring colours and many pockets. Bandit also released their second spring drop, with a very trendy button down and some lighter colours in mens and womens. Unna also released a similarly sharp polo in their second drop, and I stand by my fact that everyone wants to be smart.

In chic girl sportswear: My favourite cotton brand H-O-R-S-E dropped some new silhouettes in shorts and sweatshirts. High sport launched some funky new patterns and I’m on the fence. Make it a match with the pants and tank if you’re brave. Jacquemus is back in the sports-verse with their new Nike Moon Sneakers. I love the pink – it reminds me of the new Dries satin trainers. Swoon! has put me on to a new sporty skirt option. And literary sport continues to tease me with look book shots of their perfect Car Coat.

In other wellness news, broke the news to me via instagram that there are now a grand total of 7 (!!) pilates studios in the London Fields area. I’ve been busy with tried and true sexy infrared at Yours along with every single East London influencer. I keep waiting for the pilates bubble to burst. Do we need that many studios?

I also joined the waitlist for Neko health… will this send my hypochondria tendencies to new heights? Trackable health is having a moment and it feels scary, yet also empowering. I think we soon won’t blink an eye when it comes to wearables and trackers. Much like the running watch has become a staple accessory.

I truly have felt so lackluster about shopping in a long time, and the spell has broken. It feels like spring! In-person shopping is my weakness, and I lost all will when I went to the Rejina Pyo store on Goldborne Road. I bought this top and was shocked by how well priced their shoes are. I also bought my newly most complimented item of clothing at Climax Books – this hoodie that feels somehow more special than a regular throw-on. Seen on Alexa Chung.

Here in London, fashion is blossoming! and Hai have released a bridal collection with perfect bras, garters, and nighties. Over on Hai’s site, see dresses in many shapes and lengths. Hai also partnered with for a perfectly spring collection. Mostly sold out, but some dresses and skirts are still available.

I am obsessed with so many Spring drops I can’t keep count. Donni’s taffeta pants and jacket are so luxe. St Agni has released the most perfect matching jacket and skirt in a fun deer print. Still Here’s new colours like pink and burnt orange give me a second reason to get a pair of their cult-favourite jeans. I’m loving the new Doen pieces with pastel blues and (dare I say) colour of the season butter yellow.

I also feel obliged to tell you Shopbop is having their sale. On my list: so much pink with the perfect cropped barn jacket, organza or lace dresses, and date night tops. Transitional dresses in length, structure, or neckline. I like to buy staples in fun options like taffeta, satin, or corduroy. Mules are having a moment here and here. And finally, some options to solve your spring jacket dilemma – a traditional bomber from Anine Bing, a patchwork slicker, an embroidered utility number, or a truly sporty chic free people moment.

That’s all from me! I hope you enjoyed getting a peek into my shopping list. I hope to be hotter and healthier in April. Let’s see!

I am going to tepidly crawl out on a limb here and tell you a hard truth. Your running kit does not make you faster. Just like your CBK-inspired wardrobe does not make you more sophisticated. And your $20 smoothie does not make you healthier. That last one may be up for debate.

Not new, this is something I’ve been stewing over ever since it became a badge of honour to spend a month’s rent on an outfit you’re just going to sweat in. What we buy says a lot about us, and the circumstances we find ourselves in. It’s currently warm and sunny in London and unfortunately I have been bitten by the spring dressing bug… my cart is full with things like sheer tweed coats, bright knits, and impractical but drool-worthy hats.

But now, even deciding to go AGAINST the grain and declare you want to wear cotton to work out says something about you. Not bad! Just saying. So, what do you want to say with your workout outfit? Choose carefully…

When you want to look FAST

For better or for worse, there are brands that rule the roost when it comes to displays of speed. I’d bet good money on the fact that you’re going to see these at every run club you go to, especially if it attracts the hyrox “hybrid athlete” types. District Vision has done a great job in their latest drop with the addition of green tags – a more subtle but overt way of letting people know you did just spend that much money on a pair of shorts. And you look good in result of it. From their recent drop I’d grab this windbreaker, vintage-esque tee, or chic waffle knit. Satisfy has long nailed this with mothtech, Soar with funky patterns and elevated tech, or Tracksmith with their signature stripe.

Arguably though, the fastest way to tell people you are fast is a) shoes, and b) sunglasses. And unfortunately both converge on the same price point (high). Shoes are so personal, so take this with a grain of salt, but anytime I see people wearing something like Evos or Rockers I automatically think they’re either fast or overcompensating. For sunglasses, I do love my District Vision Junya racers, and fell in love with these at PFW. Bonzer is a small woman-owned brand with cool and affordable options, and I’m always impartial to a pair of vintage Oakleys.

When you want to look chic

Firstly, go read my post on chic running clothes. TLDR: wear any combination of the following:

• Literary sport: My forever favourite with new arrivals like a perfect pop of colour, a 10/10 jacket in the same vein, or a trend du jour waffle knit top. I’m anxiously awaiting their next collection after seeing too much good stuff at their PFW showroom. Stay tuned.

• Body of work: New collection coming soon, but in the meantime shop their archive sale and pick up some transition pieces like these capris or the perfect crewneck.

• Non-athleisure athleisure like this corset swim/sweat top, a sheer top (or pants!) I’d wear out out, or cool girl velour sweats. Or sport-adjacent shoes like my friend ’s favourite brand pane, my latest satin obsession, or a funky fivefinger.

When you want to strike a conversation

For outfits that will make people ask where did you get that, or simply compliment in that way you think is good. Alex Zono is a great example, with these funky shorts I can vouch for, or opt for a guaranteed iykyk moment with his infamous “I dig running” caps. There’s something in brands like Alex, where the DNA really comes through in a way that isn’t necessarily commercial. He just does his own thing, and you never really know what you’re going to get. I love it. Unna is similarly whimsical, with this western-inspired jacket, or a simple striped top I immediately clock whenever I see it in the park. Also see ’s post on colormaxxing – for true risktakers only!

I will also ALWAYS advocate for the power that a hyper-niche item of clothing has to create instant friendships. I’ve been wearing my Climax Books hoodie non-stop (to the tune of many compliments), and I love wearing logo-clad items from Toronto/Vancouver workout studios. Anything vintage will also do the trick – try Rummage Stretch for really special pieces.

When you want to wear your uniform (but better)

An all black outfit can truly do no wrong (see this recent viral outfit). So for the black leggings and matching bra apologists – I empathise with you, but also need to admit it gets boring. I like black leggings with an extra something – like these stirrup ones for the adventurous, or a more subtle approach with piping, stripes, or my personal favourite, a plain black pair from The Row. Just so you can say you’re wearing The Row. Like speed, shoes can also elevate a simple outfit. A neutral but better like these asics, or make a statement with something fun…

Never underestimate the power of accessorising to elevate an outfit. Accessories that aren’t for working out are best, like an organza tote bag, a way too chic hair pin, or every cool girl’s favourite hat. Or! New addition and recent obsession of this lobster pin I’ve actually been seeing everywhere. Do I dare?

When you want to not workout!

Another shameless plug here, but I do lean towards relaxed silhouettes that make it easier to move (not work out, simply live my life). I’m not someone who can (or wants to) spend all day in workout kit, and I love getting dressed, so this isn’t hard. My wishlists are long. Lately…

• Donni’s latest drop. Some great sweaters, dreamy new colours in taffeta for their drawstring pants, and a matching jacket to boot.

• I was stopped in the street today and complimented on my Shon pants. They’re my favourite everyday pant and I will never tire of the slight barrel look. I’m very temped by the Still Here sport jean ( teased a really good burnt orange colour) and the

• Is dopamine dressing still a thing? I’m dying over these gingham shorts, bright blues like this cashmere top or baseball tee, and based on what I’ve seen this spring-y weekend, polka dots are still in.

