Chantelle Znideric Award Winning Personal Stylist
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Chantelle Znideric is a style director and award winning personal stylist, as well as an avid runner and Sundried fan. She tells us how exercise helped her combat postnatal depression.
How did you get into running?
I got into running after I had my second daughter who is now three. About ten months after she was born I got post natal depression. I felt incredibly low; daily child- and work-related tasks felt like huge mammoth tasks, and most days I just couldn’t even face getting out of bed. Feeling like that was such a big contrast to how I normally am; I am generally an easy going, positive, and driven person so this was very hard to deal with.
My husband suggested I try the Couch to 5k app but I couldn’t be bothered to run then walk and run then walk so instead I started going for short jogs up the hill, it wasn’t even 1k in distance! I felt so exhausted and incredibly unfit. However, over a period of a few weeks, I started to feel energised and I became addicted to being outside, having the fresh air hit my face and feeling free from the daily binds. Every day I would get up at 5am and take to the roads before the kids or anyone else in the neighbourhood had woken up. I loved it and it really helped me to shed the negativity that enveloped me.
At the moment, I’m still running fairly regularly, which is really good for me. A few months ago I signed up for the 10-mile Great South Run in Portsmouth after doing the Brighton Half in February so it’s definitely on my agenda to increase my distances and work harder in the run up to this event.
In terms of doing any other training, I don’t really have time to go to the gym or anything like that so my husband downloaded an abs app a few months ago, which we do every night. Not sure if I’ve seen much improvement though but that may have something to do with all that extra ice cream!
How do you feel about enclothed cognition*?
I totally believe in enclothed cognition, as it’s what I preach, work to and live by in my work as a personal stylist. Basically, when I work with my clients, the majority of them want to be appropriately dressed for their lifestyle, work or social engagements and dressing the part will definitely increase confidence, attitude and positivity. Ultimately, they want to look stylish and feel confident.
*We introduce the term “enclothed cognition” to describe the systematic influence that clothes have on the wearer’s psychological processes.
What are your top 3 fitness fashion tips?
- For those that shy away from wearing colour, keep it simple and chic by wearing dark colours but with bright trainers. There are loads of amazing styles and colour combinations out there so don’t be afraid of getting creative.
- Invest in the best sports bra your money can buy. You will feel super comfy during every workout leaving you to enjoy and focus on your exercise.
- Dress for your body shape. Certain clothing styles will accentuate your body shape and it’s exactly the same with gym kit. For example, if you have curvier legs wear darker colours, otherwise if you are tall and athletic go for printed bottoms and tops to add curves, and if your midriff isn’t quite as toned as you’d like opt for high waisted bottoms.
How do you choose what activewear to buy?
I’m a bit of a sucker for certain brands and if I see a new brand in the press I like to give it a go.
What qualities do you look for in activewear?
Luxe styling, quality fabrics, and how it feels on are all important to me.
Recently, athleisure has meant that we’re seeing activewear worn more and more as fashion pieces, what do you think of this trend? Is it here to stay?
I have to say I love this trend, as it definitely suits my off-duty lifestyle running around after two young children. In general, my current style has a sporty twist so I love tailored joggers, luxe sweatshirts and bomber jackets for work. I also live in sneakers, my husband has lost count of the actual number of pairs of sneakers I own! I promise you though it’s really not that many.
What are your key workout wardrobe pieces?
My workout pieces consist of my Sundried Ruinette Tights, they are amazingly comfy to wear when I’m running and I love the feel of them, a white Sundried Tour Noir Tank, some brightly coloured Adidas Boost sneakers and a colourful Nike cap.
Would you recommend Sundried?
Absolutely, I would totally recommend Sundried, I love all the pieces individually in the womenswear capsule collection and the quality is superb. What more can I say?
