Fashion Forward By: Coach Stephanie

FASHION FORWARD

You can, in fact, be fashionable when running.  Take it from me.  I am not trying to make you feel like you have to be fashionable---that is not at all necessary.  This is just for those who need an extra kick and added pizzazz.  All it takes is a pair of sparkly earrings, a fun running skirt, a hat with a fun saying…  really, what ever gives you the added boost!

Here is a list of products that might not have been on your list (like Athleta, Lululemon, Adidas, Brooks, Flip Belt, BeeCause, etc.) that I have loved to wear for fashion and function:

1. Sparkle Skirts (www.sparkleskirts.com) are one of my favorite running skirts.  The pockets, the styles, the comfort, the pockets (yes, I said that twice since they are a deal-breaker), and the undershorts stay in place!  The price tag makes me take a moment to collect myself (prepare to pay $65-$80), but they are worth it!  Just think of the money you’d save on a product for carrying stuff as well as the gobs of body glide.

2. Fellow Flowers (www.fellowflowers.com) is a “running movement” that celebrates women and offers an extra umph and fashion accessory.

3. ShanBands (no website, just a referral for an incredible woman who CUSTOM makes them and the proceeds go to Autism Awareness).  These customized headbands resemble the no-slip bands you see in stores and at running expos, but you get to customize the style AND support a cause!  There is a Facebook page with her creations and I am happy to hook you up with her information.

4. Raw Threads (www.rawthreads.com) clothing products.  I personally love the t-shirts.  If it wasn’t enough that the bamboo blend products are soft and comfy, they also provide sun protection (SPF50)!  If that isn’t enticing, check out their Disney inspired designs and new releases that coincide with some of the national race weekends.

5. Sabika earrings (www.sabika-jewelry.com) are light enough for me to wear during long trainings runs and races!  I am not kidding.  They look like they’d be heavy, but the Swarovski crystals are light-catching and easy to wear, even for 13.1 miles.

6. Oofos (www.oofos.com) recovery flip flops.  Yes, they are a tad bulky looking, but slip on a pair of these recovery shoes and you will feel just that---recovery.  I have to admit that I was super skeptical of them (and their $40-$75 price tag) and figured they were no better than the crocs that gave me blisters.  For me, however, the flip flops version won me over.  I recently discoverd some local running stores are now selling them!

7. Funny shirts/hats/accessories (one example is www.onemoremile.com). Yes, the ones with the funny sayings or motivational quotes.  I personally love the one that says: “There will come a day when I cannot do this.  Today is not that day.”  This phrase might not motivate you, so find one that does (“I don’t sweat.  I sparkle”, “I thought they said Rum”, "One Bad Mother Runner," “Does this shirt make my butt look fast?” and too many to quote here).  There are tons and tons of them out there!

These are just come of the items I have found over time to add a little extra fashion to the the grueling miles or intense workouts.  I also judge a product by whether I can also use it for motherhood, daily life, and activities other than just running (in my case, hockey, cross fit, coaching sports, and managing a household).  If the products can pass those trials while making me look like I might have a sense of fashion, it’s a keeper!