HAUTE so FABULOUS

Conscious Beauty; Seabody

WellbeingRebecca O'ByrneComment

You’ve most likely encountered SEABODY, the luxury Irish beauty + wellness brand on a mission to evolve the market's approach to wellness without harming the planet? Fear not though, for if you haven’t, this is where your next wellness/beauty-love-story can begin. Over the past year or so the brand has been making its way into my world personally, from my supplement routine + my preferred hero skincare products to the brand’s newest launch at a spa level. And quite honestly, I’m most definitely here the entire SEABODY experience.

From a beauty gel cleanser + elixir style serum to supplements that support movement, bone + joint health along with beauty + skin health, the SEABODY product range works to bring the healing powers of the Atlantic waters right into your daily world. Co-founded by powerhouse Dr. Helena McMahon who possesses a BSc in Biomedical Science along with an MSc in Molecular Medicine, SEABODY is primarily a biotech company creating products in the wellness + beauty space that not only sound amazing + look chic (AF) but actually truly work. The realisation of Dr. McMahon + her team of passionate biochemists who, in unison, believe strongly in the power of a variety of native Irish seaweeds + sea plants, the formulation process follows the harvesting of the chosen plants from the waters of the Wild Atlantic Way, followed by their refinement + the extraction of their many wonderful molecules, all of which solidifies the foundation of the SEABODY product range.

Having very much ticked the box of quality for the consumer, SEABODY goes on to care very deeply for what their manufacturing does to our planet. You will find the brand far beyond the sometimes surface-level idea of sustainability that brands now have to, at the very least be seen to conform to, be it just for perception purposes or you hope at a more genuine level. At SEABODY, they not only got the sustainability memo but they implement it like it’s a religion. Their emphasis on the abundance of natural + effective resources so nature generously affords us along with their long-term approach to the utilisation, management + protection of each + every component of a SEABODY product is almost unparalleled in the industry.

As part of their growth, the brand most recently partnered with one of the most notable Irish institutions of luxury, the exquisitely elegant + desirable Dromoland Castle where they have created bespoke treatments for as part of the newly renovated The Castle Spa at the magnificent destination. I was honoured to visit recently where I was treated to the SEABODY Touch Facial. A divine encounter with luxury where every single moment + each detail was thought through thoroughly + taken care of in a very distinct + defined way. The effective nature of the products married with the tranquil + calming atmosphere of the spa which is like nothing I’ve encountered, it was something of an escape for the mind, body + soul. Dromoland Castle is definitely on my list of places to return as any experience, from this special treat to our friends wedding, has simply been exceptional, leaving you wanting more yet equally fulfilled.

And so, despite being someone who most definitely can often be drawn into new beauty or wellness products based on first impressions of the aesthetic, I can most definitely say that I stay with SEABODY for it’s quality + their considering of every element + each minute detail. The SEABODY philosophy may be science led with an approach that notably works + I just can’t help but loving it for how it all makes me feel: great from the inside out.

SHOP MY FAVOURITE SEABODY PRODUCTS

 

What Is.. Sound Healing

WellbeingRebecca O'ByrneComment

In the past year or so I’ve been so blessed to experience sound healing on a really deep level. A very close friend of mine Audrey, the founder of CoreState, is a qualified Sound Healer + she’s been so kind to do some bespoke sessions with me, tailoring the direction of each to my specific needs at each given session.

I am a huge believer in so many wellness modalities + practices, implementing many into my own life on a daily, weekly basis. But with this particular one I will admit that before my more recent experiences of sound baths with Audrey, I understood the practice to be a more fanciful type of self-care - something I always loved however, somehow not as justifiable in my mind as say my weekly therapy call or my gym membership + rather something of an occasional indulgence. It felt, to me, like more of an expensive way to take a nap as I’ve always found myself drifting off in any of the sessions I’d been to over the years. Despite this though, I always felt a sense of inner calm coming out the other side. And man, is it so much more than an expensive nap I’ve come to believe. It’s deeply healing. The more I’ve practiced the more I’ve realised the deeper meaning of it + the benefit of it’s not-so-woo-woo magic.

Sound healing, or therapy, might seem like it’s just popped up in recent times but it is in fact an ancient holistic healing practice that holds many therapeutic values. As humans we have used sound as a way to communicate, express, celebrate, heal + restore for thousands of years, transcending cultures, geography + belief systems. From the ancient mantras of yogic + Tibetan practices to more modern ways like The Haka, a sound + dance ritual performed by the New Zealand rugby team at the beginning of each game to showcase, in ceremony, their courage + determination. At a basic yet powerful level, think about how music can change the way you feel, it can help shift a dark + heavy mood into something more tolerable; taking us from overwhelm to a somewhat calmer state. Sound has been healing us for a long time.

Sound baths are an elevated version of this. Now backed by science, the point of sessions like an actual sound bath is to bring us, as entire beings, from imbalance into balance. To encourage a homeostasis state. The practice works wonders to switch on the parasympathetic nervous system, something I’m understanding more + more of late + the importance of it’s activation in nurturing the rest + digest side of our system which is becoming more vital with this very fast paced, high stress world we find ourselves in 2023.

And not only is it something for the soul to enjoy + explore, for anyone slightly on the more cynical side of the fence, it is scientifically proven to work on a cellular level. The sounds + vibrations of this modality are essentially frequencies created by + flow through the tools used by your practitioner that enter the conscious + subconscious, the physical + subtle energy fields within + around our body encouraging a state of wholeness. Reducing stress in general is a positive thing of course but at this cellular level the body + mind reap a lot of very tangible + long-lasting rewards. From regulation of the immense system, slowing the heart rate, supporting the production of melatonin which aids in a natural sleep flow along with lowering blood pressure, the prolonged effect is that it nurtures the longevity + quality of our mind, body + life in gerneral. For my fellow sleepers, I’ve also learned that dosing off is a sign of going deep while in a sound bath so it may, in one way, act as a nap but it’s definitely an elevated + high healing one so don’t worry about nodding off during a session.

Check out Audrey’s work HERE where you can book in with her for a private session, attend one of her groups or online classes.

 

Interested + Interesting; Podcasts I've Got On Repeat

Life 02Rebecca O'ByrneComment

CHANEL CONNECTS

Now in it’s third season, CHANEL Connects features global thought leaders, artists, + creators in a series of eight episodes released weekly. Devoted to the profound questions + conversations that shape culture today + define its tomorrow, CHANEL Connects pairs two visionaries in each 25-minute episode for an intimate conversation that interrogates: the intersection of technology and imagination, fact + fiction in autobiography, the power of collectives, cinematic inspiration, and more. CHANEL Connects fosters unscripted exchanges between brilliant minds at the edge of innovation on universal themes that touch us all.

LISTEN on SPOTIFY OR APPLE PODCASTS

TABLE FOR TWO with BRUCE BOZZI

For decades, Bruce Bozzi worked at the highest end of the service industry, managing his family’s storied restaurant, The Palm. And if he learned one thing, it’s that the best parties always end up in the kitchen. Table for Two is based on that premise, and on the friendships Bruce has forged along the way with some of the most well-known people in Hollywood, media, and beyond. Over the romance of a meal at one of his favorite restaurants, Bruce interviews a special guest and seeks to untangle the intricate web of power and fame. Tune in for Table for Two—like all the best dinner parties, it’s intimate, a bit conspiratorial, and a whole lot of fun.

LISTEN on SPOTIFY or APPLE PODCASTS

MORE THAN ONE THING

More Than One Thing will pull back the curtain on successful creatives whose journeys appear seemingly perfect. They are not. No one, if they are being truthful, has it all figured out. I want to highlight those multi-hyphenates who are open enough to share their grit. Through a series of interviews, More than One Thing reveals how each guest broke societal norms, found a way to climb outside that perfectly packaged box of expectations and found success in not just one thing, but many. This is a place for advice on how to design your dream life.

LISTEN on SPOTIFY or APPLE PODCASTS

AIRMAIL MORNING MEETING

Morning Meeting is where AIR MAIL’s Ashley Baker and Michael Hainey take you inside the stories people are talking about this week—and tip you off to the ones the editors are talking about for next week. We cover the people shaping your world that you want to know more about (and more often the stuff they don’t want you to know about). And we talk with friends of AIR MAIL—writers, reporters, and style-setters. So listen in every Saturday as Morning Meeting brings you what’s new and exciting from the world of AIR MAIL. 

