Athleisure

Athleisure.  What does that mean anyways? Sounds like some word made up for marketing purposes.  Well it is; sorta.

According to wikipedia it 'is a trend in fashion in which clothing designed for workouts and other athletic activities is worn in other settings, such as during work, casual or social occasions.'

spot on.

Now, I'm sticking to my strong belief that gym clothes are for exercise only and not appropriate elsewhere. But I am softening a bit and incorporating some casual and relaxed pieces into my weekend wear.

Gym clothes are NOT everyday clothes! They are meant for exercising, by all means do that daily.  I believe it all began when gals started wearing yoga pants as pants because they were stretchy. It's lazy, sloppy and unflattering! Stop reading if you must but leggings of any sort are NOT pants.
Only underneath a tunic/shorter dress with your derriere concealed is it acceptable.
Honestly, it's more effort to squeeze into those tights than it is to step into a pair of pants.

Think of it as wearing an evening gown to the grocery store - situationally inappropriate!

Off my soap box and onto what is appropriate for a casual and comfortable dressing...

These track pants with their soft, flat-front elastic waist and tailored leg incorporates elements of comfort with the style of a dress pant.  (wearing them as such in a later post!)

A semifitted tee/tank in a solid color or with a cute quote that shows your off your personality = Yes.  An oversized t-shirt you got for free at some promo event = Fail.

Add a light weight sneaker, denim jacket and cross body or tote bag and you're ready to go.

More options: a duster cardigan, field or bomber jacket, quilted vest, slip on sneaker, sandal and scarf

Please don't opt for: fleece jacket, heavy running sneaker, tight tank exposing undergarments and cleavage, or flip flops

It's all about the pant when it comes to athleisure wear.  You're basically swapping out your jeans or if you're guilty of wearing leggings/yoga tights (repent now) for a loose but tailored lightweight pull-on pant.

I'm obsessed with this pair! They literally look like dress pants. Flat front so no bunching or added volume around the hips, skimming yet roomy leg and ankle length with no elastic hem (ew).
These are perfect for ALL - even those gals that are expecting or post pregnancy.  It's a hard time for dressing but these make it easy.

Go get yourself a pair of these pants - I wear them at least once a week #truestory.  They define go-to.

Track Pants || Tank || Denim Jacket || Sneakers || Crossbody bag || 

Dress Beautifully in Athleisure Wear

XOXO Sarah Louise

On Track

This week I've been all about getting back 'on track'.  Mr and I traveled to Charlotte last week/weekend (my home with the exception of undergrad and fingers crossed our soon to be home!!) to see our family & friends before he's gone for the next several months with very tiny breaks - duty calls! 

I have a horrible habit of not unpacking for several days - confession: sometimes a week.  It drives us both crazy to bring home clutter and disarray.  My sleep and routine are always off when I travel. I live on a fairly strict routine - type A for sure! So needless to say I love going away but happy to be back to the same old schedule.  

Mondays are getting back into the swing of things but Fridays, those are all about the finish.  You spend all week trying to stay on track with tasks and responsibilities, and then it's time to wrap it all up and cheers to the weekend!  

What better way to get weekend ready then in a comfy pair of track pants.  They're an in-between trouser and yoga pant.  Please don't wear yoga pants outside of the gym ... it's a HUGE pet peeve of mine! I could elaborate but it just makes me cringe. Just Don't Do It!!

Ok back on topic, track pants, I like pairing them with a stiletto heel - contrasting the comfy with the dressy.  They're drapey so plenty of room but have a fitted waist and ankle cuffs to create shape. 

Truth: I kinda feel like a bad-a when I wear these.

I kept the look simple with a soft tee and denim jacket.  And this bag! Seriously one of my new favs and totally unlike my go-to purse style.  All my bags are structured and ladylike but this one brings sass with it's zippered hardware and fringe details.  The leather, woah it's like butter! 

I'm back on the road this weekend to Raleigh to celebrate one of my dear friends/bridesmaid as she shops for her wedding dress ... Cheers to the Weekend - Celebrate Cheerfully!

Basic Tee: Target || Track Pants: Marshall's Similar & Here, Here, & Here || Denim Jacket: Gap ||

Black Pumps: Nine West || Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff || 

Dress Beautifully in Track Pants

XOXO Sarah Louise