He forgot one: “These headphones aren’t on.”“U have a bedazzler?” Turbo Jennie texted me the other day. You know you’re addicted to the shiny stuff when you are the go-to girl for kitchy 90’s era sparklifying gadgets. Regrettably, due to my abhorrence of clutter, I had to text her back in the negative. But it wasn’t because I wouldn’t love to attach rhinestones to all of my workout clothes! I love me a good sparkly. (Seriously: check this top out. Love.)
One of the hard things about being pregnant for me is that you are severely limited in your workout wear options. First, actual maternity exercise gear is hard to come by (I don’t own a single piece) and second, it all looks the same. So for the past 7 months I’ve been rocking the colored wife beaters and black capri pants. Nothing offensive but then I’m the girl whose fave website used to be 101 ways to cut up your t-shirt.
Non-gestating, I have one criteria for my clothes, workout gear included, and that is: different. I’m not terribly enamored of brand names – the Nike swoosh still strikes me as a lazy check mark – but I do like to be original. What this translates to in real life is that one day I had a friend refuse to stand next to me because, in her words, “You look like Stevie Nicks in drag.” This was impressive since I’m not even blond. Sometimes I miss with my personal style, is what I’m saying.
But if finding fun every day clothing is tough, finding unique workout wear is even harder. There is a fine line between retro-funky and pitiful throwback and I have crossed it on more than one occasion, my friends. True story: I own a gold lame-accent-on-the-e leotard. Also a true story: I once cut-up a neon green Wal-Mart tee so badly that it literally fell off of me while I was lifting weights. Thank goodness for a full-coverage sports bra.
So when the delightful Sally from Oiselle, a running apparel company that is both unique and not-line-crossing, contacted me I was thrilled. She had heard about my predilection for dressing like a dork (albeit a glittery dork) and wanted to save me from myself with some cute new duds.
This is how much I love you all: I ‘fessed up to being preggo and told her that one of you would be more deserving of the Oiselle outfit. She agreed to let one of you pick both a top and shorts! Seriously cute stuff there. My fave is the “logo” tee ’cause it’s my favorite color but the “running is renewable” one is also pretty awesome.
And judging from yesterday’s comments on the Dick’s Sporting Goods $100 giveaway (still open, by the way – go enter!!), what y’all really want are some new workout clothes. Your wish, my command. To win this fab outfit, check out Oiselle’s website and tell me what your favorite item is and in what color. For kicks and giggles, tell me about your workout wear philosophy! Do you get a better workout when you feel better about what you are wearing? Or are you devoted to your track shorts from high school and the free tee you got when you signed up for a credit card?
The giveaway runs until Friday, August 28!
PS> Men, you may have noticed, Oiselle only makes female clothes. But you can still win the Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card! Feel free to scratch and grunt.
When I first started working out, I wore sweats and a big T-shirt. As the sweats got too big for me–I actually almost lost a pair in Turbo one day–I invested in a couple of pairs of workout pants. I have a couple of nice workout tops, but have trouble finding them large enough in the chest area…even with two sports bras and a tank on underneath. 😉 I usually stick with T-shirts…I figure I am not there to be fashionable. (Not yet, anyway…maybe in a few more pounds.)
The Oiselle website is beautiful! I love the Distance Tee in Jade. It's my mantra when I'm running, LOL.
Awesome. I love their stuff. I love the starter top in mermaid. My workout wear usually consists of some type of capri–shorts usually bunch up–and a short sleeve top. It has to be long enough not to pull up when I raise my arms. 🙂
Definately the run pant and the fire trail hoodie! It gets cold here! I couldn't ask for more.
I usually wear slightly baggy tees. This would definately be a step up.
The t-shirts are so cute but I only wear tank tops working out. I just sweat to much. So I would get the race day tank in firecracker or rumba red.
For workout gear I get tank tops on sale at Target. They are extra long, so they cover up half my butt which makes me feel more comfortable.
I love to wear stuff I love when I run. Functionality is always number one, but there's no point in not wearing something you'd be proud to be photographed in!
I love Oiselle stuff! Hmm… I really like the bright blue logo tee. Such a happy color 🙂
I own the least fashionable workout clothing ever. And I keep them until they fall off (literally: a man in his mid-70s told me that my shorts are too big for me and he could see all my "stuff" at the gym last month). Needless to say, the roga shorts and the capris would be awesome!
