Shopping Spiritual Gangster
June 16, 2013 § 4 Comments
Whether or not you practice yoga or consider yourself a spiritual gangster, I’d encourage you to check out the clothing company with that eponymous name.
I’ve been wearing their tees, tanks and sweatshirts for a few years, and they are a staple to my day-to-day wardrobe. My stacked yoga tank is in constant rotation. Great mommy gear. Easy and not as commonplace as your typically overproduced, graphic tees from Gap or H&M.
I’m currently writing this post in my men’s Guru tee (size medium), now found in the sale section.
There’s 20% off of $100 until tonight with the code 20more on the entire site.
If a hamsa symbol or a namaste tee is too “voodoo” for you, try a love tank.
We could all use more love.
M.
Have you heard of or worn Spiritual Gangster?
Hamsa Eye Savasana Pullover. I wore my Peace Love Yoga Savasana pullover so much it had to be retired. I’d love this one as a replacement but my size is gone! The navy is a new color for them, too.
Namaste Burnout Racerback Tank. Namaste means, “thank you,” or “I honor you.” Super for practice or just for kicking around.
Love Burnout Racerback Tank. All sizes left.
Men’s Tri-Blend Tank. I actually prefer the men’s tanks and tees for me, since they provide more coverage. Size down and you’ll be happy.
Hamsa Striped Kids Tee. A couple left in the sale section. The hamsa is a symbol of protection, which is something I wish for all kids.
A Girl Needs Gear
May 14, 2013 § 20 Comments
I’ve just returned home from a four mile run with two fantastic friends, who might be responsible for reigniting my running mojo.
Despite the fact that their comfortable run pace was closer to a minute per mile faster than mine, I was happy panting a good few feet behind.
I waved them ahead when I needed to slow, and sweet as they are, they always circled back to get me.
I know I’m predictable, but everything always comes around to what everyone wore.
Both girls chose capri tights and cute tanks, while I, the sun hater, covered up in a long sleeve shirt, my Luluemon pace shorts, and a good dose of sunscreen on all other exposed skin.
I’m completely over my entire running wardrobe right now (maybe because I’m heavier than when I was marathon training or because my legs no longer look 20 … my shorts seem really short), so for weeks I’ve been surfing the latest, newest, greatest.
Inspired running has inspired running clothes shopping.
And we all know how I love good gear.
M.
P.S. Notice how there’s no Lululemon in the bunch. Another post, another day.
Nike Sunset Legging. Pretty.
Nike Pro Print Capri in Fuchsia Stars. Compression and fun.
Sweaty Betty Easy Run Capri. Must have these….
Sweaty Betty Boyfriend Sunset Run Tee.
Adidas by Stella McCartney Run Performance Print Tank. Stella’s stuff is expensive, because you’re paying for design, but if you have a smaller chest and like tanks, watch for this to go down. It’s fantastic looking.
OIselle Run Tee in Indigo. Best tee shirts ever. They’ve got a bunch on the Oiselle website that have been marked down.
Oiselle BIG run tee in Violet. Never did buy the long sleeve, but probably good for early morning runs.
Sweaty Betty Protector Run Jacket. I completely killed my Lululemon lightweight jacket, so this could be a good replacement. The yoke and the pink toggles excite me.
A Lululemon Schmata
February 8, 2013 § 8 Comments
The best fifty dollars I’ve spent all year was on Lululemon’s Vinyasa Scarf, which I’ve worn constantly, easily coordinating with virtually every piece of, “mommy clothes,” not excluding pajamas.
Nothing more than a 56″ x 27″ piece of “rulu” (soft, stretchy, wicking fabric), the scarf is connected by a row of snaps along its length, creating a circular piece of wonderful that can be wrapped and swathed, layered and draped, twirled and (though I haven’t been moved enough to try to figure it out) unsnapped and worn around the waist, pulled up over the shoulders as a shrug.
Most of the time I hang it over my shoulders for an extra layer of warmth, but it works great double twisted around the neck when the winter air is fighting mad. During savasana it earns its name by serving as the perfect blanket to cover the upper body prone to shivers after sweet and sweaty vinyasa.
A few weeks ago my (awesome, say it like she sees it) friend, Emily, came over to play and asked straight out to, “Explain that thing.”
She added, “It looks like you could be carrying a baby in there.”
And she’s right. I probably could.
Next baby I see is going for a ride.
M.
Do you own a Vinyasa Scarf? How do you like to wear yours?
I would have photographed mine, but I have mercifully and lovingly put it in the wash.
I’ve never once undone the snaps (a black and white stripe btw), but maybe I should. Usually, I hang it around my neck and twist it over one shoulder, so it criss-cross drapes over my chest.
