Sweat The Crew
Surfin’ USA With Aleali May

SweatTheStyle_AlealiMay_SweatCrew-20They say it’s not where you’re from it’s where you’re at. They also say you can’t go home again. But for Aleali May they’re one in the same. One of the most original girls taking street fashion digital, her unique sense of style has garnered not only the attention of the Internet but also the street. If this all sounds a bit confusing, it shouldn’t. The youth have always found new ways to express themselves and Aleali is no exception. From the front rows of fashion shows to the style guides on her namesake AlealiMay.com, this new breed of creative is riding some giant waves.SweatTheStyle_AlealiMay_SweatCrew-14We took to the streets of downtown Los Angeles with the young beauty for a better look into her routine. Always on the move, Aleali exemplifies what it means to be forward in a city that is traditionally known for its laid backness…

Where are you from?
I was born in LA, went to high school in Colorado because my dad was in the army, lived in Chicago for my college years, and now back home. Traveling to me is everything! Learning about other cultures, traditions, history, and people is amazing. Travel channel is how I started seeing the world before actually traveling. And now I’m blessed to see the same places I once watched on screen.

Why did you come back to Los Angeles?
Chicago was an amazing city to be in! But way too cold for me. To add, I just felt like coming home would be the best decision for my career. But I had to leave in order to appreciate my city and gained a whole lot of experience in the meantime.

It feels like Los Angeles is having a real moment right now in food, fashion, art and overall culture. Do you have any insight into that?
Los Angeles is definitely having its shine right now. Especially in fashion, runway shows taking place with major fashion houses is so new to the land. I love that people are starting to see the hidden values. I’m excited to see what it will be like in 5 years.SweatTheStyle_AlealiMay_SweatCrew-4A lot of people are buzzing about the new “youth wave,” and putting you in that category. Could you explain the importance of young people changing the landscape of culture and the prevalence of online community?
We must invest in the youth in order to create a better tomorrow. And that’s in fashion, in education, in all aspects of life. Even when we expand online, that’s spreading our culture, that’s investing in the youth just by existing. As Dzogchen Ponlop says,
“Who we are is shaped by our culture, and who we are is what changes it.”

In the past so many cultural and counter-cultural movements started or blossomed in New York City from hip-hop to street art. Do you feel that is still the case or has the Internet changed the importance of geographical location?
Everything goes in waves, LA then NY then back to LA and then NY again. I believe It’s a part of the natural cycle of waves (lol!).SweatTheStyle_AlealiMay_SweatCrew-8As a young creative do you think geographical location is as important as it used to be with the power of social media and the Internet?
Living in a bigger city always guaranteed a bigger network, but social media and the Internet are changing that perspective everyday. Everyday the Internet grows, and you can shine light on anyone with the touch of a button, “post.”

Do you feel a sense of support as a young creative in the Los Angeles community: Fairfax, Silver Lake or downtown arts district?
No doubt! Love the community, the community loves back!
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American kids used to hang at record stores, concerts, and skate parks. It seems now they are hanging out a lot more in line-ups to buy gear. Do you have any insight into how American kids have taken on a more Japanese approach to lifestyle, fashion, and young hustle?
Prices of so many hyped items are high. I respect young kids learning the hustle. I think it’s not only Japanese and American culture but everywhere. People see the demand for a product and they either think about buying it for themselves or flipping it. Both ways are profitable, just depends on the person.

How do you incorporate your environment into your style?
I like to wear staples of the city. For example, I’ll post Vans for my California natives or Jordan’s for the time I lived in Chicago and gained a bigger understanding of the shoes. Wherever I am, I stay open to the culture and incorporate that in my style.SweatTheStyle_AlealiMay_SweatCrew-6You’re creating a lot of original content on the regular. Can you talk a bit about what it means to be a content creator in 2015 with the Internet and social media. Does any of this make sense to your parents?
My parents never understood any of this, but they accept what I’m doing. Everyday of creating content is a new day of learning about the Internet, social media, and life in 2015. Create what you feel and show others by executing that idea through the work, as it’s always been.SweatTheStyle_AlealiMay_SweatCrew-5How do you balance your job (paying gigs) with creating personal material that presents your unique perspective and means something to you?
That’s easy, only work on things you truly have a heart for. Focus on passion and the money follows.

