Fashion Plate: Suzy Stichbury

Suzy Stichbury. Photo / Babiche Martens

Viva talks to Suzy Stichbury about living and wearing her life philosophy.

A passion for health, wellness and fashion led Suzy Stichbury to launch Myescape, a new online store that sells quality, stylish and eco-friendly clothing and accessories for yoga, dance, relaxation, pilates, and any other activity women do to take time out and escape. "My goal was to start a business that would encourage women to take time out for themselves - whether that was going to a yoga class, hitting the streets for an early morning run, catching up with friends for a power walk, meditating or simply relaxing with a book on the couch," explains Stichbury, whose background is in health. Having worked as a physiotherapist in London and trained as a pilates instructor, she has worked in the wellness industry for the past 12 years - but it was a passion for yoga that led her on the path to her latest venture.

My ideal escape would be going on holiday somewhere beautiful and hot. Starting the day with a yoga class in an idyllic setting then having a coffee and healthy breakfast before spending the day exploring the city then relaxing in the sun with a good book.

Health and happiness means feeling alive, positive and excited about life. It is discovering something you love doing then finding a way to fit it into your day-to-day life. It is also making sure you have balance in your life between eating healthy food and treating yourself, having fun, working hard and relaxing. I really believe in the importance of taking time out for yourself.

Something small that gives me joy is my daily coffee. There is nothing better than starting the day chilling out with a really good coffee. For me it's that little pause I take before starting my busy day.

One of my first fashion memories was when I was 14 and my best friend and I would spend hours sifting through mountains of old clothes at opshops around the city trying to find the perfect and most unique outfit for under $10.

My style staple is skinny black jeans, relaxed fit tops, asymmetrical hemmed tanks and flowing dresses, lace up boots, my angel wing necklace and oversized black sunglasses. I also still love my relaxed fit silk harem pants I bought last season, and of course all my beautiful and super-comfortable loungewear from Myescape.

My philosophy is that beauty comes from within. So I believe by doing things like yoga, that help your mind and body - anything that makes you feel happy on the inside - helps you look better on the outside. I eat healthy food, drink a lot of water and practise yoga as well as treating myself to a facial every now and then. I lead a busy life and therefore keep my beauty routine to a minimum using as many natural products as possible, and sunscreen always.

My fail-safe pieces are a floaty black dress with asymmetrical hem from ASOS, my angel wing necklace, with black boots and stockings. I also just bought a beautiful orange and pink tie-dye top with an asymmetrical hem from Sass and Bide which is going to be my go-to top for summer.

If I could have anyone's wardrobe it would be Alexa Chung's, for effortless laid-back London street style. She always seems to stay ahead of trends and adds her own unique chic twist.

The most treasured item in my wardrobe is a delicate black and gold beaded dress that I bought online from All Saints in the UK to wear to my brother's wedding.

My style evolution has been quite a dramatic one. I spent my teenage years trying hard to be different - I wore opshop clothes, had an eyebrow ring and went out of my way to be an individual. I had a few fashion hits and a lot of misses but I think it was all just part of finding my fashion feet. I have grown into my own unique style, I like to follow fashion but put my own twist on an outfit.

Someone I admire is Stella McCartney. She is an astute business woman and an amazingly talented designer who has carved out a career based on her own merit, not just relying on her name and connections. I admire her for staying true to her principles. She's a pioneer of ethical fashion.

In my address book I store important details of friends and family, plus I always make a note of my favourite spots - like Zus and Zo in Herne Bay, my favourite weekend cafe to relax in, Dizengoff and Altezano for the best coffee on the run. District Dining is my new favourite restaurant, and I also love going to Coco's Cantina and Gypsy Tearoom in Grey Lynn.