Many people (not including me) make a New Years Resolution each year to work out…I heard on the radio that over $1 billion is wasted on gym memberships each year (meaning not being used).  So, instead of wasting the money on a gym membership, why not spend it on cute workout clothing?  Maybe that will be enough to inspire you to actually GO to the gym.  If not, at least you can lounge around the house in some hot new duds.  Plus I’ve *heard* that yoga pants make your booty look magnificent…I’m just sayin’.  Here are my favorite yoga-eqsue/workout apparel lines!!!

Lululemon is definitely what’s hot right now.  On a price scale, this definitely hits the high end of the workout apparel market…but the design and comfort when actually working out make it worth it.  The Groove Pant (shown below) has a flared bottom and comes in a variety of color combos ($98).  They also have cropped, running pants, lined/unlined and tops at various prices.  Also, if you live near a location they will alter the pants free of charge (good for shorties like me).

Next on my list is Victoria’s Secret PINK collection.  So this is MUCH more wallet friendly and super cute and comfy.  I have a cropped pair and regular pair ($32.50).  Also, I LOVE the top that the pic shows below.  What you can’t see is how long it actually is.  I live in these at home…at 2 for $24, I recommend stocking up on the basics and throw in some fun colors as well!!

GapBodyFit has a variety of styles – gFlex, gStretch, and gBalance ($49.50) but quality you can expect from the Gap brand.  Check out this cute fitted-lace active tank ($39.50)!  Now that is a workout apparel that I can handle!

Also under the Gap umbrella that many people may not know about is the line, Athleta.  It’s mostly yoga clothing, swimwear, running clothing, and athletic apparel.  Prices are closer to Lululemon on our price scale, but cute designs and authentic workout apparel – no imitations here!  If the abs came with the pants below ($89), I would wear them ALL the time!

So enjoy your new years resolution, your workouts, and your new athletic apparel!  No more t-shirts and sweats at the gym…at least look the part after paying your membership deposit!

shops love!!

There are only THREE days until Christmas – so today The Shopaholic is counting down her favorite three coats for over your holiday outfit.  If you live somewhere with colder weather, you need to cover that cute, little holiday attire to get from point a to point b.  Let’s be stylish from head to toe, inside out!  Here goes…starting with three.

3. Victoria’s Secret Classic Wool Coat – It’s called a classic for a reason.  Tailored, great colors, good length, and perfect price ($79.99).  I have in two colors and could always go for a third!

2. Anthropologie Cassonade Coat – This works especially well if you’re wearing a turleneck or a nice scarf to compliment the deep V neckline.  The detailing is ultra-feminine which is a nice touch at the holidays.  $198

1.  My absolute favorite dress coat on the market – Betsey Johnson Embroidered Sequin Coat ($199).  It has shape, sparkle, and a pricetag that doesn’t make me cringe.  Such a holiday coat, but dress up jeans too!

Stay Warm and Shops Love!!!

So there are 5 days until Christmas (I’m sure I’m not the first to remind you) – are you all ready?  I had Christmas #1 with my hubby’s family on Sunday – it was fabulous and the perfect start to Christmas week!  I am all ready for the real deal too – shopping finished, cards mailed, gifts wrapped, and toys assembled.  Phew!  Why does Santa get all the credit when Mrs. Claus does all of the real work?  Oh well…some things never change.

So in honor of the fast approaching countdown, each day I’ll name my top “however-many” *somethings* to go with that day.  For instance, today is my top 5 (five days until Christmas) ways to look super cute on Christmas morning.  Our family has a tradition  – on Christmas Eve you get a new pair of pajamas and slippers.  We come downstairs (yes, even as adults) on Christmas morning and wear our new pj’s.  I’m talking g-rated jammies, so don’t expect anything skanky.  Like my tradition or not, every girl needs some cute (appropriate) jammies.

5. Victoria’s Secret Thee-Piece Pajama Set – this is perfect for my situation because it has a cami with a coordinating cardi to go over.  Hardly look like you’re wearing pajamas, but so comfortable you must be!  Sale $39.50; numerous color combos.

4. J. Crew Flannel Sleep Set – This is making my list because it is so holiday festive and absolutely the warmest.  I just want to snuzzle on the couch with a cup of cocoa.  That is if you can afford the cocoa after shelling out $85 on pjs.

3.Gap Plaid Flannel Set – The price-point is better than j. crews version and the black/white is super chic. I”m a big fan of gapbody.

2. Victoria’s Secret Redskins L/S Boxer Set – So maybe you’re not a skins fan…get them in your own team.  I’m a legitimate fan though, so sleeping in nfl paraphernalia is hardly a stretch.  I love these…end of story.  $49.50.

1.Make + Model Striped Henley Pajamas – love love love.  If it weren’t for the solid pink, I’d wear them in public – you think I’m kidding.  Available at Nordies for $44.

Enjoy and Happy Countdown!
shops love!