Where would you like to see your personal brand going in the next few years?
Hmmm, farther and stronger than where it is today.
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Do you find it hard to maintain a healthy active lifestyle in Los Angeles or is it easier because of the weather?
It’s definitely easier because of the weather. Less days cooped up inside, and more days to enjoy being outside.SweatTheStyle_AlealiMay_SweatCrew-2

 Tell us about your day to day regime?
“No two days are alike, except for the 1st and 15th, pretty much.” – Jay Z

What are your favorite ways to stay healthy and active in Los Angeles?
Taking walks around the neighborhood, practicing breathing, and doing some stretches inside or outside.

What are some of the places you go to maintain a healthy lifestyle in Los Angeles?
Yoga Studio, Runyon Canyon, and the beach.
SweatTheStyle_AlealiMay_SweatCrewHow many times a week do you sweat?
At least 2-3.

Where’s your favorite place to sweat?
Outdoors.
SweatTheStyle_AlealiMay_SweatCrew-7What kind of music do you sweat to?
Trap music: I love Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Future, Chief Keef, the list goes on… And never leaving out Jay Z.

Where’s your favorite place to eat?
Sugarfish Sushi and Whole Foods.

What are your favorite places to shop?
H Lorenzo, 424 on Fairfax, RSVP Gallery, Undefeated, ACNE Studios, and Net-A-Porter.

How would you describe your personal style?
Street style meets lux.

Has coming from Los Angeles and living there effected the way you dress?
I think wherever you live has a say on how you dress. Before I moved to Chicago I wore lots of color. When I was preparing to come back to LA, my wardrobe was mostly black. I think wherever you live you naturally gain the city’s lifestyle and certain traits of it. LA is nice, warm, fun which leads to colors. Chicago is brick cold which leads to darker tones, adding more grunge and edge. Although I still rock Vans and Chuck Taylor’s in any city.SweatTheStyle_AlealiMay_SweatCrew-9

Allen Park

You have such a unique personal style, the way you blend streetwear, activewear, and high fashion. Could you talk a bit about that?
It’s never forced for me. I grew up looking up to Pharrell, Nigo, Kanye, Yoon from Ambush, M.I.A and many alike. But I also grew up in South Central, LA, where Jordan’s weren’t something that Hypebeast fan over, Jordan had every hood in every city on lock. At the same time, being a girl and wanting to have an immaculate closet of clothes was always a dream, heels included lol! This is just a mix of how I started, where I’m from, who I’m influenced by but who I’m evolving to.

What are your favorite things to do on your days off?
Meditation, hang with friends, museums and trying out new foods.

What’s your advice for young people wanting to break into the fashion industry and follow in your footsteps?
You have much more to work with as far as social platforms and you should definitely take advantage of that! Stay hungry and be willing to learn.

Any tips or tricks you’ve learned to incorporate being healthy and active into your busy lifestyle?
It’s all a mind game for me. A habit you have to practice in order to break. I have to remind myself that I am what I eat.

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Beauty, Food & Drink
Alter Eco Deep Dark Sea Salt Organic Chocolate

SweatTheStyle_AlterEgo_ChocolateI’m in love with the coco… sweet and salty treat! Deep Dark Sea Salt Organic Chocolate from Alter Eco has one of the best flavor combinations. Made with high quality Ecuadorian cocoa and hand harvested sea salt all the ingredients are non-GMO, vegan, contain no artificial flavors, and are fair trade. I love ending a savory meal with something sweet and this is a fantastic option. To top that off Alter Eco’s packaging is eco friendly and recyclable so you’re not creating junk for the earth or consuming junk for your body.

