Kathryn Budig is one of those yoga teachers that I think everyone should know. She’s playful, insightful, and her practice is beautiful and awe-inspiring. She’s been featured on the cover and within the pages of Yoga Journal, her teachings are on YogaJournal.com podcast series, she’s the face (and body) in the ToeSox ads, and you can find her on YogaGlo. She’s also a regular contributor to Elephant Journal and Huffington Post.

I love her down-to-earth way of explaining things and her ability to make this ancient practice seem modern, hip—and, yes, fashionable.

I wanted to get her thoughts on yoga, fashion, and inspiration. Here’s what she had to say:

Tell us about your favorite yoga outfit. What do you love about it?

I dig a great pair of tights and a beautiful yet functional bra. I’m a big fan of Elisabetta Rogiani’s tights—super feminine and accentuate your curves in a loving way. Lululemon really nailed it a couple of times with their ballet style bra. That’s my favorite practice combo.

We all look at your magazine covers, photographs, and DVDs and think we’re seeing perfection! But everyone has parts of their body they’re a little self conscious about, right? Tell us about yours.

I think it’s important to remember that the grass is always greener on the other side and that there is an entire story behind a photo. Just because you’re seeing one amazing photo doesn’t mean there weren’t 20 bloopers for each stunning shot. I managed a pretty sweet face plant from side crow the first time I shot for Yoga Journal. I even left a nice big foundation smudge on my yoga mat. Classic and unfortunately not caught on film because I would share it in a heartbeat!

I love my body, but it’s been a bumpy ride. I’ve always been a curvy girl and the minute I over-induldge it shows up in my hips (note: this is why I love Elisabetta Rogiani). I think it’s important to see your own beauty because once you believe in yourself that confidence exudes and shines. Then we realize that perfection lies in each and every moment, curve and flaw.

Do yoga principles like Aparigraha (non-grasping) mean that yoga and fashion have to be mutually exclusive? Can you love both? How do you keep it all in perspective?

I hope not because I absolutely adore fashion! I think the key is finding yourself equally as beautiful in an old pair of college sweats as you would in a designer dress. If wearing something special makes you feel beautiful—then more power to you! Just remember that the real power is coming from underneath the fabric—then you won’t feel as much attachment.

What inspires you? Tell us, so we can be inspired, too!

My mother’s laughter, my father’s drive, my quirky family, my cooing love-ball dog and my rock solid friends. Even breath, a well seasoned meal, a unique cocktail, a woman who drives stick and boys from the Midwest. 🙂 Fearlessly supportive women of other women, people with a vision who aren’t afraid to fall and those who can laugh even when their nose is flat against the cement. And a damn good book.

What’s your favorite pose?

I will always love Bakasana (Crow Pose) the most. I feel like I learned almost everything I know from that pose. There’s a British government propaganda poster from 1939 that says, “Keep Calm and Carry On.” I prefer to say, “Keep Calm and Bakasana On.”