Lydia Hamilton, the owner of Boutique Larrieux – a fantastic plussize boutique in Milwaukee – and Stephanie Sack – the former owner of vive la femme boutique – recently joined forces to bring a pop up shop full of gorgeous plussize clothes back to Chicago. This is the second pop up shop that these two powerhouses have collaborated on, and I hope it’s not the last. Since vive la femme closed it’s doors last year, I’ve been in a mourning period…and these pop ups are a refreshing burst of sartorial energy that I so desperately need!
And thank goodness, our plussize community has found a new home base at Ganesha Yoga and Adventures in Fitness. This is the size-friendly yoga studio on Lincoln and Ashland — that not only holds plus size specific classes…but also makes a point to carry plussize yoga and workout gear. Because Jane and Mindy are so amazingly awesome, they’ve been partnering with Lydia and Stephanie to host these pop up shops…and man, are we grateful!
Last Saturday’s Midwest Fashion Fete showcased 3 main designers: Cabiria, Chalet, and Poppy and Bloom.
I’ve been a fan of Cabiria since I met the designer, Eden, at an event a year ago…and absolutely adore her collection this season! Cabiria’s line is full of luxurious fabrics, playful prints and immaculate tailoring. These are statement pieces that you will fall in love with again every time you put one on. Case in point–here’s 1 dress on 3 different girls. It looked fantastic on all of us–even though we have dramatically different body types! How could we not fall in love?
And here’s the same dress in a different print…a fabulous blue and black sweetheart neck faux wrap dress…and some to-die-for bird pants!
Chalet is a line that’s new to me…and at first glance, the tunics and more relaxed shapes didn’t appear to be in line with my aesthetic…but THEN I tried some of the pieces on! I totally fell in love with the polished casual styles with unique shapes…some have interesting hemlines…or necklines or pleats or unexpected ruffles. And each one can be ordered in any of 8 colors! I love the versatility and easy-wear style of these tunics.
Poppy and Bloom is a fun line that has a nice balance of retro silhouettes and classic day dresses. Look how cute two shoppers are in their gorgeous dresses!
So…seriously it was a great night! Until Stephanie and Lydia can bring another pop up shop back to Chicago…check out Boutique Larrieux in Milwaukee or order using their online store…and drop by Ganesha Yoga to shop some workout gear or to do a yoga class!
Hey curvy active ladies in Chicago! Have you heard of Ganesha Yoga studio? It’s an amazing yoga space on Lincoln and Belmont-ish. Not only does it have size-inclusive classes ranging from all levels of yoga to Zumba to BollyGroove Cardio…but it has one of the greatest selections of yoga and active wear in sizes XS – 4X that I’ve ever seen!
Ganesha Yoga and Adventures in Fitness is the brainchild of co-owners Mindy Hanzlik and Jane Musgrave. They wanted to create a welcoming and supportive studio for men and women seeking to improve their lives through movement regardless of weight, ability, or size. Read more about their vision here.
They know that active bodies come in all sizes, and that everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their workout space. So, one of the coolest classes that Ganesha offers is HeavyWeight Yoga® which is specifically designed with modified poses, slower pacing, and lots of encouragement to help inflexible, overweight or obese students realize all the benefits of yoga in a safe and non-intimidating environment. Another unique offering is Stiff Guy Yoga, which is for guys who are not necessarily “yoga guys,” but can benefit from the health benefits and strengthening that yoga can bring. Check out their full class schedule.
And…I mentioned the extended selection of yoga clothes and workout wear, right???
Left: Moving Comfort Sweatshirt and burnout tee, Skirtsports Tough Girl skortpants, and Sweaty band
Right: Soul Flower Stacked Lotus Tank, Shining Shakti Pants in Hearts Ablaze, and Sandpiper Imports fair trade accessories.
I’m going to be going to their classes regularly, and can’t wait to share some of my fitness adventures with you. What are you waiting for??? Check Ganesha Yoga out now and come see me do my warrior pose!