Must Have: Aktiv - Review and Giveaway!

Review by Angela Mackintosh

As a freelance writer, editor, and graphic designer, I spend most days at my desk with my BIC (butt-in-chair), which is great for tapping out words, but the sedentary lifestyle is obviously not good for my health or growing backside.

A few years ago, I discovered that if I wore workout or athleisure wear to my home office, I immediately felt energized and moved more. It’s like lighting a candle before a writing session—a simple and effective ritual that’ll help you snap into the zone. The clothing keeps health in mind and influences my food choices. I mean, who wants to eat a greasy 700-cal cheeseburger while wearing yoga pants? Yuck! Lol. Instead, I’ll opt for green juice and a power bowl.

Yoga leggings are my staple on most days, and right after I finish work, I can walk to my living room (gyms are still closed here in Los Angeles) or my backyard and flow straight into a vinyasa. Many writers know yoga and writing complement each other—the focus, discipline, and ritual invites us to tap into our potential. There are even writing workshops that combine both! Nature is another inspiration for many writers, and other days I’ll wear hiking pants and hit the trails as soon as I type my last sentence. In the evenings or whenever I can get out into the world (which isn’t much right now), I wear these amazing jeans that I’ll tell you about in a sec!

Solstice Leggings and Midi Top

I’ve tried just about every brand and online store, and until recently, Athleta and REI were at the top of my list. Then I discovered Aktiv. I love their clothing! As far as I know, you can’t find these brands anywhere else in the States. The founders, Leslie and Nate, journeyed to Norway with their two children in 2016, and through their adventures, fell in love with Nordic style fashion. When they returned to their home in Colorado, they struggled to find their new favorite brands, and formed an idea. In 2018, they launched Aktiv. Their clothing not only looks great, but it’s also rugged, practical, sustainable, and designed to last for years. They test each piece before bringing it online—wearing it to the gym, on the trail, and in the coffeehouse. I’ve been lucky enough to test their clothing, too! I’ll share a couple pieces I enjoy, and you’re in for a treat—Aktiv has generously provided some yoga leggings for a giveaway!

Moonchild Yoga Wear

I’m pretty new to yoga, and was introduced to it a few years ago because it was part of my P90X routine; but I’ve always been a yoga wear connoisseur and do a lot of mat work and body weight training. My poses may not be perfect, but I relish the practice of loosening my body after a long day in my office chair. I have a pair of the seamless Solstice Leggings in Blue Iris Silver (pictured above), and they are vibrant and adorably decorated with silver crescent moons. The high-rise style sits right above my belly button, which is excellent for holding in my tummy. They are lightweight, breathable, flexible, and not see through, which is often a problem with seamless yoga leggings. These are cute enough to wear out paired with a long tank or tunic.

The Solstice Midi Top is adorable! It’s longer than most workout bras, and during my yoga poses—everything from wheel to modified crow—it held me in place. Despite having non-adjustable straps, it fit perfectly. The material is the same as the leggings and super soft. I wear a medium in both the leggings and top, and I would say they run a little small, so if you’re in between sizes, size up. They are machine washable, and they recommend air drying. I usually wash all my yoga wear in delicate and dry on a delicate cycle and they’re fine.

ReDEW8 Jeans and my current virtual book club pick:
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

ReDEW8 Jeans

Oh my gosh, these are the most comfortable jeans I’ve ever owned. I want to live in these things! I have the Örn Denim Jeans in Black Implode, and they are made out of reDEW's famous 360° stretch material, which is super soft and flexible. But they aren’t like other skinny stretch jeans I’ve owned that are thin and flimsy; these have a nice medium weight to them and you can actually feel the quality. The site says they are genderless—I’m a huge fan of gender neutral clothing—made for travel, and they feel buttery and supple, yet sturdy. They are simply amazing.

If you’re looking for unique, active, high-quality clothing that you can’t just find just anywhere, check out aktivstyle.com. You can sign up for their newsletter to get special deals.

And now for the giveaway! Enter to win a pair of Moonchild Yoga Wear Solstice Leggings!

***** MUST HAVE GIVEAWAY *****

Enter to win a pair of Solstice Seamless Leggings in Blue Iris Violet by filling out the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway ends September 2nd at 11:59 pm CST. We will announce the winner in the Rafflecopter widget the next day. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway