You may also already know that I'm biiiiigggg into working out; specifically, yoga and barre. Because I spend so much time in yoga/athletic wear, I'm all about high-end fitness apparel. The difference in quality between, say, a Target brand and Athleta (or Lululemon or Lucy) is unmatched, and once you get a taste for the high quality stuff, you literally cannot tolerate the cheap stuff!
My MIL sent me some cash bills inside a lovely card for my birthday, and I immediately knew what I'd go get: some fall yoga wear! I have summer stuff and deep winter items (thanks to living in MN) but nothing for the light Texas winters.
Dallas just got an Athleta store not too far away from me, so I packed up my little man and rolled over to check it out.
And I was pleasantly surprised to see that Athleta's fall lines were KILLIN' it! There were textures galore. I find that this brand really nails the "transitional" pieces - as in, what you wear to and from the studio, and also mix and match items for everyday wear. I tend to get super sweaty in yoga/barre classes, so I only wear a sports bra/pants (usually crops) but I'm clearly not going to walk around town like that, and Athleta had tons of great options to cover up!
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| Look at these amazing textures from Athleta's fall line! Top: slouchy sweater // bottom left: crop pants // bottom right: leggings |
I ended up picking out one long sleeve shirt, one pair of crops and one full-length pant. I was slightly irked that they don't carry their tall sizes in the store (earth to Athleta! Carry your tall sizes!) but the leggings were so stretchy that they worked.
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| The thick waistband of these crops means no "muffin top" spillage during yoga! |
I plan on wearing the shirt and the full length pants on and off the mat/barre because they're SO cute and SO comfy! The textures of all these items are what really sold me. They all have interesting patterns and weaves of the fabric, yet manage to stay light enough that I'll be able to wear them throughout our mild winters. #winning
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| Getting the pattern to show in these Athleta legging was impossible! |
I love Athleta! Haven't seen these new fall textures. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteAren't they great?! I might never shop anywhere else...
DeleteYou're totally right. Once you get a taste for the nicer athletic wear, it's so hard to go back.
ReplyDeleteI started running in Academy brand clothes. And while they work pretty well for affordable gear, they are no match for Lucy, Nike, or Under Armour. I haven't tried Athleta, but now I'm super curious.
Also, you look absolutely adorable in your new work out gear!
Never heard of Athleta. I love those gray crop pants. So cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I thought they were cute too! And they're not too tight - you know how sometimes you feel like you're in spanx when you're in yoga clothes? Yeah, not these! Totally comfy.
DeleteI have to admit that other than my pricey sports bra, most of my workout gear is from Target. I don't hate it, but you're right, it does fall apart rather quickly. I'm loving that slouchy sweater. If you had worn it with 'regular' clothes, I wouldn't have even known it was a workout top. Super pretty! =)
ReplyDeleteTruth: I wore it yesterday as a "regular sweater" just because I love it so much... and will totally do it again! And yup! The quality, feel and fit of nicer stuff is totally worth it to me, as someone who spends about half her day in workout clothes!
DeleteI love thicker waistbands - I like to feel like I'm skinny in my workout clothes lol!! I tend to buy all my workout clothes at TJ Maxx or Marshalls, I can usually find really good brands there and for a quarter of the price! However if someone were to get me a GC to the higher end places - I'd gladly pick some stuff up!
ReplyDeleteCan we just get an "Amen!" for thicker waistbands?! Can all pants have them, pllllllease? Maybe Santa will bring you a GC and you can go crazy... Watch out though! You'll be hooked :)
DeleteI am picky with gym clothes We do a lot of training and bootcamps so I need a certain type and fit. I kind of mix my stuff, I have some expensive and some cheaper. I don't own any Athleta stuff but I would like to try it out :)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you - I'm super picky about what I work out in, and what pants/tops I wear to each type of class I go to. Definitely give it a try! I'm a particular fan of the fit of all their bottoms.
DeleteThey have GREAT stuff. There's one opening right next to me. #Trouble! :)
ReplyDeleteHaha! That IS trouble! If I didn't have a baby (and thus the need for a sitter and more $$$) I might get a part time job there just for a discount.
DeleteOoh I've never heard of athleta- definitely need to stop by! I used to only buy the super cheap stuff but once I tried one high quality workout running pant, there was no turning back!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Their stuff is fantastic! Better quality fabrics than Lululemon, better fit (especially in the pants!) and just a slightly better price point too. Win-win-win!
ReplyDeleteoh you got some super cute stuff!! I bought 2 pairs of lorna jane workout pants several years ago, not sure if you have heard of them but they are quite expensive at home and they have lasted all sorts of years and workouts so i love them - would i buy them now? no. i dont make sydney money anymore! lol. that being said i wont wear anything cheap either, i just keep wearing my lorna janes. i also bought some... zella leggings i think they are called that i can't wait to bust out for winter, they were only $30 something though but they had great reviews. i think the expensive stuff lasts longer, so while i wouldnt spend it now, i'm glad i did. tops on the other hand, hell no, i wear the free shirts i get from races or ratty old sleep shirts. i have no idea why, i am always so much comfortable in them than actual workout tops. weird, i know!
ReplyDeleteActually, I have heard of Lorna Jane and have been wanting to try it out! And you're spot on about the quality stuff lasting FOREVER. I think the oldest pair of pants I have is 6-7 years old and still going strong. That's hilarious about the tops! I'm pickier about tops than bottoms because I only do tanks or sports bras - no short sleeves pulling on my armpits, please! And no giggling ta-ta's, hahaha!
DeleteBut I totally wear my running shirt and old tee's as my "comfy" clothes to bed :) You can't beat 'em, right?!
I used to be strictly a Lulu lady, but I've converted...Plus you cannot beat the trainer discount, lifetime guarantee, and great customer service. I think the sales people in the stores are so friendly! :)
ReplyDeleteI still haven't made the jump to the nicer brands because I know my wallet will hate me for it! All of this stuff is sooo cute though... and that's exactly the problem, ha!
ReplyDeleteIt totally is a problem! But seriously SO nice to move around in, especially over less expensive brands that pull and ride up etc. They also sell street clothes :)
DeleteThat sweater is awesome!!! I'm going to have to look into this stuff...I just cannot justify spending $100 for a shirt at lulu, regardless of the quality!
ReplyDeleteI'm visiting my sister up in Jersey and the first thing she said to me "can we go to Athleta please????!?!?!" I'm like hell yes no tax sign me up! I love those crops you got may definitely have to add those to my shopping list!
ReplyDeleteOh I'm with you on the quality workout gear. I'd rather spend $100 now and have it last for years. I still have my lululemons from five years ago. Sure they aren't in tip top shape but they're definitely wearable. I like those textures a lot and the black long tights are perfect. I love the sweater too, it's so cute!
ReplyDeleteExactly! Spend $100 now, get a great fit and awesome quality OR spend $100 over five years on $20 dollar yoga pants that you have to replace every year. The answer is pretty clear to me!
DeleteI'm wearing the leggings as I type this :)