Lululemon Love – The Pleasing, The Will, The New Slim Groove
December 30, 2012 § 10 Comments
It’s been a while since I last visited Lululemon. Being responsible et al.; saving my pennies for less fun things like post divorce salvation.
Still, I love a good trip through the North Raleigh store and I was greeted by a hug from Ms. Jami, new mama whom I hadn’t seen since her gorgeous baby girl was still cooking in her belly.
The hug alone was worth the visit.
I haven’t been all that jazzed by the offerings on recent Lulu racks (have they seemed to be geared younger lately or is it me?), so I didn’t expect to fall in love with a nondescript, non-pulse raising pair of pants that ended up in my dressing room.
The Pleasing Pant didn’t look so pleasing, really, but after wiggling out of my often worn New Slim Grooves, it was instant love.
True to size, softer than soft, shaped like an un-embarrasing harem pant with zippers at the legs; they are the perfect cozy pant (cozy does not mean you have to look like a slob). I didn’t despise my rear end in them, either. A true testament to greatness!
Made from four-way stretch terry, I am not sure I’d ever submit them to sweaty vinyasa, but thrown on with a tee to pick up kids at school or to hit the grocery store or some other typical mommy business, they are just right.
I didn’t buy them the other day and I’m glad, as they are now marked down again; from $88.00 to $69.00, now listed at $49.00.
Since I’m sharing my lemony love, I should mention that for my last three yoga classes I wore the (still available) Skinny Will Pant; black, adjustable waist that folds up or down, pockets, and a skinny leg.
I’m not usually a big fan of tights (thigh issues) and the Wills have been sitting in my closet for months. But with the cooler weather, I pulled them out to give them a chance and happily, they performed (stayed put, wicked well). The ability to raise or lower the waistband is a great plus. There’s nothing worse than purchasing a pair of yoga pants that fall and slide during what’s meant to be a time of focus and freedom of movement.
The Will Pants I have are still full price, but the beaming blue pair are currently waiting in “We Made Too Much.” It’s a pretty blue. Worth another look.
M.
Fallen in love with anything at Lulu lately?
The Pleasing Pant. I swear they are flattering.
Skinny Will Beaning Blue.
My sweet cousin surprised me with a Lululemon gift card for my birthday. I bought these Grooves, which at the time were being called, “The Slim Groove.” It looks like (online) that all the Grooves are this “new” shape; higher waist, 1″ more slim at the knee, still reversible.
RunningSkirts(dot)Com Sub-Zero Review
November 15, 2012 § 10 Comments
After months of waiting to wear my RunningSkirts(dot)com Sub-Zero skirt, the weather finally turned cold enough to pull it from its packaging.
I have raved about Running Skirts compression socks (here) since testing them out a year ago, but unsure about proper sizing in the company’s skirts made me hesitant about ordering one (see sizing below). After receiving an email alert from Schwaggle with a link to the RS website giving an additional percentage off of a special list of merchandise, I took the plunge ordering the heartstooth patterned skirt attached to the full length brushed and wicking pant.
Sizing:
As I usually do before making online purchases, I read the reviews and pondered the size chart. Pant sizing is funny for me (skinny legs and not so skinny hips). According to the measurements listed, I would wear a size 3 (10-12), but since I am so rarely a 12, I wasn’t sure this was the best choice.
It turned out that the size 3 is perfect. I would recommend, actually, that if you are a larger size 12, going up to a size 4 might be better. Size eights would definitely want to buy the size 2.
Confused? I was, though it’s not their fault rather the nature of online shopping.
Fit:
With a flat waistband and continuous drawcord (like Lululemon’s), there was no rubbing at the belly. Also interesting, and possibly a fit characteristic for my body type (apple-ish), the front waist fit a tad higher than the back. I loved this; always prefer a pant this sits a bit higher at the waist (it’s a different story for me when it comes to shorts).
Temp:
The Sub-Zero is sold as a cold weather running skirt and performs as such. My legs didn’t feel a moment of wind or freeze after five miles in 37 degree temperatures. During my second run in much warmer weather (about 50 degrees), they still felt great; no overheating. When I run long, even in the coldest temperatures, I always (always) burn hot at my wrists and ankles. During my second run, I folded up the bottom portion of the leg and continued on, grateful that they weren’t super tight at the hem; they folded up easily.
More shopping?
Unhappy with the current quality on the newest LLL running tights (I swear the luxtreme is thinner) and more and more feeling the need to cover my rear (I am a 41-year-old grown woman after all), I am interested in trying some of the other skirts in the line.
Next on my list is the Capri Skirt. If it performs even close to the Sub-Zero, it could (quite possibly) be the perfect running bottom made.
M.
Do you run in skirts? How about RunningSkirts.com skirts? Do you shop there?
The skirts come in different patterns. I like the black and white ones as they can go with more colored tops.
