Guest Post: A Weight Watchers Online Buddy In Defense on Neon and Lycra

A while back, in anticipation of an actual vacation, I asked a few online friends if they would be so kind as to "pen" a guest post for me while I'm away. I realized after the fact that the women I've asked all have voices that have become important to me - all for different reasons. So I'd like to share them with you.

Another voice from my #healthyme journey, Cheryl is an inspiration. There's an odd community - rather, an unexpected (for me, at least) community - on Weight Watchers Online. When I joined Weight Watchers in February, I started reading the blogs - more online journals, really - of other folks on this journey. Cheryl's was one. Exceptionally smart (graduate student of the Nth degree), savvy (fantastic writer), and stylish (even her progress pics she posts are in stylish gear), she's turned into support for me as I succeed, waver, and get healthy. So here's what she has to say.

As a lady with a strong sartorial perspective, I never reconciled with the fact that my fitness wardrobe was pitiful and depressing. When I began working at a gym as a teenager, I basically wore a version of my adolescent gym uniform to work out: oversized cotton t-shirt, sub yoga pants for terry shorts.

I collected any free, screenprinted t-shirt and saved it for the gym. I have the “Karate for Kids 1999 SoCal Championship” and the concert T from when I saw Britney Spears in Vegas in 2001 (i.e., the Good Ole Days), and in 2007 added my “UCLA Class of 2007” T to the rotation. Since I would NEVER wear a screenprinted T in normal life, I suppose I enjoyed having a place to wear shirts with sentimental value.

Not even joking, the only reason why I stopped wearing them is that I gained weight a couple years ago and they felt too restrictive. My cotton yoga pants didn’t mind the weight gain much, but the t-shirts felt awful with the extra weight. Even though I buy new clothes for my regular wardrobe, oh, all the time, I am terrible about maintaining a good fitness wardrobe. The question I’d like to grapple with is, does it matter? Should we care what we dress like when we exercise? Should we save the money for Marc Jacobs dresses and Anthropologie finds?

I’ve really struggled with this question, but I write today to argue that there are real benefits to putting effort into your fitness clothing, and that you really can wear fitted, neon hued gear before you look like an Olympian, and it can actually be slimming and conducive to a good workout. You can also find decent quality gear without stepping into a Lulu. So here is my argument:

When I decided to make a commitment to health in January (I know, cliché of cliches), I was forced to buy workout clothes that fit, and I dreaded the task. Here’s the thing about fitness apparel: it is made for people who don’t need to work out. Most workout gear is not terribly forgiving, and I think I avoided the spandex and lycra in novel shades of pink because I didn’t think I could wear it, ever. I decided on these slimming (note: ‘compression’ is a good word) microfiber pants at a huge discount, this racerback from Target for even more slimming action, and then these shirts in an XL to wear over them (I needed my Cotton T!). The cotton T wasn’t even oversized. It was fitted over my hips. I weighed very close to 200 lbs.

So I wore this (I bought a few colors of each: light gray, dark gray and black of all of the above), and wore the ensemble to the gym for cardio and lifting, to my yoga classes. When I started Couch to 5k in late February, I started to wear the same outfit running. Of course, by then, I had lost about 15 lbs, and the t-shirt was now “Loose” like the tag promised.

I had never been a runner, and C25K was the first time I had ever run a mile non-stop. It was also the first time I experienced MarathonTattoos. After a run one day (and this is March in Chicago, so it’s not like it was 80 degrees), the now loose cotton T’s seams were below my armpit became moistened. To continue to TMI you, the moist seams rubbed against my arm and my side with every step. I had a huge rash on my side. It took one Google to find out that cotton is THE WORST material to workout in. It soaks up sweat, making the garment heavier, and if it’s rubbing, it will cause chafing (YES IT DOES). Just like you don’t wear cotton backpacking, you don’t wear cotton running.

