LAURA

Welcome to our SOPHIE Summer muse series where we connect with creative women who inspire us. 

Next in our series is Laura Mohi, founder of Wild Pilates. We caught up with Laura to hear about her summer. x 

Hi Laura, what were you up to this Summer?
This Summer, my partner Liam and I had Christmas in Mount Maunganui and then a relaxing week in Hawkes Bay with my friends and family. This year was all about winding down after a big year in two very special places. 

What are your favourite ways to incorporate movement over the holiday period?
I love being outdoors so over Summer I increase my walks; in these beautiful locations it's so easy to start the day with a walk along the beach or up Te Mata peak. Every year I also put together a Wild Pilates holiday category with new Pilates workouts all under 20 minutes - I do one of those sessions most days. 

Are there any places or landscapes that inspire you to move and connect with nature during Summer?
I'm a true beach girl. I love the ocean, the sand, all of it. I spend a lot of time on the beach in the Summer—reading, walking the dog, swimming and watching Liam surf. You’ll also notice the majority of our workouts are filmed on beaches throughout NZ. 

As someone who is teaching and practising pilates daily, what sort of jewellery or accessories do you reach for?
The Little Letter necklace is so perfect for everyday wear, and it is such a beautiful addition to my activewear. I don't get to dress up for work (not that i'm complaining about wearing activewear all day) but it's so nice to have a little something to elevate every look. It also doesn't get in the way like other jewellery when I'm filming Pilates. 

What are your top three items for a day spent outdoors?
I have my Summer essentials sorted—I always have a beautiful beach rug that I take with me everywhere for picnics or relaxing on the beach. A hat is a staple of course - my Sophie So Shady hat is a much better option than a cap, and a drink bottle with cold water is so essential. As a bonus I love having my Kindle in my bag to help me relax and stay off my phone.

TESSA

Welcome to our SOPHIE Summer muse series where we connect with creative women who inspire us. 

Next in our series is writer, magazine editor and masters student, Tessa Patrick. 

We asked Tessa about summer & summer dressing. Read her words below. x 

"For me, summer months have always meant a retreat from the city. It’s a ritualistic experience at home in the South Island, plunging into the fresh and open ocean, and long and languid nights are spent eating and drinking with family and friends. Throughout these months, my wardrobe almost feels like escapism. I look for long skirts and soft silhouettes that are easy to slip on over swimwear, taking me from the beach to the bar, and everywhere in between. And I let my hazy days steer me away from the blacks and greys and denims I rely on throughout the year; white lends a certain sense of whimsy for the summer months.

When I think about seasonal accessories, they must serve a purpose, but they also need to be fun, too—it’s a delicate balance of form and function. A slender silver stacker earring is durable and endlessly chic for all occasions, and the likelihood of it disappearing on an ocean swim is next to none. And then a cute hat is always necessary too; I lather myself in SPF, but you can never be too careful. Fun patterns and textures like crochet lend a certain carefree charm to any look, but the neutral colours have earned this new summer favourite hat a permanent place in my closet.

Beyond trends and fleeting moments, I think summer fashion should serve a purpose—it should encourage you to live each moment as you intended it. That's what I’ve been doing with my favourite Sophie pieces this summer." 

EMILY

Welcome to our SOPHIE Summer muse series where we connect with creative women who inspire us. 

Next in our series is food, culture and travel content creator Emily O'Halloran.  

We asked Emily what summer means to her. Read her reply below. x 

"As soon as the sun is shining and the skies are blue, the cravings hit like a wave. For most people, summer is all about sun, sand and sea. That's true for me, too. But you'll also catch me daydreaming about snacks, citrus and salt. Fresh fruit, a crisp glass of tonic with a wedge of lemon (gin optional, but encouraged), and a big bowl of something crunchy (the 'when you start, you can stop' kind). This trio tiggers an immediate feeling of relaxation. I'd liken the feeling of diving into the ocean, feeling the salt water wash over you, to sinking into a bean bag with a tall glass of something refreshing. Not only delicious and moreish, these moments also clear space to soak in the year that's been, reflect, relax (like, actually relax), breathe deeper, find clarity, and look forward. Perfect alone, even better if shared with good company. Ocean, chips, salty hair, salty fingers - it doesn't get better than that."

Ophelia 

Welcome to our SOPHIE Summer muse series where we connect with creative women who inspire us. 

Next in our series is artist, photographer, creative & mumma, Ophelia Jones. 

Read our conversation with Ophelia below. x 

Christina

Welcome to our SOPHIE Summer muse series where we connect with creative women who inspire us. 

First in our series is creative, writer, content creator & mumma to one gorgeous boy, Christina Macpherson.

Read our conversation with Christina below. x 

- 

Hi Christina, welcome! We’d love to know a bit about you—and where in the world are you right now?
Kia Ora! I'm a creative who works on producing content, copy-writing, and campaigns for brands and businesses. I've just returned home to Byron Bay (Bangalow), Australia after a 3 month stint, travelling overseas with my beautiful family.

We adore your candid approach to family life and travel. Could you share some of the memorable highs and lows?
We are incredibly privileged to be able to live how we live and do what we do so I'm hesitant to share any lows but for sure there's a couple. Working together whilst parenting and on the road can definitely be tricky and we need to choose our moments to work so that our son doesn't suffer. New neighbourhoods, new playgrounds and different languages can be a little confusing to a 2.5 year old who's just trying to figure it out. But the highs are so much higher: seeing our son interact and learn from different people from different cultures is incredible. People say he won't remember these trips (and he probably won't), but I'm sure these adventures bring something positive to him in ways we can't even understand.

You've recently travelled through Europe and Bali! Any highlights from the journey or must-add spots for our European summer wishlist?
Cadaques is a town over the mountains along the Costa Brava in Spain. I don't want to tell you anything about it, just go. 

Effortless, everyday wear is at the heart of SOPHIE. Do you have any tips for easy, stylish vacation dressing?
I think comfort equals confidence and is a huge part of feeling and looking effortless. If you love the piece you're wearing, and it feels good to move in; you're already there.  

Lastly, what are your three travel essentials?
Pieces that can be layered and don't crinkle, comfy shoes, and a very good book. 

Christina wears our I'm Ready Skirt in Mist & our So Relaxed Hat in Natural. Shop her look here.