• Tafetta is so in – I bought this out-there (says my boss) top from Rejina Pyo, similar vibe here, and I am kicking myself for not getting to the Hai x Brooke Callahan pop up! This is everything.

I saw a tweet recently that bemoaned the lack of real recommendation culture. We see the same brands and products over and over again, and while I love and wish I could afford a to fill my wardrobe with The Row, Toteme, and vintage Calvin Klein like various influencers who shall not be named, it’s not realistic, and it’s not sustainable.

It’s an interesting phenomena: while people re-share the same links and listicles, there’s a hunger for the undiscovered. The “cool girl brands” no one is wearing. The timeless pieces that Carolyn Bessette Kennedy would wear, only if they were made now. Or the vintage keywords you must search to look like her. And now, brands like J Crew and Uniqlo are capitalizing on the allure of the “CBK and JFK Jr aesthetic”. Recreating papped shots, outfits, accessories. People are thrilled to find out that L.L. Bean has “the Carolyn bag” as if it hasn’t been around since the 1940s. I won’t give this too much airtime, because it’s not what this piece is about, but it’s snagged something deep in my brain.

So, what is “recommendation culture” good for if not championing small brands? Introducing people to pieces they’ll actually wear from places that will actually notice the impact of their dollar.

It’s hard to find them. We live in a culture where it’s the easy thing to buy off of algorithmic lists. We’re told this is the future, but personally I don’t want a future that prioritizes conglomerates and clothing made with potentially harmful materials. So I’m not going to take for granted the fact that I like finding these brands, and hope you enjoy discovering them. Here are some under 10,000 follower brands (a primal but important metric) that I think are going to be, or should be big:

HERMAN

In a world where everyone wants to look like CBK, appreciation for an actually good basic is high. HERMAN (named after the founder’s father) reimagines womenswear through the lens of menswear. I do find that menswear-inspired brands can feel too utilitarian for my liking, but silhouettes like this shirt or jacket feel tailored enough to actually want to size up. Meanwhile, trousers are sharp and sexy in a world of too-tight or too-big jeans.

What else I’d buy:
Huge fan of this Row Ophelia-esque jumper, I think long shorts are going to have a moment this Spring/Summer, and I’ll never say no to a double breasted coat.

In House Studio

My post on cotton activewear struck a chord for people, making it clear people are conscious about what their clothes are made of. In House is made-to-order from sustainable and regenerative materials, but doesn’t look like a natural brand. Instead, it’s smart tailoring that feels akin to office-wear, and in a way I don’t often see done well. Case in point, I never thought a zip-up blazer could be chic.

What else I’d buy:
The collection is currently quite small, so this skirt-pant is a welcome surprise (bonus for actually looking very wearable). I’ve been seeing lots of sheer on the runways this season, and am trying to work out if I can get away with it in office. This “sometimes sheer” top may be the answer. Meanwhile, I’m anxiously awaiting this quarter zip they’ve teased.

Mel Usine

If you’re as obsessed with Colleen Allen as I am – pay attention to Mel Usine, because this brand is about to blow up. Already stocked via trunkshow at moda, founder Stephen Biga worked at Proenza Schouler, Gabriela Hearst and Rodarte. We all know I’m a sucker for a theory-driven label, and a brand driven by “historical research and tropes of forgotten French lore” is up my alley (Melusine is a water nymph of 1393 myths). The collections lean medieval, with a modern sensibility, but stay wearable.

What I’d buy:
I find my cost-per-wear is lowest when it’s a basic with a twist. I love these cape sleeve and poplin tops, this plunging jacquard jacket, and do I try a ruffled legging? And finally, I’m drooling over this Colleen Allen esque velvet coat.

Grey’s

You’ve seen it on NYC’s First Lady Rama Duwaji. Emily Grey’s namesake brand is rooted in the construction of couture pieces, with the intention of making them a comfortable everyday garment that can stand the test of time. I’ve spoken before about the idea of creating clothing that specifically speak to real women, which this does, in a utilitarian way (Emily actually started with a menswear focus). The kind of thing that you and your boyfriend fight over.

What I’d buy:
This leather (or suede) box jacket is genuinely perfect and one of the more feminine silhouettes, while this jumper or zipped shirt could go both ways. And if I won the lottery I’d buy this dressing gown and flounce around every morning and night in it. Divine!

HENRI NYC

Here’s an actually unisex brand for the boys. Henri (another father named) is a “luxury knitwear brand” built on the belief that the best designs are quiet but confident. The pieces are simple but do have that extra something that I think makes new knitwear worth buying. They’re popping up at still here this weekend and I’m predicting an uptick in followers (from just over 2,000 now) over the next little while. Get in while you can!

What I’d buy:
I’ve been fed the idea that I need a rollneck, so this one may do the trick. I love this polo, a silhouette that I think is notoriously hard to get right, and this pullover is the prime example of “extra something” I mentioned earlier.

VIR VITA

Another brand using natural and earth-friendly fabrics, VIR VITA is a line of simple essentials. They reflect the natural materials and packing by adopting an inspiration from the “beauty and resilience of the natural world” that shows up in the muted and soft palette. I also appreciate the price point.

What I’d buy:
I don’t think the pointelle allure will ever leave, and for that I love this top and these trousers. This top or tank could be a good flore flore dupe. And if you see this now, run for this cashmere jumper at a really good sale price!

Thank you for reading! I hope you found a new brand you enjoy x

By this I mean we’ll begin to diversify our interests. As running has begun to reach unprecedented levels of fandom, run clubs have taken over our streets, influencers are getting stress fractures, and marathons are becoming vacations (or fashion weeks, as my friend once coined). I predict we’re going to be forced to come out the other side shortly enough.

In November, after a 2 year run streak during which I ran ~100km a week, a niggly hip forced me to reflect on what running meant to me. It was (and is) something that I respect deeply; it gave me my closest friends, showed me what my body is capable of, and brought me to places I wouldn’t have otherwise seen. But since stopping, I’ve begun to gain appreciation for what I have the space for without running. I walk, go to reformer and infrared mat classes, have tried weightlifting, and perhaps most transformative, I can go places and not look like I just went for a run.

Part of the catharsis that came with stopping running was the shedding of the “runner” label. I’ve always found it difficult to exist in a world that so quickly labels people: pilates princess, office siren, clean girl, girlboss, soft girl, etc etc… I work in fashion, and joke that shopping is my greatest hobby. Nothing makes me feel better than a good outfit, and I am determined to bridge the gap between my multiple “personas”. I’ve written quite a bit (successfully, thank you!) about this term I’m calling “corporate activewear”, which is the tip of the iceberg in the strange outfits I noodle together.

I don’t think fashion should be so prescriptive. If I have enough running kit to fill half my closet, why shouldn’t I find creative ways to wear it? This is why I’m so passionate about brands that create pieces to wear on and off the run, in and out of the studio, and away from movement altogether. The siloing of activewear is capitalistic. Why does something only need to be for running rather than pilates, or tennis rather than padel, aside from obvious technical considerations. We should wear cotton tees to run and work and play. We should innovate to the point that one piece can take us from day to night. We should wear our wardrobes!!!

to move: non “activewear” active wear

I’m going to be brave here and go against the grain. It feels like everyone is talking about performance. How many seconds a piece of clothing can shave off your splits. The latest super shoe. Or how looking cool makes you faster. Most of the time we don’t actually need to perform in ways a professional does. Why can’t we look towards clothing that makes us comfortable and confident, and strikes up a conversation (my favourite thing about fashion).

