ALO Workout Pants: The Perfect Pants For Exercise

Somehow working out is so much better with cute exercise clothes. But, unfortunately, finding the right fit for both you and your workouts can be challenging. I prefer to workout in exercise pants as opposed to shorts, but finding the proper combination of fit and function has been difficult. In fact, I have a number of pairs of pants that remain discarded in the corner of the drawer, eventually donated to goodwill and/or returned to the retailer because the rise is too short, the fabric too heavy or too light, or, most embarrassing, they don’t stay up, especially when running.
These ALO beauties (cleverly standing for Air Land Ocean) hailed to me from the super clearance rack at the Sport Chalet and I decided to give them a try, since they'd been marked down to only 15.00. For a quick impulsive decision made on a brief stop to pick up an emergency gift for a friend (I'd been too preoccupied to order something online in time), the pants turned out to be a fabu find. In fact, I love them so much that I've gotten rid of all of my other workout pants and replaced them with ALO brand pants that I've picked up from various online retailers for a steal. The weight is perfect - medium, not too light, not too heavy. And, since I don't like that slick polyester feel of a lot of workout clothes, these are perfect - they are more like a brushed cotton which holds its shape, while being comfortably form fitting and wicking. The tags say that they are 90% nylon and 10% spandex knit jersey - the jersey must make a huge difference and I credit it for getting rid of that icky shiny look that a lot of exercise clothes have.
They have proper wicking technology and proper stretch technology and the website even boasts that there's antimicrobial technology too, so you are covered on all sides. Complete with a wide hidden waistband that is properly medium rise (not too low to give you plumber's crack and not so high that you feel as if you are wearing some 80's high waisted sweats), they also come in several lengths and are flattering enough to run to the store in (Stacy and Clinton might not agree that they could be a "sweat suit alternative", but who cares). Most importantly, they stay up during a jog.
Many of them come with cute color blocking on the waistband too (Navy with Sea Green color block or Black with Lavender color block), making them more fun than the regular black workout pants AND some of them even have a little zippered key pocket, perfect for if you are doing a boot camp and just need to have your car key on hand. And a note to tall girls - the long versions are the perfect length for us, properly going to our shoes without exposing our ankles. The cropped ones are great too!
You can pick them up from the ALO website (wedge color block long pant for 60 and capri pant for 50) but I found better prices on this site - 34.00/each

Amazing Convertible Dress (Butter by Nadia - $246 and Up)

Internet surfing has done it again - brought me to something perfectly wonderful. Now, to be fair, I am not completely certain that it IS wonderful as I haven't purchased one for myself, but it LOOKS wonderful and some good googling research surfaced some other reviews that were extraordinarily positive.

Gorgeous drapey fabric in sumptuous colors and patterns: Check.

Looks as if it would be flattering on every single body type: Check.

Renders the ever horrifying "size chart" experience null and void because it's one size and fits all sizes up to 16: Check.

Cost can be rationalized because the dress can be configured in a multitude of ways so that you can convince yourself that you are getting 30 outfits for the price of one: Check.

There's this convertible jersey number pictured here in three of its possible configurations, and a number of other styles on the website, including a very classy version made of satin. And if you or someone you know is getting ready to go all out for a crazy wedding extravaganza, this is one dress that all of the bridesmaids can REALLY and TRULY wear again. The demonstrative videos on the website appear to give you all you need to know to look glam in a second, and the wrapping of the dress into the different styles looks like a cinch.

What can I say, I'm in love - LOVE - and if I had a few extra hundreds laying around and felt like I could splurge in this crap economy, I would. So please do it for yourself and report back. Pretty please?

Masquerading As "Professional": The Perfect Spring/Summer Jacket To Turn Comfort Into Business Attire and Also To Throw Over Your Jeans ($70)

Anyone who knows me knows that I generally favor jersey over suiting, comfort over stodgy, and am far from the buttoned up Suited Professional who tends to wander the halls of my office. However, as part of my new goal to at least masquerade as a Suited Professional (and hopefully avoid shrinking into the corner of the elevator with sheepish embarrassment when the The Suited Professional(s) With Power enter), I've been on the hunt for jackets that I can throw on over my jersey dresses, hopefully appearing more tailored and "official". Somehow cardigans, while cute, don't lend that extra level of professionalism. Enter this little number. I apologize about the lack of a picture but it wouldn't let me save it as a separate file; and really, how much effort is it to click on a link? Now, I know it is from JC Penney, but take comfort in the fact that it is JonesWear (which is part of the same company as Jones New York - I think). In my online shopping obsessiveness, you should also know that I experimented with several jackets from Calvin Klein, Nordstrom, Banana, Ann Taylor, Macys and others.

This one was a keeper and so far has shown the most use out of the few that I actually kept. The linen-rayon fabric is lined, but it is also light and tailored, and looks just as good worn opened, buttoned, or tied smartly at the waist. Though it does wrinkle a bit, it does not wrinkle anymore than a regular gabardine suit, nor does it wrinkle as much as other linen that I have owned, so don't let that deter you. The length is perfect over a skirt, dress, or slacks, and works equally well thrown over a pair of jeans for those Sunday birthday brunches where you want to look a little nicer, but don't want to forfeit your weekend opportunity to go casual. The light tan color compliments dark colors, light colors and patterns. It is truly the most versatile jacket that I've ever owned and in the last three weeks I've received several compliments on my outfits - in fact, the outfits themselves were ones that I'd donned many times in the past without the jacket and which had previously resulted in nary a peep from anyone; this has lead me to believe that yes, this jacket is magic. Also, the tan is a shade darker and not nearly as monotone as how it appears in the photo. The overall effect is chameleon-like, with the jacket appearing more casual with jeans and more suited with business wear. Just the masquerading effect I was going for. I have long arms and a long torso, so keep that in mind if you decide to order. I am not sure how it would work on someone with a more petite frame, but I do encourage you to give it a try, and if it doesn't work out for you, you can always return it via mail or to to any JC Penney location (yes, there is one at the Fox Hills Mall and I paid my first-ever visit to that mall recently - returns were easy peasy - just head up the third floor catalog department and you'll be out of there in less than seven minutes (including parking)).

Delightful and Affordable Sun Hat!

Doesn't every woman secretly want a big floppy straw hat, preferably the kind that can be adorned with a grosgrain ribbon for a garden wedding (that you will probably never attend, but must be prepared for) or left plain, as you see fit. One that imparts glamor and functionality, while at the same time allowing you a mysterious cover under which you can sip your umbrella cocktail poolside while sneaking flirtatious glances of a nearby hottie. Unfortunately, most of us end up with a visor, an old baseball cap, a towel slung over our eyes, or a random floppy canvas hat that has been crunched in the bottom of the beach bag for an entire season. No longer. This hat is delightful, affordable, appropriately glamorous and yet can be decorated with frilly flowers and ribbons should the occasion arise. I did find this a few weeks ago online and, unfortunately, the merchant has since recognized all of these qualities and recently raised the price about $10 (to $45 dollars). Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look at. Ignore the skin blemishes on the model. She clearly did not get her sun hat soon enough; further reason to jump on it asap. http://www.tribalsociete.com/P1460_woven_summer_hat.aspx