I run in stuff that makes me feel tough, comfortable and girly. but I do try to avoid chaffing when possible too. I run in super hot climates most of the year. damn those inner thighs!
The Roga shorts by Oiselle look like a great, comfy option to try.
I love the logo tee, there's nothing like a bright color! I like wearing cute, formfitting workout clothes because you eventually stop seeing flaws and start thinking things like, "Check out my shoulders!" It's so much easier to enjoy the endorphins when you're wearing something cute. I generally prefer Lucy's stuff but my budget is more geared to Target.
I love that "run run run run run" t-shirt. It really appeals to the writer/word-lover in me. Plus I figure that repetition is what "keeps me going" (hehe) so basically that shirt is just perfect.
The website looks great! For myself, I find that wearing the right stuff motivates me so much more. Until this year I was still living in the sweatpants that I had when I was in junior high. It sure makes a difference to have workout gear that is made with material specific for activities.
Oh that site is so cute! Hehe I like the iRun without tee, but that's a little too in-your-face for me to actually wear. I'd go with the off-white fly teeshirt. So pretty!
I pretty much always wear tanks when I workout in the gym, or if it's warm enough outside. And always tech gear! I am a sweat machine 😉
My favorite is the running pants — in black because that's the only color they have. I tend to like my socks and my top to match… but the bottoms can be anything. I'm picky about having tops that wick…
my favorite items are the isabel shimmel top and the lesley knicker capris, both in black!
my usual workout attire is basically whatever is comfortable and (mostly) conceals the sweat so i end up wearing a lot of black!
I love the Green Tee ("Running is Renewable) and the Distance Tee in Mermaid. I guess that's two things huh?
My usual running gear is long (I used to play basketball) mesh shorts or capris and a whatever ratty t-shirt I pull out of my door. It's very blah and boring. Plus running in long mesh shorts is not the most comfortable solution. I long for cute and comfy workout clothes but just don't have the money to buy much right now, unfortunately.
1. Tell me what your favorite item is and in what color.
isabel shimmel (only available in black) or the roga short, black. Black goes with everything.
2. Tell me about your workout wear philosophy!
Usually, I buy cheap t-shirts in bulk from the local sports store. I sweat so much and I feel better wrecking the $5 items. I think the cheap quality and fit also allows me to workout a little harder.
Recently, I splurged on a nice top and I have to admit, it was nice to wear a top where it didn't flap like a cape.
I absolutely love their clothes! I'm a big fan of the running pant and the distance shirt in the green. Love!
As for my workout gear, I tend to stick with capris (these legs aren't ready for shorts quite yet!) and a t-shirt or hoodie, depending on the weather.
As a serious runner, my outfits are simple and put together for comfort. I am jealous at times of the wonderful clothes that bike riders get to bling in!
I do the beater and yoga pants thing. It's easy.
Oiselle isn't really my style, but I'm totally going to play around on the T-shirt cutting site.
I like the Roga short in dark green. It looks like it would be comfortable on a run. Plus, it would be a startling deviation from my usual all-black philosophy of workout attire. The black tends not to show sweat stains the way lighter colors do…but it does get boring.
I love the knickers! Mainly because I would tell everyone my pants were called knickers. Course they need to have more sizes then xs. Youch, these thighs won't be fitting in those. I tend to but cotton workout pants and hack off the bottom to wear as dance pants for awhile, then I hack some more to make them capris and then eventually shorts and wear them until they litterally fall apart. I pair those with sports bras and wife beaters in the summer and with t-shirts in the winter.
Definitely the roga shorts in dark green. It looks like it might be the one pair of shorts in the world that won't accentuate my pancake butt!
I like the Roga short in midnight and the distance tee in mermaid (is that a color?).
I love unique workout clothes too. I think a lot of people do, which you'd think the exercise clothing companies would pick up on, but somehow they haven't. I have exercise pants from Vumawear that have enormous flower petals on one leg in rainbow colors, or color swatches down the leg, and I get tons of comments from people asking where I got them (a fitness conference, but I imagine they have a website). The plain black pants from Target just seem so dull, always happy to find outfits that have a bit more spark!