The Shopaholic has been spending a lot of time at home lately – this fall weather makes you want to do that.  The weather is crisp and the tv shows are new so there’s no real reason to go anywhere.  When I’m at home, I want to be warm and cozy.  Even when I get home from work, I immediately change into leggings and a sweater.  Cozy doesn’t necessarily mean frumpy though, so it’s important to look chic even on Sundays – you never know what might come up!  So when Kaylea, from Syracuse, asked for some suggestions of cozy but cute sweaters, it made perfect sense to answer her right away!  The fact is that everywhere is stocked with sweaters right now – it’s hard to narrow it down to just five or so!  I’ve posted some of my favorites that are perfect for household errands (with leggings) or a day at the office (with black pants or denim).

Clockwise (from left): Salty Cable Trim Sweater ($128), Kenneth Cole Foldback Sweater (sale $54), Ann Taylor Cowl Neck Button Sweater ($98, buy one get one 50% all sweaters), Victoria’s Secret Boucle Bomber Sweater (sale $49), and Anthropologie Konnichiwa Sweater ($128).

shops love!

Cardigans by Kenneth Cole
Cardigans at Nordstrom

The NFL Kickoff is tonight – Vikings/Saints – are you ready?  If you’re heading to any games this season – NFL or NCAA – you should follow a few quick rules to be the hit of the tailgate!  First, my non-fashion-related rule is to eat!  Besides the obvious “we need to eat” reason, remember that when mixing booze, heat, thousands of people, and expensive concession stands, it makes most sense to eat beforehand.  Besides, tailgate food is yummy!

Next rule is to wear your best sports apparel.  It’s possible to look great in non-sports gear, but you’re more likely to be the hit of the tailgate if you’re supporting your team.  Also – I recommend not mixing sports.  Please don’t wear your Yankees gear to a Patriots football game.  People get way involved in their teams and there’s no point throwing another sport in the mix.  Tailgates and games in September are great because the weather hasn’t gotten cold yet (what to wear to a game in January is a different post).

This is a great option for the ladies who don’t have a team preference!  Stay neutral while supporting the NFL (and look super cute at the same time)!

Pair your sports apparel (hat, jersey, tee, etc) with jeans/shorts/something comfortable.  I would advise against a skirt (I can recall one too many keg stands that would not have happened in a skirt – so maybe I should encourage skirts to avoid the keg stands).  Either way, I think it’s best to stick with something that will make you look even more down-to-earth.  I prefer jeans or jean shorts which are on sale everywhere right now!

If I were going to a game this weekend (which I’m not, tear) I’d wear my Seven jean shorts that I bought from Nordstrom for $99.  I bought them months ago, but they’re still available online.

Lastly, don’t get caught at a tailgate with a big, bulky purse!  The guys don’t want to deal with it, the fans near you in the stands don’t want to deal with it, and most likely you won’t either.  I strongly encourage you to invest in a cross-body bag.  I’ve been using the same black, Prada Nylon Messenger for 8 years now and it’s never let me down.  It fits just enough stuff (wallet, keys, phone, camera…you don’t need anything else)!  Now that cross-bodies are all the rage, pick one up and don’t let it go!

If you’re like me, you’re going to be dressed in your team colors every Saturday and Sunday for the next three months.  I’ve been stocking up on my team apparel for months now, but it’s not too late for you!  You can find traditional jerseys and tees as well as the more feminine designs from NFL Shop, Victoria’s Secret Pink, and Football Fanatics!

Happy Football Season!

shops love

ps…Go Canes (Saturday) and Go Skins (Sunday night)

I think I had a disclaimer in the beginning mentioning that football is an integral part of my life.  It’s August now, so football will officially begin this month – even if it is just pre-season NFL games.  I like to give myself plenty of time to prepare for football season – mentally and physically.  Physically being my clothing!  Victoria’s Secret carries a line of collegiate clothing in their PINK collection.  University of Miami (my alma mater and home of the Hurricanes) is one of the featured colleges and each year I pick up a couple of new things to add to my collection.  The pieces are on the pricier side, but they are soo cute and soo comfortable that it’s worth the extra money in my opinion.  But why believe me?  I’m the shopaholic!  If you happen to live in an area where your school is located, than you can look at the items in the store.  Since I live in Syracuse, my stores carry everything in the Orange and Blue for the Syracuse Orange.  This would be a good thing during basketball season – but for the next 4 months, I’ll limit myself to the Green and Orange!  This time of year, it’s all about THE U!  Check out my new sweatshirt below and see for yourself at http://www.victoriassecret.com/pink/university-of-miami (or search for your own school)!!! 

The PINK collection will soon (tomorrow, August 4th) include NFL teams as well – I’ll hold out for some Burgundy and Gold sweats (that’s for the Redskins in case you’ve been ignoring my team preferences up until this point).  Don’t worry – I won’t wear my canes sweatshirt with my skins sweatpants – there’s a time and a place for everything.

PINK loves University of Miami…and thanks to this sweatshirt, University of Miami loves PINK!  Isn’t mutual affection lovely?

shops love!

ps…It’s a PINK nation, are you in it?

Update!!  (8/4/10) 13 NFL teams are officially on vs.com in their PINK collection!  Use the code “FALL10″ to receive $15 off a $100 order.