LISTEN on SPOTIFY or APPLE PODCASTS

 

Some Thoughts on Wardrobe Investments

StyleRebecca O'ByrneComment

In certain perspectives - not naming names here but .. my Husbands, investments are all about long-term thinking + what the market is doing over an extended timeframe. Here at HAUTE so FABULOUS it’s kiiiind of similar, ok less about shareholders + dividends or IPO’s + good ROI’s + more along the lines of CPW’s + capsule collections that make your girlfriends do a double take. Like a really stone androgynous look that serves up a vibe + dart placements that work just right. Quality over wuantity, when it comes to wardrobe investments, it is about the chic that will stand the test of time.

Taking a long-term vision when it comes to your wardrobe is key in building a long standing + well-established classic collection that works for you whatever the season, reason or your personal mood or style - all of which can evolve without restrictions. When it comes to building a really reliable wardrobe, I’m a huge believer in investment pieces that work within a vast array of situations + parts of your life; things that not only stand the test of what’s on trend at any given moment but pieces that serve up some major wows no matter how many times, occasions or seasons they may see or be spotted. And within the long-term vision of investments, it’s also about those pieces you trust will hold their value for when you may fall out of love with them or they simply aren’t your vibe anymore. Like I said, we evolve + so does our sense of self. Style isn’t a permanent thing. It’s transient + continues to flow as we progress into a more confident + content or perhaps just different place in ourselves; with that we don’t need to hold on to what no longer feels like us or brings us joy. I have always been selling pieces on consignment + preowned luxury platforms over the last few years with this philosophy in mind + the attitude that I don’t mind investing a little more in what I know I will wear a lot + that will be snapped up in a second within the pre-loved market.

Along with consignment stores or online pre-loved market, something to consider when building your wardrobe is the gift of great sample sales. Sample sales are the best. Earlier this year for instance, I bought two new pieces from a luxury coat label I love even though it was almost summer, I know they will be amazing come Winter. They did a one off sample sale + it was incredible to pick up new pieces I know I will have for life regardless. Websites to consider for luxury items with a discount too are GILT, where items can be found for 60% off. THE OUTNET is one I search on a lot; with up to 75% discounts on premium brands from the YOOX Net-A-Porter group.. what’s not to love!

But whether it’s a straight up new purchase, something with an irresistible discount, sample sales or a pre-loved purchase, some important questions to ask yourself when it’s an investment for you are:

  • Is this “me” beyond this exact season or reason of purchase - will I wear it season on season +to many different events?

  • Have I thought about it for a while or am I being impulsive? When it’s a big purchase I leave it for a while to make sure I keep coming back to it + am not simply lusting but truly in love.

  • Is what I’m looking for available on any of the pre-loved websites + stores who all work incredibly hard to make fashion more sustainable? Do I really need to own it new? Like really!!

  • Can I wear it day + night? Dress it up + down? Does it have scope beyond that initial love at first sight?

  • Does it go with around 4-5 looks I wear often if it’s an every day item?

  • If I do eventually fall out of love with it which is so possible, does it have a good resale market?

Check out some of my favourite ONLINE PRE-LOVED PLATFORMS

The Weekend Edit 05

Life 02Rebecca O'Byrne

The  T H O U G H T  // “Let go or be dragged” - someone very smart said this to me recently + it’s wisdom really settled into my being. We can hold on to the things that have been but it’s a choice as it comes with the understanding that in holding on to them they can, + most likely will, continue to effect us at a very conscious + deeply subconscious level. The effects of old shit trapped in our bodies can do untold damage too, both to our physical + mental well-being. OR as another choice (however uneasy it can feel at times) we can let it go of what no longer really matters or serves us in our current direction in life so as to become a more empowered version of ourselves; living + loving with freedom of what has happened. I love the idea of holding agency over our inner world + the fact that in choosing to let go of things, we choose autonomy over every aspect of our world that we have the power to direct.

The  P O D C A S T  // “The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling’ is an audio documentary that examines some of the most contentious conflicts of our time through the life and career of the world’s most successful author. In conversation with host Megan Phelps-Roper - author of the incredible book Unfollow which I also recommend if you haven’t already read it, J.K. Rowling speaks with unprecedented candor + depth about the controversies surrounding her—from book bans to debates on gender and sex. The series also examines the forces propelling this moment in history, through interviews with Rowling’s supporters and critics, journalists, historians, clinicians + more.

The  D O C U M E N T A R Y  // Jane Fonda In Five Acts. I’ve always held such admiration for Jane Fonda. She’s lived a life of immense self-truth, resilience + embodied a remarkable fight for justice on things that might not immediately impact her world yet do the life of others in ways unimaginable. Her activist work has been unparalleled in any other celebrity in the past 100 years + this documentary really helps you get to know not just that part of her life but the story of her personal life, relationships + motherhood.

The  A R T I C L E //  ‘The fashion magazine on the front line’ by Jo Ellison of the FT who speaks of + with the newly appointed editor of Ukranian Vogue, Venya Brykalin who brings to light the reality of fashion + what it means for any given time : to tell the story + inform on the really happenings of culture at any given time; something that is often all too lost now in the age of logos, logos, logos + the tackiness of what the majority of fashion has evolved into.

The  M O V I E // War Pony. I’ve had a slight girl-crush on Riley Keogh for forever. And when she recently starred in Daisy Jones + The Six I must admit, the crush only deepened. War Pony is her directorial debut + tracks the lives of two young Indigenous men while cementing Riley Keough + her directorial partner in the project Gina Gammell, as serious talents to watch.

The B O O K // The Colony by Audrey Magee. There are few words but to say wow. I truly adored this book + highly hiiiiighly recommend. I literally can’t quite say any more than that as it left me in awe of it’s beauty + strength.

The  R E C I P E // Go Banana’s smoothie - the most simple yet incredibly nourishing + delicious smoothie I’ve got on repeat lately using Hush & Hush’s PlantYourDay Super Greens Protein Powder. You can find the recipe here at AGENCY FOURTEEN - super simply + such a delight.

The W E L L - B E I NG   P R A C T I C E // One of the things I’ve found helpful as part of my wellness routines these past few months is celery juice every day.  While I’m currently away on some summer travels, I am really missing it but when I’m home in my own environment with my juicer at hand, celery juice is a non-negotiable. It is great for reducing inflammation in the body, especially the gut, it is a great source of important vitamins + minerals + also improves digestion as a result of how cleansing it is to the gut. I absolutely love this addition to my daily routine.

The PLACE // The Hamptons. I’ve been going out to the Hamptons for nearly 20 years + I’m just back from two weeks there with family which was so much fun. I am in the process of piecing together the HAUTE so FABULOUS Hamptons guide so stay tuned.

The BRAND // Lelet, a stunning accessories brand based in New York is something of a mircale I stumbled across recently while in the city. Mainly known for their hair pieces, Lelet pieces are designed + created in the brand’s studio, all by hand, in NYC. Chic + very unique, a Lelet piece elevates the meaning of accessorising your fit whether it’s by day or by night.

 

Menorca, A Hikers Haven

Travel, WellbeingRebecca O'ByrneComment

Earlier this summer I took the trip of a lifetime; ten whole days with my best friend hiking the entire perimeter of the exquisite island of Menorca. Hiking is one of our shared passions + anytime we can, we soak up the opportunity to hike wherever we are in the world, be that together or apart. Big day-long hikes we’ve loved together include some beautiful ones around Lake Como + many here in Ireland but until this trip the longest we’d ever taken on was 120km over 4 days along the Wicklow Way. Menorca was a little bit of a step up for us though with both the heat + the duration; a more significant challenge in that it was 185km over seven days + just as we knew we would, we loved every single second. A week of total bliss, just the two of us. I am still beaming with gratitude for that time. Seven whole days of complete submergence in nature, boundless time with my best friend, some serious (+ I mean serrrrious) giggles, abundant time for all the chats + uninhibited moments delving into all the wonders of our respective lives + all that overlaps in being so close. It was a holiday I will cherish for life + something I highly recommend if you’re looking to do something a little different + active.

