It’s clear from looking out the window or walking through the park that there has been an influx of cyclists within the last few months as people embrace a more active lifestyle. This being a result of gyms closing and public transport limited. Whether you’re cycling for fitness, pleasure or commuting, it’s important to know how to stay safe out on a bike and why cycling is a fun alternative to running or walking.

Voir has spoken to Mildred Locke, cyclist and volunteer bike mechanic on her opinions surrounding the subject. We asked Mildred why she thinks cycling has increased in popularity during lockdown; she believes it’s because ‘it offers independence as you can go anywhere under your own steam, also covering a lot more distance than if you’re walking or running’. She continues, acknowledging that ‘it’s the most efficient way to move as it requires less energy for the amount of distance travelled, and it’s a low-impact sport so it won’t cause as many injuries as running can’. Mildred also emphasises that with cycling, you’re less reliant on public transport and cars, which is better for the environment.

If you’re anything like me, you probably haven’t ridden a bike since you were little. Our first bikes were likely to be bright pink with sparkly tassels on the handlebars, only riding them on the pavement outside our homes under the watchful eyes of our parents. So, we asked Mildred on advice for picking out a bike as a beginner. She advises to choose a bike depending on the use for it, such as a Dutch-style ‘sit-up-and-beg’ bike if you’re riding through flat terrain- these bikes are more comfortable and simpler to use and usually have one gear/speed which requires very little maintenance. This vintage style bike is perfect for gentle and graceful riding. Mildred encourages the use of a hybrid bike with multiple gears if you’ll be riding up and down hills regularly, as these climb easily. She also recommends against riding a mountain bike for commuting and fitness because they’re heavy and sluggish- a hybrid bike is more suited for the job.

While cycling should be a fun activity, it’s crucial to stay safe and respect others when out riding. Mildred explains that when cycling on the road, you must follow the highway code- including no dangerous riding and no running red lights. It is also important to avoid cycling on pavements unless it is marked safe to do so. A key point when cycling is to stay alert. Proper accessories are also important in staying safe, even if you’re doing a short commute to work.

Mildred explains that decent lights, white for the front and red for the black are crucial, as well as a good quality lock to prevent theft when locking up your bike. She also states that some emergency supplies such as a puncture repair kit and multi-tool are important. While there are no laws in regard to what cyclists must wear, a helmet is encouraged. For further information on cycling accessories, check out bikeradar.com.

As long as you obey the rules of the road, stay alert to the things around you, communicate with others and feel confident within yourself, driving anywhere-city or rural areas, is completely safe. Mildred’s advice includes growing a thick skin because no matter how sensibly you behave while cycling, you will always encounter someone who doesn’t want to share to the road with you.

Words by Camila Karalyte

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post Everything You Need to Know About Cycling Around London Safely appeared first on Voir Fashion.

It is now 2020 and the word ‘restriction’ isn’t something we women with an independent nature deal well with. We don’t need no man holding us down, much like we don’t need no gym membership holding us down. Voir fashion is partnering with Auro, the genius app on a mission to improve your self-confidence (and booty).

The app offers Over 400+ workouts for all fitness levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced), from HIIT and spin to yoga and stretches. The workouts, designed to be done at home, in the gym or even outdoors. It’s the ‘friends with benefits’ of fitness; all the motivation without the strings attached.

We’ve got Janine George (@missjaninegeorge), group exercise instructor, personal trainer and the woman behind the voice on many of the workouts on Auro to spill the ‘T’ on booties, cheat days, and the fridge contents that give you abs you could grate cheese on.

1). What made you get into fitness?

I’ve always been doing something active, from the age of three I’ve been a gymnast, a swimmer, involved in athletics. I’ve always visited the gym after work to get my dose of fitness as a stress reliever. It made me feel good about myself and I was pleased with the results, so professionally it just made sense.

2). What is in your fridge right now?

At the moment I have celery, hummus (such a great snack!), oat milk, almond milk, lemons and dates; that keeps me going.

3). Cheat days? What’s your opinion?

Cheat days are VERY necessary. We go through a lot of stress throughout the week, it’s nice to be human again for a day or two.

4). What do you eat on your cheat days?

I like to eat pizzas; I’m currently opting for vegan pizzas these days. What I would suggest when you have a cheat day is to try not to go crazy with what your consuming and try and stick within the realm of the calorie intake that you’re supposed to be consuming on that particular day.

5). How long does it take to build a perfect booty?

I would say at least two months after starting a glute programme, you’ll start to feel your glutes firing up very hard during all the types of exercise that you perform. Definitely leave room aside for twelve weeks as a baseline to get accustomed to the programme your trainer has provided you with.

7). Is there a certain food that will assist you to reach your goal faster?

Always make sure your food has nutritional value. Make sure it has the micronutrients, the macronutrients, the fats the carbs, the vitamins the minerals. You want to make sure that you are consuming enough calories with your workload, that it’s nutritional and it’s fuelling your work out and obviously your recoveries also.

8). Are there different exercises for the different areas of the booty?

Yes! You can focus on glute dominant exercises. There are exercises that are more quad dominant like squats, hip dominant which would be your deadlifts, straight leg hip dominant which would be a cable kickback, more hamstring dominant which would be a hamstring curl (hamstring curls are so great).

9). Do the exercises differ depending on the body type?

Yes, there are three main body types; ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph. The ectomorph needs to focus more on calorie intake, resting for longer periods. You need to minimise your cardio because you tend to have a body type that is very slim and lean, so you really want to be consuming more calories and focusing on building strength. The mesomorph is in the middle, they’re more athletic and can gain muscle easily, so you might want to target a particular area twice or three times a week. The endomorph has a slow metabolism, giving a slighter ‘softer’ figure. They may want to be focusing on more high intensity or longer distance training and more cardio. By all means, every single one of those body types will benefit from strength-based training.

