Happy Boxing Day! Boxing Day… also known where I’m from as ‘can’t wait 12 more minutes to spend the gift cards you just got for Christmas and MUST BUY ALL THE THINGS NOW!’ At least, that’s how I saw it as a 14 year old girl who really couldn’t get enough of Abercrombie & Fitch. The only way you could get me to go near the mall today is if you paid me at least $500 or got me drunk first and gave me a ride.
What I need to do is get my sorry behind into the gym. We did the CrossFit Total last week, and I kept my expectations super low. Having not trained heavy back squats practically AT ALL since the spring, I felt surprisingly confident hitting just 5lbs below a lifetime PR, and had a good miss at a 5lb PR attempt. Apparently there have been some (re)gains in the strength department. That’s a plus! The minus? The numbers don’t lie when it comes to the holiday cookie eating & boozing girl looking back at me in the mirror. The numbers on my squat were higher than expected, but so were the numbers on the measuring tape this morning. Someone pass me an egg white omelet.
WHY AM I STILL RAMBLING. Gotta take all these excess carbs to the squat rack!
5 Faves & a Dud – 12/26/15 Upload
Favorite #1: Mind and Body Kit ($58) in blooming pixie multi
I originally didn’t pay any mind to this when it first dropped, as it looked like just another overpriced zippy pouch. Once I saw it in store, I realized this is not a flimsy POS. It’s got a sturdy metal frame on the inside, and feels very heavy duty. Not to mention, it’s ROOMY. I want it, but I also don’t want my makeup to inevitably spill and ruin the pretty insides like all other ghosts of makeup cases past. Target makeup case it is. I am why I can’t have nice things.
Favorite #2: Toasty Tech Tight II ($118) in black/blooming pixie multi
I almost just called them the tasty tech tight. Whoops. Had I known that it was going to stay snow & ice-free in the northeast throughout the fall and into the beginning of winter, maybe I would have snapped a pair of these up after all. For those of you who like to run year round and won’t let a little snow or ice get in your way, these are a definite MUST HAVE. Meanwhile, I’ll be indoors at CrossFit and out of your way. Seawheeze isn’t until August… I’ve got plenty of time to get out of shape and back into it again. 🙂
Favorite #3: Strap It Like It’s Hot Tank ($64) in raspberry glo light
Tanks with the bra built in generally make me nervous that they’re not going to provide enough support. This one looks like it could actually get the job done, and lulu confidently states it’s made to provide medium support (read: Energy Bra level) to C/D cup ladies. Maaaaybe I give this a try in store?
Favorite #4: Strap It Like It’s Hot Bra ($54) in black
Following in the footsteps of the tank listed above, I like the looks of this one. WHY must the mall be so bananas today? The girl who wants to try this bra on, it’s ME!
Favorite #5: 5 Mile Long Sleeve ($78) in raspberry
This one’s priced about $10 higher than I would have guessed, but then again it features that anti-stink silverescent tech. The color is beautiful, the ruching in back is a nice cute touch. This one’s definitely going on the list of “things I may actually spend my Christmas $ on”. There’s a ton of black/gray in closets all across the world during the winter, and this would be a definite bright spot for all of us. 🙂
The Dud: Vent it Out Jacket ($138)
There’s just a little something off on this one. Perhaps it’s the mix of the solid black portions and a pattern that’s already heavily reliant on a black background. Water resistance is always a plus, as is the option for a cinched waist. But, the fun textured details like the perforated fabric/ribbed detailing on the back are overshadowed by the awkward blocking between patterned and solid paneling. If this drops in a solid color, this could easily move all the way up from a Dud to a Fave. IMHO, the pattern selection is the Achilles heel on this one. Doh!
Additional Notes
- Here come the ever-loved Align Pant in a daringly light color: peacock blue. (According to WWL, the High Times will drop in this color next week)
- Compression junkies, the Tight Stuff Tight actually looks pretty sharp in simply shadow wrap sapphire blue black. BONUS: dark patterns hide cellulite, yes they do!
- The Run: Inspire Crop II isn’t totally dead yet. Still a new colourway or two being uploaded here and there.
- It’s unfortunate the Pace Rival Crops in blooming pixie raspberry black/raspberry are fullux, because they look pretty snazzy, otherwise!
- Speed Shorts got the short end of the stick on the blooming pixie multi train. Both the Tracker Short & Run Times Short came out in the full pattern, while the Speeds are raspberry with black piping and a patterned waistband. Awkward turtle!
- Not gonna lie… I kind of want some Savasana Socks to wear around the house.
I hope everyone is having a happy and healthy(ish) holiday season so far! Who else can’t wait to get into some new gear and get back on track in the fitness department?!