Friday, August 25, 2017

Clothes To Play In

 Every time I go to Illinois to visit my children I'm amazed at all the women who run around wearing yoga pants and sneakers.  I think we can safely say the war of "leggings as pants" is over and the pants side won.  So now that we are done debating that issue, the next question is "Has wearing activewear outside the gym become the new norm?"  From my observations, depending on where you live,  I would say "yes".  In my neck of the woods, women are still wearing jeans or leggings as pants, but they are not shopping or going out to eat wearing activewear.  However, in affluent areas, such as where my kids live, it's difficult to find a woman who isn't wearing activewear.

Now I actually think modern active wear is really cute, especially if you are fit.  My problem with it is two fold.  First of all, I think   "Don't these women get bored wearing the same thing every day and looking like everyone else?"  I mean, as comfy as activewear is, I don't want to wear it everyday, and I certainly don't want to blend in with the crowd.

Secondly, the cost.  As I previously mentioned, my kids live in affluent area.  I can guarantee you the activewear these women are wearing was not purchased at JCP or Target.  And that's what I don't understand.  I do not think there is a difference between $120.00 pair of leggings vs. a $20.00 pair of leggings.  Spandex is spandex.  But for a lot of people labels mean everything.  To me, they mean nothing.  If I can get some the same look and quality at the cheaper price,  I will always take the cheaper price!

So after visiting my children and seeing the activewear trend everywhere I went, I was startled to come home and find my own JCPenney store completely overhauled.  They discontinued some brands, reduced some brands, and shifted and moved all the other brands around.  And what did they put at the very front of the store?  The part where they usually showcase the latest fashions?  You got it!  Activewear!  They took a huge section of retail space that formerly housed a.n.a, stylus, and Levi's and turned it all into an activewear section.

Well, if you can't beat them join them.  Keeping an upcoming vacation in mind where 4 days of hiking will be involved, I purchased two active wear skorts, a new pair of leggings, two active wear tee shirts, a tank, and a sexy sports bra.  I'm all set to join the activewear trend!


This is new activewear skort I purchased.  I had a old friend come visit me the day I wore this outfit.  I wanted to wear something nice (because it's a friend, and it's not like friends come over to my house everyday) yet comfortable and practical.  I thought it was the perfect time to pull out my new skort.


The skort is 100% polyester, has an elastic and drawstring waist, and pockets!  The fabric is so soft and comfortable.  And I love the fact that underneath the skirt is a built in pair of shorts.  I feel I can move freely and bend over without ever worrying that something might be showing!


I did buy several tops to coordinate with the skort, but on this day I chose to wear an old tee shirt also from JCP.


I love this skirt so much, I've worn it three times already!  That says a lot, because I don't usually repeat clothes often.  I wore it on a long car drive to Illinois.  It's great for traveling because it's so comfortable.  And then I wore it with sneakers and an active wear top and jacket for a day of shopping and a dentist appointment.


Even though the skort was probably made for playing golf or tennis in, I can wear it like a regular skirt and dress it up or down depending on the occasion.  It's the perfect item for running around in...no wonder they call this style activewear!


I normally wear sneakers when I wear this skort, but on this day I chose flip flops because I was at home entertaining.  I like to wear flip flops at home so I can easily remove my footwear after being outside.

These flip flops are super old.  I bought them at Dress Barn ages ago!


The skort is regularly priced $30.00.  I paid $12.99 for mine, plus I used coupons, so I got all my activewear at a great price.  Unfortunately, it's back to regular price HERE,  but if you use a coupon, you can still get a reduced price!

And for those curious about the shorts underneath the skirt, here is a picture.  I read one review on JCP where they thought the shorts were a bit tight.  They are skin tight so that no bulges appear on the outside, but I did not find them tight at all.  I am small in the butt/hip/thigh area and I purchased a size medium.  Maybe this reviewer carries her weight in that area, or she bought the wrong size.



Have a Great Day!  Amy

Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!

20 comments:

  1. It certainly is a fun outfit for playing in!
    Thanks so much for linking up with the Fabulous Friday link-up this week :)
    Suzy Turner at Yogadocious
    (this week’s co-host)

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    1. Thanks Suzy! I didn't realize you were the co-host! I'll have to pop over to your blog when I have time this weekend.

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  2. Cute look, I don't think I've ever owned a skort.
    I don't usually wear active wear outside the gym, I have only done it on two occasions when I had to pick up something quickly at the grocery store after my yoga session. I did not feel like I was dressed appropriately LOL but I told myself it's still better than wearing PJ's out in public, and that is something I will never understand...

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    1. Thanks Elli! I've owned skorts before, but they looked like shorts from the back and a skirt from the front. This is so much better, and so much more comfortable. I agree with you about the PJ's. Whenever I see that, I wonder what the inside of the person's house looks like. I mean, if they can't even bother to throw on a pair of jeans to go shopping, when was the last time they did the dishes?

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  3. This is the perfect outfit for casual wear! I wear leggings/workout gear out, but not very often and my rear is always covered. ;)

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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    1. Thanks Amy. Every one I've ever seen wearing workout gear in public never had their rear covered, your in the minority from my observations...but good for you!

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  4. I'm obsessed with leggings this year!

    Lovely shoes!

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    1. From my observations Anna, you are not alone! Everyone is! Thanks for visiting!

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  5. And that's how you do activewear for daily style! Well done, my friend. You look fabulous. Thank you for sharing this fashion inspiration on my Fine-Whatever link up.

    Rena
    www.finewhateverblog.com

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  6. Cute skort! I love getting great looks at a discount! I'm not really sure I'm into most of the activewear fad though. I just can't wear leggings as jeans. Just … no. :-/

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    1. I know Mandy, I can relate. I think I've come to the conclusion to wear activewear when traveling, or to an appropriate activity like hiking, or any outdoor activity that requires a lot of walking (like visiting a zoo). But I can't get into it to wear activewear for running errands, shopping, etc. I like fashion too much and I want to wear other things!

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  7. Activewear is in! I remember back in the 90s when it was around a bit. Trends come and go and this one is definitely here right now! You look pretty in this outfit and I love that skirt!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

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    1. Thanks Ruth! Yes, activewear is so in right now it's amazing!

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  8. Love activewear and in fact I live in it most days. Even wore cropped yoga pants and a zip-up to a car show this past Saturday morning. Paired with my running shoes, though, there was no mistaking the fact that I had either just come from the gym or a long run - perfect attire for the casual event. I can't see myself walking into a restaurant in that attire. Wouldn't work for me or my style aesthetic. Your take on activewear is far more versatile. Your skort looks like a skirt and your slogan tee is all the rage right now. Perfect for lunch with your friend!

    Mary
    http://marymurnane.com

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    1. Thanks Mary, the event you just described would be a perfect event to wear activewear to. I'm sure you look amazing in activewear with your very fit body!

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  9. Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Nice weekend look. Have a great Labor Day weekend.

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  10. I like the idea of wearing a skort, I may have to get one! Thanks for linking up!

    Emma xxx
    www.style-splash.com

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