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Fitness
On The Run

AdrianneHo_Supreme_LeopardHoodie-1After a long day of working whether it’s shooting, meetings, or being on set, sometimes the last thing you feel like doing is going for a run. It’s in those moments that it’s important to try to push. You may not run the farthest or fastest those days but just getting a quick sweat helps center yourself, decompress and prepare for tomorrow’s journey… You won’t regret it.

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Fitness
Battle Ropes

AdrianneHo_BattleRopes-6We all should be familiar with jumping rope but it’s time to get another, more extreme rope exercise into your routine: battle ropes. Just as the name implies getting through these movements will be a fight but the benefits are worth it! You strengthen your arms, abs, shoulders, and engage legs while getting a killer conditioning workout. You can also burn up to 10 calories a minute if done right!
AdrianneHo_BattleRopes-4AdrianneHo_BattleRopes-5While standing in a squat, face the anchor of the ropes holding one in each arm. Raise one arm to shoulder level and then quickly lower back to start, raising the other arm to shoulder level as you do so. Continue alternating as rapidly as possible without losing form. When you’re doing this right the rope should take the shape of waves moving rapidly. Go as fast as you can for 30 seconds and rest for 30 seconds. Repeat 4 times. It’s hard to for long periods of time but you can get the best results by coming back to them frequently during your workout.

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Sweat The Crew
Emily Oberg And The City

SweatTheStyle_EmilyOberg_9They say everyone should live in New York City once. The birthplace of the most culturally important movements of our generation, the amount of creators that have walked, painted, skated, pounded and run its streets is both daunting and impressive. But the island can be a crowded lonely place. New York City is a test for most… Not easily passed. Magnetic, electric, alluring, and merciless. What was once a creative’s playground is ever-evolving and changing with the times. The OGs reminisce about the old New York. The new generation wonder what they missed. Hence the cycle that is culture and inevitably life. But nostalgia is for yesterday. The youth will always rise up and find a way to break through.

With the explosion of the digital age, the Internet and social media being the most prevalent tool in youth culture history, we took a stroll through the city streets with one of New York City’s newest personalities, Emily Oberg to get a taste of the new New York as well as sweat some style.

SweatTheStyle_EmilyOberg_47Emily Oberg represents the new generation of Sweat The Style girls that think and live just a little different than New York newbies of the past. More into lunar soles than stiletto heels and rising early for a sweat than chasing the night away. Getting a green juice at Summers, plant shopping at Sprout Home, and checking out some furniture at Two Jakes; the Canadian spoke with us about how she stays healthy and active in one of the busiest cities in the world. While overcoming new challenges of being new to the new New York and what it takes to shine in the brightest city in the world.

SweatTheStyle_EmilyOberg_23Where were you born?
Calgary.

Where did you live before you moved to New York City?
Vancouver for about 2 years.

Why did you move to New York City?
I got a job offer and I always wanted to live here, so it worked out perfectly.

Once you arrived was it what you imagined it to be?
No it wasn’t, I was actually quite lonely and sad when I first got here. I guess because I had just left everything I know. New York was so unfamiliar in a lot of ways, but I had dreamt of it forever so I was also overjoyed to be here. People were not as nice as I imagined them to be, and the city was huge. It was overwhelming but I enjoyed it all and I never second guessed coming here.

Was it difficult to get acclimated?
It took me some time to find my way around, even still I get lost sometimes! New York is huge, and I’m often alone so I can’t rely on someone else to know where I’m going. People in Canada are so nice and it’s so the opposite here, which is why I’ve reinforced the idea of “Being Nice is Cool” so much. I never want to lose that niceness about myself. The lifestyle is also very different, always on the go and always something to do or be done. But I try to lay low and I enjoy staying home, I should really explore more though!

