Tag: Nike

Running Gear Run Down

SadieLeave a comment

I envy the people who can just throw on sneakers and go for a jog. I require all the planets to be in perfect alignment, along with all the right apparel. I don’t want anything moving, chaffing, riding up, or rubbing. If I’m going to kick my own ass, I need to be as comfortable as possible doing it. Here is the equation that works best for me:

Undergarments:

Let’s start with the base layer. I’m not a big fan of Lululemon, but I have found that this sports bra works best for running. It’s very pricey, but necessary for me.

Tops:

If the temperature outside is between the high 30’s through the 50’s I wear a Nike long sleeve quarter zip. Every brand makes something similar, but I like the fabric Nike uses and the fit is perfect for me- fitted but not clingy (the model above makes it look baggier than it is). I hate feeling restricted or packed in while I run.

If the temperature is low 30’s or below, I add the above tank and I might up my long sleeve to something a little heavier with fleece on the inside. Layers are key. If the temperature is below 20, I go to the gym instead of running outside because I like running outside, but not that much.

In the summer it’s suns out guns out. I like a light weight, low profile, loose tank in the warmer months. I think I feel too body conscious in the really clingy or “seamless” tank style. I often opt for a shorter or cropped style just to reduce the amount of fabric flying around. Most of the “cropped” styles hit my waistline so it’s not like I’m showing a lot of extra skin.

Bottoms:

Usually in weather below about 55 or 60 degrees I opt for capris. I actually only run in Nike Epic Lux crops. They are the perfect length, have drawstring at the waist (so they stay up), and two pockets for keys, etc.

There are two types of runners in warm weather: runners who wear running shorts, and runners who wear spandex. Guess which one I am. I love the Nike 5 inch Nike Pro compression shorts. The downside is that they don’t have a key pocket, but I like that they’re lightweight and long enough to stay in place (most of the time).

Sneakers:

I’ve been wearing the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante for a few years now. I get new shoes every 6ish months. I usually check New Balance to see what the latest version is then cross reference DSW and Amazon to see who has a good price on the color that I want.

Accessories:

  • I need to keep my bangs out of my face so the stretchy headband is a must
  • If it’s 45 degrees or below, I wear gloves because they make such a difference
  • Body Glide is definitely an essential for any runner
  • For reasons unknown, Under Armour is my preference for athletic socks
  • Rather than a belt I usually put my keys in the zipper pocket on my capris, or a cuff on my wrist in the summer (I can’t find the cuff online right now)
  • I love my Garmin watch because it helps me track my distance and splits. Looking at the current models, I’m probably due for a new one soon!

Ok, I think I’m ready to go for a run now! 

 

Wait, where’s my sunscreen?

Hits and Misses

SadieLeave a comment

August is my birthday month, so I was a little impulsive with the shopping. On the plus side, I’ve been trying a lot of things on prior to purchase to make sure they actually fit, and returning things that I don’t absolutely love. As you can tell from the selections below, I seem to be working on a grey scale right now. I think I’ve been focusing on season-less items as the summer stuff goes on sale, but I can’t wait to get into sweater season!

Hits

This sweatshirt from Nike is everything. I bought it during the Nordstrom half yearly sale. I love the different logo placement, and the slight crop makes it super trendy. It works really well with high rise jeans and leggings.

I love these shoes. I needed new black booties with a chunky heel. I love these because they have a heel but they aren’t sky high so I can walk in them all day. They also are a little more interesting than the typical basic bootie. I will be wearing these all fall and winter.

This skirt from Ann Taylor surprised me. I usually only buy pencil skirts, but I tried it on in the store and it looked really cute. It reminded me of Cher’s plaid suit in Clueless. And I thought it would be kind of short, but it’s definitely long enough for work.

This sweater is the best. I think I can wear it with or without an undershirt, depending how I’m feeling. Gray is my favorite color to wear. I know what you’re thinking- I live dangerously.

Everyone should probably get this jumpsuit from Anthro. I think this is actually my first jumpsuit. I plan on wearing it to every semi-formal occasion for at least the next six months. Now I just need some cover-up options. I want a kimono or blazer that isn’t too bohemian or too boxy.

Misses

I really wanted to like these brand new crepe pants from JCrew. They are a great drapey fabric that’s machine washable! They seem like they would be really comfy and work appropriate (the back of the waist is elastic). When I tried them on, however, they were very high rise, the leg was an awkward width, and the hem was awkwardly high. Nope.

I want to get into the bodysuit trend, and I really wanted to like this one. My problem was the bottom. It felt like I was wearing a one piece bathing suit, and you could see the lines through my jeans. Maybe I should have sized up, but they didn’t have that size on the rack.

I thought this Gap shirt would be an easy to pair with jeans. I’m sure I got it on sale too. Turns out this color does absolutely nothing for me. It really brings out the pink undertones in my skin. Not optimal. Return.

Try ruching, they say. Ruching is always flattering, they say. While it can be flattering for some, for me it seems to magnify the problem areas. This one was just pulling in all the wrong places. No thanks.

Next on my list are wraps, kimonos, or blazers to go with the jumpsuit, and I’m starting to keep an eye out for sweaters!

Hits and Misses

SadieLeave a comment

I’ve been trying to keep my wallet on lockdown the last couple months, but the below are a few of the more superfluous purchases that I’ve liked a lot and not so much.

Hits

Sadie Dishes- Hits and Misses

Nike discontinued my favorite sports bra about a year or so ago. Don’t you hate when that happens? Well, after a long wait, they’ve finally brought back something comparable to my old favorite. I bought it with a little trepidation because I wasn’t sure if it would live up to my previous experiences, but I think it’s great. It doesn’t seem quite as high impact as the previous model but otherwise it fits a whole lot better than their other standard model. It looks like they’ve been adding colors so I hope that means it’s selling well and they keep it around!

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

I love a professional looking printed pant for work, so these from Banana were right up my ally. I’m not in love with Banana’s typical Sloane pant fabric because it’s kind of thick and doesn’t dry clean very nicely, but these are a lighter weight, closer to standard wool dress pants. They’re a keeper!

Sadie Dishes- Hits and Misses

I got the above swimsuit in an teal/aqua color, and I think it’s really cute. I like the top a lot more than the bottoms, but that’s find because I can always mix and match with bottoms I like more. I think it’s a great option for water sports because everything stays relatively contained, if you know what I mean.

Misses

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

I ordered this blazer from Banana on super sale thinking it was home run. Not so. The fabric wasn’t great in person, and the cut was peculiar. Return.

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

I tried these pants on when I went to Banana to return the blazer. I loved the color and the light fabric. When I tried them on, however, the legs were too wide and the inseam was too short. They made me look short and stout. I don’t think the “Avery” fit is for me.