Amidst the charming book reservoir in Kramer's, as Mary J. Blige adamantly encouraged us via the air waves to “Work That,” svelte, bright-eyed designer Liz Matthews of Even Keel sat down with District In8 to fill us in on how she’s working her love for the art of Yoga into a business venture that is changing the look of fitness apparel as we know it.

The path to New Year’s resolutions is paved with good intentions. Often, the first brick laid is none other than getting fit and eating right. For Adams Morgan based designer and yoga enthusiast Liz Matthews, fitness is not something she resolves to take seriously in January. It is engrained in her lifestyle and livelihood. After taking her first yoga class her freshman year in college, Liz was sold on the discipline, but not so convinced by the apparel. “I was always looking for the perfect pants – a fold over waist, a gusset so that underwear isn’t essential, and a form fitting design that allows the alignment of the body and muscles to show,” she gestured.

Liz harnessed her desire for the perfect pant into a quest to start her own fitness apparel line, Even Keel. Combining each of her ideals for the quintessential fitness trouser, Liz solicited the assistance of acclaimed designer Rakiyt Zakari to produce her first sample. In 2006, Liz’s first run was produced. The collection, which is made of 100% sustainable bamboo cotton was first carried at Inspired Yoga (1115 U Street, NW Suite 202 Washington, DC, 202.462.1800) and can now be purchased on line at www.evenkeelyoga.com, and several studios and boutiques throughout D.C.

Unless you’ve been held captive, ears plugged and eyes covered with VHS exercise video tape for the past six years, you know that yoga has been steadily gaining popularity as one of the best methods for creating a sleek, femininely toned physique – even though the discipline has been around for more than 5,000 years. But as with any craze, “everything ain’t for everybody.” However, the term “Yoga” can be viewed as a masthead for numerous sub philosophies, meaning there is potentially “something for everybody.”

“There is a misconception of people trying yoga and immediately saying that they don’t like it. There are so many styles, and you really just have to do your research to figure out which one is for you. If you want to work up a sweat, there’s Bikram where you’re challenged to execute a series of 26 poses in a heated room. If you want to stretch and take a slower approach, there are classes for that too," she offered.

Obstinately certain of the importance of looking hot while you sweat, Liz suggests not allowing exercise to be an outlet for mediocre or sub par style. “Looking good while working out gives you confidence. When you look good and feel good, you don’t worry about it. You’re able to focus your energy on [the task at hand, be it] executing the down dog, hitting the ball over the net, or skiing down the mountain,” she metaphorically expressed.

Whether you’re striking a pose or walloping a spike, Even Keel designs will keep you feeling comfortable and looking chic while doing it. They are contemporary enough to take you from the mat to a mid morning brunch with the girls. Stylish rouching and colors, and soft, second skin fabric makes these items closet worthy - excused from being banished to your workout gear drawer. They’re also perfect for those days when you’re planning to hit the studio, gym, or go for a run, but get side tracked by a spontaneous invite to a day of shopping. Just throw on a jacket, tee and ballerina flats or boots with your Glam Gurus and you’re ready to take on the day, no matter what it has in store.

What’s next for Even Keel? A collection of tops to complement Liz’s fresh take on the yoga pant. “I realize that I can’t be all things to all people,” she says. "I have to start small, do what I like and what I know, and then branch out.” Among the things that she knows is, of course, yoga.

“It’s more than an exercise; it really is a way of life. I think when people tap into that and feel the benefits, both physically and emotionally, they get hooked.”

You can meet Liz at the Even Keel Designer Trunk Show on January 26^th at Caramel, where she’ll be giving a mini yoga class and presenting her latest collection.

Photos: www.evenkeelyoga.com