I’m bullish on old favourites for new movements. Gym shorts or track pants (can you run in velour?) that are reminiscent of PE class uniforms. Cotton tees (even if they aren’t for running) have been my go to lately, and it’s a good day wasted when I find a gem on ebay. Or similarly, things that aren’t really for sport, but can and have been adopted. Cardigans for running. Boxers that feel more at home in a bed, but look chic when you don’t care. I have a fleece from Tracksmith I love, sadly not back this year but this Rier one is on my list. The one thing I haven’t cracked yet is a shoe. What can I wear for a long walk and with jeans? I’ve taken to eyeing the ballet sneaker trend, but my Onitsuka Tigers are quite literally the most unsupportive things I own. Norda could be close but they’re a bit too gorpcore for my liking. Please give your suggestions or I’ll be destined to succumb to the vibram five fingers hype!

1. Comme Si boxers 2. Literary Sport Cardigan 3. Bode Tee 4. District Vision glasses 5. Trainers 6. Vibram Five Fingers 7. Stirrup Leggings 8. District Vision tee 9. Rier Fleece

to live: the rise of “sport” fashion

Sport has been encroaching on the everyday. We work and live from our homes more and more, and everyone wants to be comfortable, or prepared to run to a lunchtime yoga flow. While I am in the office 4-5 days a week, at the weekend or when I work from home, pants that are casual but make my flatmates say “you got dressed today” are my favourites. I’ve long been a fan of Donni (and their founder ) for their pants and trousers (made so much more luxe in a new taffeta line). I’m embracing the horeshoe trend with a 100% cotton pant that looks like a tailored trouser, this Chan Luu silk pair, or my tried and true (and always complimented!) Shon pant.

Because it’s winter and I live in the UK, I have to resist wearing coats indoors and instead look towards layering pieces with personality. I typically follow some formula of tee + jumper, sometimes a thrifted Hanes or alternate, but someone tell me if the beloved flore flore tee is worth the hype. Similarly, a tee that says you’re in the know can be a big bolster to an outfit, like one from Emily Dawn Long, Conner Ives, or Ashley Williams. Throw on an “ugly” cardigan, cozy fleece, or your running cardigan (!) over and you’re set. Biggest hack though is the lazy accessory when you’re running out the door. The tote bag, claw clip, trucker cap, sneaker, whatever signals you’re cooler than your outfit.

1. The Great Cardigan 2. Comme Si Socks 3. Wales Bonner Shorts 4. Take Off Your Clothes tee 5. Sophie Buhai Clip 6. Silly Staud bag 7. On Loewe trainers 8. Shon Pant 9. Alex Eagle Cap

to work: can I reject the corporate uniform?

Along the lines of sport as fashion, I’m fascinated by the things with ‘sport’ in their name that actually aren’t at all. Still here’s sport jean went viral earlier this year, yet it’s sexy in a way that you can’t associate with fitness. Maybe because you need confidence (or a six pack) to wear a jean that low? High Sport gained popularity for their kick pant, a stretchier take on a tailored trouser that left corporate girls wanting more (I am obsessed with this jumper after trying it on at my favourite boutique Absolutely Fabrics). Fashion brands like Colleen Allen are embracing sporty fabrics. Meanwhile we have numerous fashion brands starting activewear lines, sending sport-inspired looks down the runway, or partnering with athletic companies.

Because I’d always been freelance, I skipped the school-to-corporate pipeline. The one where you bought suits and trousers and blazers. It worked for me… until now. Since moving from small agency life to the big corporate offices at Mr Porter, I’ve had to 180ish my wardrobe. But I’ve been determined to not fall into the trap of monochrome or frankly just boring outfitting. Pieces that are classic, but have a real personality to them speak to me. has gotten me obsessed with these skirt-trousers, I love a good quirky button down or asymmetrical blazer. Everyone is channeling Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, for good reason – basics will get you far!

1. Sport Jean 2. Suede Sneaker 3. Colleen Allen fleece 4. Sportmax layered top 5. Studio Nicholson Loafer 6. St Agni Trouser 7. High Sport Sweater 8. Dragon Diffusion

Thank you for reading! Something new for me, so I hope you enjoy. Currently working on a niche brand roundup, send me your tips!

I’ve always been interested in how people express their personal style in constrained environments. How different cultural and societal values help determine what is acceptable, let alone cool. There is perhaps no better case study than the workout studio. I’ve been surprised by how little risk people seem to take here when it comes to matching sets. Walk into any studio in London and you’re probably going to see 90% black-on-black bra/legging combos.

Because, workout clothes haven’t always been “toxic” – PE and military uniforms were always wool or cotton, synthetic fibers have only been present in clothing since the 1970s-80s. As health-conscious movements like MAHA take over the world, attention is being turned beyond what we put in our bodies, to what we put on our bodies.

I can’t tell you how many videos I’ve seen along the lines of “wearing anything but lycra” or “how to ditch your leggings”. While I’m all for creating change by pushing brands to choose better materials, I’m also not against wearing non-activewear, as activewear. Below are my favourite (actually stylish) sweat-specific picks, along with some adjacent options. Because I think looking good is just as important as feeling good, and who doesn’t want to mix things up a bit?

Without further ado…

H-O-R-S-E

Probably the blueprint for this whole post, 100% cotton brand H-O-R-S-E was founded by Sue Williamson just last year, and focuses on simple, loose, and soft clothes to “facilitate flexible movement and sweat.” In an interview with , she speaks to a collective understanding against the “weird tight plastic uniform” that’s happened recently, and I think pushed her brand into cool girl closets everywhere. What I like most about it is that it really is a “kit” – get the track pants or shorts, sweatshirt, and (new!) socks, and you’re set.

SYLVA

Okay, so this isn’t cotton, but make your promise on being “superior to cotton” and I’m intrigued. A “skin first” brand that uses hydrophilic and breathable fibre, optimising the body and the skin. Only three products as of now, there’s a pair of stirrup leggings we all know I’m dying to try, a “second skin” opaque top, and a surprisingly chic dress. Definitely a luxury price point, but this is one of the most “fashion” sustainable brands I’ve seen so far.

The Park

Founded by working mom Sarah Bonello, The Park aims to “make getting dressed exciting and easier for women”. Again, not 100% cotton, but the brand uses a blend of natural and recycled fabrics that replaces nylon and polyester, which is the same fabric as earlier mentioned SYLVA. I’m obsessed with their pant options that go beyond the traditional leggings, but still feel like wearable staples like this skirt-pant combo, a velvet (!) option, and a sheer pant that feels dangerous. This bodysuit is so sexy, can I get away with wearing it to pilates and the office?

RIER

A mountain attire meets quiet luxury take on sportwear, Rier uses “responsibly sourced, natural materials in collaboration with local craftsmen.” I first became aware of the brand when I started seeing this fleece EVERYWHERE, and I’ve quickly become a fan of the brand as a whole. They recently did a funky collab with Salomon I’m not quite sure I could pull off, but I appreciate the vision. I’d be really interested to know how these shorts (or skirt!) would fare in a workout or a walk.

MATE

Without a doubt the top result in “natural workout clothing” searches, MATE uses non-toxic, natural, and organic materials. It feels like your classic activewear brand, but not bad for you? Not revolutionary, or is it? It might not be the most exciting option on this list, but it really leaves no excuse to not replace your lulu leggings with these. I like this bra, and this tank. Just good basics.

Studio K

Also a basics but better brand, Studio K is a “sustainable meets sophisticated” line inspired by the silhouettes of the ’60s. I like the butter yellow (which I think will be a big hitting colour based on my PFW observations) of this bra, and love a flare pant. I can appreciate brands styling activewear in ways that don’t feel workout-adjacent and give me a taste of how I’m actually going to wear it.

