YOGA & THE CITY

If there was ever a time in recent memory when we are all needing to bolster our sense of personal well being - it is now!  With so much gloom and doom reporting on the state of the global economy- how can you not feel  a bit blah or melancholy from time to time.

One proven fix for healing the soul and improving your sense of self is exercise.   I have been watching as a friend of mine went through a metamorphosis of spirit and has emerged - stronger, more balanced, and simply glowing!  What is her secret?  ISHTA YOGA.   

Yoga Master- Alan Finger has created a place of serenity in the center of NYC.   Steps from Union Square Park off University place the studio envelopes visitors with a sense of calm - and from the moment you enter - you are reminded to BREATHE.  

While it might sound strange -  when we are stressed or tense - one of the first things we do is hold our breath.  Ayurvedic medicine believes that disrupting the flow of breath and with it Prana - or the life force of our energy - robs the body of just that.   Prana energizes our organs and fuels our being.  

In addition to all the Yoga classes the studio offers - there are exciting workshops that can have you counting the days until the next session.   Including - Maithuna: The Science of Intimacy & Tantric Sex!   While that title needs little explanation - rest assured - anything happening in the studio would  be suitable for a TBS rerun of Sex & The City!!

Speaking of Single women and NYC.   I must recommend a really inspiring book for the ladies who live the crazy type A -big city lifestyle.   Katrina Repka was new to New York and newer to Yoga.   On her quest for the perfect job and the perfect man, what she found first was the perfect yoga studio.   She was over-stressed, underemployed, and dating all the wrong men.    It was Alan who helped her find her balance - strengthen her core and listen to the voice inside.   Katrina not only met the man of her dreams and moved to London to live happily "now" after - she was inspired to write a novel / self help book with Alan Finger about her exploration - aptly titled BREATHING SPACE.

The best news!  ISHTA is having a very special open house Saturday February 28th.  That's right - open house as in FREE CLASSES.   There are special events throughout the day - so visit the website and get down to ISHTA Yoga this Saturday!   This is an amazing example of improving your style - through breathing, posture, and a healthier sense of self - what is more chic

ISHTA YOGA is located at 56 East 11th Street.   212 598-4800

More on my transformed friend Nicole in a future post, because she has a great story!

GIORGIO ARMANI- FIRST CLASS ON 5TH AVE.

GIORGIO ARMANI - 5TH AVENUE - NYCGiorgio Armani - the Flagship Mega-Store was unveiled last week during a cold and gray New York winter day.   The sleek style and minimal lines has Armani written all over it.   The store houses all aspects of the designers vision from the RTW collection to Armani Casa- home furnishings.   The architectural elements of the staircase that unfold in the cavernous space gives shoppers an out of this world experience.   After all - this is Planet Armani!

To see the store and read how Armani proved once again why he is  such a class act - click Armani.

SPRING AWAKENING

Oscar de la Renta - Spring 2009I don't often gush about Oscar de la Renta - but the Spring 2009 campaign is beautiful.   The collection can be very predictable - however this season Oscar gave us his signature look - with a fresh perspective.   Of course ODLR is going to give you a voluminous skirt - and a colorful print - this time the proportions are just perfect.

Raquel Zimmerman is one of the busiest girls in the business - and she has never looked better.  Bravo Oscar - THANK YOU for brightening the season!

Madoff Madness Part II

220 W 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011 Tel: (212) 675-49

I snapped this pic earlier in the week.   Dan's Chelsea Guitar shop is legendary.   Any serious musician knows the store and has passed through or heard about it.   Apparently Dan's is feeling the fallout from the BM like many other discretionary retailers.   If you have any interest in buying a guitar - get to the shop on 23rd street soon.   Right next to the Chelsea Hotel - many famous characters has haunted this hallowed hall!