workout your workout (clothes)

Ok, first of all -- Hello! Seriously, in my head, I feel like I've come up with some many blog posts - like about the wineries we went to when we played hooky from work a few weeks ago or my birthday week or the books I've read or our trip to MN...but instead it's been all quiet on the blogging front.  I do apologize. I am going to try to be more chatty here on the blog. 

I'm a big fan of doing yoga and running.  (Not at the same time... duh!)

No, I really like to run on the hottest days of the year (which are right now) for some reason I don't mind running at the late afternoon when it's still 100 degrees.  It helps that we don't have high humidity but still it's hot...and I like it. While I've never tried Hot Yoga, I'd probably like that too. Especially because that would mean getting some hot yoga clothes, which are obviously different than regular yoga clothes. (I might, just might, have an addiction to lycra, but it's ok. First step is admitting it.)

To aid in my addiction, I recently tried out Kate Hudson's new line of clothing - Fabletics.  I have been so impressed.  When you sign up you get an outfit for 50% off and free shipping (SCORE!) so it basically runs you about $25 for a complete outfit (you can't even find a sports bra for $25 most places, and you get 2-3 pieces for $25!).  I mean, c'mon, you might as well sign up just for the one outfit and then you can quit right after that (this is what I thought, but you know...ahem, lycra addiction, cough cough.)  I am going to try not to purchase something every month, and just build out my errand running, Barkley walking, lounging nightly wardrobe with a few pieces here and there - like for instance, I might have just gone over board at Athleta with a few new pairs of capri tights for my birthday, so I'm good with the bottoms.  I just need some cute tops to go along with it, which is why I also purchased a sweatshirt/sports bra combo.  

Belize

I loved this green tank so much for running that I purchased it in black too. They are super light weight, and fitted but not too fitted that while you are working out you feel like you need to suck it in because your shirt is glued to you. The running skort is super cute too - the little fancy pants underneath are of the same multicolored pattern that the waist band is. Which was a fun surprise.  I love running in skorts, in fact I don't think I've run in my running shorts all summer, the skorts are way more comfortable and less constricting.  And as a bonus, if you need to run to your financial advisor's office before going for a run, you can, just toss a motorcycle jacket over the top of your running tank/running skort combo and you look normal...speaking from experience.

Bay

This sweatshirt is super cute on - great length and color.  And, I'm in love with this sports bra. It's not a sports bra to run in for me, it'll be more for lounging in the evenings and yoga.

Everything that I've purchased has been high quality, pretty much on par with Athleta or Lululemon (which by the way, I may have an addiction to yoga clothes, but I have to draw a line in the sand someplace, Lululemon's clothes are just plain old too pricey for me to justify an entire yoga wardrobe. That said, I did just get my first Lululemon jacket for my birthday from Mike - he's the best. Sensing a theme here?  There was a lot of lycra purchased for this girl's #34 year.)  Anyway, the Fabletics clothes are the right price, they have great designs, and are made well and I'll be a fan for life.  

If you want to join, help a sista out! Everytime a friend (like you!) joins, the recommender (me) will get $10 to use on a future purchase. How great is that?!?! I know! Now you need to join and then tell all your friends so that they can help you buy another outfit.  And because I'd feel bad if I didn't tell you all the fine print (no, I'm not long long sisters with Kate Hudson), when you join, you are then sent a monthly email with outfits picked out just for you on the 1st of the month.  You have until the 5th of the month to say if you want to pass that month or if you are going to make a purchase.  I don't think that you need to make that purchase within the first 5 days, but by day 6 if you haven't said you are going to pass for the month, you will be charged a specific amount -- which doesn't just vanish into thin air or sent straight to the man who invented lycra, it's applied to your next purchase.  Just wanted to give you the complete 411.  I (obviously) haven't cancelled my membership, but if you want to, you just have to call their customer service line. I've done this for other clothing memberships in the past and they always seem to be nice and understanding, not pushy in any way.  So you don't have to worry that you are going to be stuck in a gym membership like Chandler from Friends. Aww yes, it was a great one. 

Oh yes, and here's my Fabletics link. Enjoy!

breathe

I'm a big fan of Gap.  In grade school, there was a boy that called me "Gap Kid" because I had this flannel patchwork shirt that you were supposed to wear inside out (to see the seams and look totally rogue, like all 8 year olds are yearning to look like).  I loved it.  And then I saw Randy on the Home Improvement show were the exact same shirt.  Yep, I'm now realizing why I also got mistaken as my father's grandson.  It's all coming full circle to me now. 

Anywho, I got over wearing the same shirt as JTT and haven't wavered from my love of the Gap (although there were a few questionable years in the early 2000 where I'm not sure anyone loved the Gap, I think I took a few years off during that time -- that also was just after I worked at the Gap for a few years and bought my paycheck and more each week worth of clothes...whoops. So much for actually getting paid (it was a second job after all, so it's cool). 

Ok, where was I? Sometimes I get side-tracked...

Gap. Yep.

I think I've beat a dead horse (no, not literally, I don't have a horse, if I did, his name would be Lightening) when I say that my wardrobe consists of jeans, tees and cardigans.  Yep. I've mentioned it once or seventeen times.  It's cool.  It's true, too. 

Again, BACK to the point...
I just tried the Breathe series of shirts from GapFit, which are not only great for Yoga, but they aren't so work-out-y (NEW WORD!) that you can pair them with jeans. Score! I love when something had a double use.  (We are storage-challenged in our house.) The t-shirts, especially, fit so well I'm pretty sure I bought it in every color. (I have an addiction to soft yoga clothing and I'm happy to admit it.  The good news is that I actually do yoga.  So it's totally cool.)