What are the differences in the mystique and the reality of living in New York City day to day?
People probably think it’s glamorous and you’re always going somewhere fancy but it’s not like that, not my life at least. It’s a lot of working and a lot of commuting. It’s also really hard to meet people, unless you can offer someone something they really don’t care to have anything to do with you.

As a young creative professional do you think being in New York City is as important as it once was now that the Internet and social media have become so dominant?
I don’t think so because it’s so easy to be connected because of technology. But, it can only go so far. There are some things you just need to be in New York for. It depends on what job you want really, everything will always be in New York and it will always be the centre of the world and the centre of fashion/music/art. There are other places to explore but you must come here at some point during your life. If you want to get into any of those worlds. Make your connections, establish yourself here, and then move on.

Do you feel a sense of support as a young creative in the New York City community?
My very close friends support me and I get a ton of support from people online who don’t even know me. But the majority of everyone else doesn’t really support each other. People are so selfish and insecure that they aren’t happy for each other’s success. They don’t understand that the world is so big there is room for everyone. Because they are so small and narrow minded, they are so self-involved and they think the world revolves around them and no one else can have a piece. Competition is healthy but we all need to support each other. It’s sad and it sucks, but people like that will only go so far. So you have to make peace with that and only deal with the people who are truly down for you.

In the past so many cultural and counter-cultural movements started or blossomed in New York City from hip-hop to street art. Do you feel that is still the case or has the Internet changed the importance of geographical location?
I feel like New York is no longer the centre for that, and that other parts of the world are becoming much more interesting. Maybe it’s because I live here… but I just think that New York has gotten so big it’s pushed all of the super talented people out and they’ve found a home somewhere else. Europe is really having a moment, so is LA. New York has become so overexposed that the real, interesting art isn’t here anymore.SweatTheStyle_EmilyOberg_30

Do you find it hard to maintain a healthy active lifestyle in one of the busiest cities in the world?
At first it was hard, but I’ve learned how to. Things are so convenient in New York. A healthy meal is so easy to find, and you’re constantly walking so you’re getting some form of excercise everyday. Also, there are gyms everywhere and great places to run, so living here makes it fun to be active.

Tell us about your daily regime?
I get up at about 6:45 and leave my house by 7 to make a 7:30 morning class. I take different classes to mix it up, but they all focus on cardio, strength endurance and toning. After that, I’ll go to the steam room and shower and get ready, I love getting ready at Equinox it’s so luxe haha. Then, I’ll go to our cafeteria at work and get egg whites with toast or sweet potatoes and a side of peanut butter for some protein. I’ll get to work around 9:30 and check the internet for any music or style news, I’ll see if a new album or tape dropped and then I’ll listen to that all day. I’ll write my first story and tape it, do a second and then I’ll get lunch with friends. Chopt is usually the place I go to everyday. I’ll come back and work on another story and shoot it, then I’m done with News videos. If I have time, I’ll work on other projects and then I’ll go to the gym again, I usually do a cycling class in the evening because mornings focus on muscle training. I’ll go home and make a salad and then go to bed.

What are some of your favorite spots to maintain a healthy lifestyle in New York City?
Equinox and Soul Cycle 4-5 days a week twice a day. I love Juice Generation. I also love Chopt for the salads and Sweet Green! Easy, quick and healthy meals that you never get sick of eating.

What kind of music do you sweat to?
I like rap or house music. Sometimes R&B but it has to be really up tempo.

What are your favorite places to dine when you have a bit more time?
Cafe Mogador, it’s so simple and healthy, I take everyone from out of town there. I also love Samurai Mama for udon and sushi. Mr Chow is great luxe Chinese food. And I also love Diner for their burger.

What are your favorite places to shop?
I don’t shop much. I have a few of the same pieces of things that I love and I just rotate those. But I do love Maryam Nasir Zadeh, Creatures of Comfort, Aritzia, Modells for basics, Stella Dallas for vintage Levis, and Dover Street Market of course!