10). Do different exercises give you different results?

Strength training will help you to burn calories a lot quicker and burn body fat. I wouldn’t worry so much about checking the scales because muscle weighs more than fat. Really start looking at yourself in the mirror and see how your body is adapting and changing throughout the process.

11). Is there anything that can hinder the results of working out

Definitely your nutrition and level of consistency you are putting into your work and the discipline. If you have been given a programme and your trainer has said stick to it, there is a reason why they have given you that programme, so if you decide to have 3 cheat days, the scales are not going to go the way we want them to go.

12). Is it true that squats are the ultimate booty work out?

No, the hip thrusters are the best for targeting your glutes. As you rise up you’ve got better contraction there and they work more effectively.

So, there you have it, a fridge full of hummus and an exercise routine full of hip thrusts, what are you waiting for!

Auro have created 5 workouts (especially for us), to firm up those stubborn problem areas and plump up that booty. Head over to the Auro website to start your 14-day free trial today.

Interview and words by Ella Winfield

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post Booties and Cheat Days: Voir Teams up With Auro to Give You the Fitness Low-Down appeared first on Voir Fashion.

We’ve put together a list of our hottest influencers that are giving us LIFE on a global stage.

Bonnie Strange

Bonne Strange aka. Jana Weilert brings the edge to Instagram. The 32-year-old Russian bombshell really does spice up your life. Her impeccable beauty mixed with vintage style brings us vibes like no other. If you feel like your feed is missing something you should definitely give her a follow.

@bonniestrange

Emma Louise Connolly

This British model is really kicking up a storm. From modeling for the likes of Rimmel London to designing a collection with Nasty Gal, Emma Louise Connolly is one to watch going through into 2019. With her recent engement to Made in Chelsea star Oliver Proudlock, her feed is guaranteed to inspire your life goals.

@emmalouiseconnolly

Gabrielle Grace Epstein

Just because you’re made in Australia doesn’t mean you have to stay there and Gabrielle Epstein certainly proves that. Her effortless style and endless string of holidays provides lifestyle, fashion and travel inspo. Gabby is definitely one to follow to get you through those cold winter months and we guarantee you’ll want to be her new best friend.

@gabbyepstein

Tiger Lilly

As a self-entitled festival fairy, girl boss and adventure seeker Tiger Lilly brings the colourful vibes I never knew I needed. With a successful festival clothing brand under her belt as well as a partnership with the Gypsy Shrine there is no stopping this entrepreneur from doing whatever she puts her mind to. We just wish we had her wardrobe.

@tigerlilly

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It is important that we communicate a unique brand of fashion, beauty, trends and lifestyle to you on a regular basis, all we ask is that you share our content, and subscribe to receive even more exciting updates and competitions directly to your inbox.

The post Doing It For The ‘Gram: Influencer-style appeared first on Voir Fashion.

We can think of nothing better than sitting by the pool, sipping an Island Passion cocktail, feeling sexy in a brand-new swimming costume as you set pulses racing across the summer.

Last week Spring Summer ’19 served up designers Aqua Blu Australia, TJ Swim and VDM the Label all showing us what they have to offer, and it did not disappoint.

VDM the Label

VDM the Label took us all the way back to the ‘90s with chunky trainers, scrunchies and sports stripes, setting the tone for SS19. Key accessories included clear visors, micro sunglasses and coin necklaces.

Joel Alvarez

For the truly among you, you could always nip down to your local hardware store and purchase a bulk of electrical tape like designer Joel Alvarez. The self-proclaimed ‘King of tape’ is a leading influencer in the body art game and surprised the Miami Swim audience with his innovative designs. By mixing a variety of colours and patterns, the designer plays with the female form in amazing ways. Who knew electrical tape could be so evocative?

Visit @blacktapeproject on Instagram for more of Alvarez’ incredible work.

Thank you for engaging with Voir Fashion Digital.

It is important that we communicate a unique brand of fashion, beauty, trends and lifestyle to you on a regular basis, all we ask is that you share our content, and subscribe to receive even more exciting updates and competitions directly to your inbox.

The post Madness in Miami: Diving into Swimwear 2019 appeared first on Voir Fashion.

The new Highlighting Bronzing Collection contains the Bord De Plage Palette that hold four opalescent tones that work with the skin to create a effortless glow due to the palettes two light-diffusing bronzers thats adds a natural yet amplified glow.

The collection also features three Velvet Shadow Sticks in shimmering taupe, brown and nude pink. These shadow sticks help to blend and add a burnished dimension to the eyes, great for a subtle summer look.

Collection: £45.00/€45.00

Also introducing the limited edition NARS Floral Redux Collection. “In season. Out of focus.” A palette and set for all with a vast array of flattering shades that help to brighten up your look.

The collection includes the Tribulation Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set and the Mustang Velvet Matte Lip Pencil Set. In neutral and rouge shade lip pencils that gives a velvety matte finish, long lasting and helps to keep lips looking fresh and enriched due to its non-drying formula. With both sets coming with limited edition travel cases.

Lip Pencils: £45.00/€45.00

The Fox Dancer Mini Multiples Coffret features four shades that reflect on François Nars’ iconic innovation, a multi-purpose stick that creates an instant afterglow for eyes cheeks, and lips. It’s uniquely creamy formula and sheer colour blends effortlessly, perfect for contouring with colour.

Mini Multiples: £25.00/€25.00

And finally the exclusive cheek palette that features four new blushes that also includes an iconic highlighting blush and bronzing power. This palette will make your cheeks pop with luminous depth and multiple dimensions.

Cheek Palette: £45.00/€45.00

The post Exclusive: New NARS Summer Launch appeared first on Voir Fashion.