6 minute read
FITNESS FOCUS
TOP PICKS
WINTER IMMUNITY BOOSTING CAPSULES
PURESPORT MIND & BODY MUSHROOM BLEND
Chaga, Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Lion’s Mane & Cordyceps – all featured in this blend – have all been shown to have immune balancing eff ects and antioxidants, which fi ght free radicals in the body. £29.99
INNERMOST RECOVER CAPSULES
These contain Maca, which reduces physical and mental stress on the body, Magnesium, which supports muscle function, Ubiquinone CoQ10, which supports the mitochondria (energy producing powerhouses) of our bodies, and Vitamin D. £18.95
INNERMOST DETOX BOOSTER
This is a supergreens powder that contains ten of the most highly-regarded health boosting ingredients in an easy to use powder. In particular, antioxidants in Matcha Green Tea helps to improve the skin. It can be added to water or a hot drink/smoothie. £24.95
FITNESS
NOTES
By FELICITY CARTER
THE EYES HAVE IT
Why you can blink and not miss out on vital wellbeing tips
Since the pandemic, the number of people working from home has dramatically increased, and alongside this, so has the length of screen time we are all getting – and we are also less likely to have the appropriate work from home set up to properly protect our eyes from the digital devices we use so often. Therefore, we are more prone to experience common eye conditions such as eye strain and eye fatigue. This month, Absolutely London has taken inspiration from Chatty Dobson, yoga teacher and owner of FLEX Chelsea, who holds sessions to combat these issues that may now be the new normal. Eye yoga is simply a series of stretches for the muscles in your eye structure. Similar to regular yoga, each time you practice the muscles involved will become both stronger and fi nd more length. “Start by setting yourself up comfortably, sitting still with a straight spine – sitting in a chair’s fi ne if you’re uncomfortable on the fl oor,” Dobson starts. “To stretch, relax the muscles of the face. Wiggle out the jaw and eyebrows to help soften them. Gently close your eyes. Keeping the eyes closed, look all the way up and count to four, slowly look all the way down, count to four. Repeat three times. “To strengthen, blink as fast as you can ten times, then sit with your eyes closed for a slow count of fi ve. Repeat fi ve times. Sit for a while longer at the end to see what sensations you may notice.”
EYE SPY
Spectacles have never been more stylish. Absolutely visits some of London’s best eyesight destinations
Words PENDLE HARTE & ABBIE SCHOFIELD
FINLAY LONDON
Finlay London’s background is in fashion. The brand started out as designers of wooden sunglasses, but it’s come a long way since then, and now the focus is on eyecare as well as eyewear; they have an expansive own-brand collection of frames (Meghan Markle has been spotted wearing several of them) and they have shops in Notting Hill and Soho. “Glasses can be the first thing you notice about someone,” says co-founder Dane Butler. “And trends in eyewear tend to last between three and seven years. So it’s not unusual for people to own four or five pairs of glasses.” And probably more sunglasses. The Finlay collection is unisex, and frames come in a wide variety of colours and shapes. At the Notting Hill store, choosing frames to suit is aided by friendly and decisive staff who will tell you what suits you as well as what will work best for your prescription. There’s a curated selection of frames from Finlay’s favourite brands in addition to their own brand, and downstairs is a special area for children. It’s a nice place to be, and the eye test is almost enjoyable. finlayandco.com
TAYLOR MORRIS
THE EYE PLACE
The Eye Place is owned and operated by third-generation optometrist Alex Kemp, who strives to provide a ‘different’ level of eyecare. He has spent the last two decades building an enviable reputation founded on using state of the art and cutting-edge technology. With six locations, Alex has created a custom level of eye examination which is now The Eye Place standard. His eye examination harnesses the full power of specialist eye health technology and using their newest piece of technology, spectacles can be dispensed from a distance taking the precise measurements needed to suit the individual to create lenses personalised to the user and their needs. Eyewear brands are selected from around the world for their individuality and high quality. From super premium eyewear made from luxurious materials to on-trend brands via mid-range and budget, there is something to suit all styles and budgets. the-eye-place.co.uk
THE EYE PLACE
TAYLOR MORRIS
Taylor Morris has been in the business of sunglasses since they launched in Harvey Nichols in 2013. But it wasn't until 2020 that they launched opticals, in a chic new shop in Golborne Road. Despite lockdown, they're thrving in their new home which is designed to be a fun place to hang, with a bar and a relaxed vibe. Plans for the shop to host events are currently on hold, but appointments for choosing your frames are very much on. There's no testing, so you have to bring your own prescription, but glasses are made up in just a couple of days. Alongside a good selection of acetate frames in lots of colours is a stylish selection of metal ones – very popular in Europe – and pricing is easy, with most single vision glassses at £125. As an independent eyewear brand, Taylor Morris believes in keeping costs down and they're also too serious to see glasses as fashion pieces to change with the seasons. The collection is set to grow, though, so the temptation to build up a spectacle wardrobe is real. taylormorriseyewear.com
AUERBACH AND STEELE
Auerbach and Steele’s store on the King’s Road is large and bright, with colourful frames lining the walls like little pieces of art. There is a children’s area, a private room for those who would like to try on frames discreetly and even a small garden - a far cry from the usual dingy examination rooms. The glasses on offer are contemporary and cool, unusual colours paired with innovative shapes that make a statement. Specs are no longer a symbol of bookishness or a lack of glamour; they are a fashion accessory. As well as being a pioneer in optical style, Auerbach and Steele prides itself on clinical excellence. The state-of-the-art machinery is exquisite and the whole atmosphere of the King’s Road store paired with the brilliant advice from the sales assistants makes for a pleasant - even fun - experience. auerbach-steele.com
Colour WATCH
AUTUMN TRENDS Sludgy shades and varied textures make up the new looks for autumn. Mix bright colours with natural materials and some fluffy comforts for a contemporary and comfortable look.
