Keep Cool From Head to Toe

If the recent heat wave on the West Coast is any indicator, this summer may be a scorcher, but it’s hard to stay indoors when sunshine and fresh air are calling your name. Whether you’re eager to head outdoors for a casual pick-up game, or you’re determined not to let a little heat disrupt your outdoor workout routine, here are some pieces that will help keep you cool from head to toe:

Performance Train Cap

Performance Train Cap, Reebok, $18

A good athletic hat serves multiple purposes: keeping the sun off of your face and keeping hair and sweat out of your eyes. Look for a breathable hat with reflective panels like the Performance Train Cap by Reebok to keep you cool and visible during your workout. However, don’t assume that wearing a hat will absolve you from wearing sunscreen! You should still apply waterproof sunscreen on your face and other exposed parts of your body every two hours to avoid sun damage when exercising outside.

Azagra Running Tank Top

Asics Azagra Running Tank Top, Sports Authority, $42

We love this tank top’s unique perforated cutouts and sweat-wicking fabric. This well-ventilated tank top also provides a supportive shelf bra and UPF protection from the sun’s rays, making it perfect for outdoor activities like a game of kickball or leisurely jog.

Run Speed Short

Run Speed Short, Lululemon, $54

The Run Speed Short is one of Lululemon’s most popular items, and for good reason. Its 2 ½” inseam is short enough to keep you cool, without showing too much leg. Lightweight fabric, paired with a COOLMAX liner, wicks moisture away, while a convenient zipper pocket on the back of the waistband allows you to go hands-free during outdoor activity.

CoolMesh II Tab Back Socks

WrightSock CoolMesh II Tab-Back Socks, REI, $11

Fans of WrightSock’s CoolMesh sock series swear by its ability to wick moisture away even on the hottest of days. Don’t let the CoolMesh II’s double-layer design fool you — these socks are surprisingly light, and the layers absorb friction and moisture to prevent blisters. The high tab-back also prevents uncomfortable chafing along your heel and achilles.

Spring Trends We Can’t Wait to Wear

It’s feeling a lot like spring here in the Bay Area, perhaps thanks to Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction that winter will end early this year. Even if you live in a part of the country that’s still bundled up from chilly temperatures, take heart – the first day of spring is only about a month away. With warmer temperatures and longer days on our minds, we’re taking a peek at spring trends for a variety of activities:

The First Picnic of the Season

Sunshine, good food, friends and family – what better way to welcome spring than with a picnic? Here are our favorite dresses of the season, equally perfect for frolicking on Venice Beach or in Central Park:

  1. Colorblock Chiffon Dress, American Eagle Outfitters
  2. Recycled Jersey Stripe Dress, James Perse Los Angeles
  3. Lace-Yolk Dress, Anthropologie

A Jog in the Park

Lululemon Run Inspire Crop

“Dreadmill” haters, rejoice – you can look forward to many months of outdoor activities! Kiss your winter layers goodbye and pull on Lululemon’s Run: Inspire Crop II. These running crops feature moisture-wicking fabrics and mesh panels to help you stay comfortable in warmer weather. Pair them with the Breathe Racerback tank from Gaiam, and if there’s a morning chill in the air, top off your outfit with Puma’s Tech Performance Seamless Jacket.

A Morning at the Farmer’s Market

Gap 1969 chambray tunic

Here in California, we’re spoiled by nearly year-round farmer’s markets, but in other parts of the country, spring ushers in the return of farmer’s markets. For a leisurely morning spent scoping out fresh produce, comfortable footwear is a must, and the Cole Haan ‘Air Monica’ Ballet Flat (available via Nordstrom) fits the bill with its comfy Nike Air technology. Wear the flats with pastel-hued pants like Free People’s Herringbone Skinny Crops and a relaxed chambray tunic from Gap. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Power Lunch

J. Crew Collection Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan

We love the fun patterns and sorbet-inspired colors in J. Crew’s spring cashmere shop. This cashmere cardigan is simple and classic, but its featherweight feel and an impressive variety of colors make it a perfect springtime addition to your closet. Our favorite colors are lemon pulp (shown above) and neon rose – pair the cardigan with your favorite pencil skirt for an instant wear-to-work outfit.

Photo credits: ae.com, jamesperse.com, anthropologie.com, shop.lululemon.com, gap.com, jcrew.com

New Year, New Resolutions

Now that the ball has dropped, bottles of bubbly popped and we’ve entered into the new year, it’s time to put our 2013 resolutions into action. And it’s easier (and more fun) than ever to keep them, thanks to the cool gadgets, gear and other goodies we’ve found—from stylish workout clothes to veggies delivered to your door. Happy 2013!

RESOLUTION: FIND TIME FOR FITNESS

Lululemon Pace Setter Running Skirt, $58

Lululemon Pace Setter Running Skirt, $58

The best motivation to get your butt to the gym? Investing in workout gear, such as Lululemon’s Pace Setter Running Skirt ($58, enjoy free shipping!) spun of light, moisture-wicking fabric with built-in shorts and an elastic hem so they stay put while jogging on the treadmill.

Gaiam Cardio Burn Yoga DVD, $11.95

On the days you can’t get to the yoga studio, pop in Gaiam’s Cardio Burn Yoga DVD ($11.98, use code 13NEWYEAR for an extra 20% off) with certified instructor Patricia Moreno to get your vinyasa on at home.

Nike+ Fuel Band, $149

Nike+ Fuel Band, $149

Track your workouts with the Nike+ FuelBand ($149 from Nike), which measures everything from the number of steps you take to amount of calories burned. Download the mobile app and wirelessly share your progress with friends, too. (Bonus: it doubles as a cool-looking watch!)

