September 16, 2009
There’s a fine line between 70s cool and 70s dork. And when it comes to sweatbands and headbands, the line is even thinner between functional and fashionable.
For months, my boyfriend has been trying to convince me to wear a sweat absorbent headband to help with my excessive sweating. It worked for him as a college track star, why wouldn’t it work for me?
The one and only reason. I have to be cute while I run. My refusal to wear a sweatband even prompted him to pull out his from his glory days. I think back in the day it was probably white, but could only currently be described as ……vintage.
I digress. From the picture above, sweatbands for women are tricky. Worn incorrectly you could be mistaken for an extra in “Anchor Man”.
However, while doing my research, I came across a woman who has become my headband role model. Candace Parker. She wears headbands all the time…..and fashionably. I experimented with some different types to perfect what I have dubbed as the “Candace Parker.”
- DO try “Stay Put headwraps. They can be found at Target.
- DO wear your hair down if you have shorter hair
- DO wear fun colors
MY FAVORITE LOOK
I’ve seen Candace wearing this recently in her advertising campaign. Not only is it functional, but it’s chic. To get the look, put your hair in a ponytail and put two Goody “Ouchless” headwraps around your nape and position on the top of your head. They can be found at Target.
September 14, 2009
If you’ve been running for any amount of time you know there’s a couple of things you don’t want to happen. They are chafing (what happens when there’s moisture and rubbing) and riding. Nothing like a wedgie and irritated (or bleeding) crevices at mile three.
Ashley chose some very cute outfits that can help with both, but let’s delve a little deeper.
Underwear
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say this, but I hate running in underwear. Especially my cute ones. I can’t say they were made for sweat and hour(s) of running. But rather than going comando, ASICS has a great selection of underwear created just for running. Not only are they kind of sexy, they actual serve their purpose! Try ASICS Stride Brief. They have a high cut for optimal movement, aerodynamic flatseam stitching and an anatomical fit to hug you just right. They’re also comfortable. I suggest spicing up your running gear with red.
Sport Bra
This is a topic that we’ll cover more in depth in another post. But why can’t sports bras be sassy and functional. Well, they can be. I’m loving PUMA’s FT Fashion Tank in Fuchsia Rose. Not only do I love PUMA , the PUMA logo, pink, the double mesh and built in bra, but after seeing Usain Bolt set the World Record at 9.58 seconds, who wouldn’t want to dawn the puma?
Shades
You’ll never catch me in the sun without my Roberto Cavalli shades, but unfortunately they don’t quite work while trying to run. Not only do you need a fabulous pair of shades to protect your eyes from the sun, but you’ll look cooler than cool as you hit your local streets. You might even attract the paparazzi. My pick? Oakley’s Enduring Edge in Metallic Black/Black Iridium. They’re light-weight, eliminate water sheens and repel dust, skin oil and lotions, maintaing a smudge-resistant barrier AND you can customize them! They also have adjustable nose pieces to ensure a perfect fit.
and last but not least…..
THE PERFECT FALL RUNNING OUTFIT
One of my favorite clothing brands is Adidas. I’m assuming this stems from my love of hip-hop and the 80s. I still get a little giddy about classic white shell toe Adidas.
Stay classic with the Adidas Supernova Gore Windstopper Jacket in black/tin. It features full wind protection, CLIMAPROOF protection,
FORMOTION muscle support and reflective details to keep you safe when running in dim lighting conditions. Pair it with adiSTAR tights which has ClimaCool technology that regulates your body temperature to keep sweat away from your skin and you’ve got the perfect running fit.
September 11, 2009
After I ran my first race and posted pictures, it was brought to my attention that
I looked a mess I should have been arrested by the fashion police. I am normally a somewhat stylish girl, but when it comes to workout gear, I am analogous to that guy at the bar who is wearing acid wash mom jeans and a Member’s Only jacket. Honestly I did not realized how “unfashionable” I was until I joined my running group. By the second run, I realized I was the only one in cotton and soccer shorts.
Now that it is fashion week, I decided that there was no better time to give myself a fierce makeover. I am burning all of my cotton, big t-shirts, tight shorts, baggy shorts, mismatch socks, etc. and filling my closet with not only fashionable, but also comfortable workout clothes. Here are a few items that I am purchasing.
Nike Tempo Running Shorts & Compression Shorts
As you can tell from the pictures above, I love my pink “Hilton Head” running shorts. My mom picked them up for me on her last trip to the beach. What I failed to realize is that they did not love me back. Luckily, the tempo shorts are comfortable and easy to run in. They also fit in all of the right places. I’m trying compression shorts for the first time, and these
Moving Comfort shorts are made from a no-chafe fabric. I have a “thick” lower body, and I wanted shorts that allowed for a lot of movement without riding up or constricting my thighs.
Under Armor Tornado Short Sleeve Shirt and Nike Pro Fitted Top
No more cotton t-shirts! I am so happy to get rid of my cotton. Not only was it weighing me down, but most of the shirts were too big and I had to try and roll up the sleeves into my sports bra. From now on, all of my running shirts will be made from a moisture wicking material.
Stella McCaartney for Adidas
I really like the look of Stella McCartney’s line for Adidas. Honestly, many of her pieces look too nice to sweat in, and others like the pink Gym Bra Top look like something I could wear to the club.
As I look to add more pieces to my wardrobe, what other brands or stlyes do you all recommend?
September 10, 2009
Today kicks off the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York and as hundreds of designers gear up to showcase their 2010 Spring collections we’re still waiting on our invites to arrive. (There’s a postal service worker somewhere in Bryant Park enjoying the festivities).
So, we’re bringing you runners and fashionistas a Fashion Week unlike any other dedicated to running, working out and being fashionable. Just because you’re sweating out hundreds of calories doesn’t mean you can’t be cute. Here’s the line up:
- Sporty or fashion faux pas? Ashley gets a ‘F’ and it’s not for fashionable. Check out her fashion victim makeover.
- There’s nothing worse than constantly tugging and pulling at all things securing you in place. We’ll give you the scoop on some fashionable and functional necessities to add to your workout wardrobe.
- Is it possible to have cute (no, we mean really cute) running shoes? Until Cole Haan launches a line of running shoes, we’re not sure, but we’ll show you a few that will make your running buddies look twice.
- Sweatband or Headband? Do they work or will you just look like you ran out of the 80s?
- What’s a girl without a fabulous handbag? The same thing as a runner without a functional gym bag. We’re helping you find the perfect bag and giving you everything you need to stay fabulous and ready for the biggest (or smallest) emergencies.
Coverage starts tomorrow. We can’t promise you any swag, but we can promise that your workout gear will be a little more fashion-forward.
Preserve the Sexy!
Ashley & Toni
There’s a fine line between 70s cool and 70s dork. And when it comes to sweatbands and headbands, the line is even thinner between functional and fashionable.
sweatbands, however pull your hair back in a ponytail to avoid the “70s dork” look.
