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

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