Tag: Under Armour

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

President’s Day Weekend sales got me, but I’ve been pinching pennies lately so if I don’t love something then I return it. Here’s what made the cut and what didn’t.

Hits

Sadie Dishes- Hits and Misses

I’m a big fan of open weave sweaters, and I loved the silhouette of this one from Athleta. I went with green because the other options are blue and white, and I have those bases covered pretty well. I think it will be a great spring/summer/fall weekend option with jeans or shorts.

Sadie Dishes- Hits and Misses

I don’t think this needs that much explanation. They’re pretty.

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

I’m so obsessed with these jeans from the Gap that I’ve been wearing them as my “house pants” everyday when I get home from work. Who wears jeans as their house pants? I think the above three items are going to be my weekend uniform this Spring.

Misses

Sadie Dishes- Hits and Misses

I thought this was a cute suit from VS, but apparently not for me. I think this style works better for a leaner, longer frame. No harm, no foul, I’ll try something else. The sizing was correct on the top though, so there’s hope for another style.

Sadie Dishes- Hits and Misses

I was excited to wear this blazer from Banana over my plain dresses and skirts to add some detail to work outfits. The main problem is that the blazer is really thick and bulky. It would be really hard to layer, and to wear in the warmer weather. I also got the “fat guy in a little coat” sensation when I moved my arms- zero give. My shoulders won’t quit.

Sadie Dishes- Hits and Misses

It seems like all the athletic apparel companies are trying their best to bring some new ideas to the sports bra game. I tried this newer model from Nike, but I found it really awkward. The fit was ok, but the shape was bizarre. I felt like I was wearing a Madonna cone bra. I would not show my face at the gym wearing it.

Lulu or Not

SadieLeave a comment

I’m really trying to buckle down with my gym routine lately. The resolutionaries aren’t clogging up the gym anymore, and as the weather continues to improve (fingers crossed), I really have no excuse. One thing that always helps motivate me is to have fun workout wear. While a lot of people near me seem to be dripping in Lululemon, I kind of hate their founder, and don’t love their premium price point. So let’s think about some other options that are just as cute and easier on the wallet. I picked a few of their classic options.

High- Rise Leggings

Lulu

Sadie Dishes- Lulu or Not

These Luon high rise leggings are a good option, but at $98, they’re a little cost prohibitive. Everyone does a black legging, and we can definitely cut a little cost and maintain quality in this category.

Athleta

Sadie Dishes- Lulu or Not

I love Athleta’s high rise chaturanga leggings, and they’re about $25 cheaper than Lulu’s high rise leggings.

Tie Back Tank

Lulu

Sadie Dishes- Lulu or Not

I see this tank top on the ladies at my gym all the time. It’s cute but I wouldn’t pay $48 for less than a whole shirt.

Under Armour

Sadie Dishes- Lulu or Not

Under Armour offers a similar version in several different colors and prints at $38 or below because a lot of the options are on sale. Zella also has a very similar option, and the Gap does it at $27.

Mesh Accent Leggings

Lulu

Sadie Dishes- Lulu or Not

These are chic mesh accent leggings from Lulu at $98. Let’s see what other options we have.

Zella

Sadie Dishes- Lulu or Not

Zella is Nordstrom’s private label. The style is on point, like these mesh accent leggings, but these are a good $35 less than Lulu at $64. There are a lot of mesh options out there right now, but I like that this mesh changes it up a little with the chunkier gauge.

Strappy Support Tank

Lulu

Sadie Dishes- Lulu or Not

I think Lulu really popularized this style of the connected tank and strappy sports bra and there have been a lot of fast followers. At $64, it’s pricey, but to be fair it’s also a two-in-one so I’m not going to hate too much.

Gap

Sadie Dishes- Lulu or Not

There are a lot of strappy support tops and sports bras out there, but to be honest, most of them are priced at a comparable level to Lulu. Leave it to Gap to come up with a more affordable (but still cute) option at $39.

Other more recent options include Anthropologie who has been steadily adding more active wear (similar prices to Lulu, but some pretty and unique stuff), Lou and Grey over at the Loft who has started adding active leggings and tops, and New Balance who is putting more and more effort into their clothing game. I’m a little sad Nike didn’t show up in this post because I live in Nike and Under Armour, but I realized that they cater to two different athletes. Lulu’s athlete is studio centric and wears the clothes outside of the gym, and Nike/ Under Armour’s athlete is a little more cardio and weight lifting centric, demanding more function and sportier fashion. Athleta seems to be a combination of the two. I could talk about this all day…