I love the mermaid distance tee. I like to wear bright, girly tee shirts and black or dark grey pants/capris. I also prefer tees more thank tanks because I need the coverage! Tanks tend to create a nice window to the chest when doing push ups!
Good morning, Char! Hustle last night was off the chain!! It was so fun to see everyone battle each other!
Anyway, I have found some CUTE tee's at garage sales for hella cheep! I love those for Hustle fo' shizzle! But I'm not too much a pants wearing girl for working out. I just get too hot. I wear mostly shorts, with the undies already in them. That way, no one gets a little peek-a-boo!
For the giveaway – Lori short – Blk and long run top – jade. Beautiful!!
ooh i love everything there, but especially the lori shorts in kiwi!
for years i ran in cotton t's and whatever shorts i had lying around, but i've since discovered the beauty of "real" running clothes…i don't shell out the big bucks though. marshalls/tj maxx it is for me!
But what if I like working out in women's sports/running gear? I don't, mind you, but what if I did? Besides, I somehow doubt my wife, let alone anyone else at the gym, would appreciate the effort, regardless of how "cute" I looked. Me thinks it just might scare my wife a little too much. And my parents. And her parents. And maybe my two-year-old. Maybe.
I love love love those knicker-pants. And the running tees, especially the green "renewable one." I'm not very fashionable at all – I have some pink sweatpants that are fun… but honestly I should stop wearing full-length, thick pants because they wear me out faster. When I go to the gym, I tend to wear earrings because they make me feel special 🙂
When I first started working out I had trouble finding comfy workout stuff…it was mostly from the guys section – they didn't make cute workout gear for big girls. As I got smaller I find it encourages me to keep going by having a few workout things I like…my usual run gear right now are bright red sweats or black lululemon pants and a bright running tank with a nice wicking jacket. As long as I can keep the girls carefully contained I'm happy. The brighter the better 🙂
I love the long roga shorts and the "fly" tee. Very cute.
I like the "keep running" tee and the "knicker" mostly because I want to say at least once, "Let me go throw on my kickers and let's go for a run". Or something like that.
I never throw anything away, so I still wear running shorts from high school. At least I can still fit into them 😉
Annnnndddd T-shirts from thrift stores. Very fancy stuff.
I really like the off white fly tee. My workout wear philosophy varies according to the activity. For example, I don't like wearing super tight leggings, but its the only thing that works for my long runs b/c otherwise my legs run together. In general I like to keep it simple with a dark gray or black pair of knit shorts, leggings, or pants; combined with a brightly colored tank top.
I love the running is renewable shirt! I hadn't seen that one before. I'd go for a pair of the knickers, too, because they are the best looking capris for running I've ever seen.
Anyway, my workout clothes can be described as wicking, wicking, wicking. I sweat A LOT (could seriously rival you, Charlotte) and need to feel as though I'm not as drenched as I think I am. And, since we've now moved to the humid Mississippi river delta, I sweat even more.
I've had the same workout clothes for years. The worst are my socks–for dance, we have special socks we wear that are unjustifiably expensive, so I've had the same three pairs for…nearly ten years! I guess I got my money's worth. But they are all gray and ugly; it's pretty embarrassing.
Oiselle has some nice stuff. I love the black Shimmel tank and the Roga shorts in black!
I love the keep running tee! I always wear a t-shirt (or sometimes a tank top) and pants to workout.
I KNOW I'm not running or at the gym to be fashionable, but I always feel better when my workout clothes match. I just can't leave the house in clashing shorts and top. I've literally almost skipped workouts because I don't have any matching clothes.
I love the look of almost everything on the Oiselle site! I especially like that many of the tank tops say they are shaped but not tight. I have a problem with tops riding up when I run. That being said, I would definitely be interested in any of the shorts, possible the "knickers", and the distance tee in jade. I also like some of the tank tops in the Sale section.
I KNOW I'm not running or at the gym to be fashionable, but I always feel better when my workout clothes match. I just can't leave the house in clashing shorts and top. I've literally almost skipped workouts because I don't have any matching clothes.
I love the look of almost everything on the Oiselle site! I especially like that many of the tank tops say they are shaped but not tight. I have a problem with tops riding up when I run. That being said, I would definitely be interested in any of the shorts, possible the "knickers", and the distance tee in jade. I also like some of the tank tops in the Sale section.