Pilates Cosmos

Pilates Cosmos is a brand with silhouettes and colours that have piqued my fancy a few times, and only now am I realizing they are tested for 100+ contaminants like PFAS and pesticides. I love this bralette, especially paired with a contrasting pant, and this blue is lovely. The price range is also incredibly kind. I will say I’d be shocked to see someone walk into a London pilates studio in these, but someone’s gotta try!

Other Callouts

• Baserange I file under the category of “how to ditch your leggings” content, especially with these velour sweatpants. Not my style per say, but A+ for a cold day’s yoga flow a la Kara Duval

• Hanover (of How Long Gone’s Chris Black) has this great cotton tee I’d love to try

• And in the same vain, Emily Dawn Long’s “TAKE OFF YOUR CLOTHES” Reversible Vintage tee is in my cart until she releases the next collection, which I’m heavily anticipating

• Pangaia has so fallen off my radar, but I am very into the contrast waistband on these biobased leggings

• Gnuhr with a cool take on a 100% cotton tee

Thank you for reading! If you have any suggestions or additions please let me know x

Clearly, there is a gap in the women’s athletic space, something we chatted about in the comments section of the aforementioned post. It’s a sort of chicken-or-egg situation: is there a smaller percentage of activewear allocated to women because the demand isn’t there, or because there’s just nothing to buy?

Meanwhile, pilates (a predominately female activity) is booming, with insane prices being charged per class. Is owning a pilates studio the new MLM? I joke, but women are flocking to classes (both pilates and otherwise, as I won’t pretend yoga, barre, or The Class don’t exist). In a world where people everywhere are crying about the disappearance of third spaces, it’s clear to me that they are right under our noses, if we look hard enough to try. And are kind enough once we find them.

While pilates (or workout studios as I’ll speak about later) is having it’s moment in the sun, I would argue it’s the same for successful women’s ventures outside of sport.

The past few years, as fashion has turned in cycles, I’ve been following along the women that are successful in grasping a cultural moment that connects so well with women, but also just humans. I saw multiple babies front row at Eckhaus Latta, a trend carried over from last year at Sandy Liang, Colbo, and Tory Burch. wrote a lovely piece on about intuition, intimacy, and the touch of a woman. On the same wavelength, called for more intimacy, proposing brands eschew the traditional runway, as they “could better connect with customers and editors through retail, trunk shows or a super intimate presentation format” citing Colleen Allen as an example. And finally, had a lovely piece that spoke a lot to women coming into their own. This especially stuck with me:

Runways are theater. Closets are reality.

As we sit discussing the rhetoric of largely out of grasp (for me at least) runways and collections, they all point to the idea that community breeds success. This may not be community in the traditional sense when you look at high fashion. They create worlds around collections. I’ve talked about this before, and it’s been thought piece-d to death, but TLDR: you see something that “speaks to you” in a “niche” way, which signals you belong in the club, both to you and others when you inevitably purchase the item.

I’m going to get a bit personal here to illustrate my point. When I moved to Vancouver as a fresh 18 year old, straight out of high school, I knew exactly one person in all of the province. So obviously, I turned to movement. I tried all the classes, but not one studio pulled me back every time I visit like TurF. Even still, it’s the thing I wish I had in Toronto, London, my hometown, everywhere!

To paint the picture, sisters Deanne and Delaney Schweitzer opened TurF in 2017 as a “three-in-one studio, bistro, and boutique.” What this means is a FULL house of women eating, sweating, sipping coffee, working, chatting, shopping, killing time… etc etc. They offer classes that hit every possible workout preference (or fad, before it became a fad), food for every diet, and a shop that’s just recently started carrying their own line.

What amazes me the most about it is the community aspect. I never walked in feeling unwelcome or ostracized, not a small feat when you’re a teenage girl. Women can be mean! Since I’ve left Vancouver and started a “big girl” life in London, I’ve seen firsthand the struggle to “make it” as a woman, but equally the success that can come when we are able to be a part of the conversation. I won’t get preachy, but I think this was evident in the NYFW collections, and is what we’re left searching for in activewear.

So, I reached out to TurF and spoke with Lauchland Lee, Community and Brand Manager. What struck me the most was the staying power of not only the space (real estate is expensive!), but also the brand as a whole. As I do with every conversation with someone from my past woo-woo world, I first mentioned the disparity between the Vancouver/Toronto wellness scene and London. When TurF started, Goop was a “spectators sport”, making a business on rage baiting people that weren’t clued in (back on my world building soap box). Meanwhile, today everyone is biohacking, cold plunging, and peptide taking. How was TurF able cultivate that niche, but also maintain it as the trends have done a complete ricochet?

Her answer was that rather than changing, the clientele has expanded. It’s firstly gotten younger. While older women were once searching a space that was missing, younger women are now seeking community and clarity in a saturated market. Which is exactly what their mission is around: rather than chasing movement trends, they identify what’s missing in the TurF goer’s routine, and create their program around that woman.

I’m fascinated by the role architecture and design plays in creating human-centric spaces, and admit to nerding out a bit when Lauchland was talking about the intentions of the space. The whole concept of the business is based around mitigating the feeling you have after a workout when you think, “where now?” Rather than going to pilates, then for coffee, then to lunch, you can stay in one place. Simple? Not so much. I saw this tweet recently, which reminded me just how much we value productivity over comfort, probably why people think third spaces are dead.

Vancouver has a rap for being unfriendly, and we were both the first to admit that. But TurF gives people the space to connect. Their pickup space is intentionally small (tiny) to force people to bump into one another. Tables are long to create intentional moments of interaction. And after each class, everyone rolls up their own mat. A breath of fresh air amidst the standoff-ish studios I’ve been in since moving to London.

TurF has a retail space, but as I mentioned above, has begun to create their own products. The biggest questions surrounding a lot of the athletic discourse right now are hinging on this weird duality of general over-saturation and a specific women-focused draught. Why aren’t there women-led brands? It’s hard for a women to fundraise, to balance motherhood and work, to find a niche… we can waffle on about all the excuses. But what’s clear in fashion and in this case, is that there IS a demand, and there IS the potential.

I asked Lauchland why they decided to create a brand when they already carry other lines, and instructors surely have their own favourite products – we both confessed to not buying anything other than lululemon aligns (save for my pruzan shorts). But the brand, created by co-founder Dianne, was needed because it fills a gap that lives in the same ecosystem as the concept itself. Back to the space thing, the storefront is build for conversation. How many times have you been suckered into buying something because the sales associate or person next to you has raved about it? The small space and mix of products allows for those moments, but also for the opportunity to a) listen for what’s missing, and b) figure out who they’re speaking to… the success to having a brand in a saturated world.

Importantly, they don’t use influencers. This is where I think they stand out from traditional “female” brands. You don’t see it as much in male athletics, but take any studio or sports bra and you’ll see #ad everywhere you look. As Lauchland and I talked about, the real influencers are the people we see every day. The instructors. The other people in our classes. And they treat their customers as such, with everything being tested by the team and vetted to work for different body types and preferences. Remember when I spoke earlier about female-led brands speaking for themselves, as well as to the women they sell to? I think this is rare in sport. But it shouldn’t be!

It was really special to have this conversation on a personal level, but I think even more so in a sense of being able to create awareness for the success stories of female-founded, female-focused brands. Because they do exist. And we can do so much more to uplift them, while continuing to push for more.

Although I do think there is space for women-owned or curated spaces, the answer does seem to hinge on the notion that it is hard to open a brick and mortar space and influence is being outsourced to, well, the influencers. While I am NOT an influencer, I do spend a lot of time a) moving my body b) in the fashion space (for my job at MR PORTER) and c) digging around instagram. I am unfortunately chronically online.

