Hits and Misses

I haven’t been doing too much shopping lately because it seems to be too late for winter clothing and the stores are just starting to release their shorts and tee shirts. I’m trying to hold out so I can see the full spring and summer collections before I make decisions. Also, all of my usual haunts are too boring right now. There are a lot of basics, not a lot of statement pieces out there. I’m hoping my luck will improve as the weather gets warmer.

PS- Please note the tropical color scheme below. Can you handle it? Note to self- think about colors other than blue, white, and grey.

Hits

I needed a new white tee, and this one caught my eye in the Loft. It’s actually by Lou & Grey, and it’s a linen blend which gives it a great texture. It’s not the most opaque tee, but I can work with it. I like the fit and the shirttail hem- it’s perfect for the spring and summer.

I’ve been thinking about light wash jeans for a while. These from the Gap caught my eye because I love a high rise, and I like how Gap jeans fit me. They are pretty stretchy but thick enough to give structure rather than being just glorified leggings. I often by jeans from J.Crew, but when I want to take a chance on a different wash, Gap is my go-to for something a little more economical. I have worn them the last three weekends straight.

I’ve also been looking at mules for a while now. I almost got a pair from Chinese Laundry last year, but I never pulled the trigger. I got these by Vince Camuto from QVC. The price was right, and I was being indecisive about whether I wanted a high or low heel, so these were a great middle ground. I will also be wearing these every weekend this spring.

Misses

I’m obsessed with idea of getting a maxi dress but this one from Banana did not fit at all. I made the mistake of reading the reviews after I purchased it, and they all said that it ran several sizes too small. I sized up just in case, because it’s a button up, but that was not enough. I hate when sizing is inconsistent across a brand. The hunt continues…

I’m so ready for warm weather- hence the shorts. These shorts from Athleta looked really cute and comfortable, but the proportions were off for me. The waistband fit perfectly, but apparently my rear end was just too much for them to handle. Oh well. Return.

Have you had any good or bad shopping luck recently?

Spring Trend Alert: Twist Tops

This is one of my favorites so far. It gives you the effect of the 90’s waist tie look, but makes it a little more tailored. When every shirt seems to have puff or flared sleeves, it’s nice to see some architecture on the waist instead of the sleeve. I think most of these looks would look great with a high waisted jean, or stylish during a workout.

There are options with the twist in the front, or the back, so you can pick what you want to highlight.

Here are a few that I’ve seen so far:

From Athleta

From JCrew (have it, love it)

Another from JCrew

Another from Athleta

From Loft

From Gap

From Banana Republic

Have you tried the twist yet?

New Workout Clothes I Love

May was kind of shopping month for me, and among my winnings, I got some great new workout clothes! I thought I would share my favorites!

Lululemon Enlite Sports Bra

I need to start by saying that this was a conflicted purchase for me for two reasons: 1. it’s $98, and 2. Lulu is not my favorite company based on some of the elitist statements that the founder has made over the years. I decided to go to the store to try it on because I’m in the market for a new running bra. My favorite one seems to have been discontinued, and the perfect running bra is extremely hard to find. The reviews on the site said the sizing was off so I had a wonderful fitting room experience where I was standing, basically in public, in the bra debating the appropriate tightness of the straps with several salesmen. The UPS man who was making a delivery at the time was really helpful as well. I’m glad I did it though because I ended up going down a cup and band size from my normal size.

I definitely feel very held in, in the bra, and I’ve run in it a couple times and guess what, it works! It was relatively comfortable (for a really secure sports bra), and did everything it needed to do, which is saying a lot! I’m not about to buy a whole wardrobe of them because it’s cost prohibitive, but I might get one more for the rotation.

Athleta Salutation Capri The Salutation Capri is made out of a relatively new fabric for Athleta called Powervita. It feels less cottony than their “Chat” pants and thinner and softer than their “Stealth” pants, so it’s recommended for yoga, etc. I wore them for Pump class and cardio machines at the gym and they were glorious. I felt held in, but really comfortable at the same time. Perfect combination! At $69, they’re a nice mid range that won’t necessarily break the bank. Who doesn’t need a new pair of black leggings- go get them!

Adidas Image Tank Top

I love an old school Adidas tank top, and this one is the best! It’s comfortable and really cool at the same time. I think it strikes the perfect balance between “I take my workout seriously” and “my top was on sale for less than $25.” Plus, it’s heather grey so it fits right into my workout wardrobe.

What are your favorite workout clothes right now?