RESOLUTION: LOOK MORE POLISHED

Clarisonic Mia, $119 at Sephora

Clarisonic Mia, $119 

Just a few small tweaks in your daily routine can make you look (and feel) more pulled-together. Get dewy, fresh-from-a-facial looking skin everyday with the Clarisonic Mia ($119 at Sephora, score free shipping) which helps minimize pores and cleanses so thoroughly, moisturizers and serums absorb more effectively. (We got one from Santa and our skin has never looked better!).

Deborah Lippmann Get Nailed Manicure Set, $48

Deborah Lippmann Get Nailed Manicure Set, $49

Clean, perfectly polished nails go a very long way. Treat yourself to a weekly mani-pedi at home with Deborah Lippmann’s Get Nailed manicure set ($49 at Nordstrom, get free shipping) complete with base coat, top, polish remover and two glossy lacquers.

Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, $56

Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, $56

Always keep a pair of glittery earrings in your purse to add an instant dose of glamour on the go. Jeweled button styles, such as this pair by Kenneth Jay Lane ($56 with 30% off at Last Call by Neiman Marcus) lend just-right sparkle to everything from desk-to-dinner getups to your weekend uniform of skinnies and a tee.

RESOLUTION:  EAT MORE VEGGIES

Chef's Table, $89.95

Chef’s Garden Seasonal Vegetable & Herb Box, $89.95

No time to hit the farmer’s market? Get a bounty of farm-fresh veggies delivered to your doorstep with Chef’s Garden Seasonal Vegetable and Herb box ($89.95 per order, available at Gilt Taste), packed with peak-of-season produce, such as squash blossoms and baby cauliflower.

Breville Juicer, $149

Breville Juice Fountain Plus, $149.95

Save yourself $10 a day on green juice with Breville’s Juice Fountain Plus (on sale for $149.95 at Williams-Sonoma), considered the Bentley of at-home juicers for its powerful, 850-watt motor and easy-to-clean micromesh filter.

The Modern Vegetarian by Maria Ella, $

The Modern Vegetarian by Maria Ella, $15

Dust off your pots and pans and get cooking with Maria Ella’s delicious new cookbook, The Modern Vegetarian ($15.30 on Amazon.com), packed with 120 mouthwatering meatless recipes, such as watermelon panzanella and lemongrass & sweet corn soup.

RESOLUTION: GET ORGANIZED!

Kate Spade New York 2013 Desk Agenda, $38

Kate Spade New York 2013 Desk Agenda, $38

Stay on top of meetings, dinner dates and social soirees with Kate Spade New York’s 2013 daily agenda notebook ($38, take an extra 25% off sale items with code 25SALE). It also comes with extra sheets for jotting birthdays, restaurants and important addresses.

Container Store Shoe Boxes, $1.89 each

Container Store Shoe Boxes, $1.89 each

If your bathroom cabinets overflow with a messy mix of toiletries, here’s how to get organized: dump everything onto the floor and divide into categories (nail polishes, travel sizes, eye makeup, etc). Stow in the Container Store’s stackable plastic shoe boxes ($1.89 each), tuck away underneath the sink or linen closet and—voila!

Palm Beach Chic's Elle Jewelry Box, $79

Palm Beach Chic’s Elle Jewelry Box, $79

Avoid making a jumbled mess of your jewelry using Palm Beach Chic’s Elle lacquer jewelry box ($79 at One King’s Lane), complete with special compartments to keep necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings in pristine condition.

 

 

Running Gear Fit for a Marathoner

In six short days, 47,000 runners will gather at Ford Wadsworth, Staten Island, and prepare to run 26.2 miles through the five boroughs of New York City. The ING New York City Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world, and it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement as runners from all over the world gather to crank out the miles.

In the spirit of the marathon, let’s take a look at the latest gear for the Fall to Winter running season. Whether you’re an avid runner, casual runner or aspiring runner, here are five pieces that will keep you warm on those crisp morning runs:

  1. Lululemon Runder Under Pant, $92. These running tights are designed with a runner’s needs in mind. The waistband has two gel pockets for on-the-go fuel, flat seams provide relief from chafing, and reflective piping inside the ankle cuff keeps you visible on early morning or late night runs.
  2. Under Armour Men’s Coldgear Longsleeve Compression Crew, $49.99. Cold weather calls for layers, and this compression crew can serve as a solid base layer. The compression fit provides enhanced muscle support, and the dual-layer fabric features a cozy, brushed interior and a fast-drying exterior.
  3. The North Face Handheld Hydrator, $28. It’s easy to forget to hydrate properly when you can see your breath in the air, but dehydration is dangerous, even when you hardly break a sweat during your run. Carry this handheld water bottle with you on your runs — not only does it hold 20 ounces of water, but the convenient zip pocket can hold your keys, gels or emergency cash.
  4. Nike Lightweight Wool Running Hat, $22. Keep your noggin warm with this Dri-FIT hat, which does double duty by locking in heat but sicking away sweat. Additionally, reflective details help make you visible even in dim conditions.
  5. Smartwool PhD Running Ultra Light Micro Socks, $47 for a 3-pack (via Zappos.com). Runners agree that these Smartwool socks provide just the right amount of cushion for long runs, without feeling bulky. Although the socks are ultra light, the SmartWool performs well under all weather conditions, so you can tackle cold, wet runs and humid, sticky runs with the same pair.

Photo credits: shop.lululemon.com, thenorthface.com, zappos.com