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Simple Wear from Contemporary Designers

by Margaret Coventry

1. EA Apparel

Kudos to spa pro turned fashionista, Liz Ratcliff, whose new line, ea apparel (meant to be worn “everywhere anywhere”) is turning heads. A mere seven pieces, we are partial to these two for their simplicity: Katie, the racer-back tank top with a loose A-line fit that flatters all figures, and the low-waist Betty leggings that you won’t ever want to take off. Both in a bamboo-spandex blend. Katie top, $65; Betty leggings, $85, www.eaapparel.co.uk

2. Roots Cardigan

Layer away with the Mariella cardigan that looks just as great over leggings as it does over a dress. The cashmere and cotton blend will keep you cozy all season long. We prefer it in purple. $88, usa.roots.com 

3. Hot Pink Half-ToeSox

We love these 100 percent organic cotton socks not only for their durability and bold color, but because proceeds go to animal shelters and welfare organizations through a collaboration with Kathryn Budig and Poses for Paws. $15, toesox.com

4. YogaFit Karma Bracelets

YogaFit introduces a truly unique, yet simple charm bracelet unlike any of its kind. Choose from 10 stones, signifying your personal goals from Purification to Strength to Balance, releasing any old, negative karma. Portions of proceeds go to the Khushi Charitable Society in India, providing after-school opportunities to impoverished children. $21.95, yogafit.com

5. Athleta Shirred Organic Cotton Cami Outfit

It’s all about the stretch and this combo has it with a fine blend of organic cotton and spandex. Designed for studio wear, the cami’s built-in-bra and shirred top paired with the flattering capris, makes for super cute street wear, too! Shirred Organic Cotton Cami, $34; Organic Cotton Chela Capri, $59, athleta.gap.com

6. ALO Hooded Tunic Top

We like the allure of this hooded tunic from ALO (an acronym for air, land, ocean), just one of many fashion-forward performance-wear pieces made from recycled and minimal-impact materials. Top, $48, Bottom, $50, aloyoga.com

7. Be Present Pants

The Lotus Mobility Pant, shown here in cobalt, is one of this company’s best-sellers for a reason. They’re lightweight, extremely comfortable, and “you can contort yourself into any position imaginable without feeling like you’re going to split a seam,” says one of our happy testers. $79, bepresent.com

8. Zobha

This Cowl Neck Hoodie in navy blue strikes just the right note for us. It’s 95 percent Tencel, a biodegradable fabric made from wool pulp cellulose, and 5 percent spandex. Top, $90; zobha.com

BEST MACHINES

9. Life Fitness F1 Smart Foldable Treadmill

Life Fitness introduces the first foldable treadmill of its kind: affordable without sacrificing the necessary features for the avid exerciser. It’s equipped with iPod® integration and USB connectivity, a shock absorption system, and a soft-drop release feature—just to name a few. $2,499, lifefitness.com

10. Precor EFX 5.21 Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer

Precor introduces a smaller, more efficient elliptical with fixed handlebars, allowing for a more lower-body-focused workout. Perfect for those getting back on the exercise grind, it offers a variety of preset programs and has 16 resistance levels. $2,199, precor.com

 

YOGA PICKS

11. Natural Fitness rECOnstructed Yoga Mat Bag

Add a little art to your yoga gear. The team at Natural Fitness definitely had sustainability on the mind when they created these one-of-a-kind bags, made in the U.S. from recycled advertising banners. They’re much more fashionable on your shoulder than in a landfill! $49.99, naturalfitnessinc.com

12. Be Present Hemp Top

This Hemp Crossover Top comes in chocolate, blackberry, and cobalt. $49, bepresent.com

13. Jade Yoga Harmony XW Mat

With the design and sustainable construction of the original Harmony mat made from natural rubber, Jade Yoga introduces an extra-wide version of their most popular design for those who need just a little more stretching room. $72 to 85, jadeyoga.com 

GOOD READS

The Mirror of Yoga

Yoga: it’s a way of life. A delightful read on the aspects of yoga philosophy will provide the beginner and the advanced yogi with a much deeper insight into the wonderful world of yoga. $24.95, shambhala.com

Freeing the Body, Freeing the Mind

This book offers a complete compilation of writings on the connection between yoga and Buddhism, providing different perspectives and insights on an incredible bond of two prominent beliefs. $18.95, shambhala.com 

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