Menorca itself is something of a wonder. Thanks to the island’s UNESCO designation, it’s natural beauty remains whole + unharmed by the resulting over construction + general ruination over-tourism has had + continues to have on so many other European destinations over the past number of years. Here, the bedazzle of it’s other two Balearic counterparts, Ibiza + Mallorca, just doesn’t exist in the same way. With landscape that will quite literally take your breath away; the vibe is very Ibiza-in-the-70’s pre the era of big yachts + even bigger lips. It’s local. The less known of the Balearics but for us + this trip, gladly so. Rich in that uniquely untouched air, almost to the extent of discovering something of a secret yet equally + somehow according to this summer’s hype of the island, it also seems to be teetering on the verge of the dreaded mass discovery. It is unmatched in it’s wholesome + innately pure aura with beaches calling to that inner nudist, buried deep within us all; the language of freedom spoken everywhere + undeterred by any restrictions of life today lived under the microscope of social media + the reality that freedom no longer really exists in that same way it used to. It is as if the locals haven’t quite yet been sucked into the perceived perfection social media requires, they wisely sit in the knowing yet happily unspoiled by it’s underlying discontentment. Menorca is an extraordinary island. And for me, a truly beautiful memory, forever etched in my heart.

The HAUTE so FABULOUS Guide to Menorca

THE HIKE

For the hike we used CAMI DE CAVALLS 360 the Menorca based tour company servicing the historical Cami de Cavalls for hikers, mountain bikers + trail runners. The company works to ensure you are fully equipped for the journey, sharing the best swim spots to stop at each day, where to lunch + which days to bring something packed. Each morning to collect your bags + drop them to the next hotel or destination while also picking you + your crew up or dropping you off at the appropriate starting + end points.

HOTELS

As part of our trip, we loved a boutique hotel in Ciutadella called SODIUM. Super chic, Sodium is a contemporary boutique style hotel + the perfect place to base ourselves for a few days moving to + from points along the hike. Family run, it’s a really slick home from home where the rooms quietly scream all sorts of cool // Our absolute favourite place we stayed was undoubtedly MENORCA EXPERIMENTAL, the place we called home for our last three nights + it was heavenly - so.purely.heavenly. Perfectly remote, it leaves you with little desire or necessity to leave + so, despite a moment of contemplating walking on our two days off post completing the hike - because yes, despite having walked through my runners, we loved the hiking that much, a day by the pool at Experimental was just too tempting + so we gladly read + played chess by the pool all day. Such a delight, the property is an old military base + has been restored with such integrity + respect for the island + it’s natural essence while elevating it’s cool in that perfectly Experimental way // Other hotels on our radar during our trip that we checked out but did not stay at include : LES DOMAINE DE FONTENILLE in both the Santa Ponsa + Torre Vella locations. These are beautiful Relais & Chateaux hotels where the vibe is refined yet superior beauty built upon the foundations of the island’s exceptional heritage + simplistic essence // One final one that peaked our interest is SON VELL, a stunning original 18th century Manor House which underwent a deeply detailed restoration, bringing to life somewhere of a sanctuary for those wanting to escape the world for a moment. Surrounded by the Cami de Cavalls, the estate is set on the fringes of 180 hectares which comprises of a working farm as well as landscaped gardens, citrus trees, olive groves + an organic vegetable garden. WIth many experiences available from sound healing + other therapeutic modalities to water sports, shoemaking demonstrations + horseback riding, there is no need to venture far //

RESTAURANTS

The food scene in Menorca is on fire. So many little gems around the island, some of which aren’t necessarily right in the towns so a little adventuring is required to find the hotspots. Starting with NONNA BAZAAR, a restored farmhouse sitting amid nearly 1,000 acres of breathtaking gardens + orchards right on the outskirts of Ciutadella. Celebrating the locale both in vicinity, traditions + flavours, it’s a perfect place to enjoy the Mediterranean tastes of the island + take things from day to night with some of the island’s famous DJ’s playing once the sun sets // Also on the west cast of the island in Ciutadella amid its sweet cobbled streets, is SMOIX. Headed up by chef Miguel Sánchez, it is a haven for those who love inventive dishes with equally simplistic pleasure. The dishes at Smoix are inspired by the island’s seasonal flavours within the surrounds of a sleekly restored shoe factory. This was something of a treat // For something different, why not learn something very authentic + cook your own traditional paella in the beautiful CUK-CUK. We did this one of the evenings post hiking + loved the experience; a fun way to learn something to take home with you. The couple who host the experience are so sweet + they offer many different dining experiences // For a lunchtime delight on the cute northern coastline fishing village of Es Grau there’s TARMARINDOS, the iconic restaurant that locals flock to in the summer where the mens is full of seasonal classics // Some of our favourite meals on the island were on the terrace of MENORCA EXPERIMENTAL where the ceviche is on fleck + the fresh produce allows for an explosion of tastes only a Mediterranean summer will allow for. This menu is full of creative pleasures realised in thanks to the property’s own vegetable garden. True rapture + an experience we couldn’t help but repeat each night we were at the hotel // ISABELLA BEACH CLUB is a total vibe. With views to make your heart skip a beat, DJ sets that bring the setting to another level, the vibe is sleek AF //

POINTS OF INTEREST

HAUSER + WIRTH'S Menorcan location is such a delight to visit. Situated on Illa del Rei, a beautiful island in Mahon harbor which you can get to by the company’s own taxi boat during season, the famous art institution opened it’s art center + conservation project in 2022 . Set in a renovated 18th-century naval hospital founded by the English navy in 1711, you can explore the galleries 8 viewing spaces + outdoor sculpture trail before enjoying the olive-lined on-site restaurant Cantina // BINIADET, the island’s local vineyard celebrating the Menorcan wine culture is a family run passion project where in 1979, the Anglés family planted 40 varieties of vines in order to see which vines would adapt best to Menorca's climate + some 40 years later they have one of the most beautiful destinations for wine lovers + foodies alike // The S’HOSTAL QUARRIES are located to the west of Menorca, just outside Ciutadella de Menorca. Consisting of marés limestone, these beautiful quarries were abandoned until a big cleanup in 1983 saw them restored + later listed as part of Menorca’s heritage catalogue // Whether by day or to catch the sunset, one of the island’s most revered spots for visitors is Cova d’en Xoroi a bar, lounge + night-life destination built into the cliffside which some say offer the best sea views on the island // Our last day was spent on a private BOAT TOUR which was just a dream. The island is known for it’s many caves which are awe-inspiring to venture inside + taking in the vistas from water gave us a whole new perspective of the island’s immense beauty. For those braver than us, there’s a lot of free-soloing practiced from the cliffs but for us it was a moment to soak up the last of the sun + I absolutely recommend jumping into the soul-hugging waters that surround this tonic of an island. One of the coolest things was swimming from the boat to land + into one of the caves where there is a tiny little area within the cave where you can stand in the water touching the bottom. That day couldn’t last long enough, a dream // Cami de Cavalls means way of the horses + so as you can imagine, there is a lot of horse-riding experiences to explore on the island. And while we didn’t have time to do this as part of our trip, this is a good place to consider, MENORCA DE CAVALLS //

 

Pieces on my Radar, Summer Edition

StyleRebecca O'ByrneComment

Summer is officially in full swing, even here in Ireland where we’re enjoying a wonderfully welcomed heatwave. Typically we might be lucky to quickly soak up all of 37.5 hours of sunshine over the course of an entire summer + here we are weeks into what feels very much like a we-live-here-now kind of moment. And so alongside the delicious weather I share with you some other delights on my radar lately; some of which I already own + love + some hitting up my shopping online baskets. Yet each perfect for many summers to come.

 

** Disclaimer, some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning if you click through + decide to purchase the item, I get a small percentage of the price. Commission is only transferred if you purchase however. You do not pay any more than the store’s recommend retail price.