While I do believe taste is subjective, and that the notion of curation is more often than not nauseatingly self serving, I also believe that in order to create spaces we want to see, we need to first create the demand, and further the conversation. I am passionate about supporting women-led brands, but I won’t pretend there are unisex (or mens first) brands that do the job. I got into some fascinating conversations over in the comments section here, which ask the very important question: when women buy mens clothing, does it work against us? Above that, and please let me know what you think, is the idea that we should be supporting small, pushing for affordable prices, championing sustainability, and reducing our own closet size. Now that’s just not realistic.

Perhaps I will regret saying this, but I have a dogged love for shopping. Maybe it’s not the shopping per say, but how cool is it that we can say so much before we open our mouthes, simply by what we put on our body. I must also say I am fascinated by (and not supportive of) the change that GLP-1s have influenced over our perception of others. Anyways, I digress. I can spend hours shopping, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. I have a busy life, and if an hour scrolling on the treadmill in the morning is going to kill me, so be it. This is all to say, I like to think I have a grasp on what (I think) is cool.

My friend wrote today about the fact that her whole wardrobe seems to be sportswear, a sentiment I think many of us can relate to. I think we should lean in to it. When I’m not in the office, although I do love lounging in jeans (as I write this, sue me!), I am often on a long walk, and I want to feel confident, cool, and yes, to a degree, sexy. I am just a girl! While I have lots of suggestions, I want to focus this letter on this notion: cool-girl meets corporate meets athleisure. Does that make sense? Think elevated silhouettes, day-to-night (run to date), sleek fabrics… the outfits you’d see someone walk into the (infrared) pilates studio and be thinking about for days to come. Not necessarily workout kit. Because sometimes the best things aren’t… but could be. I’m going to try to introduce new brands, but some are too good to omit. Same goes with women-focused.

Here we go…

Body Of Work

An “artisanal” athletic brand based in Canada, Body of Work takes cues from “vintage sportswear and the tranquility of nature”, working with local craftspeople and natural fibres to create small-batch collections.

They join the knitwear ranks with their version of a running cardigan, popularized lately by other Canadian darling Literary Sport. I’m also keen to jump on the capri wave when it gets a bit warmer, and what looks like the perfect crewneck (which can be returned for credit thanks to their Recycling program).

H-O-R-S-E

A 100% cotton range “inspired by P.E. uniforms, vintage silhouettes, and heirloom college basketball shorts siblings steal from each other when no one's looking.” Obsessed! While you may not run in these (you could), I do envision the kit as being a multifunctional staple, and founder Sue has said she’s looking towards wool and waterproofing for us East Coast or UK fans.

I’m guessing you’re going to see these shorts on a lot more of your favourite fashion-adjacent girls and guys as they gain popularity amidst the natural workout-wear renaissance. A small product range, but I enjoy their take on a sweatshirt, and their track pant is a good adidas alternative.

Norba

Founded by two sisters in Ukraine, Norba is basics but not boring. I am sick of seeing big brands push out favourite silhouettes in bright colours, or impractical new pieces in neutrals. In my opinion, the way to do it is to boldly lean in to basics, with slight deviations. Athleisure as everyday wear is not hot pink, and it is not revealing.

I’m all for brands that push the limit of what leggings can do – from pairing with heels to a fun silhouette. I was just saying I want to try a stirrup legging, and these may be my answer. Does anyone remember when the bodysuit was the biggest trend in Toronto? Should we bring it back, but elevated with piping? Or embrace the asymmetrical trend that’s been taking over the runways? Also a great jacket here.

Literary Sport

I’ve talked about them about a million times, but they are Canadian, they get it, and their new collection is too good. They’ve been called “the Row of activewear” too many times for me to make that analogy, and I don’t necessarily agree. It’s not “luxury” for status sake, and while it is expensive, it is something I would purchase because I think the pieces DO serve multiple functions.

They’ve gotten lots of buzz for the aforementioned cardigan, and I think this shirt they teased for FW26 is going to be their next disruptor. I’d try their quarter zip – it doesn’t have the logomania of most brands, their Tove Jacket is quite practical and chic, and these pants look like a good everyday staple.

Comme Si

It may just be their socks that are actually “athletic” but Comme Si is a case study in building a brand world. Their Stanglwirt trip last summer made me want to buy the socks just to imagine myself as one of their guests. This summer I see myself taking walks in their boxer shorts, and rocking up to a reformer class in the Pilates Sock. If I’m brave, maybe I’ll run in these.

Nagnata

This was a trip down memory lane for me, as I became obsessed with the Australian fitness scene circa 2019, and they were ALL wearing Nagnata. Since then, they’ve really embraced a sleek look, for men and women.

Also centred around natural fibres, they use merino wool and organic cotton. Their core line with these shorts and bra has had staying power, while this new “M20” line is of interest to me, especially these pants.

District Vision

Okay this one you’ve probably heard of. But I do really like both their women’s AND men’s lines. What DV does best is create products that actually serve a purpose. I like their evolutionary approach, and along with their focus on craft (they employ Japanese technology), they are popular for a reason.

I have a pair of their sunglasses that I love, but I tried these on at their PFW showroom and I’m dying to snag them (in a yet-to-come colourway). The piping on these leggings elevates them in an understated way, which I appreciate. And every time my friend wears her fleece from them, I get the urge to grab it.

Other Callouts

• Really liking this new Jacket from Spence.

• And this layer from Unna has been a go-to on rainy shoot days.

• If I needed a new cotton tee, I would go to every fashion girl’s favourite brand: Flore Flore. I have yet to see if it’s worth the hype. Someone please de-influence me.

• Everyone loves Bandit. I’ve never tried, but the reviews are good.

• Pruzan is having an archive sale to make room for new arrivals. Stay tuned.

• Satisfy has released women’s, and I saw some really good iterations on their Fuzzfleece in Paris I’m looking forward to.

• Always a big fan of Alex Eagle, especially her Sporting Club line.

Thank you for reading! If you have any suggestions or additions please let me know x

*I started writing this piece a few months ago. Something inside my head that had been trickling down the upper echelons of tuned in-ness (apologies for the frankenstein coinage) has now become mainstream. Or mainstream enough that in a very condensed timespan, it’s no longer the niche I thought it was.

ART-AS-WEALTH, ARCHITECTURE-AS-KNOWLEDGE

In 1927, Le Corbusier wrote the famous maxim “A house is a machine for living in.” His theory was that houses should be designed with function top of mind, meeting the needs of inhabitants, but also the demands of the machine age.

Today, architecture has been corrupted as commodity. While art has long been used to convey wealth and knowledge, new technologies and “slop” media have pulled the display of physical spaces into the performance sphere. Individuals engaging in “architecture tourism” and brands using midcentury modern houses as backgrounds to campaigns have slowly been fuelling this art (and architecture) as cultural commodity movement.

Case study du jour: Pharrel’s faux-architecture “Drophaus” prefab that contributed much to the discussion surrounding Louis Vuitton’s A/W 2026 menswear show. Peppered throughout the (Glass) House (yes, it does look strikingly familiar to Johnson’s) was midcentury modern furniture that served as a “homage to the human hand", vinyls as artwork, and yeah, the clothes. It’s less about what it looks like though. To quote , it is “less a proposal for living than a way of communicating how one might live.” In essence, it is fashion using art as a way to convey a heightened sense of culture. Is this a bad thing?

