August 2011

“The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants from life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible.” ~ Richard M. DeVos

Hi all! I’ve been busy stressing out about some possible life changes conquering the world! How have you been?

About a month ago, I wrote a post on my wardrobe malfunction at the gym. No kidding, within a couple of days, I had an e-mail in my inbox from Kori with HanesBrands who I met while in New York at the Bali Style Summit.  Kori was e-mailing with a solution to my untimely wardrobe issues.

In her e-mail, Kori offered to send me a few Champion items to get me through my gym time sans wardrobe malfunctions and looking cute in the process. I couldn’t say no to that!

Not gonna lie, I figured I’d get, like, a tank top or something and I’d be a happy camper! Instead, check out what I ACTUALLY received from Kori:

She definitely hooked me up with more than one tank top. In fact, I’m pretty sure the pieces she sent me equal more workout attire than I’ve ever owned in my entire life! I felt like a kid on Christmas when I opened up the box and I couldn’t wait to play dress up!

Of course, in the time that Kori’s sent me these items, I’ve had a chance to try everything on and give almost everything a test run at the gym. Here comes the fun part, my review of the products!

 The Look: These pants are obviously adorable. Truth be told, I’ve never been big on working out in pants, I’m more of a capris kind of girl.
The Feel: The Double Dry fabric is stretchy, but light weight.
The Fit: These pants fit awesome! The only little drawback (for me) is they seem to be a little short. They may not actually be short, I just like my pants looooong. I always buy “talls” when it comes to length, and I am by no means TALL. I’m 5’5 – I just like ‘em long!
Overall: These workout pants are a win in my book – perfect for Zumba!

The Look: Pretty standard, fitted capris. I typically buy capris that are fitted through the hip and thigh and looser on the knee – there babies are tight all the way down. A new look for me.
The Feel: Smooth, comfy feeling fabric. They feel heavier than the previous workout pants, probably due to the panels. No tags to annoy the crap out of you… yay!
The Fit: Because these are SHAPE™ capris, the fit is pretty tight. There is a panel in the belly to “hold everything in”, I suppose. While they weren’t terrible, they are definitely tighter than I typically like to go at the gym. I’d never wear these with a tighter shirt on top, because no doubt I’d be sporting a muffin top!
Overall: Don’t love ‘em, don’t hate ‘em. I DO wear these – maybe I’ll wear them even more when I don’t have such a muffin. 

The Look: Stinkin’ adorable! LOVE that they are reversible!
The Feel: Mesh fabric, super light weight.
The Fit: These fit great! Whenever I wear these, I feel like I should go play basketball.. then I remember that I’m not so good.
Overall: One of my favorite piece Kori sent, for sure. They are super comfortable and I feel like they can be worn both in and out of the gym without looking like I was too lazy to put on “real clothes” – that’s a win in my book!

The above shorts are the same, Kori just sent me them in a couple of different sizes to be sure I found a good fit.

The Look: Cute, obvs. These shorts always make me feel like I’m a runner. These are typical runner’s shorts and when I put them on, I’m pretty sure I could run a marathon…. ok, that’s a lie, these shorts aren’t miracle workers – but I do feel like I LOOK like a runner in these! 
The Feel: Lightweight, smooth Double Dry fabric. No sweaty butt in these babies!
The Fit: Both sizes actually DO fit me in the waist. The purple-ish ones are XL and the blue ones are XXL. Right now, I wear the blue ones more – just because I feel like there is more room in the thighs.. and I have some thunder thighs… so more room is always a good thing! I DO wear the purple ones though if the blue ones are dirty.
Overall: Another one of my favorites from Kori! I rarely wore shorts to the gym because of chub-rub on the thighs. BUT, these are long enough to prevent that, so they have become a staple in my workout wardrobe. AND they come with the built in undies – which I think is so cool! It’s the little things for this girl. 

The Look: Super cute, typical racer back tank. A staple for the gym.
The Feel: The fabric is thick. Again, probably because of the SHAPE panels that it has to smooth everything out.
The Fit: This was one piece that just did not work – FOR ME. Because of the shaping this tank has, it runs small – it was TIGHT. One of those things where once I got it on, I wasn’t sure I’d ever get it off! Picture this: I put it on, barely. Feel like an over stuff sausage. Attempt to take it off….. and I get stuck. Seriously. My sister had to help me lift it over my head, that’s how tight it was!
Overall: This tank is my normal size, an XL – but it was just TOO tight for comfort. Something I can’t wear at the gym and feel comfortable at this point in my journey. This one’s a no-go for me. Maybe after I lose some poundage? I was super bummed because it IS adorable!