 

HSF Wellness Travel Guides; The London Edition

Travel, WellbeingRebecca O'Byrne

An HAUTE so FABULOUS Wellness Guide; The LONDON Edition

M O V E M E N T as M E D I C I N E

Basic Space - Jaime Hepburn can literally do no wrong when it comes to yoga + aesthetics so when she opened her own studio in London, it quickly became the hottest studio in town for the aesthete’s out there looking for authentic yogi embodiment with a major touch of chic // The Rogue Room - ok this is one of the coolest yoga concepts out there. Look out fir their pop-up classes + their bigger events which are held at FABRIK London - SUCH a vibe! // Love Supreme Projects - I have found some incredible new teachers by attending this beautifully loving + welcoming studio. Always on the look out too for online workshops or classes to attend, this is the perfect place where teachers from all over the world tend to come to share their magic // Indaba - this is my home studio for London, it holds a special place in my heart as it is where I trained for my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, the array of classes available are incredible. Teachers I love there are Amrab Vallo (my teacher trainer), Stewart Gilchrist (be prepared for a whopper class) + any of the Forrest Yoga teachers // Nobu Pilates - for a super boujee but authentically classic reformer, Nobu is my go-to for reformer in London // Barry’s - as always, my favourite high intensity class whatever city I’m in. I’m admittedly fully addicted // Psycle - OK, this is my London vibe! I absolutely adore this brand when I’m in town. Any of the early morning spin classes are just epic + if you appreciate a beautiful Sunday afternoon flow, do your mind, body + soul a favour + book into Alanna’s yoga class at the Mortimer St. location. It’s absolute weekend heaven // Soul Cycle - an obvious classic but always a good idea to get a serious sweat on, I love Soul Cycle + my go-to location in London is the Nottinghill one // BLOK, ok BLOK is a viiiiibe. I first fell in love with it when we lived in Manchester for a year a while back + the classes are so diverse. One of my favourite barre teachers is Ellya Sam who is head of barre at the brand + who’s classes will set your glutes on FIRE. Also I highly recommend trying out some of the more unusual discipline of classes on offer, I’ve tried them all + it’s amazing to step outside your comfort zone. I literally had to stand there in calisthenics as I couldn’t do a thing, entirely humbled watching people do inspirational things with their strength // BXR - for HIIT classes this is a real kick in the butt.. so worth it though.

O U T D O O R S

London is so vast; expansive like few other cities. Because of this, I adore walking everywhere I possibly can when I’m here. My average steps go way up in my London days. Running in Regents Park is one of my favourite ways to get a good sweat in on a sunny day. Or strolling from one side of the city to another, taking in all the different neighbourhoods along the way. Hyde Park, of course is a classic but in fact, Regent’s park is my personal preference.

S H O P S

ilapothacary - in Notting Hill is an entirely wholesome obsession of mine. This beauty + wellness brand is a dream come to life with the most amazing products that work to heal from all angles. Try Beat the Blues Pulse Point Roller or the Beat the Blues Room Spray. Oh + the SOS Body Balm is BEYOND // Planet Organic - such a great classic for all things healthy for // Daylesford Organic - another British classic, the Marlybone + Notting Hill locations are my preferred in the city. A perfect point of country-chic reference in the city for all things organic, healthy + beautiful.

W E L L N E S S P R A C T I C E S

Roscop Practice - Frederic Roscop is an Osteopath + founder of Roscop Practice who has been bringing health to a whole new level in London long before it was ‘cool’ to care about what it actually feels like to be well. Covering many aspects of health including acupuncture, movement, massage + osteopathy, all from the core concept of integrative health measures being the ultimate way to live well + prioritise well-being at all levels. I believe in this concept so deeply so it’s one place that always draws me in // FaceGym - I’ve been doing FaceGym on + off for years now having dipped in + out of their in-person facials in different cities, attending their Zoom classes throughout lockdown for Gua Sha + the FaceGym at home tutorials + of course their tools.. their tools are wonderful! // Get A Drip - Great + affordable IV drips + vitamin shots with several locations around the city, it’s a welcome boost when you’re feeling in need of a little energy lift // The Mandrake Hotel - Here you can find an incredible offering of wellness + spiritual gathering including sound baths + varying sound healings, Reiki, breathwork, yoga + more. I have loved anything I’ve gone to here + Barbra May + Maria Lodetoft from Mystic Sisters host much of their energetic classes here which are literally a hug for your soul // RE:Mind Studio - OK this is one of my favourite places to take the pace down in London. RE:Mind is a luxe level unwind for your mind, body + soul. Everything I’ve gone to here has taken me down to earth while simultaneously taking me far from anything earthly. It is HEAVEN // Last but most definitely not least is Ricari Method - the OG of lymphatic drainage + it coming into my psyche some years back. I’ve been to the ones in London + New York + it is always a dream. Try to book with Anna if possible but if not, anyone in NYC +

C A F É S + R E S T A U R A N T S

Sunday in Brooklyn - literally lines down the street, it’s exactly as it suggests, as though you’re out for brunch on a Sunday.. in Brooklyn. It’s a thing + must be tried // Ottolenghi - ANY + ALL of the Ottolenghi locations. Just anything he does really food wise. He can do no wrong // Farmacy - a chi-chi haunt made famous by the Notting Hill crowd, Farmacy is a great one to do just once. Healthy, fun + great people watching // Rovi - Another genius Ottolenghi creation. Divine on all levels // Wild by Tart - Founded by Jemima Jones + Lucy Carr-Ellison created Wild by Tart after the success of their bespoke catering company Tart London. Seasonal dishes with a strong focus on sustainably sourced ingredients, it’s a really nice girls lunch spot with a fun aesthetic // Farm Girl - With locations in Notting Hill, South Ken, Belgravia, Fitzrovia + Soho, you can be sure to find a healthy (with twists) option whichever Farm Girl you stumble upon // Island Poke - One of my go-to Deliveroo options when in London, you can never beat a great Poke bowl // Rika Moon - OK the complete opposite of Deliveroo style nights, this is your next must when in London. I was introduced to this incredibly cute, chic + VIBEY Japanese-fusion dinner spot + fell in love at the first bite. The food is OUTRAGEOUSLY divine + the vibe is so on-point. Sushi + champagne, yum // Atis - My idea of salad heaven. Literally all there is to say: this is me in a meal - SO good // Kol - Impossible to get into, this is one I’m yet to experience in person but it’s top of my list to check every time I know I’ll be in town. Think Mexican but elevated!!! //

J U I C E S + C O F F E E

Gails - I love my morning coffee at Gails when I am staying with my gorgeous cousin Jess. It’s my little go-to. And I will admit that their salads were my everyday lunchtime choice (literally on repeat) while I was over doing my Yoga teacher training last year // The Monocle Cafe in Marylebone is another of my go-to favourites for a coffee + some time spent watching the world go by if you’re lucky enough to catch a seat outside. Plus the matcha here is insane // Daylesford Organic - Any of the London locations are just as chic as the brand’s first location in the Cotswolds - a perfect little spot to grab a coffee + a moment to recharge // LIFT Coffee - I love this spot in Notting Hill for really really great coffee + a laptop day // Shreeji Newsagents - I love grabbing a coffee here + sitting outside watching the world go by. It’s right by Chiltern Firehouse (+ next door to Monocle) + is the perfect little spot to pick up the best magazines + let the hours pass you by

 

Confessions of a Recovering Apple Watch Addict

WellbeingRebecca O'ByrneComment

Admittedly, as my husband would (rightly) suggest, I am absolutely (and willingly I might add) a slave to the supreme cult-like existence of Apple. Completely “indoctrinated” by the brand when my parents bought my little brother + I a - now probably vintage - Mac back when we were kids - think dial up connections + not having a clue what the internet really even was, I am grateful for Apple, in all it’s crazed-up-marketing genius glory, because it works for me + I’m happy to flow in the ease of my entire digital life + work syncing for me on every device without fault.

When Apple came out with the Apple Watch though, I was, much to my own dismay, hesitant to allow myself one. I know my personality. I get into things. Like really into things. Sometimes in an all-consuming way. But at some point I thought, hey, maybe I’ll just give it a go. I can control this. It was Series 6 by the time I chose to dive in so it was a good few years on the market at this point. And you guessed correctly, I loved it. I mean, I loved it. I was obsessed from the get go. The ability to see my activity data so clearly on the daily was like the drug for me I knew it would be. A healthy one at some level as I love to move, it was part of my wellness routine really kicking into a new gear. However.. there’s healthy + then there’s, well.. let’s just say an unhealthy level of control. And while it was all fun + giggles for a while, I knew it had been getting too much yet was resistant in admitting it out loud. Apple’s collection of my data was working on me - or perhaps more aptly, against me. Each month the targets the watch would set for me were increasingly insane based on my performance the month previously. In full type-A style though I was hitting them all. But I wasn’t feeling good from any of it really. Movement energies me yet I was tired. For me moving my body is medicine for my entire being, it is part of my life in a very positive way + it was past the point of any real enjoyment because it was entirely whatever the watch was indicating that was doing rather than what I actually felt like doing. I wasn’t even really present on an evening stroll with my husband cause it was slowing up my stats. While it low-key drives me crazy how slowly he walks, I admire how he goes for a walk to enjoy it rather than it being an exercise. But this had gone beyond me - the fun part of wearing the watch.