I KNOW I'm not running or at the gym to be fashionable, but I always feel better when my workout clothes match. I just can't leave the house in clashing shorts and top. I've literally almost skipped workouts because I don't have any matching clothes.
I love the look of almost everything on the Oiselle site! I especially like that many of the tank tops say they are shaped but not tight. I have a problem with tops riding up when I run. That being said, I would definitely be interested in any of the shorts, possible the "knickers", and the distance tee in jade. I also like some of the tank tops in the Sale section.
I used to wear gross baggy capri sweatpants and a grubby bandanna. 60 lbs later, I am the girl who is ALWAYS in black bootcut spandex pants and a black or colored tank top. And pimped out, ridiculously colored, custom Nike Shox.
I like the Oiselle green t-shirt that says "Running is renewable." Cute!
You should come shop at my store sometime, I design and create reproductions of all of Stevie Nicks' clothing..capes, shawls, velvet legwarmers, berets, top hats, etc…I bet you would find something you liked 🙂
Barbara
http://www.EnchantedMirror.com
I'd love the knickers! They really do look the best while running
My workout clothes consist of capris and shorts paired with t-shirts that I've collected from places I've traveled. That way, I'm constantly reminded of them! It's kinda fun and I'm assured that I will most definitely put the impulse t-shirt buys to good use.
I have fallen in love with the Lori shorts in gold (which is one of my favorite colors). Until a few weeks ago, my workout gear consisted of those "cheer" style shorts with my college Alma mater's name blazened across my butt and whatever t-shirt was handy. (Generally the tee was one left over from my college days). Now that I am going to the gym more vs. working out at home I have invested in several pair of workout capris in blue, black, and brown alongw with several pairs of shorts w/out words on the back of them. As far as tops go,I still tend to wear t-shirts – although they are not more form fitting and come from the athletic wear section of my local Wal-mart or tanks.
I work out in whatever t-shirt and workout capris I can find in my "not so organized" closet. I love the running is renewable tee, as well as the capris. (I know they call them knickers, but where I'm from that means undies, lol)
I work out at home, so usually shorts that are too small and a sports bra. No need for special maternity wear when I'm at home sweating it!
I am not nearly as flamboyant in my clothing as you, so would simply go for the black knickers. looks like I could even wear them while preggers 🙂
Great workout clothing! I love the Knicker pants and the orange Wilma tee (that's my favorite color).
I don't really have any "workout gear" so I come in my old tee shirts and some sort of stretchy pants. I think I would definitely feel great wearing something fun and comfortable to workout in. I would feel a bit better about myself too instead of looking like I am wearing what I wore to bed.
I LOVE the green renewable tee!! I just wish it was made out of organic cotton… Can't have everythng i guess. 🙂
My running clothes philosophy used to be to run in whatever gets me through the run. Then I discovered cute shorts and matching tops, and I felt sassy and fast! So now I try to be stylish without looking like a running Nike add. Its hard work.
I love her clothing! I do like to wear good workout wear because I find if I don't I am not nearly as comfortable (shorts riding up, clothing sticking etc.)
I would pick the Roga shorts for sure. So many nice tops it is tough to decide. Probably the distance tee.
I love the starter top in vanilla – the neckline is so pretty, as is the bird, and I have been DYING for a shirt with thumbholes in it!!!
I really like fitness gear that a) wicks b) doesn't get in my way and need readjusting. My philosophy on this one is totally all about the functionality.
Love this site & her clothes! I need everything but that long run top in dark green looks awesome! Cool weather will not be here for a bit but I do need a long sleeve for the cooler weather since all my workout clothes are beyond old!
I still get a good workout no matter what I wear.. if it mattered, things would not be good since all my clothes are old, :-), but I do feel better the very few times I wear something new that actually looks current & decent!
cute clothes! I like the fly tee, or, thinking ahead to the coming-too-soon fall (darn you, MN), the long-sleeved one with the logo by the neck. Lots of cute stuff on there, though, I would probably be delighted with any of it.
I love the Wilma tee, because it's true "the triumph can't be had without the struggle" it's only in orange. And I really like the lori short in black. They look super flattering. This brand looks awesome.