The continuous drawcord. When pulled tighter the skirt stayed put. If you’ve ever gotten chafe from a tie at the wast then you know; ow.
The wide, flat waistband.
The logo on the side of the skirt. Barely noticeable.
Fall and Winter Gear Goodies
October 1, 2012 § 8 Comments
It’s been ages since I’ve written a gear goodies post, so I figured that today is as good a day as any to share some of my recent favorites, both running and yoga related! Until I can run again I will cruise the Internet for more to add to the list.
Hear hear for gear!
XOM
Do share… What gear have you found/love/bought lately?
Alo “Practice” Capris $56.00 at Nordstrom. Love that these are dark, but a little more interesting than your average black yoga pant. I love Alo (Air, Land, Ocean). Their stuff fits true to size and can be worn across sports. I’ve worn my Alo yoga shorts for running and they performed great.
Hard Tail roll down pants $78.00. I’ve recently gone back to my Hard Tails as they pass the down dog test (stay put), though with a higher cotton content they don’t wick like a lot of other brands (you will have to run home after class for a shower). Super flattering and true to size, but be advised that the pant version is long so you may need to pay for some alterations.
Pure Karma Lydia Tee $42.00 at Nordstrom. Pure Karma was founded on the belief that “it should not cost extra to do the right thing.” The pricing is incredibly reasonable and the fabrics are luxuriously soft. I’m currently coveting a grey knit cocoon wrap (not pictured online) that’s only $56.00!
Om Shanti Shanti tee by Spiritual Gangster. I absolutely love this company and their clothes. I wear my YOGA block men’s tank and Peace Love Yoga pullover more than I should admit. I also don’t like to practice in tanks, so their t-shirts are a great alternative.
GapFit Motion Seamless Top $39.00. I have the short sleeve version and find it performs and wears great. The fabric fits a lot like Lululemon’s Run Swiftly tees, but is not nearly as delicate (I’ve put a finger through two Run Swiftlys). At more than half the cost they are worth a try.
Runningskirts.com Sub Zero Skirt for winter running $88.00. I had wanted to try this skirt for the longest time and am glad I finally did. The sub zero material is softer and thinner than I thought it would be. While they are described as having compression, I didn’t feel the same kind of tightness usually noticed with compression pants. Despite this, they feel nice and look cute, so…
Oiselle Big Run Long Sleeve tee $39.00. I love Oiselle’s shirts! This one is 50/50 and considered great for shorter runs. Love this one a lot!
Oiselle again! This striped tee is 75% wicking poly 25% cotton. Looks great for longer fall and winter runs.
Lululemon Sun Sprinter on sale in the stores for $39.00. The Sun Sprinter short became my favorite because it has no liner and can be worn over tights for added coverage. One faulty design element is that the side pocket is mesh and can tear if you put too much in there. I stopped using it, but it doesn’t change how much I like the shorts.
Back To School Shopping
August 27, 2012 § 6 Comments
Back to school shoe shopping is not easy especially with fashion forward four-year olds.
Their father won’t be happy when he sees the Nordstrom bill, but his little ladies will enter “The Fours Room” next Tuesday with Twinkle Toes by Sketchers so blinding that I think I need shades.
It’s perfect timing, actually, since my Zeals have bitten the dust.
Before we left the mall (after making wishes in the fountain) we stopped at the sunglass store where I tried on a Red Ridinghood trifecta of Maui Jim’s; Baby Beach (too small), Cliff House (too big) and Sugar Beach (just right)!
What shoes are your kids wearing back to school? What sunglasses are on their mama’s?
XOM
Twinkle Toes = Happy Feet
Bling Bling.. they flash little lights! Is their teacher going to hate me?
Maui Jim Sugar Beach in Rootbeer. Did my research…good for running. They weigh only one ounce, are polarized, and shield-like enough to protect my sensitive eyeballs. Image from Nordstrom.com.
A Good Day
June 24, 2012 § 3 Comments
Saturday morning began with my running group the WannaBeasts (10.5 minutes per mile) and eight sweaty miles through the greenway around Shelly Lake, behind Crabtree Valley Mall. There was ninety-eight percent humidity and while it felt like running through soup, it was fast and easy (even downright pleasant) thanks to the conversation with my partner Nancy (whom I’d just met) and the energy of the team.
Afterward, instead of heading home to shower, I drove to Peachie’s for one last visit to her empty house and to drop off the baby clothes that the girls had gathered from their closet the day before (during their own packing session for Maine).
“It’s too small, it goes in the baby pile!”
I sat in Peachie’s back yard drenched in sweat and snot (my poor skirt had served as kleenex on the trail) and watched squirrels in pine trees pull branches from limbs and scurry away. I wondered if this is how they collected their nuts. I reminded myself that I loathe squirrels, especially after they had taken refuge in my attic a few years ago.