At the beginning of December last year I had a moment where - for the first time in two years except for our wedding day, cause hey, let’s face it it’s not exactly the most bridal look ever - I forgot to put it on. I had literally worn it every single day without fail until that point. It needed charging during the day + shockingly I forgot to put it back on. But then I realised something really clearly that evening, my thinking that came to light that day was pretty alarming(even to my madness): shit.. I can’t go for a run now cause it won’t show my full day of data, what’s the point?! OK.. wait what, Rebecca!?!?!? You can’t go for a run because you didn’t wear your watch for the first half of the day? Like WT(actual)F! A run is a run. Stats or no stats. I used to be that person to jokingly (kidding but not kidding) say that if I didn’t record it, did it even happen? But what on earth does that even really mean!? What is the real motivation behind moving my body? Like seriously. Emotionally I would only know how to feel about myself depending on what the numbers came in as at the end of the day. Was I good enough? Had I done enough? Did I need to walk around the house a little more to hit the goal? Run up + down the stairs like I’d actually lost it? Had I reached some completely made up version of “perfection” for the day? The watch dictated how I was allowed feel or think about myself. It was unhealthy. And I knew it. So.. I choose to try on something new: freedom from the stats. And I haven’t worn the watch in a couple of months now.

The results? Well while firstly I am aware this might all simply highlight my kind-of bonkers side - something you hopefully don’t relate to at all, I hope, if you do relate, that you might find some freedom in the idea of not wearing your smart watch with me one day if it’s become more of a prison for you than just the intended information it provides because on the upside, while I took a little break from working out since being floored by a flu recently I’ve been enjoying my walks so much more, being present with my husband on our (ok slow walks is so his thing.. I still love to walk fast, it’s just who I am, ha) slower walks together. For real though, I’m more in the moment, letting our little dog Winston stop + sniff as many times as he wishes cause let’s face it, he doesn’t give a damn what pace we take so long as he gets to stop a million times to pee on every plant + check out all the corners. And how do I record my workouts you might (or totally might not) ask? Well in case you were wondering for friend, this week I went to my first class since being sick + it was fabulous. I was there, on the reformer, in my body.

And while I’m definitely not saying I won’t ever wear it again or dive back into the desire to track my movement, for now it’s a welcomed calm in mind + body to move with more of a body-mind connection as my focus + to cherish what it feels like to move again rather than how a device dictates it should feel to me. A more nourishing + self-respecting body-mind connection is something I am really working toward as it’s something I notice is still very much a work in progress for me. Well if I can give up the stats, then maybe we really can do anything. Here’s to progress, not perfection.

The Weekend Edit 04

Life 02Rebecca O'Byrne

The P O D C A S T // ‘Brain Biohacking with Kayla Barnes’ - I’ve followed Kayla Barnes on IG for quite some time for her incredibly insight + empowering content around the human potential, biohacking + mindset tips. Her podcast is just as amazing in terms of the quality of conversation Kayla brings to the table while topped with the well-being industries masters in varying categories. I love her one with Dr. Zach Bush + another with Dave Asprey who is considered the godfather of biohacking.

The A R T I C L E // ‘ The Fall of the Success/Failure Empire’ by Sierra McDaniel of The Subliminal Shift - one of my go-to well-being reads + where I love to learn + embody more of my own wellness experience + path. This article is must for anyone in that awkward place where you know what you want + definitely what you don’t want yet you still feel the pull societal premises that work to dictate what success is. When really you get to define it for yourself. I found this an incredibly helpful read around self-doubt + feeling less alone in that realm.

The M O V I E // Aftersun. I went to see this in the movies with my Mum pre-Christmas. I’d been meaning to get to see it for quite some time + we just caught it before it finished in theatres. I knew it had gotten incredible reviews but I wasn't ready for how truly breathtaking it would be. It is the best movie I saw in 2022 - perhaps even in the past number of years. And I watch a LOT of movies. But by far it is the most raw, stunning + unembellished portrayal of depression I’ve seen yet. Simple in it’s unhurried + measured pace, the story of a father + daughter on holiday together during which time the father is experiencing a state of despair + despondency that ultimates clouds his view of every experiencing anything else - the hopelessness in those darkest of times. Beyond Paul Mescal + Frankie Corio playing father + daughter to absolute perfection, part of what I loved about it was the ease in which director, Charlotte Wells brings to life so beautifully + authentically the duality found in depression; where moments of reprieve can be found, laughter reached. Where one day can be somewhat ok + then it’s just simply not again. The misunderstanding that the existence of these types of lows is who you are at your very core is painted with unparalleled understanding. And yet, trapped in the feeling that the darkness never lifts, you become all of what it convinces you is all you’ll ever amount to. I cannot recommend this enough. I cried big time with this one.

The B O O K // ‘Nonfiction’ by Julie Myerson. This book is a stunning portrait of maternal love + the corresponding struggle as one woman’s past as a daughter + present as a mother comes under immense pressure as she + her husband work tirelessly to save their daughter who is lost in the grips of addiction + self-destruction. A beautiful yet difficult read but most definitely worth it.

The P L A Y L I S T // ‘Healing Hibernation’ by Helsinki Healing Arts Centre - a gorgeous one to have on in the evenings as you unwind or while doing one of your favourite self-care routines.

The A C C O U N T to follow // Casa Sol - a beautiful artist based in Cambridge, England, I came across her recently + am excited to work on a commission piece for our new home. Also, just a beautiful account to follow for interiors + aesthetics.

The P E R S O N // Right now it has to be Ruxandra Gheordunescu-Preda, or Rux as she is more commonly known on IG + YouTube. A dear friend of mine introduced me to Rux late last year at which point I immediately booked in for my first session. It finally occurred this week. A western Astrologer, Rux works with clients to “reconnect with their soul's intentions + understand the timeline of their lives” through the medium of Western Tropical Astrology. I am a lover of astrology in general, it is something I’m looking to delve into a lot more this year though to be ablate understand for myself. I follow certain accounts + have had readings in the past with a few other astrologers. But my reading with Rux this past week was phenomenal. So much of what she said resonated with me + made entire sense to my life + my self as a human. I cannot recommend her enough if you’re in the market for a reading. And if you’re not wanting to delve that deep on a bespoke level, Rux also has a badass YouTube channel Written in the Stars by Rux where you can find weekly astrology updates.

The R E C I P E // ‘Spicy Miso Noodles’ by Audrey O’Connor of CoreState. This one is on my list of meals to lovingly prepare for myself + my husband this week.

The W E L L - B E I NG P R A C T I C E // One of the things I’ve found helpful in my wellness routines this past year has been breath work. My favourite + the ones I seem to go deepest with are sessions with Nadia Josse. I came across Nadia about 18 months ago + I attended a few of her group sessions which she thankfully holds on Zoom as she is based in NYC.. + I quickly found a new love + understanding of the HEALING nature of breath work. I have since done 1:1 sessions with Nadia which are incredible as it of course allows you to specifically focus on what you yourself exactly need. but Nadia’s group classes on Zoom are equally just as powerful, her next one coming up is Sunday February 5th, you can book HERE to join.

 

Wellness Retreats for Your Consideration, 2023

WellbeingRebecca O'Byrne

NUSHU RETREATS // COSTA RICA + UPSTATE NY

NUSHU is a wellness collective I had the pleasure of encountering last year while on a retreat in Spain. A beautiful company with immensely meaningful + soul strengthening foundations, NUSHU was founded by Vanessa Cornell in New York City with the vision to hold safe space + a supportive environment for those seeking to live authentic, inspired + more joyful lives. With regular groups held virtually, the company also hosts the most beautiful destination retreats ranging from surf retreats in Costa Rica to rock climbing + hiking adventures in Upstate New York where each time the sole aim is to combine adventure, fun + joy with opportunities for connecting with incredible women in a safe, nurturing + judgment-free environments. And what’s more curative than a dreamy escape with a wonderful group of women supported by the open-minded + healing power of a NUSHU group.. quite literally nothing. NUSHU is a space to find home within.

Learn more  //  NUSHU.COM

LA DOLCE VITA YOGA // LECCE, ITALY

I was recently introduced to the beautiful yogi ways of Roberto Bitettio through my gym in here in Dublin. I’m not someone who would take a yoga at a gym too seriously to be honest but I felt called to attend Roberto’s vinyasa class + I couldn’t be happier I did. A true yogi, Roberto’s energy on + off the mat is a genuine delight. His yoga flows + sequences are empowering + powerful, both gentle yet strengthening all at once. I love a challenge + he most certainly brings that to the mat. I have been booking back in as often as possible + now I’m looking at his beautiful retreats for the year in his home in Lecce, Southern Italy where he hosts yoga escapes that seem as dreamy in real life as they look + read.

