Need some style inspiration? Here's how you can change it up a little whilst being environmentally conscious & comfortable in your own skin using an ILH Robe.
Welcome sweet friends to my first ever blog post! Here you'll find juicy articles on all things ILH Handcrafted including style tips, how to's and making better more conscious consumption choices.
I thought I'd kick things off with an FAQ that I get asked often - how to wear a kimono robe in everyday life? Today, I'll answer that question and give you five easy yet stylish ways to wear an ILH Robe so that you can enjoy your garment for a lifetime.
I'll be using the Japanese word "kimono" here interchangeably throughout this article, however I don't tend to call my robes kimonos. This is because I have a deep respect and admiration for the tradition in which my inspiration comes from. I want to celebrate & appreciate the historical and cultural importance of the kimono, not appropriate it. The ILH Robes collection is my homage to this iconic Japanese tradition, showing how it can be interpreted for a different audience, different lifestyles and different cultures around the world. Indeed, there are many different cultures around the world that have some form of traditional robe dress and one of my favourite things to do is deep dive into the historical dress of different countries and draw inspiration to create new designs for our modern world.
From the soft draping folds of ancient Roman togas & Greek himations, to the exquisite use of colour and damask weavings of the English regency era and onto the ethereal printed silks of the kimono, all of this I find hugely fascinating and brings a sense of great joy to play with incorporating these different clothing diciplines into modern everyday life.
With that being said, let's get onto the 5 Creative Ways to Wear a Kimono Robe!
1: I think the easiest way to wear an ILH Robe is simply this - picture yourself waking up and getting ready for the day. You may be off to work or doing the school run, and you have those precious five minutes in your pyjamas before the rush starts to make your favourite cuppa and take a pause. This moment right here. Slip into your robe, make that tea, gaze out your window and just breathe for a few moments. Mmmm I can hear the sigh of relief already as you prioritise those precious few minutes to yourself.
2: It's the weekend. The weather is fine and dry and you decide to go out for a walk in your local park or woods. Instead of throwing on that dusty old parka that's seen better days, why not throw on some leggings, snuggle into a neutral coloured sweater, lace up your boots with some chunky socks, and put on an ILH Bamboo Lined Robe? Chuck your keys and phone safely into those big deep pockets, get out there and enjoy drinking in the green trees, the smell of the earth beneath you as you feel the comforting weight of the robe on your skin.
3: You've seen your local yoga teacher is now holding meditation circles at your town hall. It's a place for like-minded people to come together, sit in reflection and be guided by the gentle healing tones of mantra, music, perhaps even a singing bowl. It's a little drafty in the old town hall but you know you're going to have a blissful time as you put on your warm ILH Robe, grab your yoga mat and stroll on down there.
4: It's a mundane running errands kinda day. You're going from here to there around town but you want to feel good at the same time! To bring something different, something beautiful into the everyday. You're wearing your favourite high-waisted jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt tucked in. And you know the perfect thing to bring that delicious feminine feeling to the outfit. An ILH Robe with the most beautiful vintage floral print on it. Grab your bag and let's get that list ticked off.
5: The wind is howling, the rain is lashing against your living room window. And you're snuggled up cosy and warm on the sofa in your ILH Robe, reading a book. Perhaps your child is chaotically drawing masterpieces on sheets of a4 on the floor, perhaps you feel the soft rise and fall of your dog/cat's belly as they nap soundly beside you, perhaps you're gently pressed shoulder to shoulder against your love as he's reading his book. Might have a game of scrabble later.
... and there are so many more ways to bring beauty and joy to your life through what you wear. Dinner out with the girls? Going to see that must-see movie at the cinema that everyone's been talking about? Chilling in the garden but there's a whisper of a breeze in the air? I made ILH Robes with this intention - garments that will carry you and love you back through all your seasons in life. Made with care and love.
Well, that's all from me today, my dear! I hope this article has interested you and brought you inspiration to your day wherever you are. I'd love to know what you think, please read out to me via Instagram @ilhhandcrafted and until next time, thank you for being here, I am grateful to you always.
With love,
India xx