The Look: Cute, cute, cute! upon opening the box, this item was probably my favorite, looks-wise because.. well, it’s just so cute!
The Feel: Again, light weight Double Dry fabric. It feels almost silky. And the fabric wicks moisture away for comfort.
The Fit: A great fit! This was the first piece I gave a test run at the gym and I fell in love! It stayed in place, didn’t ride up, and kept me feeling cool (temperature-wise too! Haha!)
Overall: Love it! This one has also become a staple in my workout wardrobe. I want it in every color – hint, hint Kori!   Haha! This one is also an XL and fits perfect, unlike the SHAPE tank top above.

The Look: I wasn’t blown away by the look of this tank. It’s not ugly by any means, I just wouldn’t say it’s adorable. It’s just… a tank top.
The Feel: Light weight moisture-wicking fabric.
The Fit: This one didn’t quite fit me right. I’m not sure what it is. It fit fine throughout “the girls” and my trouble area – my tummy. But underneath my arms, it was just really baggy. Lots of room in the armpit area – I’d show off a lot of bra wearing this one.
Overall: I’m neutral on this one. It’s not something I can’t live without. It may just be my body type as to why this one isn’t an ideal fit. I do like it enough though that I’m going to have my grandma put some darts in under the pits so it’s more fitted like it should be. Hopefully that’ll solve the problem!

The Look: So cute! Excited to see sports bras in my size that AREN’T only black or white!
The Feel: Thicker fabric – lined for no show through – if ya know what I mean. The sides are mesh for air flow.
The Fit: This actually fit pretty good – which surprised me because when you *ahem* “blessed” with a larger top, it can be quite difficult to find ANY bra that fits right, let alone a sports bra!
Overall: I really like this one. The only drawback is it SAYS “Max Support” and I don’t know if I’d quite agree. Again, it may be because I’m larger on top.. but I don’t think I’d wear this one for say… running.

The Look: Pretty standard. I do really like the straps in that they are regular as opposed to racer back to accommodate some of my non-racer back workout tanks.
The Feel: The feel is similar to the above bra. Thicker fabric, but not too heavy. A little modesty never hurt no one.
The Fit: This one isn’t an ideal fit for me. I feel like for me, there is a lot of “side-boob” going on. I have fuller cups, so I guess let’s just say it’s typical for my cups to runneth over.
Overall: Not on my “favorites” list – but I can work with it. Again, would probably not utilize this bra for running, I just don’t feel THAT secure in it.

The Look: Pink! In love with the color.
The Feel: Feels about the same as the first two bras. To me, this one feels a little more light weight… but who knows, I could be crazy.
The Fit: AWESOME fit! I also LOVE the straps on this one, they are like heaven on my shoulders. They don’t dig in, they don’t leave marks – according to the website, they are “gel-cushioned” straps… and I love them. Another major plus…? NO uni-boob with this bra! Woo hoo!
Overall: Definitely a favorite of mine. Very comfortable and cute. I’ve run wearing this, went to Zumba wearing this. The ladies stay in place.. and that’s the most important thing. 

 

So there ya have it! I was seriously HOOKED UP and I could not be more grateful. As I said in my reviews… some pieces worked.. and some didn’t – and that’s ok. Not every single thing is going to be perfect for every body. I found some definite winners in the bunch.

The Even MORE Fun Part…..

Kori and HanesBrands have agreed to hook up one lucky reader with a WHOLE outfit! That’s right… sports bra, top, AND bottoms! How generous are they!?

To enter leave a comment on this post letting me know what your biggest workout woe is when it comes to workout attire and/or why you need a new work out outfit

I can’t wait to read your responses and to chose a lucky winner! I hope you’re having a GREAT day.

Lastly.. here are some pictures of some of the items in action… kind of. 

Good luck!!

Fine Print:
One comment/entry per person. Entries must be received by Saturday, September 3rd @ 11:59pm CST — winner will be drawn at random and will be announced on Tuesday, September 6th. Hanes Brand has provided me with previously mentioned products to sample in exchange for an honest review of provided products. All opinions expressed are my own.

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