Learn more // ROBERTOBITETTIO.COM

ŌTIUM //VARIOUS LOCATIONS

I just recently stumbled upon ŌTIUM late last year + have since been dreaming of escaping into their world as soon as humanly possible. Focusing on well-being + self-exploration through the mediums of creativity, movement + the art of unwinding, ŌTIUM focuses each of their retreats on a specific theme depending on the location. ŌTIUM’s founder spent the last decade in the luxury industry bringing other brand’s vision’s to life while continuously diving into other cultures + local delicacies in some of the world’s most luxurious destinations. Now, Samantha brings her vision toile via ŌTIUM upon the beautiful principles that act as the brand’s foundational ethos: the road less travelled is always one of self-discovery, impactful + intimate gatherings harness truthful + meaningful connection, ancient wisdom never gets old + ŌTIUM is always based on entirely immersive experiences for the individual.

Learn more // ŌTIUM.COM

SHESHE RETREATS // VARIOUS LOCATIONS

For she who loves movement, she who seeks adventure + she who values peace” a retreat with She She Retreats is a must addition to your bucket list. With a strong emphasis on movement + mind, nourishing nutrition, community + conscious living, the only thing you need with you in attendance of a She She retreat is an open mind to your own untapped potential upon reconnecting with your most authentic self. Stripped back of all the distractions of every day life, it is the greatest gift of all to give oneself the space + time to rebalance within + that is exactly whatShe She Retreats does to a tee + in incredible locations that will take your breath away.

Learn more // S H E S H E - R E T R E A T S .C O M

JAIME HEPBURN // GREECE

I first came across yoga teacher, Jaime Hepburn a few years ago + immediately fell for her calm energy, incredible aesthetics + her clearly innate gift around design. Drawn in pretty much straight away though to her yoga teachings + online classes, it has been her teaching style + incredible way of guiding students through a variety of flows that has kept me an enthusiast. At the time she was based on the West Coast of the US + her adventures were beautiful Cali vibes, sunshine + yoga. But even in rainy London, her authenticity, vision + practice remains in tact + no matter where she is her retreats seem to be as beautiful IRL as IG would suggest. Having practiced on her digital platform The Yoga Library + been to Basic Space, her now in-person studio in London, I can attest to the fact that to flow in retreat with Jaime must be a dream.

Learn more // JAIMEHEPBURN

WYLDER RETREATS // VARIOUS LOCATIONS

WYLDER Retreats is another company I came across late last year in my search for something to ground + balance in 2023. Founded by private yoga teacher, Charlotte Townend, the company is home to a collective of brilliant creatives based in Ibiza + Formentera. Teaming up with local chefs, movement practitioners + other creatives, Charlotte curates each retreat with the aim to immerse you in the local beauty + experiences of these special Spanish islands. An escape that is entirely beautiful + nourishing.

Learn more // W Y L D E R R E T R E A T S

LT&CO // VARIOUS LOCATIONS

From Mallorcan style fincas to riads in Morocco, wherever LT & Co. decides to retreat, rest assured it’s going to be one fabulous experience for your mind, body + soul. With much attention directed to the nurturance of the mind-body connection through experiences in nature + wellness practices beyond the obvious, each retreat is carefully curated by LT & Co.’s founder Lizi, a pilates instructor who embodies the well-being of the Mediterranean lifestyle from her base in Spain. To assist in a full mind + body reset, farm-to-table nourishment is brought to life by a collection of plant based + vegetarian chefs using all locally sourced seasonal produce. The idea of an entire experiential journey is what you’ll step into with LT & Co.

Learn more // L T & C O

Photo Sources 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

 

What Is.. Forest Bathing

WellbeingRebecca O'ByrneComment

Full disclosure, forest bathing sounds slightly more elaborate than it is. You don’t need your swimsuit, not even a towel + actually it is not even really an organised event as such. Forest bathing is simply the act of mindfully immersing oneself in nature; bathing our senses rather than our bodies. However it is the effects of forest bathing that are so much more interesting than the now trendy term often appears. As old as nature itself, the expression was only coined in the ‘80’s when the Japanese put structure to what cultures around the world have historically used for thousands of years: the irreplaceable healing effects of the natural world on human well-being.

Seen as an antidote to a rather aggressive emergence of the tech-boom, shinrin-yoku as it is known in Japanese, was a welcomed remedy to the then very stressful environments materialising in the workplace throughout Japan. In fact it was seen to be so effective on people’s health that the Japanese government began prescribing it for highly-stressed-out workers. By the ‘90’s, researchers were becoming more + more interested in the positive impact the practice was having on people’s mental + physical well-being that they began looking into the benefits for everyone no matter the scale of stress. What distinguishes forest bathing from a simple walk though? Great question. Well, striping everything back to the power of our senses has significant capacity to decrease anxiety + depression; working to slow everything down in the mind positively feeds through into the body as greater embodied level of overall health. As we become more aware of how detrimental mental stress is to the physical body we actually have more ability to heal ourselves than ever before. And as is often typical of the most powerful healing tools, it really is simple.

These days there are many trending groups coming to light with professional guides to take you on mindfulness / meditative walks all over the world. Some therapists - see Hike Psych as one example - are even taking sessions outdoors in an effort to further influence the work done during psychotherapy treatment. Some things to consider though if you decide to embark upon a more immersive experience in nature yourself are to leave your phone behind if it’s safe to do so. Being present with the capacity to connect with the world around you is the only real focus. As wonderful as it is to go with others, try it by yourself if you’re looking to tap into your innate ability to heal + hone a more focused ability to tune out the world + into your intuitive powers. Don’t clock your walk or time on any device, it’s about mindfulness without judgement, not achievement of any kind, especially not steps, calories or distance. As you step away from the distractions of your everyday world, seek to bring awareness to your senses, ask yourself, what do I see? What can I hear? What does it feel like to touch the trees or how does it feel to walk over the different textures of the forests floor? Can I smell anything?

There’s just one question left, are you ready to feel the power of nature in a whole new way?

Designer Spotlight; Tove Studio

StyleRebecca O'Byrne

Founded by Camille Perry + Holly Wright in 2019, TOVE, meaning strength + beauty in Danish, is a graceful representation of the unshakeable empowerment that evidently weaves itself through the soft structures of the brand’s striking beauty + femininity. Prior to setting up their own brand, the Topshop alumni spent a collective 40 years in the industry as buyer + designer; a time that inspired a shared vision to create pieces that transcend seasons + bring an entirely new idea to wearability yet also embodying a reality of needing less. Each piece has functionality beyond the obvious, proving a rightful place in the solid capsule-style wardrobe of their muse: the real woman, who not only loves her style but feels empowered by a wardrobe that works for her.

While never skimping on quality + the luxuriousness of materials nor the craftsmanship of each design, creating in a low impact manner is one of the brand’s focal points. TOVE aligns with mills to work with excellent fabrics with environmental + social certifications while manufacturing mainly at source, ensuring carbon footprint stays at a minimum.

Check out the brand’s full collection // T O V E - S T U D I O . C O M

All images via TOVE-STUDIO

 

Yoga Mats Worth Investing In

WellbeingRebecca O'Byrne

Whether you bring your own mat to the studio or prefer practicing at home in your own environment, a mat you really cherish is an important element upon which to begin your yoga journey - or for those who may have practiced for years, something to treat yourself to. In saying that, I acknowledge entirely that our mats + the asana we do on them are just one part of the yogi life. Yet it’s nice to invest love + energy into the space upon which you come to practice with intention + conscious purpose. Mats are often seen as simply a functional object but they represent a grounding, a connection between us + the earth that deserves to be loved + enjoyed. Here are some incredible ones to consider.

C A S A L L

Conceived by instructors + medical experts, the Casall yoga mat has won awards for it’s specifically dynamic design which focuses on exceptional grip + luxurious cushioning. The brand’s innately sleek design makes for a beautiful mat to flow on, thanks to the brand’s Swedish roots.

€99.95 // Shop HERE

F U R O S T U D I O S

The 01 Series Yoga Mat by Furo Studios, another beautiful manifestation of the genius that is Swedish design, is the pinnacle of Furö Studios sustainable yoga accessories collection as brought to life by Jesper + Frida Starvid. The mat is designed around the idea of your space, minimalist so that you can focus on your alignment it offers immense grip under pressure + like all the best mats out there, it’s natural rubber materials act as an enhanced shock absorber so that your joints are supported fully.