Now, I know what you are thinking...
AnnE, you shouldn't just fill your wardrobe with tees, you should branch out and get the long sleeve and tank top versions of the Breathe shirt too...

Never FEAR!
I DID!

Also, super cool.  Love the thumb holes (although I never use them.) Why? I don't know why I never put my thumbs in their place, do you use them?
(PS: I'm one cup of coffee down and no oatmeal in my tummy yet, can ya tell? can ya? Wee-HOO!)

The tank top is a lot like it's more expensive sister, the Chi Tank at Athleta. I'd have to say that the Athleta version (of which I also have, I know, I seriously need to branch out of the Gap family brand. But I can't! Enter my yoga addiction...again!) Anyway, the Chi tank might fit a little better, but in all seriousness, the fabric is frighteningly similar and the Gap tank is a fraction of a price - especially since there always seems to be some sort of sale going on at Gap whereas Athleta rarely has a sale (on the stuff I want at least).

All in all, let me recap the things we've learned this morning:
1. Coffee makes me chatty.
2. I need to do more yoga and less yoga clothes shopping.
3. Go buy yourself some of your own Breathe gear! I have no ties to the Gap family and they haven't asked me to gush about their brands. I'm just a lifer.  Simple as that.

workout gear

I've found that when it comes to running, my favorite to day to run is the day after laundry day.  Makes total sense right?  Well, the reason is, that all my favorite pieces are ready to be worn again (might be a sign that I need to purchase multiples in these pieces).  So because I'm pretty boring these days and have very little to blog about (unless you want to see the 1289 pictures of Barkley on my phone), I figured I'd share with you what pieces I can't get enough of.

First is the REI Fast Pass Skort. Three words for you.
Back.
Zipper.
Pocket.

Hello! Score! Now I don't have to run and hold my keys! Whoop! Whoop! (It's the little things that excite me, if you can't already tell.)

Next up, I need to wear a shirt.  Yep, I know. It's surprising that I don't just run in a skort.  I'd send all the dog walkers on the path screaming and running to shield their eyes, I'm sure of that.  I've got stipulations for that shirt - I am not a fan of sleeves.  Good news for me is that the East Bay is h.o.t. HOT from May - September.  I found the C9 for Target Double Strap tank top one day while meandering through the work out section (I might need to address the problem of meandering through the clothing section at Target for a good 45 minutes before actually getting a cart and grocery shopping.  Last night I had to eliminate Barkley's pre-dinner walk because I lost track of time. Opps! Not to fret, Barkley got a nice walk after dinner.  I'd hate for you to worry about the most spoiled dog in America to have not been walked. Did you read the first paragraph where I said that there are 1289 pictures of Barkley on my phone?

These tanks went on sale one day and I bought 4 colors.  From my meandering that I did yesterday, I see that they have new colors. My will power kept me from purchasing the rest of the colors, however if they go on sale anytime soon, I might, just might, have to see out my size in the other colors.  I also really like wearing these tanks for yoga too.  They are comfortable and stay in place, both are extremely important to me for geriatrics yoga*.  

As for running shoes, I'm a Brooks girl through and through.  I'm a big fan of the minimalist shoes, however I'm working my way slowly from the typical running shoe down towards the most minimal.

*I could have just explained geriatrics yoga above, but I wanted to use the asterisk.  I go to a yoga class full of 85 year old women.  The teacher is in her 70s.  I feel as if I'm really good when comparing myself to people over double my age - not fair, I know.  I am now trying out a new yoga studio. I haven't gone yet, however I have seen that the people going into the studio carrying yoga mats are right around my age.  I might need to accept the fact that I won't be the best at yoga at this new place.  I also probably need to check my competitive spirit at the door, because I'm pretty sure you aren't supposed to be competitive while in a zen yoga state.  

Speaking of yoga, the other key pieces I'm in love with (I have bought multiples of these because I don't want to be that girl at the new yoga studio who wears the exact same outfit every time.  Running is different, I run in different places, see different people, they don't judge me, because they don't realize that I'm constantly wearing the same outfit -- if they knew, I'm sure they would judge.  I probably would too.) 

Lucy's Power Flow Tank & Long Sleeve Work out tee are my favorites when I need to layer up in the cooler months.  I wear these for both yoga and running.  Awesome double duty find.  

I completely understand the 80s (just a few decades later)

I had pale pink leg warmers in the 80s, they were wonderful for going to and from ballet class and on occasion that one of my parents forgot about picking me up from ballet class, they kept me warm as I waited patiently. I think everyone should spend some time in their life as the 5th child in the family - it really teaches you patience.

Fast forward to today, Santa brought me leg warmers for my new hunter boots, but I haven't worn them for that yet (see post of the lack of post-Christmas rain). The leg warmers have, however, become my new best friend(s) - I have 2 legs, I felt I should account for both warmers AND both legs and call them friends with a "S". They are super fantastic for the chilly nights I have yoga. Not only do they keep my feet warm while driving to and from class - while wearing flip flops (I got scolded by our UPS guy telling me that I shouldn't be out in this weather in bare feet - nice to know our UPS guy cares.) Back to the warmers, they are also extremely useful I wear while in yoga and way better than those crazy yoga socks that have the toe holes cut out and ate $10 for a pair. Give me some leg warmers any day - I am determined to singlehandedly bring them back en vogue.