It’s natural for brands to consider how their goods are shown. Working in fashion, I see even more so how important it is for the background elements to say something about the clothing. It’s not just about WHO is wearing it, it’s about the TYPE of person they represent. Their interests. Do they know a Newman from a Rothko???

Side note: I’m fascinated by the idea of set-as-backdrop as an AD trope and have been collection references for the last year here.

IF A BRAND KNOWS, IS IT COOL? IF IT TEACHES, IS IT GENUINE?

In November, running apparel brand Literary Sport put on an “Art Run”: A dedicated run tracing the sculptural art of New York City. Featuring works by Picasso, Louise Bourgeois, Isamu Noguchi, and more. The brand not new to the world of art and architecture, they’ve shot campaigns in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Woodside or alongside pieces from Jacqueline Sullivan Gallery, and frequently pepper their social feed with artists’ work or quotes. I reached out to Creative Director Jackie Mckeown to ask about how the run fit into the wider brand:

“[the run] really felt aligned for us in how we show up in the run space. Having a group run with the focus on visual surroundings rather than distance or pace felt so obvious but also not commonly done.”

Literary Sport’s influence alone may not be enough to mark a definitive shift in the general population’s attention towards midcentury modern art, but the same references have been cropping up across brands big and small, from the literal to the conceptual.

DO ALL REFERENCES NEED A CITATION? IS IT THE CITATION ALONE THAT MAKES THE POINT?

Bandit running’s FW25 was inspired by “A Josef Albers color study, Anni Albers textile sketchbook, Richard Serra’s Verb List.” Comme Si was inspired by “the minimalist beauty of Neutra’s design.” Newly launched FFORME has a coat described as “more felted, more Joseph Beuys.” Cult-favourite brand Tekla launched a Le Corbusier inspired collection, and cite Alvar Aalto, Mies van der Rohe and Axel Vervoordt as inspiration for the brand.

440ME has photographed their clothing at at Craig Ellwood’s Case Study House no.16 and Villa Domus. The Olsen twins hosted The Row’s fall 2015 show on the vacant 35th floor of Mies van der Rohe-designed Seagram Building. I’ve been really trying to figure out where this Donni campaign was shot. One of my personal favourites? Jamie Dornan and Sophie Wilde bathing in Le Corbusier’s and Pierre Jeanneret’s villa for Loewe perfume.

Phew! Enough references for you? I list all these not to make my point per say, but because I really do like many of these outcomes. And most of them boil down to the fact that brands are world builders while consumers are lost and seeking identity. Nothing new with that, but what does it say about our sense of aligned consumption when we value a brand more for its references than its product? I wonder if I, or others, really care about the references themselves, or rather what they represent? If you see a brand mention an obscure artist, are you likely to look them up? Is it the same if someone references someone as ubiquitous as Albers? A name you’re MEANT to know… but probably couldn’t pick out of a line up beside Rothko or Reinhardt.

MOODBOARD TILL WE DIE

Brands have been built on moodboards alone. Remember JJJJound? A personal blog turned brand/studio, not unlike how ’s Sporty and Rich went from moodboard to magazine to brand (empire?) – both based on a highly curated level of taste. Saunders and Oberg both created brands sold on image rather than product, turning an idea into a highly profitable entity. Even ultimate luxury brand the Row employs a purely moodboard feed. This has been happening for a while –  wrote about it in 2018. As Fran Lebowitz said: the curator-creator revolution isn’t just a trend. it’s a fundamental shift in how we create value in an oversaturated world. In a world where everything is available, the real power lies in knowing what’s worth your attention.

This isn’t to say that brands can’t use art and architecture as jumping off points, or even references themselves. It’s about the intention. What does it mean when a work of art becomes more than the sum of its parts? When its worth is not in the thing itself, but the ability to recognize, reference, and ultimately commodify it?

I’M DRAMATIC, IT’S NOT ALWAYS A BAD THING…

I’ve been trying to think about why I dislike Pharrell’s house, but enjoy Literary Sport’s lookbook. Why I think Tekla can reference Albers but would be livid if Zara did. Why I was thrilled to see Marni in Jacqueline Sullivan Gallery, a Grace Atkinson that nods to Prospect Cottage, or and Ghia host an event at the Neutra VDL House. It comes down to the intention and appreciation – the education.

Perhaps it is because I more consciously align with the latter. It means these brands are doing the right thing in using these references as signals – it’s nothing new to posit that our affiliation with brands are mainly affirmed by what they say about us. And because they are “smaller” brands (at least smaller than an LVMH or Inditex), it feels more like a nod in my direction. I can feel in the know, because I too am aware of these references. They are a part of my world. But what happens when my world, is everyone’s world???

ART IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL REPRODUCTION

Benjamin’s “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction” proposes that the more a work of art is reproduced, the more it loses its aura. The reproduction of something then changes how we view it. I believe this to be true in the case of referencing. The more we see the same building, the more we associate it with a certain type of thing, or fail to recognize it altogether. I wonder what Benjamin would have to say for fabricated images created by AI or digital artists. Algorithms have completely decimated the need to create genuine expressions of art, and have created the divide between “slop” and “craft”, leading us to value archival pieces, when craft was alive (I think it still is).

Perhaps this is more a symptom of the fact that “nothing is new” anymore –everything is just a product of what’s come before it. In thinking about this, I reached out to ’s Avery Trufelman, who is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to what we wear, and what it says about us. Here’s what she had to say:

Everything is of its time and this is not a bad thing. In fact, it’s the pleasure of fashion, right? It’s the externalization of internal change and the consolidation of societal change. Why hide it, deny it, or withdraw from it.

Every wistful look back through clothing is a way to soothe some sort of modern malaise. I don't think the modern era is any exception.

So clearly, there is a reason why people are drawn to these nods and tributes. Our digital, fast-paced life are oppositional to the careful creation and stewardship of many architects. To create a "Gesamtkunstwerk" (German for total work of art, an environment where all created is designed to work together) is, in my opinion, the thing we can all only strive for. It’s amazing and impressive that people HAVE. But it feels akin to appropriation to reduce it to a humble background. Brands should educate and we must do the hard work to learn.

I was speaking to a friend () yesterday about the idea that nothing comes from nothing. It’s quite frankly inhuman to pull inspiration out of thin air. Not to mention disrespectful. I wouldn’t be able to do the jobs I do without being inspired by the greats that came before me. Hell, I’ll even watch Ferris Bueller just to see the Ben Rose House. I think it’s vital for brands and creatives to be educating people that are interested in spaces for their face value, on a deeper and more considered level. Literary Sport’s Art Run is a good example. has been hosting lovely “Surroundings” tours, giving people access to private houses. The MAK Center is a place I’ve mentioned before, which does an amazing job of preserving an architectural legacy while promoting future art and artists.

Curious to know all your thoughts on this! And any more references I left out, I’m fascinated by it all.

I was in Paris for fashion week the past two days with my friend of fame. Thanks to Grace, I got to tag along to some showrooms, and thanks to my meandering nature, I popped into many a store, like old favourite Bode and new favourite Rubirosa's.

Among the showrooms we visited, I left feeling a lot of excitement for what’s coming up in the running space, and heard a lot of chatter about trail/ultra running that may be enough to get me out of my running slump. I saw trousers that looked more at home with a loafer, sunglasses that could be on any 90s moodboard, both from District Vision, cashmere blend running jumpers, oxford shirts (!!!) and cardigans from Literary Sport, and jackets from Satisfy that really you could run in, but why would you limit yourself to just that?