So what to do? I was only about 20% to goal at this point, and I really didn’t want to spend all my cash monies at Lululemon or Lucy, but I needed to size down my tops. I ended up finding this top at Target in great shades (I literally own every color), and it is a great middle ground between fitted and loose. I wear it with my slimming racerback underneath, and it makes for great running, yoga and gym wear. If one top rides up or slips in an inversion, I still don’t show bellow. I also find sleeveless workout tops (something I never did in the past, no matter my weight) really beneficial in a workout, and really liberating. Also, it’s great to look at your arms during a workout and see the muscles working. I had a moment in Warrior 2 a few weeks ago where I had to do a double take on my biceps.

So that solved my top problem. Now, as I’ve lost over 30 lbs, I alternate between the fitted racerback and the looser one, with or without the extra layer.

A few weeks ago, it got hot in Chicago and my slimming microfiber pants were getting worn out and not so slimming (they are from Kohl’s, after all). I needed new bottoms. I know shorts and running crops are the way to go in the summer, but I’d never, ever exercised in either. Running crops make my legs look like a chicken’s (big thigh, little leg), and running shorts…ehhh...uuughhh. I spent a great deal of time trying different pairs and reading reviews online. When Gap had a 30% off promotion and their Gap Fit line had a lot on sale, I decided to try their crops and shorts.

They are great. They run a little big, so as a bottom heavy 8/10 at the moment, I absolutely needed a M in both, but they are surprisingly high quality and fit great. I ended up buying these mesh panel crops and these shorts in several colors. I have gotten compliments on both (who gets compliments on workout gear?).

My last secret weapon is color. I always veered towards neutrals for my workouts, but this year I decided to jump on the neon trend bandwagon, and buy a lot of neon for my workouts. I own these in yellow and in pink, and I try to incorporate as much color into my workouts as possible. It energizes me, and putting together an ensemble makes me more excited to get dressed for a workout in the morning. I revel in adding as much gratuitous neon as possible to every workout.

Wearing workout clothes that fit me, don’t interfere with my workout, and show off my curvy, but shrinking body have done wonders. Not only do I feel more athletic, but my workout are also better now that I’m not weighed down by heavy pants and soggy cotton Ts. I also am more excited to get into my workout gear, and less embarrassed about being seen in my workout clothes.

If you are in a workout rut, or putting off workouts because of the outfit, my prescription is more neon.

Wow.

Disappointment reigned (and rained, for that matter) over a Big Saturday Night Shopping Expedition. I've been obsessed with taking The Bean to the pool for the first time, but needed to get a UV-protectant wetsuit-like thingy for her (she's fair like her mommy). One buys those things at Big Box Stores like babies r us. Which are in suburban shopping malls.

BlueSuitGirl agreed to tag along (H was on Bean Duty), and suggested we try Kohl's to find some Cheap Summer Dresses. Perfect. We have two beach trips coming up, and a $20 dress is just what I needed. The funniest part? When her neighbor wished us a good time at babies r us. I think he was really befuddled that a hip thing like BlueSuitGirl would spend her Saturday night in a baby store. She's a good friend.

First, babies r us didn't have the darned wetsuit thingy. Sold out, I guess. Miserable selection of bathing suits, for that matter, but some adorable clothes. The Bean needs NO clothes. She has more than I do.

So we hop in the car and drive to the next part of the shopping center...to Kohls'. Now, I have friends who swear by Kohl's, and Vera's now designing for them, and Daisy has her line there, so I was hopeful.

Wow, was I wrong.

1) Vera's Simply Vera line? Boring, old, frumpy. Drab colors, shapeless, and fabrics not worth the paper the money's printed on. What was clearly supposed to be simple, elegant, and understated? Stated NOTH-ing.

2) Daisy's line - better colors and styles, but each time we pulled something off the rack, it would just go south. There's always just one detail too many. Great block color tops? Marred by oversized paste "jewels" or patterns that just shouldn't be. Can't remember if that's stolen from some past runway, but it shouldn't be.

3) Anything else? If it was cute, it was just too much money for what it was. Adorable, great colored Ts? If I'm shopping at Kohl's, I sure as heck don't want to spend $26 on a T-shirt. $12? Maybe. $26? No way.

Style Dilemma: Hot. Period.

