Product ReviewsElements for Mind Body sent over their latest delicious creation. Their newesy compilation is amazing, no surprise! Bossanova beats and undertones of steamy vocals transport you to another place.View the MPG Falll Collection Video here!
MPG Spring 2011 Product Review by Tricia Ptak
Following the awesome performance of the Fall collection in my last review, I was expecting nothing but the best. The rigors of practice and teaching are no problem for these pieces. They are all made with four way stretch, moisture wicking material that is quick dry, easy to care for and durable. The designers at MPG really know how to make clothes fit the function that they are designing for. These collection is functional, gives good coverage and support so you can focus on what you are doing, and not wondering if you are falling out of your clothes. As I use and review MPG items, I find myself wearing them more than any of my other yoga apparel. I love the way the Chic pants fit. They are snug enough at the ankle, so they don't trip you up but they are loose enough to allow for freedom of movement. The material feels lightweight yet durable, and washes well (holds its color and elasticity wash after wash). The lower waistband has a "v" shaped taper in the front that lies at the navel and lands on the transverse abs so it can remind one to contract the lower core. This cute detailing in a contrasting fabric adds to the styling without bulking up the waistline. Super comfy fabric moved with me and stayed feeling fresh even after a sweltering vinyasa yoga practice. These would be great for a Zumba class or Pilates as well. The Eris top has great built in support without bulk and the strap detailing in the back is a functional and stylish detail. No slipping straps here! The wide band at the bottom didn't roll up and helped the top stay in place. I love the fresh turquoise color, it is so perfect for Spring. During inversions and more strenuous asanas, it moved with me and allowed for full range of motion. The Vivid tank top has great coverage while being comfortable. Built in coolmax bra liner keeps the girls in place without bulk so there was no chafing or rubbing arms on the sides of the top. Streamlined styling is classic and timeless, a great piece to build your yoga wardrobe around. The fabric keeps it's shape and color after repeated washings. I can definitely see myself wearing this for a run or bike ride.
I took these clothes for a test drive in a few different scenarios: as a yoga teacher, running errands, and as a yoga student. Review by outfit
Overall comfy and sporty feeling, I felt polished. The bright points on my leg and hip are the reflective spots, wow! They really shine! I wore this as a student to a juicy vinyasa class: The tank felt like sufficient coverage and corset design is sexy and supportive. I noticed an interesting effect caused by seams across ribs and abs. The seams reminded me to contact my uddiyiana banda. They actually kept me mindful of my overall posture as well. Not sure if this is what they were going after but it worked for me. The invisible pocket at side is functional and non-irritating. The pants were comfortable and flattering. I was not sure about the buttons on the front at first, but they posed no discomfort while on my belly in dhanurasana. They are a cute detail that makes the pants look a little dressier. The weight of the fabric feels rich and the cut of the leg has just enough flair to look balanced but not too much that would cause a toe to get caught and trip. Nice wicking, an essential feature for vinyasa practices that are super hot and sweaty. While teaching a class: I received compliments on the color of the tank, the girls loved how the pants had coordinating details in the same color. I was very comfortable teaching in it, felt professional and pretty at the same time. While running errands at grocery store with Porcelain Trek Bonded fleece performance jacket. Turned a few heads, looked sporty, yet put together enough to shop. Love the porcelain color of the jacket, and magenta of the tank together. The Trek jacket has nice fitted arms with thumb holes to keep the jacket tucked into gloves. The fabric is great, not too thick or thin. I wore it on a windy 48(f) degree day with the tank under and was fine. The chest pockets run down the front, the zippers look sporty. Arms have a flash of reflective strip on the seam, cool detail. The back of the jacket dips below the tush for nice coverage and a little extra warmth.
Student: Comments from friends included : "sexy both front and back," "cute and sharp". Mesh panel on the back of knee was very comfy, no binding. Flat waist band is a good idea, mesh detail aided breath ability. The capris have a zippered back pocket. As I flowed through a 75 minute vinyasa, it felt like I was not really wearing pants after a while. Black Fleet performance Racer Back Tank, peek a boo front was a little out of my range. It felt a little "victoria's secret." My MO is a basic athletic tank and a sports bra under, have to say that I am a convert, I love the way this worked with me and my practice! It felt good on, love the arm openings of the tank, absolutely no irritation or chafing. The top stayed in place and wicked away the deluge of sweat. Got compliments on the outfit and Trek jacket together. Running errands and teaching were also great experiences, lots of compliments from my yoga friends. The fun part of doing product reviews is really paying attention to the form, fit and function of the product. These basic considerations really make or break how clothes feel during a practice. I shared some non-yoga clothes horror stories on my yoga gear page.
Tandem Tank and Stance Capri I LOVE this tank, the length is great especially as I am long waisted. The fabric is so soft, breathable and comfortable. I would love all my tops to be made out of this (got lots of hugs, I think they were just trying to feel the fabric! I swear). I love the color, it is such a vivid blue, so fresh. I am ordering a few more. This style runs a little bigger than the others for a medium, the other two tanks were pretty snug. While worn with the capris, it made an adorable outfit that is very functional. The flat waist band, and minimal drawstring tie of the capris gave a smooth profile. The length of the tank kept it from creeping up and rolling during inversions. Excellent wicking and comfort during yet another vinyasa practice. If these clothes can perform this well under these conditions, they will sail through anything else too! Worn as a teacher and running errands, and all day.. Can't take it off. These clothes are functional, fun and sporty. From wash to drier they look great and the material does not fade or lose it's shape. Will post pictures while in some fun poses. Check back soon:)
Yoga Music Review A Swedish band welcomed me to review their soundtrack that they recorded and I was happy to oblige. Their album is called Elements for Yoga and Body Mind Vol 4. Chakra. Their website claims a "warm-up, build-up, take-down, relax flow" throughout a full hour with all songs seamlessly intertwined. I am generally skeptical of pre-made play-lists and cds as they tend to sound generic. I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It was fresh and different. There was just the right amount of ambient music to vocals with the perfect wind down toward savasana. My students loved it, they felt as if the music floated all around them. I enjoyed it because it was different and not too overly primitive, airy or dramatic. It really is balanced, like the yoga that I teach. Now I have to ask them to make a few for the high powered vinyasa classes that we love! Thanks Awa! Update: As a special treat for our yoga family, when you visit their website by clicking on the banner below, use the code "TRICIAYOGA" at checkout for $5.00 off the price of your order.
Return from Product Reviews to Yoga Poses and Beyond home |
