fashion favorite: VPL

Women’s athletic apparel is no longer being marketed only as workout clothing,  but as wear to/from/after/before the gym, or none of the above.  And most athletic brands are now trying to attract all women, regardless of their fitness level and body type, whether they have a gym membership or not.  Stores like lululemon have set the mark for this trend with their uber-flattering, comfortable pants, crops, tank and jackets.  Though once considered more undergarment-like due to their tight, low-cut, curve accentuating fit- athletic clothes, especially yoga-inspired pieces are practical, functional and look good on everyone.  Designers are being influenced by this swing towards casual chic comfort, and I couldn’t be happier.  I think ‘casual, but looking ‘put together’ daytime outfits are the hardest to create, shop for and even pack for when going away.  My new designer addiction, VPL (stands for ‘Visible Panty Line’) is creating a perfect balance of casual, comfortable, feminine, modern and trendy items.  Their pieces are a perfect staple to add to you favorite luxury lounge wear ensembles, or wear them with your favorite leggings, jeggings or jeans for a more sophisticated, effortless look.  Celebs like Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Aniston, Tilda Swinton, Juliette Lewis and Victoria Beckham love their clothes too.

With the tagline “underwear, outerwear, anywhere,” former stylist Victoria Bartlett launched her underwear-inspired label. The brand now also includes handbags, shoes, and jewelry. VPL collections usually hinge around a cheeky theme, such as the “Modern Suffragettes” homage in 2007, which presented a military slant on staples like effortless jersey separates. The brand has merited positive attention from industry insiders including Vogue and was nominated as a CFDA fashion-fund finalist in 2007.   VPA can be purchased at shopbop, scoop, net-a-porter, barneys, bloomies and saks.

all the pieces shown are available here
xo,

Lauren

your new gym buddy

For awhile I was using my old Longchamp bag for the gym and carrying my purse and giant water bottle in the other hand.  It was awkward and unpleasant but I just couldn’t fit it all in one bag.  I typically carry a ton of stuff with me to the gym (sneakers, gym clothes, shower products, my makeup bag, flip-flops, hairbrush, hair products, etc…) and I needed a large, functional bag that’s comfortable to carry and doesn’t look heinous.  Enter Lululemon’s Bon Voyage Duffel.  I really fell in love with this large bag- there’s a place for everything (and then some), plus the variety of straps make it comfortable to carry even when it’s loaded down.  Not only is there room for everything you take to/from the gym, it comes equipped with well-thought out, never-ending extra pouches and pockets- some even labeled for your packing convenience, like the “chocolate” pocket, “tunes” pocket and “keys” pocket, as well as a wet/dry sack.  I can’t wait to use this bag outside of my trips to the gym for overnights and travel.  It’s so portable, it doubles as the perfect weekend bag as well 🙂

Available at lululemon stores for $108 in black, blue, purple and teal – rated 4.6/5 stars by users.

     

 xo,

Lauren