Dariaux's headed to India for a business trip, and is looking for help:

it's bloody hot in India - 110 average during the day and 85 at night. I can't wear skirts - trousers are preferred. I can go sleeveless, however.

Well, my dear, funny you should ask, because there's a flurry of "warm weather" clothing discussions going on in chats around the region. DC's a terrible place to try and stay stylish in the summer - humidity is ridiculous. And I'm going to take a stab and assume India will be the same.

But the "no skirts" thing does throw a wrench into the deal. Skirts and flowy dresses are the au currant method of dealing with the heat.

That being said, I think you have a couple of points to consider...

1) Gut instinct? Avoid the sleeveless tops. Sun protection is probably going to be as important to you as heat beating coolness. Instead? Go tunic-y. Linen or cotton. Maybe something fun like this belted top from - yup! - Kohl's.

2) Stock up on blousy peasant tops. These first came out a couple of seasons ago, but are still relatively easy to find. Try Gap's version - a little colonial, but it still works. I fondly remember my first trip to Romania - I traipsed around monasteries in a similar top I still miss.

3) Given the "safari" look that's now made it off the runways and into our stores, you should be able to find some "heat appropriate" (after all, aren't safaris usually in Very Hot Places?) looks. All you need for that look is a little epaulet-inspired buttoning, like on this lightweight cotton buttondown at The Gap.

3) Pants - let's see. I don't think it needs to be said that linen doesn't travel that well. On the other hand, it's linen, and who expects it to be neatly pressed. So you'll have to pick your own Wrinkle Comfort Level there.

I'm seeing white pants and colored tops, but again, I'm not so sure white is the way to go on the road. I'll be practical and advise navy, black, brown, or khaki. Navy'll be your best bet for not feeling boring, I think. Try staple stores like Banana for a good linen pant. The versions they're showing on their site now are linen/silk, though, which might be too sticky in the end. Fitted but wide leg I think are your keys to staying cool.

And please, no capris. I don't care what Marie Claire says in their latest spread. I don't like cropped pants.

Oh, and a hat. Wear a hat.

Accessible Luxury Makes Me Squirm

Have to say...

I was thrilled when Vanessa O'Connell called me to ask about "accessible luxury" and my buying habits. Like way back when, I felt oh, so important. (O'Connell had interviewed me for an earlier story, but I ended up on the cutting room floor.) The Wall Street Journal. The Big Time.

After reading the article, I'm intrigued to a certain extent (as I was talking with Vanessa the other day) by the concept of accessible luxury. It's something I've certainly observed, but had never named for myself. The silver at Tiffany that Aunt Lorna can buy, the Coach key fob, and even the downscale designer work happening at box stores like Target and Kohl's - intriguing economic phenomenon - or is it a societal happening? I'm not sure I like the idea that everyone can afford a little Tiffany. Loses its luster. Lord knows I've wondered about those women with the Dooney & Burke or Louis Vuitton purses - the ones who really don't look like they can afford them (not that I'm judging books or covers, mind you). Maybe a few of them are theives, spending way beyond their means, and just not looking "finished"*, but most of them are just trying a little too hard.

Then I realized I'm just another one of those people...buying the little things I can at high end stores. Mildly embarassing, somehow.

*A interestingly timed story about two DC government workers embezzeling 1000s of dollars and spending, spending, spending on luxury goods. "Basically unfinished," said one stylist of the aspirational shoppers.

So How Did I Do? 31204ever's Baby Shower B&W

On Saturday, I answered a cry for help from 31204ever. Here's what she ended up with. 31204ever writes:

Necklace and bracelet from Kohl's that I picked up Saturday afternoon after reading your advice. The bracelet was a bunch of square tiles like a mosaic, and three of the tiles fell out about a minute after this picture was taken. (Speaking of you get what you pay for!) So I ended up wearing just a chunky silver bracelet, but it's the thought that counts, right?

Absolutely. Well done, in my book. I'm a big fan of turquoise blues with neutrals. Brings a huge pop. The real question, though, is how did you feel in your ensemble?