Fingers crossed I win something :)!
i <3 the distance t. and i noticed that one place in denver has oiselle stuff … may have to check out next time i'm downtown.
as for workout stuff … depends on whether i'm running or lifting. running i always have a pair of spandex under armour shorts underneath whatever pair of shorts or skirt i'm wearing (chub rub prevention), sports bra and some shirt made from some wicking material.
lifting, i'm not as picky. sometimes with the spandex shorts; often times, it's just a pair of men's mesh lacrosse-style shorts i bought from the bu bookstore paired with either a shirt i'd wear to go running … or just a plain old t-shirt. depends on what's clean.
My favorite item is the Roga short in midnight blue! This is my color right now.. I just bought a dress in the same color and a tank top.
That is my philosophy- my running clothes are an extension of my wardrobe..even more 'me' than my wardrobe at times — i never wear florescent outfits to work, but in the gym and when I am running I am sometimes a HOT PINK HOT ROD and it feels AWESOME. My running clothes are my second skin.
A side note– I'm training for the ING NYC Marathon and would LOVE to win because I've shrunk a little (and my favorite shorts have grown) and when I run my long runs I literally have to hold my shorts up with both hands!– esp when it rains and they are wet!- so they don't fall down!! It's miserable! Help!
I LOVE the hoodie in midnight and the roga shorts! I never want to spend money on gym clothes, since I'm just going to get them sweaty, so I've been wearing the same stretched out sports bras, faded tank tops and sad yoga pants for years. One time I had my MP3 attached to said yoga pants and was jumping rope and my pants almost fell off (sweat + jumping + weight of music machine = pants sliding!!) Yikes!
My favorite T is in the sale section! The pod free tee. Running for me helps me clear my mind and disconnect. Love it.
My workout gear consists of clothes that move with me. I run, swim, bike, and do crossfit so my gear has to wear many hats! I love fitted boy shorts or capri leggings. I wore a pair of running shorts to crossfit one day and we were doing overhead squats and they kept getting caught on my thigh. THought they were going to rip through the crotch. Not good. Doesn't work for me!
Wife beaters are beautiful on fit pregnant women! I wore the same thing when I was pregnant, had a ribbed tank in every color and wore my normal running shorts/biking shorts/capris the whole 9 mos and felt sexy every day! Work it baby!
I have never seen Oiselle before! Beautiful stuff. I loved the roga shorts – perfect cut for my legs.
Some days I like looking "cute" when I work out (coordinated, etc.) but most days it's a men's Hane's ribbed tank and some yoga pants. (Before I lost a lot of weight, I would wear a men's 2XL white tee and black baggie bottoms so *anything* form fitting these days is fun for me!)
I like the long run one in dark green. I can never find good warm running shirts that dont chaff or drown me.
What cute clothes! I love the wilma top (latest obsession is with orange) and the roga shorts! So cute! All her stuff is great though! I used to always wear a pair of roll the top down cheer shorts and a big ol' t-shirt to the gym, but recently I "splurged" on som of the CG workout gear from Target! I found that wearing workout material and cute clothes makes me feel great about myself and work harder when I'm checking myself out in the mirror at the gym!
My favorite things to wear are soccer attire: baggy knee length shorts and an old t-shirt.
Since I also train clients however, I do my best to dress up nice to look like a professional and then I wear lululemon. They are terribly expensive (but amazing for not showing sweat stains!) and so they constitute the majority of gifts I receive for my birthday/christmas.
My favorites from Oiselle is
the starter top, which looks amazing comfy and the roga shorts look like a great change from usual spandex shorts I see available.
I've got a ton of workout clothes, but most of them come from Walmart of CostCo… I love the styles of many of the more expensive brands, but have always shied away from spending the money.
I LOVE the knickers, and would likely pair it with the Distance Tee.
Okay, that guy's shirt is tasteless!
1. Tell me what your favorite item is and in what color.
I like the Fly shirt because I'm a very natural person and I'm a cyclist. To me biking is the closest human activity to flying like a bird. The shirt only comes in off-white.
2. Tell me about your workout wear philosophy!
I used to feel like it was pointless to buy shirts for work-out gear because you get free shirts from triathlons, fund raisers, civic events, etc…then I realized the shirts were getting to big for me, I was drowning in shirts, they don't wick as well…and I looked like I was wearing some piece of free slop. Plus they are too hot for my intense work outs. I get tired of black pants but the one time I bought shirts in color, I later found myself worrying about color coordination, something that shouldn't be a problem for an hour of sweat!
ooh – isabel shimmel in black is nice and long…good for tall girls! I like the midnight hoodies too 🙂
I love the shimmel tank in black. If it doesn't ride up like promised I'll be a believer.