€160 // Shop HERE

B Y O G A

Whether in the studio or practicing at home, B Yoga`s B MAT Strong Yoga Mat is a strong choice for your everyday rituals but also amazing for it’s minimal weight which means you can easily transport it with you so, no matter where you are, home is where your mat is. Some of my favourite studios (The Class in NYC for one) use B YOGA mats.

€99.95 // Shop HERE

K O K O N I

The idea of slow living as a way of being was really brought home in 2019 with the creation of Koko ni (meaning here) mats by husband + wife team James + Bianca Stephenson. With the idea that objects carry energy, the mats are made with energetical intention + manifest in physical form with natural tree rubber + luxurious recycled vegan suede. These mats are not only incredibly loving to the environment but also aesthetically beautiful; proving to be something not just to practice on but to complement your environment, a piece for your home. With this one, I must admit, home on the mat never felt so chic.

£98 // Shop HERE

P A N G A I A

Made from natural rubber for extra cushioning along with algae + pre-consumer Eva, all of which ensure this mat is 100% repurposing materials from landfills + making your time on the mat that bit more meaningful.

€100 // Shop HERE

** Disclaimer, some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning if you click through + decide to purchase the item, I get a small percentage of the price. Commission is only transferred if you purchase however. You do not pay any more than the store’s recommend retail price.

 

HSF Wellness Guides; The New York City Edition

Travel, WellbeingRebecca O'Byrne

Regular schedules + routines break while traveling; no matter how type A one is (or, admittedly I am), it’s inescapable that what you routinely practice at home - when you do it + how you implement it - isn’t as perfectly guaranteed to remain so solidly intact while away from the certainty of what you make happen each day in ‘normal’ life + trust me, even the best plans + intentions get blindsided by the natural, albeit wonderful, upset that comes with travel to anyone’s otherwise flowing schedule. And so while routine in it’s at-home version might be different while away, what does come with us is the approach we have to our own well-being + the rituals + practices that make us feel good no matter where we may be. What’s important while away is focusing on what we can do from our usual groove to make us feel our best + with that in mind, I’ve pieced together some of my favourite wellness locations + practices to try in New York City, one of my heart’s dearest home-away-from-home cities.

HAUTE so FABULOUS Wellness Guide; NEW YORK CITY Edition

M O V E M E N T C L A S S E S

Barry’s - my favourite high intensity class whatever city I’m in // New York Pilates - for a vibe-y but authentically classic reformer // The Class - something you won’t ever forget, if you can at all book into Taryn’s class as she is the founder + an incredible inspiration. You can read my piece on The Class HERE // Skyting Yoga - one of my favourite yoga communities in NYC, it’s so good + the classes here are always so heartfelt + based in genuine yoga philosophy // Three Jewels - ok this is the other of my beloved yoga places in the city, I adore this place + the meditation + breathwork classes are also phenomenal here too // Humming Puppy - such a chic place to get your flow on // The Tracey Anderson Method - the Tribecca location for this is such a fun + fabulous vibe. It’s so New York I love it + the TA method is famous as one of Gwyneth Paltrow’s favourite workouts // Soul Cycle - an obvious classic but always a good idea to get a serious sweat on, i love Soul Cycle + my go-to location is the NoHo one on Lafayette // DogPound - the place to box, you might bump into Karlie Kloss in class. I did once // NW Method - something super fun to try if you’re open, it’s a holistic approach to movement that works through the chakras, it’s like therapy + fitness combined.

O U T D O O R S

Walk or run the High Line - pick a time that isn’t peak touristy or super busy as it can get super overcrowded // Central Park - just all of it really, just being outdoors in nature but in the most fun city in the world always feels incredible // Run the Central Park Resevoir (aka: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir) - or choose any loop in Central Park, it’s divine but the Jacquie O Resevoir is pretty famous with amazing views of both the East + West sides of the city-scape against the treetops. It’s my favourite run in the city // Walk or run the Hudson River Greenway - another of my chosen city runs

S H O P S

Goop - need I saw another word? Always a good ideas to see what’s hot // Brodo Broth - famous for amazing bone broth, random but I swear by bone broth // The Alchemists Kitchen - such a serene little haven in Soho with an extraordinary selection of plant based remedies + tinctures. My kind of heaven // Anima Mundi - this one is right next door + one of the places I buy my adaptogens; Anima, the brand’s founder, is the coolest + most authentic example of living in harmony with our bodies + has managed to bring the power of ancient remedies to the modern world while making it sleek + cool yet never compromising on the deep respect it deserves // Clean Market - such an amazing wellness shop with a dreamy edit of brands + products // The Well - this is where East meets West right in the city, another amazing edit of niche wellness brands + specifically sourced items - I really love is here

C A F É S + R E S T A U R A N T S

Bonberri Mart - one of my all time favourites to pick up a fabulous salad, smoothie or a delicious healthy treats - Nicole Berri , Bonberri Mart’s creator is one of my hearth heroes + has inspired me a lot by her lifestyle that she shares at her cafes + in her beautiful book ‘Body Harmony’ which I absolutely recommend // Sakara Life - the Sakara Life girls are also health heroes of mine. Sakara is for home delivered only as of yet. On so many levels it’s a brand I’ve been following from the start; their cookbook is awesome + their protein powder is the hero product in my smoothies. Oh + while you’re strolling the streets of NYC listen to their podcast too "‘The Sakara Life Podcast’, it’s immensely educational on the integrative health way of living // Dr. Smood - a shop as well as a cafe, I love it here for guaranteed major healthy but also seriously delicious options no matter what you’re craving. They have amazing protein bars too that I always pick up when I’m in the US // Spring Cafe Aspen - A cute but super scene-y spot with a whooper menu for anytime of the day, I love it here. Have lunch + then also get something to take away as you will want to repeat as soon as you leave // Honeybrains - nothing fancy but such a great concept for health meals anytime of the day // Little Beet Table - a vegetarian focused, full sit down restaurant, this is a really great dinner location that follows seasonal offerings // Le Botaniste - if you love bowl food as much as I do, you’ll love it here. Totally plant based, everything here is organic + the whole concept is powered by totally carbon-neutral practices that bring a whole new meaning to food as medicine // Alta This is a cutesy spot with small plates inspired by the delicious food-scape that surrouns the Mediterranean Sea a a great dinner with friends option // Rose Bakery at Dover Street Market - using all organic produce + ingredients, Rose Bakery was created by Rose Carrarini + her husband Jean Charles to elevate simple, delicious foods // Whole Foods for grabbing something on the go

J U I C E S + C O F F E E

Café Kitsuné West Village - just like it’s Parisian equivalent, Café Kitsuné from Maison Kitsuné is so effortlessly cool + exactly where I’d love to pick up my iced coffee with a dash of oat milk every morning // Sant Ambroeus - I adore both the Upper East Side + Soho locations, both amazing for coffee pit stops or // Pressed - always a brilliant spot to pick up amazing juices, I often order for home delivery too with Pressed while in the US, they have the most straightforward brilliant offering // Joe + The Juice - love to pick up a smoothie here post a workout, also awesome if you’re in London or Stockholm // Happy Bones // Cafe Integral - great coffee is hard to come by in the US, fact. But heree it is in complete abundance; the cutest spot with amazing coffee right in Nolita // Lafayette - love love love everything about here. Such a vibe + the coffee is amazing

W E L L N E S S P R A C T I C E S

Clean Market - for IV Therapy, Cryotherapy + Infrared Sauna // Higher Dose - my go-to for Infrared Sauna + seriously amazing lymphatic drainage massage, I go here every time I’m in the cit without fail // Ricari Studios - for beyond amazing specialised lymphatic drainage + other massage techniques // The Well - every service here is endorsed by Dr. Lipman, an alternative medicine advocate + doctor who believes in the body’s ability to heal from within, I adore the foundational philosophy of everything he does, it’s an incredible menu of treatments // IMD Beauty Spa - another incredible place to let your lymphatic system know you love it, IMD has been around for 35 years + is one of the originals in advocating for this hugely beneficial way of riding the body of what it doesn’t need // Remedy Place - for something super new to the city, this is where wellness gets super cool,. .. like freezing, as in ice baths are their thing!

