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I’ve thought many a time how lucky we are to be living in 2013: we’re able to contact our loved ones from any location worldwide with Skype, we can network and maintain relationships with important people we may never have had access to in the real world, and one of my personal faves is the fact that we can dress with little-to-no “fashion rules”; we are free to mix those prints and combine our blacks and navy’s with no shame! In the world of fashion, 2013 promises to be an innovative and exciting new year for many reasons, and the fashion focus is being broadened. Versatile, trendy athletic wear is becoming more than popular, both in and out of the gym. Thick, tailored yoga pants that fit the body to a tee may not fully replace a coveted pair of designer jeans, however, they are quickly becoming the grab-n-go pant of choice. How can we stay on-trend both in and out of the gym without changing clothes? Fortunately, with labels like Athleta, Lululemon, and local duo MAI, keeping a once-neglected part of our wardrobes current is a breeze. While there are tons of options for you to mix and match sporty separates, here’s a few of our fitness must-haves for the coming year:

 

 

 

 

1: The Lululemon “Forme Pant”  

When the term “active wear” gets brought up in conversation, men and women active-lifestyle brand Lululemon is rarely left out. Known best for their leading-edge materials and flattering cuts, one of their staple and most identifiable pieces is their Forme Pant. These pants are made of their original, signature Luon® blend. This material makes the pant incredibly versatile: having a high percentage of LYCRA®, there is no need to worry about the garment stretching out and becoming unwearable. Luon® also offers a 4-way stretch to ensure your pants are moving along with your body, which plays hand-in-hand with the smooth banding that keeps your pants in place through even the most intense yoga session. Don’t take yoga? These pants are so soft and comfortable that once you try on a pair for the first time, you’ll see why even the least athletic (myself included) folks are happily making the 98$ investment. It might not be easy to fully grasp the idea of spending 98$ on a pair of black slim yoga pants, but here’s another reason why it’s well worth the money: it’s a one-time cost for a piece in your closet that will last for years to come.

 

 

 

2: The MAI Criss-Cross Bralette

While the Lululemon Forme Pant is a fabulous basic that every woman should have the pleasure of owning, sometimes we want to feel like we’ve one-upped the public with a not-so-basic basic piece. MAI created a crazy-cool, contemporary, and refreshingly affordable line of clothes for Spring/Summer 2013 during MN Fashion week last September for the woman on the go. The amazing thing about these clothes is just how much they look like regular day-to-day clothing; you would almost never know that they can withstand a hearty workout! From a laid back maxi skirt and dress to funky tank tops with hoodies and back zippers, there are tons of less-than-ordinary pieces to choose from. One tank in particular stands out, however: the ever versatile Criss-Cross Bralette. From the front, this top looks like a regular cropped black tank top; but when you turn to the side and to the back, the criss-cross back detail is exposed. This top could be worn as a regular cropped tank with a pair of high-waisted pants or shorts in the summer time for a flirty look that’s still a bit edgy; and at only $25, you may want to buy two!

 

 

 

3:  Skidless® Premium Towel by Yogitoes® 

As many people know, yoga is an excellent way to get in shape by increasing balance, strength and flexibility. Maybe you’ve made a New Years’ resolution to start a new workout routine, or maybe you’ve decided for the first time to exercise regularly. Whatever the circumstance, during any particularly sweaty yoga classes, you may catch your palms and feet slipping on your mat. There’s a solution to such a problem! On the Athleta website, there is an incredible Skidless® Premium towel by Yogitoes®. All you need to do is slap this bad boy right over your yoga mat when you feel like you’re slipping and sliding, and the back of the towel grips to your yoga mat while the absorbent Polyester/Nylon top stays dry and keeps hands and feet in place, balanced. At $64, this is recommended most highly for any individuals who are looking into or are currently practicing Bikram, or Hot Yoga, as those sessions make the body sweat much more profusely. This towel is well worth the purchase because it allows you to maximize your time in your practice; when you aren’t being distracted by slipping limbs, you are able to focus on what really matters: your practice, your body, and your being as a whole.

 

For more information about the brands mentioned above, you can check out their clothing at their websites below:

Lululemon: http://shop.lululemon.com/home.jsp

Athleta: http://athleta.gap.com

MAI: http://www.fashionbymai.com