A lot of what we saw swam around the lines of the ubiquitous “personal style” debate. More and more pieces that are multifunctional, blurring the lines between what is for running and what is for the everyday, the office, or if you’re so bold, maybe date night?) Unsurprising, as running turns more to fashion, but also as we begin to reimagine what fitness is for in a world where cardio fades into the rearview for some peptide happy folks. The most successful running brands in the future may just end up being the ones that target non-runners. Or at least runners that aren’t “serious”. In this, I mean the runners that are concerned about look and performance, but won’t spend hours on running forums, comparing splits or stack height.

There’s a well documented shift we’ve seen towards an archetype that cares about this kind of running categorization. Running outfit inspiration and content like “your workout outfit looks like sh*t” fuels the consumption (even when caveated with the “running is affordable” narrative). Because running IS sleek. Activity IS sexy. While many may lament the fact that running is oversaturated, it’s exciting that brands continue to evolve and carve a niche in a market that was stale for so long. I want to see products I like, and I was genuinely excited to see the products that will be released in the coming months, and that includes the women’s lines. What I was left wondering though, is where the hell am I going to buy anything?

Running retail spaces have cropped up at record speed, as wrote last year for the FT, leaning more towards “concept” or “community” spaces than traditional brick and mortar. Running is inherently communal, and owning a space opens the door for sales and loyalty. This idea is not limited to running. Multi-brand retailers pushing for multi-functioning spaces are evidence that the “physical retail is dead” narrative may be coming to an end. Visiting Le Bon Marché this weekend was a good case study in the affirmative.

While I may be biased working for an online retailer, I’m still confidence in e-commerce. What people want is expertise and goodwill. I’m 10 times more likely to buy a pair of running tights if another girl I run with tells me how comfortable they are. Or how great a built-in bra pocket is (more of this please). Something that looks nice will grab my attention, but if I buy it and the fit or performance isn’t right, I’m not happy. It’s a risk that, at the price point many are asking, is often just not worth taking. With that, I may be willing to take a chance if there is a level of differentiation. Something that no one else offers. That’s when expertise comes in. A merino blend that wicks sweat away from the body? A jacket that packs into a vest? I’m sold. Especially when it’s designed for women.

This is why I’m baffled at the fact that there really isn’t women-focused retailers. SF based is perhaps the only place I could think of to turn to. But she’s been transparent in the issues of tariffs, and being a mother trying to run a business. points to the fact that these lifestyle challenges compound against the fact that funding is scarcer for women in the industry.

Doing a quick search for buzzy and exciting women’s brands like Pruzan or Spence (albeit tennis), or looking to find District Vision or Satisfy bras or tights, leaves me striking out. I’m lucky enough to work at Mr Porter, where we do stock a good selection of running kit that I could repurpose as womenswear. But I long for the era of Net-a-Sporter and bandier, where I could explore brands and products made for me. Even goop had fitness popups.

We are so used to women’s activewear, and arguably, workout routines, being subjected to strict categorization, that it can be hard for consumers, let alone brands to break in or out of moulds. Take the pilates princess vs the gym girl. Even these names feel contrived, destined to live in a world of slick back buns and Alo Yoga sets. Women’s running skews either towards free people flutter shorts and lululemon bras, to black matching sets, often paired with a vintage or men’s cotton tee. And those sets? They were likely purchased years ago.

Although there is traction towards curated vintage (like rummage stretch) that redefines what it means to look athletic and gives more power to individual taste, it’s not a movement that lends itself to brands creating new products. One trend that may begin to lend itself to creation is the movement away from synthetics and towards new cotton (H-O-R-S-E does a great trouser that’s slowly trickled into the fashion girl’s wardrobe), but again, where does this leave us in the world of high performance, cool brands?

I’m not saying there aren’t good brands or products for women (read my post here), but the aggregation is lacking. What’s the impetus for brands to create good products if they aren’t being sold anywhere?

While I was thinking of this, I started to think of where I find new products or brands. The answer? Influencers. Or rather, tastemakers? Whatever you want to call people who post products on the internet. With or without followers. recently shared a wonderful selection of new-to-me brands, and always have great reccs, likewise with or . Even brands campaigns that aren’t in the apparel ecosystem can lend themselves to a lot of inspiration. Take sakara, l’eggs, or Dandelion 1989. Are tastemakers the new retailers?

If the barrier to entry for physical retail is too high for many, especially women, or even just someone with a point of view that comes from NOT being fully in the running space, how can we look to create new points of discovery? I yearn for a space where I can browse (this includes via the scroll) brands that I may have never discovered. I love treasure hunting via socials or press, but wouldn’t it be much easier and much more beneficial for small brands if there were a curated POV? Not to mention fun? Maybe this does already exist, and I’m simply out of the loop, but point me in the direction of a female-centric retail space and I’ll be the first to check out.

Anyways, perhaps this is more of a musing than a real defined take, but I’ll be thinking in this vein, so if anyone has any thoughts or feelings please let me know! There really is so much good stuff out there, and I’m excited to bring sportswear into my everyday life more. Especially into the office, where I think there is space for it! Bullish on the corporate athleisure… that isn’t casual. What are we calling this new type of kit??

So this is a (long) list of only the VERY BEST, which ultimately will change over time, but reflects tried and true, with some buzzier spots peppered in. I can’t resist a good new opening. Of which Toronto often has many. I’ll also include some people to follow if you’re interested in the boots-on-the-ground reporting type thing. Enjoy!

WHERE TO SWEAT

Toronto’s not so hidden gem is the wellness scene. I’ve written about this before, and while I can praise the gospel for the magnitude of ways to be well in Toronto for ages, I’ll leave you with the heavy hitters.

Jaybird

I worked at Jaybird from the day it opened its doors to the day I left for London, and I swear sometimes I still catch their signature (top-secret) scent when the wind blows the right way. A new but indispensable part of the Toronto fitness scene, Jaybird is heated, hard, and to this day the best class I’ve ever taken. It’s hard to describe, but it feels cultish in the best possible way. By that I mean the classes are so unlike any other, and so GOOD that people will go back every single day. And it’s candlelit, which I found really helped on days I didn’t feel like moving, or needed to get something out. No one can see you. You’re just bodies moving together. To very loud music.

Designed by futurestudio (also behind a number of places I’ll mention), it’s genuinely one of the best places to spend a cold winters day. Candlelit, moody, and verging on sexy, the Queen St location has my heart forever. For classes, see founder Ariel (hardest mat class I’ve ever taken), Chloe, and Leora. Thank me later.

Othership

You’ve heard of it. And it is as good as they say. While I’m now cold plunge averse, I once had built a pretty good tolerance. What I’d really go back for is yes, the sauna, but also the community. There’s been enough discourse over the “sober nightlife” thing happening in saunas, but I think there’s something to it if you can get 30-something men to talk to each other half naked. Call it a cult, whatever. I think what the team is building is incredible, and they were very ahead of their time in the whole western sauna boom phenomenon. Robbie is very smart, and I’m excited to see where they go next. Fingers crossed for London!

Sauna culture has proliferated since I left, see Trove or Alter as other options (or newly opened Aire). For pilates, also try Groove, Sequins, or Nice Day.

WHERE TO SHOP

Canada has had it tough lately. The tariffs of it all have hit the retail space especially hard. But I’ve been so surprised the last few times I’ve visited to see some gems coming into the city. Shopping feels fun where it hasn’t in a while, and boutiques are doing the thing I long for the most in London: showcasing and DISCOVERING designers.

River Crossing
When I need to feel like I’m not on busy Queen St, I pop in here, where the wood and light drenched panels immediately make me feel more sophisticated than I really am. A good selection of brands like Attersee, Issey Miyake, Lemaire, Jil Sander, Toteme, Our Legacy… I could go on. Basically everything you need to fully kit out a sophisticated wardrobe.

