Sweat in Style : Spring Trends I’m Loving!

Bold Patterns

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Capris: Walmart (similar style), Tights: Onzie

For my 9-5 job, I wear a LOT of black and white. It’s simple, it’s professional, it’s…sigh…kind of boring (or so my younger sister tells me). However, I put the more stark looks to the side when I get dressed to work out, often opting for a pair of boldly patterned pants or capris. Pattern pants have been en vogue for a while now, and there is no shortage of styles to choose from! I own everything from floral motifs to cosmic explosions. They’re my favorite to pull out when getting dressed for an early morning workout. Nothing like says “6 AM” like sparkly stretchies!

Colorful Crops

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Clockwise from top L: black – lululemon, lime & navy – Aritizia, red – Lorna Jane,lime – Lorna Jane, black & white – Lorna Jane, turquoise – Alo Yoga

I literally went from the girl who owned two simple sports bras (black and white, the same style from American Eagle) to the girl who has a full drawer of crops exploding with color! Lately, I’ve been loving longer, crop-top style sports bras because I can wear them to spin class without a shirt on top. I also love to pick sports bras with bold patterns that peek through slouchy tanks.

Barre Humor

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Tee by Emi Jay, barresocks (similar styles)

I can’t resist a good barre joke. Let’s face it, you need something to make you laugh as you stare into the mirror, teeth gritted, fighting for those final ten counts in thigh work! Plain tops?! Come on now, don’t tuck with me like that 🙂

Fitspirational Tanks

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Lorna Jane: Teal, Navy, Coral

I love Lorna Jane and her collection of ultra-feminine workout wear. Taking the top spot in her shop for me are her inspirational tanks. In line with her Move Nourish Believe motto, they remind me to never, never, never give up while giving my workout all that I’ve got!

Splits 59 by Pure Barre

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Erid Tight, Lynx Tank

As a Pure Barre instructor, I am always excited to see new clothing pop up in my studio’s store. Since the fall, I’ve been obsessed with the Splits 59 by Pure Barre collection. It’s a special collaboration that can only be found at Pure Barre studios or on PureBarre.com. My favorite piece of the collection, hands down, is the Erid tight. I own them in black, grey, and this season’s new navy.

Matchy Matchy

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Nike Pants, Nike Free Sneakers (similar style)

 Some people would disagree, but the Type-A in me just loves a well-coordinated look. I like to find ways to match my sneakers to my pants, my Lily and Laura bracelets to my tanks, even my socks to my headband! Feeling put together from head to toe makes me feel like I am on top of the world!

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Sweat in Style…For Less!

Hello Sweathearts,

I’ll admit it. I’m a sucker for cute workout gear. Lululemon, Nike, Under Armour, you name it! I’m pretty laid back when it comes to the rest of my workout look–hair in a messy ponytail, and no makeup allowed–but I love picking out workout gear that is cute and functional. By functional, I mean that I don’t have to worry about anything hanging out or showing through. Being able to deflect sweat well is an added bonus–I don’t like to half-ass my workouts, so I’m always drenched by the time I’m through.

The problem with some of my favorite brands? They’re expensive. SUPER expensive. Not-realistic-for-a-college-student-who-works-as-a-babysitter-expensive. But I’ve learned a few tips and tricks that have helped me add Lulu, Nike, and UA to my wardrobe without breaking the bank.

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I didn’t pay full price for ANY of these items!

  • Sporting goods stores aren’t your only source of workout gear! I’ve picked up some great Nike pieces from Kohl’s and Nordstrom. Neither store offers a full range of product, but their small selection is often eligible for markdown and couponing (Kohl’s) or hits the clearance racks at a great price (Nordstrom).
  • But sporting goods stores DO offer great rewards programs and deals. Dick’s Sporting Goods is my go-to store based on their reward program. I get coupons regularly from them that range from $10 off a purchase to 25% off of an item. My local Dick’s also offers GREAT clearance racks at the end of each season that feature already marked-down items at an additional 50% off. I’ve gotten Nike shorts for under $10, and a Hard Tail Tank for under $20.
  • Outlets are the real deal (pun intended). I live about 40 minutes away from Woodbury Commons, a popular outlet center for locals and tourists alike. While I generally don’t find deals on everyday clothing there, the deals at the Nike, Under Armour, and Lululemon outlets can be incredible! Because it’s a long drive, I try to hit the outlets only once per season. I scored a Lululemon Vinyasa scarf for $29 in outlet that I had seen listed on eBay for close $80!
  • Give flash sales a chance. The Zumba capris pictured above? I found them listed on Zulily, a flash sale website geared more towards moms & children. My mother, a teacher, spotted the sale and alerted me to the deal. Since then, they’ve featured other fitness brands, such as Lucy. ACTIVE GearUp is a flash sale website that exclusively features fitness gear, but even the traditional websites such as HauteLook occasionally upload workout brands.
  • Patience isn’t just a virtue, it’s a bargain hunter’s way of life. If I fall in love with a newly released item from any store, I try to wait it out. It’s really tough for me–my instinct is to buy right away so that I can make it my own. But I’ve found that being patient often results in markdowns and worthwhile extra savings. I wouldn’t recommend doing this for something you absolutely can’t live without, but if you see something, bookmark it and check in every few days. Chances are, you’ll be able to score a deal.

What are some of your favorite ways to workout in style without paying a high price? I’m always looking for more ways to save money while leading an active and fashionable life!