Black Panther // Workout Wear

 Jacket: Lululemon     Pants: Lululemon     Shoes: Adidas x Stella McCartney (similar)   Bag: Matt & Nat    Sunglasses: Stella McCartney

Fun fact: this outfit was shot right after I ran 4 miles.  Somehow the photos didn't pick up my flushed, bright red cheeks: my camera is kind of weird and often makes my skintone come out super pale and devoid of color.  I've been training for a 5k in November, which I'm actually really excited for! I try and work out in the early morning because SoCal temps have been hot and humid lately, so that means I'm out running at 6-7 AM, when it's fairly cold out.  Wearing black helps attract warmth, so I've been going for all-black workout wear lately.  

This Lululemon 'Hustle in Your Bustle' jacket is a staple in my activewear drawer- it's light and breathable, yet it can keep me warm as I run.  I've been loving the look of it zipped up to the neck- it makes me feel like a total BAMF force to be reckoned with.  I'm wearing my trusty black leggings with it, and underneath the jacket I'm wearing my Ivy Park sports bra, good for low impact support for anyone small busted/petite.  

I also have been loving my running shoes from Stella McCartney's Adidas line.  I already like her designs so it's no surprise that her activewear line includes sleek, high quality pieces with amazing details.  These might look like plain black trainers, but they include mesh inserts for contrast and breathability.  And of course, they're vegan-friendly, like almost all of Stella's designs.  

What are your favorite things to wear while you get active?

Ivy Park Athleisure

Yes, I know my shoes are a little dirty, but to me that's a good thing!  These have pounded the pavement, seen dirt hiking trails, grassy runs, and even mountaintops.  I love Skechers' Breast Cancer Awareness collection of sneakers.  Buy with a cause!

Bralette: Ivy Park     Shorts: Ivy Park     Top: Forever 21 (similar)     Shoes: Skechers for Breast Cancer (similar, also supports breast cancer awareness)   Sunglasses: Stella McCartney

This is my second activewear look on the blog in the course of the last two months, and I have to say, I've been loving the activewear scene lately.  Lululemon is my workout-gear staple, but I love trying out different labels, and I'm working on expanding my activewear collection!

Ivy Park, designed by Beyonce, is my new favorite (mostly because I'm a huge Bey fan.)  I'm wearing the Seamless Strappy Bra Top and Colorblock Biker Shorts in this outfit, which are both super comfortable and versatile.  In my opinion, the pieces run small (which happened to work in my favor, since I usually wear an XXS) but they are stretchy.  And of course, the pieces have "Ivy Park" stamped in lettering to identify them in a Calvin Klein sort of aesthetic.  I can't wait to get more pieces from her collection!  

I haven't shopped at Forever 21 in ages, but I was pleasantly surprised with their activewear line and its stylish designs!  The last time I bought from their workout line was when it was relatively new, and their items were nothing special back then, but now their pieces are very Lululemon-esque and trendy, without the steep price tag.  I picked up this simple white tank with a drapey open back, perfect for wearing with sports bras in a fun print or with a conceptual back.  It's sold out now, but this one, (also F21) is very similar. 

What are your favorite activewear labels?

Ivy Park Seamless Strappy Bra Top + Ivy Park Colorblock Biker Shorts + Forever 21 Active Draped -Back Tank Top + Skechers for Breast Cancer Walking Shoes + Stella McCartney SM 4027 2075/87 Blue Sunglasses

Let's Get Physical

 Jacket: Lululemon  (similar)   Top: Athleta    Crops: Lululemon    Shoes: Reebok     Bag: Matt & Nat (similar)    Sunglasses: Stella McCartney

I've received a few questions asking if I work out and what I wear when I do.  Yes, I work out!  I've definitely noticed a change in my energy levels during my workouts and a boost of motivation since going vegan, and I'd love to write a post on that soon.  I think exercise is vital to a healthy and happy life, and I've grown from dreading a workout to looking forward to getting active and moving.

It's definitely more fun to work out when you have fun active wear, and my number one stop is always Lululemon Athletica.  Their trademark Luon fabric is so comfortable, breathable, and allows for a great range of motion.  My black Hustle in your Bustle jacket is a staple- it features thumbholes (see pic two), a great fitted silhouette, and a fun ruffle detail in the back!  I love wearing it on runs.

Vegan activewear accessories are surprisingly easy to find- most athletic shoes are from man-made materials.  I love fun and colorful running shoes like these Reebok ones!  It's mostly psychosomatic, but I like looking down at my shoes when I run, and seeing colors gives me a burst of energy.  I also love this Matt & Nat satchel- it's perfectly roomy and the lining (made from recycled plastic bottles) stays super clean.

What do you wear to work out?