 

Autumn Winter; The Best Shows To Watch

Life 02Rebecca O'ByrneComment

It’s inevitable that Autumn evenings will begin to settle in over the coming weeks as school recommences + routine begins to take hold again for all of us after the antics of summer. With that unfolds the luxury of longer evenings for those who, like me, lean more toward the tendency for + love of hibernation mode + nights in devouring a good book, movie or TV show you can’t stop watching. As with everything on HAUTE so FABULOUS, I am not about trends or ‘what’s hot’ too much but rather things that last + so with that core viewpoint, I’ve compiled a list of shows I have loved over the years + that stand the test of time. I hope you enjoy + find something new to escape into. Let me know too if there’s anything I’ve missed..

Autumn Pieces on my Radar

StyleRebecca O'ByrneComment

As much as I love summer + days spent adventuring in the sunshine, I am an introvert at heart + where moods + personality types harmonize with the seasons, it’s no doubt that the AW season + I are much more compatible. I get ridiculously excited this time of year for the upcoming freedom I find in hibernation + routine, not to mention the chic changes that begin to take place as we fall into Autumn - the thoughts of fabulous knits + stunning winter coats on repeat delights me like no skort ever could. Unlike summer style, it’s the part of my wardrobe I really look to invest in so let’s just say that my love of a good Winter wardrobe is about to get it’s freak on.

In celebration of Autumn’s arrival firmly on the horizon, I’m sharing some pieces that are making the cut to my wishlist/wardrobe this coming season that might spark a little love or inspiration in yours too.

 

Reiss Blazer

€425

There Was One Knit

€160 // ON SALE €48

** Disclaimer, some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning if you click through + decide to purchase the item, I get a small percentage of the price. Commission is only transferred if you purchase however. You do not pay any more than the store’s recommend retail price.

 

Designer Spotlight; Deiji Studios

StyleRebecca O'Byrne

Founded in 2016 by two Byron Bay based friends, Juliette Harkness + Emma Nelson, Deiji Studios was established upon a vision to weave the magnificence of comfort through the often ordinariness of each day + night. Inspired by the minimalist sophistication of Japanese culture + the natural opulence found in authentic comfort the brand designs incredible linen bedding + chic linen lounge-wear that entwines the lavish essence of sleepwear into the comfort of ready-to-wear. Harkenss + Nelson have managed to truly embody simplicity at it’s chicest in their collections; blending day into night + lounge-wear into everyday wear.

The brand’s design brilliance isn’t all they are about though; with an unwavering ethos which sees them boast membership in the 1% For The Planet, Deiji Studios is committed to their products + production processes consistently being sustainably conscious acorss the social, ethical + of course environmental spheres.

Check out the brand’s signature pieces, Set 01 + Set 03 + shop the full collection // D E I J I S T U D I O S . C O M

All images via Deiji Studios

 

What are.. Adaptogens

WellbeingRebecca O'ByrneComment

Adaptogens. You’ve probably heard of this super on-trend topic of conversation in the wellness space. Ashwagandha. Reishi. Lion’s Mane. Cordyceps. Ginseng. Chaga. Maca. Among a whole host of others are all adaptogens. I first came across them + was drawn in when Moon Juice launched in 2011 + to be quite honest, I didn’t really understand them or know exactly why I was using them but I was intrigued by their Eastern roots, the powerful + natural properties I read about + to be really frank, I admired the way Amanda Chantal Bacon, the founder of Moon Juice lived her life + shared about her own health journey. Something I was struggling with so intensely + in every part of my life at the time.

Truthfully, I am in the process of learning more about their individual uses + understanding the why of each one’s existence + appropriate consumption on a personal level but to put it simply + at a general level, adaptogens are natures way of offering the body a real way to heal itself; they are adaptogenic substances ( herbs) extracted from plants + mushrooms that assist the body in it’s response to a variety of real or perceived traumas including stress, anxiety + fatigue. Adaptogens have been avaialble - and in use - for millions of years in Eastern healing methods. Working WITH the body to counteract the resulting effects of stress that can manifest physically, mentally + emotionally, the more consistent one is in using adaptogens in your day-to-day routine the more the body begins to positively adapt toward the desired outcome of the specific adaptogen being used. It’s about coming home to your center-point, that state of homeostasis where the body + each of it’s functional systems flow in harmony, toward a more sustained + favourable equilibrium; all in support of + in co-existence with a healthy + rewarding state of well-being. It is really about regaining balance in the overall working of our physiological processes. Adaptogens are a natural way of calming the nervous system in the moment while also working to alter the bodies ability to regulate itself over time.

In sourcing adaptogenic products, I am quite choosy, as like many of the wellness products on the market, some are not created with integrity or enough knowledge. Brands that work directly, + in some cases solely, with adaptogens that I can personally recommend, trusting they work at a very authentic level with the power of adaptogens are: Supernova Living, Anima Mundi, Moon Juice, Four Sigmatic, ARTAH, Pukka, Hone + Wild Nutrition. Each of these brands use them in a variety of ways from coffee substitution to pure forms to be added to your morning coffee or smoothies. There are endless others on the market but upon my own experience, these are the ones I’ve tried + loved. Have you tried them? What do you think?

 

Meditation, My Daily Practice

WellbeingRebecca O'Byrne

For far too long I really wanted to be someone who meditated yet I’d been equally + entirely annoyed by myself year after year for not simply going ahead + being what I set out to be. So at the beginning of 2022 I made a final commitment to bring meditation into my life as a daily practice. It was one of my focused goals for the year; something I knew would have an effect on my overall well-being, but I hadn’t really anticipated just how positively consequential it would end up being.

I’d been over-complicating it in my head, a precise example of why I needed to meditate. So in looking for something to keep me focused + on track while also tapping into a deeper part of myself, I came across O P E N. At first, I will admit, I was lured in by it’s design, it’s no secret that I am a sucker for a chic contemporary vibe + it was the beautiful aesthetics of the brand that caught my attention initially, however, in looking for a genuine practice, no body ca stay just for the aesthetics + 8 months in, I can definitely say it has most certainly been the content + the results of my practice with OPEN that has kept me coming back.

O P E N is an incredibly beneficial platform based on the ancient practices of Eastern wisdom married with present-day science + a rather healthy dose of “IRL” awareness that emerges from it’s foundational philosophy which embodies a genuine knowing that real life in 2022 isn’t sitting on the side of a mountain, able to meditate 24-7. Unless of course that’s what you choose + more respect to those who lead such a life. But in the majority, in which I find myself on this one, that’s simply not my choice. I need something that grants me some sort of peace in the pace of my own life.

So in wanting to find a solid practice, something that allowed me create space along with an empowered ability to actually create that space for myself eventually, I decided to give O P E N a proper try. I signed up immediately, paying upfront for my year membership so I would feel the pinch in knowing I’d really committed - an accountability of sorts. And from the get-go it’s become a pivotal part of my daily wellness rituals. And on the note of accountability, OPEN allows you see how many days you’ve been consistent with your practice which I find incredibly helpful, as in the beginning of starting anything, until you delve deeper into + begin to feel the benefits of something newly implimented, we often need something to keep us accountable. And that’s ok. Everyone finds their own way, their individual method by which they find their own peace within this world but in personal experience thus far, O P E N has (excuse the pun) opened a real deal portal into an inner peace I didn’t know I could tap into - or perhaps more aptly put, a solace that maybe exists in all of us, just one we have to consciously tap into. Along with that, it’s always great to be the person you set out to be. Showing up for you is always a good idea.

At the helm of OPEN is Manoj Dias who was born + raised in the Theravada Buddhist tradition + who founded a previous venture called A-SPACE which acted as a pioneering multidisciplinary meditation studio, a first in Dias’ homeland of Australia. With innovative foresight + the understanding of the need for such a platform in people’s lives, A-SPACE was acquired by O P E N, becoming what it is today, a cool but sincere way of creating a space in your life where you can delve deeper into your chosen healing journey, create calm or just about whatever you mind, body or soul needs.

Recently I became an ambassador with the brand, a partnership I am so thrilled to share the benefits of with you. As part of sharing it with you, I can gift you a fully complimentary 30-day trial on the platform that grants full access to it’s three components; meditation, movement + breath-work.

It’s simple, download the app + get your 30 day complimentary trial through // THIS LINK // or simply add the code HAUTE30 when you signup through any other link. This is simply to allow you try the platform, fully free for 30 days + you can cancel at any time before a paid membership begins. I hope you love it as much as I do. Let me know over on Instagram..