I love all those T-shirts! My two faves though…gotta be the orange wilma tee and the distance run top.
I recently upgraded my workout wear to at least academy low tier brand stuff (like russell and the like) because I hated looking in the mirror and seeing a shirt that fit me like 50 lbs ago and some baggy pants. I figured it was worth it so I got myself a week worth of stuff that looked gym appropriate. Though I don't care at all about being unique, I do try to go for at least one bright color so I'm visible when I run outside.
Well, I have to say my workout wear consists of black capri pants and various tank tops. On the "hell with it – life sucks" or "whoops I forgot to shave the pits" type of days, sometimes I wear an old grubby tshirt.
Lately I've been buying the wicking tanks with sports bras built in. Being petite in the chestal area, I can totally run, lift, step in these. And I don't have to wear a sports bra, which often leave my shoulders achy.
Ok, long explanation but you get the idea. I don't try to match or anything, but I wouldn't mind some cute matchy gear. 🙂
Christin
Great giveaway! I really like the Lesley Knicker (in black) from Oiselle. Yes, clothes do make the workout! I workout at home a lot and had been wearing all my old workout stuff or t-shirts. Then one day wore one of my fave "gym outfits" and even though it was just me, I felt so much better and energetic!! Which made me realize we need to first and foremost do the best for ourselves even if no one else is looking!!
The long run top and roga shorts!
I have gradually transistioned from college t shirts to more form flattering workout attire. But I'm still on the frugal side, so I'm usually haunting Marshalls!
I love the isabel shimmel top (in black…cause it only comes in black). This top has all that I am looking for in a summer top: sleeveless, cute fit, and built in bra!
As for my workout wear philosophy, I tend to wear whatever is clean and temperature appropriate. I have a few 'performance' tops, and a few 'real' running shorts…but mainly, I cobble together outfits that cover my body and keep me warm / cool.
Is it too late to enter this? I loved several of their t-shirts (the bird logo, the fly tee), though to be honest I have a TON of t-shirts from various races/walks I've entered and still from high school and college events that I run in. The hoodie looked nice, and I'm all about layers in the winter.
But I think my favorite was the knee-length pants (they called them the knicker). I love pants/shorts that length – I get self-concious wearing short shorts at a lot of places, and I'm 5'10 so almost all workout/running shorts are short short on me. but those looked awesome.
I love the Starter shirt in mermaid – my hands get hot quickly when I run so I love that it has thumbholes in the sleeves. I usually work out (=run) in an old high school t-shirt and shorts. But in the winter I have some good underarmor so I can make it through the snow storms. 🙂
I tend to go cheap for my workout gear – Target, Old Navy – but I'll splurge on the good stuff when I find one I love – and when it's on sale!
Love the Roga short with the wide waste band and the "Green" tee!
I get hand-me-downs from my good friend Lisa 🙂 Nice, but it'd be cool to pick my own!
I like the Lori short in kiwi 🙂
I would love the long roga short (currently on sale!) I've been looking for some slightly longer shorts and those are perfect! All of the clothes are gorgeous!!!
I wear shorts and T-shirts and I need some cuter stuff! 🙂
It's mostly about comfort (no chaffing!) for me, but I do feel better about working out when I like what I'm wearing. I think my favorite thing on their website is the starter top in mermaid.
This is only the second time ever that I've commented on a blog despite being an avid follower of yours… I guess it takes the possibility of really cool clothes to get me to write! My workout wear is chosen mostly on a not-chafing-riding-up-revealing-too-much-or-costing-too-much sort of basis. Needless to say it's not an extensive or overly innovative collection of stuff. I'd love the knicker (how fun is the idea of running in knickers??) and the long run top. Thanks for your blog!
Never heard of Oiselle before this post. I really like the shimmel tank top. I'm tall (5'11"), so I'm always looking for workout gear (or any clothing for that matter) that is long enough. I'm loving that shirts are coming in longer lengths these days!
Informative posts you have! I'm glad for this great stuff. Looking for more workout gear too.