Aussie Archives - Amanda Rushforth

fashion

5 Aussie Activewear Brands you Need to Know

Posted on October 18, 2017

Season after season, activewear (athleisure’s big sister) is only getting bigger and bigger. Everyone’s turning to the comfy and stylish and brands around the world are looking to align their designs with the customers’ needs. As we’re always on the outlook for the next best thing, we’ve given this fashion scene around the world a closer inspection and were pleasantly surprised to find that Australia may just be the leading country this season, at least when it comes to activewear brands.

So, for all of you who love being fashionable but prefer staying comfy, here are the top five Aussie activewear brands you should consider wearing:

HyperLuxe
The pride of Perth’s idyllic North Beach, the family-owned business HyperLuxe successfully blurs the line between casual daywear and workout gear, and works perfectly with modern-day lifestyle. HyperLuxe’s designs are intended for everyone who wants to look stylish and still have the ability to easily switch from a workout to running errands, having coffee with friends, carpool, and more. The brand’s been actively growing for two years now and we’re kind of impressed with the offer they currently have. The brand understands the busy schedules their target customers struggle with and they design to make their (active) lives easier.

Twotags
Lovers of active and healthy lifestyle, all those almost religiously committed to their workout routines will absolutely adore Twotags. The brand that prides on their very specific and focused aesthetics is perfect for athletes and dedicated gym-goers (or trainers) who love to look stylish but keep their fitness regimens uninterrupted. The designs are tailored in such a way that they show off your hard work in a stylish manner.
The brand delivers aesthetic fit and quality products, and they pride on their superb understanding of the market they are designing for. Further, by their own admission, Twotags refuses “to work with department stores & retail middlemen, passing on the savings to you”. Kudos!

Dharma Bums
There’s no harm in aligning your chakras with an awesome pair of leggings, is there? This high-performance yoga and activewear brand is everything you want to wear if you are a yoga lover or a stylish girl on the go. Dharma Bums is about to be four (4) years old this November and, as far as we’ve gathered, the brand has built a huge shopping audience by now. It was founded by a fashion designer and yoga teacher Debbie Lawson with the idea of changing the way yoga apparel is made. As laid out on the brand’s page, “Dharma Bums insists on an ethical code of conduct from the companies that make the product. Each Dharma Bum garment is made onshore in Australia and has the stamp of approval from Ethical Australia”. Further, before actually being launched on the market for sale, every new design is tried by yogis worldwide to make sure both fabrics and fit agree with the asana taken. Sweet, isn’t it?

Talbot Avenue
Yet another yoga-inspired activewear brand, Talbot Avenue designs for both yoga devotees and those who’ve never stepped foot in a gym! Women who trust Talbot Avenue wear the brand as their everyday street style looks, not just as a part of their yoga practices. This fact alone is continually stimulating the brand to channel their creative liberty towards actively extending their activewear offer and keeping their audience active and stylish. The fabrics, prints, and patterns they work with are carefully selected by the creative team behind the brand, so watch out for geometric shapes, snakeskin prints, monochromes, high-quality stretch with moisture-wicking capabilities and much more. Talbot Avenue’s designs work with every exercise, making it easy to extend your boxing class to a calming yoga session, afterwards. The brand is Australia-based but stocked in the USA, UK, and Europe, too.

Toned by Ashy Bines
Designed for all women, Toned has only launched their first collection but we kind of have a feeling this one is the first of many. The collection is chic, comfortable and super functional, with a very stylish twist to it. It is intended to flatter everybody and shape – from the ladies who need extra support in the bust area to those who wish to show off/hide their tummies or thighs. Fitted hoodies, comfy loose sweaters, flattering tights, and other activewear garments are just a few things this super cute brand offers. The designer of the brand collaborated with fitnessees around the world, listened to their wants, needs, feedbacks, and requirements and designed a collection with all that input in mind. We suggest you give it a chance!

Written by Claire Hastings.

fashion

5 Aussie Swimwear Brands You Need to Know

Posted on September 4, 2017

Winter is almost over in Australia, so now is the time to start preparing for the next hot summer. Let’s ask ourselves: is there such a thing as an Aussie without a swimsuit? Probably not, and with a good reason seeing as Australia is filled with beautiful beaches. So, why not use every opportunity to enjoy a beautiful day at the beach in some cute swimwear? But, as you’re preparing for the next swimsuit season, ask yourself whether it’s really necessary that you wear the same old boring bathing suit you spent the last five summers in. Instead, dig deep and go for that one swimwear style you always wanted to try because who knows, maybe one of these awesome five Aussie brands have just what you’ve been looking for.
Bondi Bather

You can’t think ‘Sydney’ without thinking ‘Bondi Beach’ and that’s no surprise seeing as it’s the most famous beach in Australia. So, as you pack your beach bag, why not put on your Bondi Bather swimsuit? These Australian-made bathing suits aren’t only stylish and unique, but they’re also made of high quality fabrics with a high UV rating +50, which will make it possible to enjoy Australian sun without fearing for your skin.
Baku Swimwear

If you want to wear a swimsuit which will make you feel sexy, confident and beautiful, Baku Swimwear is the perfect option for you. This brand was created ten years ago and its creators, a brother and a sister, have made sure to make their customers feel and look amazing while they’re wearing Baku swimsuits. Whether it’s a bikini or a one piece, it’s impossible not to find something chic and stylish for every shape, size and body type. Baku is all about innovative design, flattering style and quality materials, so it’s no wonder it is so successful and popular.
Curvy by Capriosca

Are you a curvy girl who wants to rock her curves this season? Curvy by Capriosca will help you do that because once you put on a swimsuit that enhances your curves and accentuates your hourglass figure, you’ll feel beautiful and confident. Check out their amazing variety of designs and prints and find something fashionable and gorgeous like an interesting retro checked print or a cute floral motif.
Ward Whillas

Founded by Sydney-raised friends Rose Ward, (who previously worked in the design room at The Row and Proenza Schouler) and Alicia Whillas, (who designed accessories at Marc Jacobs) their swimwear features interchangeable separates made with advanced manufacturing technology that was previously only found in high-performance active wear. All styles are reversible too so you’ll essentially get two cossies in one!
Kini Swimwear

If you’re looking for something that will make you feel comfortable yet something that is flattering to your figure and super trendy, Kini Swimwear should be your choice. While they have plenty of both elegant and playful bikinis they’ve designed, probably the best thing about Kini is that you’re able to design a bathing suit all on your own on their website. You simply need to choose the style, color and/or print and afterwards, wait for your fabulous customized piece to arrive.

All you need to do is check out these awesome brands; they all have easy-to-use websites from which you can purchase your favorite new swimsuit. So, take out your cute beach bag; put your favorite book in it along with some shades and sunscreen; put on your new cute bathing suit under a summer dress; and head for your favorite spot on the beach.

Written by Claire Hastings.