100% Silk Shop
A true testament to the retail scene, 100% Silk has been open since 2018 and is part retail store, textile gallery, and experiential venue full of pieces that “feel electric”, including their own house line. I am obsessed with this place. Their curation is just incredible and I find something new every time I walk in. That can’t be said for many places. Last time I visited, I tried on the most incredible Super Yaya skirt I still think of to this day, and bought a beautiful Chelsea Mak jacket. They also carry Universal Flowering, an incredible line of perfumes.

Absolutely Fabrics
Without a doubt the place I try the most things on. The most beautiful, fun store that feels like you’re raiding a very cool best friend’s very good closet. I’ve gotten to try the niche (ish) brands you can’t really find in Canada that aren’t luxury per say, but also aren’t overhyped “affordable” brands. I’m talking Comme Si, High Sport, Flore Flore, Colleen Allen, Conner Ives, Renaissance Renaissance. They also carry a good selection of designer vintage and printed material.

Grays
A project between the loveliest duo (Connor Dudgeon and Julia Gray), Grays carries labels from both Canada and abroad, as well as a good selection of wine. The interior is gorgeous, and doesn’t feel like a retail space in a traditional sense, rather a home? If not to be too cliche. They “prioritize small makers focused on natural fibres and craftsmanship” and it really does feel like a space that is not Canadian for being Canadian sake, which I commonly see in many ventures. Think more Neighbour, Colbo, or Maimoun. Really cool. Drag your boyfriends here.

There’s lots of good vintage in Toronto. I grew up digging through piles at Black Market, and have thankfully upgraded to spots like The Wanderly, Smoking Vintage, and everyone’s favourite, VSP Consignment.

Also see Lovers Land for bridal and smaller brands, The Narwhal for good contemporary designer, Good Neighbour, Permission for activewear, 6 by Gee Beauty, Bather.

For other “miscellaneous wellness stuff I had to mention” see Formula Fig (best facials in the city), Health Hut, Coco Market (hard to find CPG goodies), Summerhill Market (Erewhon of Toronto??), Well BYND.

WHERE TO DRINK (COFFEE)

Sometimes, it feels like “going for a coffee” is all anyone does in Toronto. But the same could arguably be said for any major city. The amount to which remote working from a coffee shop has become normalized in the city is genuinely something to be studied. You can (and people do) sit for hours. Just going sans-screen feels like a giant oneupmanship. Here are my favourites (not for working):

Nutbar
Truly nowhere like it. Founder Kate Martin is incredible and has built an empire on being a grab and go ACTUALLY healthy cafe. I’m obsessed with their homemade nut milk, and would routinely get a smoothie (ultimate recovery, add greens) after a jaybird class. My mom asks me to bring her home a cookie (trailmix crunchy) every time I go. It’s so so good.

Rooms
A coffee shop with a few locations, this always gets mega instagram stories for the interiors and the coffee is good. They were on the “listening bar” trend before it was widespread. Their dupont location is also open late for drinks.

Sam James
4 locations, this is the most unoffensive answer if a man asks what your favourite coffee place is. It’s the old faithful, loved for a reason, stop in or sit and chat place. I like their Ossington location.

Wallace Espresso
A bit of a hole in the wall but they do an incredible flat white. Don’t plan to sit and hang out, and the location is a bit in the middle of things, but it’s good if you’re passing by.

Tiny’s General Store
Feels like a home. I like to visit in the summer and sit outside. They also do great ice cream and have fun decor/snacky bits to browse inside.

Okay and because I’m insane and decided to make it my unemployed life’s mission to try every coffee shop I could try… honourable mentions to: dineen (if you want to watch the finance bros), Boxcar, bevy, I Deal, found, Ella’s Uncle, White Squirrel (you must get the breakfast cookie), Sonndr, Oakwood Espresso. I could go on, but I’ll spare you.

WHERE TO EAT

Manita
I go every single time I come home. Which means I miss many new openings, but have absolutely no regrets if it means I get to have their falafel plate, fries, and olives. It scratches that itch every time. Get a bottle of lambrusco and sit outside if it’s nice enough.

Lake Inez
Not only one of my favourite meals I’ve had in Toronto, but my favourite instagram account maybe ever. And DEFINITELY my favourite wine list ever ever. Each new dish is shared to their instagram with prose worthy of a buzzy alt-lit magazine. On french onion soup:

i know with this dish you’re supposed to think of dank pubs and cold nights but when i eat it i remember cuba. it was there - likely due to a political history i will never fully grasp and its long reverberating impact on international trade - that i ate a lot of bread and cheese.

Belle Isle (its “weird sibling”) has also recently opened and if I wasn’t so tied to Manita (sorry), it would be my first stop. I cannot express how much I appreciate and am in awe of the team behind these two places. A real gem.

Taverne Bernhardt’s
Bernhardt’s makes many “best of” lists, and for good reason. A cozy restaurant in an old Edwardian home, they’re known for the rotisserie chicken, but they also do great salads and sides. Go if you want to be charmed by the interiors (it really feels like you’ve walked into your great grandma’s house), or if you want a homey hearty meal. Really good, no frills cooking. People will 100% be impressed if you take them here. Also see sister restaurant Dreyfus.

Dotty’s
A cozy corner diner spot in the Junction. I love this description of the homey, paired-back menu: “like if Mom were going after a Michelin star.” If you’ve ever wished you could order Ritz crackers alongside a steak or caesar salad, this is your spot.

Danny’s Pizza Tavern
Best diet coke in the city. Great pizza, great fries, great olives. I love sitting outside in the summer, but the interior is just as nice. Danny’s next door is also a go-to for a drink. They also play whatever sports games are on, if you’re into that.

WHERE TO DRINK (DRINK)

Bowie
Bowie opened the year I left and it was impossible to get a seat after the tiktok hype dragged it to the depths of the influencer realm. A 1920’s inspired “speakeasy” under a laundromat on Ossington, its murals give major Bemelmans vibes and the mirrored ceiling is so sexy. Don’t go if you won’t get the martini – I’ve converted many a skeptic here. Plus it comes with a sidecar.

Evangeline
Yes it’s in Ace hotel. Yes everyone goes there to work and have coffee or a glass of wine. I don’t love their coffee but I do love their rooftop bar. Get the martini and sit by the fire, or watch the sun go down. Perfect date spot.

Bar Raval
The coolest space. You’ll walk by and want to go in. Prepare to stand.

If you want to dance: bambi’s, Cafeteria, Standard Time. VERY under the radar, but The Cameron House has been home to many a dance floor blues boogey.

For more wine, try Piquette, Grape Witches, Martine’s, Paradise Grapevine

WHERE TO WANDER

High Park
Toronto’s largest public park, I like walking inside as much as out towards the perimeter, either into Roncy, or up the marshes way. If you’re a runner, Black Toe normally do a good loop that ends up going through there or the Beltline.

Toronto Reference Library
Incredible space in the city. Designed by Raymond Moriyama in 1977, now with landmark status. The project’s aim to be “reminiscent of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon” should be enough to sell you on it. Go go go!

The AGO
Updated in 2008 by Frank Gehry, it is a masterpiece in itself. Many a wedding was had in here. When I was at OCAD I would pop in often. Lots of Canadian and non art. I wouldn’t say it’s a must visit (unfortunately), but if you’re keen for a gallery wander or weather escape, stop in.

FUTHER READING…

Okay FINALLY I’ll leave you with some people you should follow if you want more Toronto goods, or just to support Canadian creators. is a must follow for fashion advice and general inspiration. has the best travel guides. I’ve followed for a while and she has the cool “is she isn’t she from Toronto” aura about her. For some art direction inspo, . And actually, go follow my friend syd, because she’s the coolest Toronto girl there ever was.