How would you describe your personal style?
Sporty & Rich! A mix between athletic wear and luxury. I love minimalism, and I love solid colors. Phoebe Philo (Celine’s creative director) is my biggest style muse, she nails it every time. Lady-like with a nice pair of trousers or a dress shirt, while also keeping it young with sneakers or a high pony tail.SweatTheStyle_EmilyOberg_33

Has New York City affected the way you dress?
Definitely, I am much more laid back. My style has also become more athletic than it was because you need to be comfortable here or your day is just ruined. You walk around so much, the weather changes constantly, so being comfy is a must. I also work so much that I’m not able to take a lot of time to get dressed, so having a solid uniform makes getting dressed easier.

What are your favorite things to do on your days off?
I love to just stay home and stay in bed all day long. I work, but I do it leisurely and I take breaks in between. I’ll listen to music really loudly all day long, and the light is so nice in my room that I don’t even want to go outside. I start my day by going to get a juice or something healthy to eat, and then I’ll get some work done, I always have a lot of side projects going, so weekends are for that. Since it’s gotten warmer, I have been riding on my friend’s motorcycle which is one of my favorite things to do! I’ll go for dinner with friends to somewhere in my neighborhood and I’ll go home and go to bed early when everyone else goes out, I really don’t enjoy being out and I never have a fear of missing out so, I just don’t ever go!SweatTheStyle_EmilyOberg_20

What’s your advice for young girls moving to New York City for school or work that aspire to follow in your footsteps?
I would say just figure out what you’re good at and what you have a talent for, and go hard with that. Also, since social media is so important and a big part of how I got to where I am, try to develop a presence on it. Be selective and careful of how you choose to showcase yourself but also be expressive and show people what your aesthetic and taste is. They’ll gravitate toward you because of it.SweatTheStyle_EmilyOberg_8

Alexandra Gavillet

Any tips or tricks you’ve learned to incorporate being healthy and active into your busy lifestyle?
Going to the gym early, because sometimes your days are so busy and you get exhausted or something comes up and you might not be able to go later on. So to get it over with is the best thing to do. Also, eating small meals throughout the day and snacking so you don’t over indulge when you do have time to have a meal. I would also say doing a juice cleanse every few months just to reset your system and get some vitamins into your body quickly. Plus they make your skin look amazing almost instantly. I would also say that it helps to prioritize your health before anything else. It’s hard, but it needs to come before your work and before your social life. That takes practice, but once you have it down, it just becomes habit and a part of who you are.

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Sweat The Crew
Rima Vaidila

SweatTheStyle_RimaVaidila_11SweatTheStyle_RimaVaidila_1SweatTheStyle_RimaVaidila_6SweatTheStyle_RimaVaidila_7SweatTheStyle_RimaVaidila_3Sweat The Style girl model and style blogger Rima Vaidila is the definition of understated cool. Whether she’s shooting on location, styling on set, or blogging at a cafe she always finds time to get a workout in. The Toronto native runs the day in Los Angeles wearing Sweat x Sweat The Style low impact sports bra and Sweat x Sweat The Style box logo standard tights with multi-color Nike flyknits. The young beauty brings along a black leather jacket to throw on after training for a simple way to take her look from sweat to street real quick.

Who do you sweat?
Myself.
What do you sweat?
A long day.
Where do you sweat?
Equinox and the beach.
When do you sweat?
Evenings, 6 days a week.
How do you sweat?
Run and row with the occasional Pilates/Yoga class thrown in.
Why do you sweat?
To run farther than the day before.

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Nicholas Maggio

Run with Rima on her site Fire On The Head and instagram.

