Economy of Style
A notebook on evolving trends, fashion sense and cents

My Shortlist: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2015

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here! The sale is in full swing for Nordstrom cardholdes and opens to the general public tomorrow, July 17. As you know, during this event, the retailer offers brand-new fall styles at the biggest markdowns of the year.

This year, I’ve been mostly drawn to activewear. When you spend a lot of time in the gym, you need gear, right? I definitely need a new pair of trainers, and the Nike Free Flyknit 5.0 TR training shoe is so fly and functional. A lot of people think so, too, because I shopped the preview sale on the second day, and these sneakers were already sold out.

Here are the 5 items I’ll be deciding to get or not during the sale.

Draped wrap top | Print leggings | Two-tone watch | Lip kit | Sneakers

Spring Workout Style

I’ve been slacking on the gym in recent weeks. My invitation to try the new RBX Active digital camo leggings came right on time then. New activewear gets me excited to get back into my workout routine. And, camo workout pants? Of course, I had to check ’em out.

I own a couple pairs of RBX Active pants already, so I was familiar with the brand. What I didn’t know is that the company is only three years old. I was initially drawn to the brand because of its affordable prices, which made it easy for me to expand my fitness wardrobe without spending a lot. It was the quality of my RBX pieces, though, that made me a fan. My camo capri leggings, for example, are moisture-wicking, stretchy, and fade resistant. I’ve paid high prices to get those qualities in the past. But, get this? These leggings retail for only $29.99. The coupon code Active25 gives a 25% discount on that low price too (valid through 7/31/15).

Top—Banana Republic (on sale)

Sports bra—Gap

Pants—℅ RBX

Shoes—Nike (old) | similar

Jacket—Gap | similar

Here’s a close-up of the fresh camo print on the leggings. 

I’m wearing the RBX capri leggings in a size small. They are available in sizes S to XL.

A cool perk of owning these camo leggings is that they look chic outside the gym too. Running errands? Walking the dog? I can throw on these leggings to be comfortable and stylish. Win-Win!



Style & Performance: Sweaty Betty Workout Wear

I’m so excited to introduce you to Sweaty Betty, a fitness clothing retailer with a 13-year history of ensuring that style meets performance in workout wear. I was first drawn to this UK-based brand because of the fashionable look of the clothing. What kept me interested, though, was the line’s reputation of offering only the highest quality fabrics and the latest technology for workout wear.

Last year, I made major fitness goals. I wanted to be stronger and healthier than ever before my birthday in October. I sought help from professionals, including a personal trainer who assisted me in developing a workout plan that would get me to my goals. This plan included everything from strength training to conditioning to deep stretching. As a result, I started spending a lot more time working out; and, this new schedule placed particular demands on my workout wardrobe.

I needed fitness clothing that was functional. Items had to be stretchy, breathable, moisture wicking, lightweight, durable, and supportive. Reasonable demands, right? I also wanted my workout clothing to look good. My style says something about me and that doesn’t change because I’m in the gym. I primarily wear black at the gym because I’m a heavy sweater who doesn’t like to look sweaty. I’m always on the search, then, for black workout wear with super stylish details.  Sweaty Betty’s offerings surpass my expectations.

Left: Halasana Yoga bra, Slider Training Tights

Right: Step Up Training Vest, Compression Distance Run Tights

These items are just a few of my favorites from Sweaty Betty. Super stylish gear that’ll get me through my workouts at peak performance. By the way, the line carries all kinds of activewear, including yoga clothing, running attire, and beach wear. So, if you’re shopping for fitness clothing, Sweaty Betty might have just what you’re looking for.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sweaty Betty. All of the opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Orange: The Right Bright

Orange is having a major moment this spring. If you’re a fan of the bold, fiery color that’s said to exude enthusiasm, then you’re in luck because orange finds are plentiful. From makeup to clothing, orange seems like the right bright to sport this spring.

I found today’s featured top, the J.Crew Matte Crepe tee, on sale in-store. The top has a basic t-shirt cut with a T-shaped seaming detail in the front. Its color was the main attraction for me. By the way, to expand the wearing possibilities, I had my tee shortened. The tee was initially quite long on my short self and I would’ve probably had to wear it tucked all the time.

Tee—J.Crew
Shirt—Old Navy | J.Crew Factory option
Jeans—Gap Outlet | similar
Bag—Milly
Shoes—Tory Burch

Earrings—Kate Spade Outlet | similar

Necklace—J.Crew

Watch—Michael Kors | similar

Lip—Mac ‘Violetta’ lipstick, Mac ‘Vino’ lip pencil

Fitness Meets Fashion: Ellie Activewear

Lately, I’ve been in the gym at least 5 times a week.  Going this often has created a serious need for more workout apparel.

I’m particular about what I want in workout clothing.  Is it too much to ask for workout apparel that’s stretchy, breathable, moisture wicking, lightweight, fashionable, and affordable?  I was beginning to think that my wants were unreasonable, but then I met Ellie, an online fitness apparel brand that marries fashion-forward looks with high-tech performance activewear at affordable prices.

Every month, Ellie launches a brand new, 24-piece collection, which includes 16 tops and 8 bottoms.  The selections are carefully curated to meet various style and fitness needs.  The Ellie style quiz helps you find your perfect Ellie activewear.  As a dance fitness instructor and student, I was directed to the EllieMesh pieces, particularly the Vixen racerback that features a mesh draping and a double lined bra for breathability and support.

This top is amazing for dance fitness.  It kept me cool and feeling like I looked cool.
The draping is perfect because I prefer tops that aren’t clingy around my midsection.
I’m wearing a size small.  

I’m wearing a size M in the capri legging.  Since the Ellie pieces are very stretchy,
though, a size S would be a better fit for my dance needs.  I did have to pull the pants up
a few times in Zumba.

I prefer to workout in all black, but Ellie does offers colorful pieces as well.  

The Ellie apparel is so stylish that there’s no need to change before running errands
after the gym.

If you’re also on the quest for your perfect fitness apparel, check out Ellie.  You have the option of shopping single items or joining the Fit Fashionista Club and choosing any two items for $49.95/month.  Shipping and return shipping is always free.

Bonus:  Save 20% on Ellie!

A few of this month’s featured looks on Ellie:

Disclosure: Ellie provided the fitness apparel free of charge for review purposes.  Purchases made using my referral link will result in a small commission for Economy of Style.