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Health & Wellness
Acai Power

SweatTheStyle_AcaiPowder Thousands of years ago, Brazilian natives worshiped the healing properties of a dark purple berry indigenous to the rain forests of the Amazon. That berry is the hard-to-pronounce acai (ah-sah-EE) berry which grows on the acai palm trees found throughout northern South America. Thousands of year later, the rest of the world has finally caught on to this superfood superfruit and now it’s everywhere—in health drinks, in protein bars and most popularly as a powder formed from ground freeze-dried berries.
But what is it about acai berries that has the nutrition world in such a frenzy?
Acai berries are one of the richest sources of antioxidants in the world – even beating out the highly acclaimed blueberry! Among acai’s many antioxidants is one particular nutritional powerhouse called anthocyanin. Commonly found in fruits rich in red and purple colors, anthocyanins have been shown to strengthen cardiovascular heath, boost immunity, rev energy and prevent premature aging (the Brazilians consider the Acai berry a “beauty berry”). And acai berries have more anthocyanins than any other food! In fact, acai’s ORAC level (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is over 3500—hundreds of times higher than your average berry.
Beyond antioxidants, acai berries also pack more protein per weight than almost any other fruit with nearly 8% of it’s weight coming from amino acids (or 8 grams per 100 gram serving). Acai berries are also rich in Omega fats with nearly 50% of its weight being fat, most of which coming from healthy unsaturated fats such as Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. This makes acai berries an excellent food for improving the look and texture of hair, skin and nails.
I like adding a tsp or two of acai powder into my morning smoothies and juices. If you’re purchasing acai juice, be sure to read the label as many companies have jumped on the acai train and produce acai products with excess sugar and additives (or juices that are mostly water or made from other fruits). Overall I consider this superfood a super add-on to any diet, especially those of you wanting to take your health—and beauty—to the next level.

By: Beata Rydyger BSc RHN, She Lives Clean

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Health & Wellness
Turmeric

SweatTheStyle_turmericThose who cook with turmeric don’t need to be told the benefits of being caught yellow-handed. But for those who aren’t familiar, a refresher is in order. A common ingredient in curry, this stain-inducing golden spice has been a culinary staple of many cultures for thousands of years, and for good reason.

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric — and the culprit behind its yellowy pigment — boasts a number of medicinal benefits. In fact, it is considered the wonder spice for combating inflammation. But let’s not give away all its benefits just in this little introduction.

Here are 10 health benefits of turmeric that’ll have you seeing yellow in no time.

1. As mentioned above, turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties are out of this world, working as well as some anti-inflammatory drugs. Those with rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease have noticed significant improvements when including the spice in their diet.
2. Studies have shown that extracts of turmeric contain a number of natural agents that block the formation of neural plaque associated with Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
3. Turmeric is a natural antibacterial agent and antiseptic, useful in disinfecting cuts, scrapes and even bug bites.
4. When combined with cauliflower, turmeric can lower risk of prostate cancer.
5. Regular intake of turmeric may slow signs of ageing and actually extend the average lifespan.
6. Turmeric may delay liver damage and boost detoxification.
7. A powerful anti-fungal and anti-parasitic agent, turmeric can be used to treat yeast and parasite overgrowth.
8. Turmeric paste is an excellent home remedy for sunburn (it’s actually an active ingredient in many commercial sunscreens).
9. A strong antioxidant, turmeric combats free radical attacks to strengthen the immune system.
10. Turmeric is an insulin moderator and thus may have a positive influence on diabetes control.

So there you have it, 10 health benefits of turmeric. As for the best way to consume turmeric to ensure complete absorption in the digestive tract combine with an oil (such as olive oil) and black pepper. Supplementation may also be beneficial.

By: Beata Rydyger BSc RHN, She Lives Clean

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#hoknows
Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash

SweatTheStyle_Aesop_ReverenceHandWash Another great reason to wash your hands 10 x a day! Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash has an added fine grainy texture of finely milled pumice that softly exfoliates your hands leaving them feeling soft and clean. The blend of botanical extracts leaves the scent of earth, wood, and citrus on skin shortly after washing. The simple classic design of every bottle looks great anywhere!

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