I called my sister and we talked.
I called my Peach and we talked even more.
When I couldn’t stand the dried sweat a second longer I left for home, driving and listening to the radio stations that are playing the same songs on rotation this Summer. I know all of the words.
I showered and threw on a typically scary post run outfit; a comfy bra, white and purple stretchy shorts that say, “I heart Saints,” a washed blue KBIA t-shirt that I intentionally cut down the front and unintentionally ripped under the arm, and bright pink CEP compression calf sleeves I’d received in the mail the day before.
I don’t like to match my clothes post run. The more mismatched I look the better I feel. I’m pretty sure that most runners feel the same way about their recovery outfits. It’s not mentioned much, but take a look at most running blogger’s post run photos and it becomes obvious. It might even be an unsaid qualification for calling oneself a runner.
As happens after a good medium to long run I was tired. I shuffled around the house until I couldn’t bring myself to shuffle anymore and by 3:00 curled up on the sofa with the girls for an episode of Sponge Bob.
I promptly fell asleep.
Grace soon nudged me and said that she was tired, too, and surprisingly both girls followed me upstairs where we crawled into their beds. Unexpected as neither girl has taken a nap since 2010. When I woke and realized that it was 7:00 p.m., I knew there’d be a long night ahead.
We came downstairs where Brian had made dinner and had it waiting on the kitchen bar; cheeseburgers, french fries and onion rings.
I cut up some lettuce and tomato and made plates of food that we took outside to eat by tiki lamps.
The girls were happy. Their dad and I were civil. We talked about a friend of a friend who at thirty-eight had just died from Frontal Lobe Dementia. There was a silent acceptance that this life is too short and that happiness is imperative. The girls laughed as their stuffed puppies “tried” to eat from the plates of food. The family unit was working as it should all the time.
With renewed energy I decided to tackle the packing that waited for me; my empty suitcases left for last.
I tucked my iPhone into my bra after pressing play on my audiobook version of Wild. As I gathered my running clothes and bathing suits I listened to the chapter about Cheryl’s mother’s horse named Lady and how she had become old. With her mother gone, she knew that she needed to tend to the horse.
The heartbreaking account of what came next made the placement of items into my luggage slow and deliberate. I listened while folding my piles and piles of must haves, acting out my work while my heart swelled and pounded from the depth of the pain I was hearing.
For two hours I continued; Cheryl’s journey on the Pacific Coast Trail and my journey through my stuff.
I have much too much. As I looked around at the things I knew I’d need and then back to the closet for the things that I might need and into the extra closets for things I never wear but probably need, I felt overwhelmed and a little disgusted.
I listened to Cheryl talk about Monster, the name for the pack she carried on her back, and wished that I could lessen my reliance on consumerism, so that all I needed was a pack and my kids. If only that could be enough.
When it became too overwhelming I decided to leave the mess to which I will return to today.
I sat on the master bed and continued with the story while gazing at the mound of fabrics and colors, pants and tunics, hats and necklaces, bathing suits and skirts. Underpants will go in last.
I connected to Cheryl’s feelings about her writing. How she’d always written, but the unattained dream of writing her own novel had left her disappointed and embarrassed. She wrote about making the decision to make it happen.
Remembering how I felt when reading the Hunger Games, how I liked the author and appreciated her words seemingly written for me, I added Cheryl Strayed to my list of imaginary friends. I might not understand a lot of what she went through on the PCT, but I certainly relate to her life as a writer and a woman.
By 10:30 the house was dark and bedtime was near. The girls brushed their teeth and chose their bedtime books. I imagined that I’d get them to sleep and then sneak away for some alone time, to ponder my day and plan the next. But instead, I just lay between my daughters thinking.
In two days we’ll be back at the beach that has been home for thirty five years. I will see my friends who have known me my entire life. I’ll see the newest babies and write by the sound of the sea.
Instead of sneaking away I closed my eyes and listened to the breathing of my girls, while hoping for a future that looked a lot like this day.
A day of sweat and books. Of food and fun. Introspection and civility. A life with purpose, happiness, respect, restful naps, laughs, and possibly less in the way of stuff.
All things are possible.
With that I fell to sleep. The best sleep I’ve had in ages.
The WannaBeasts at the start. Forty runners at the same pace is an unbelievable experience!
CEP calf sleeves in pink. I think I had them on backward and so I turned them around later in the day. I realize I haven’t written a “gear post” in ages. On my feet, Ipanema flip flops, my choice for this Summer. Under my feet a Dash and Albert exterior washable rug. Geez. Look at that! My consumerism in full effect!
The girls stack of traveling books. I like that they put A Good Day by Kevin Henkes on the top. I promise this wasn’t staged. I named the post after seeing the book tower and realizing it was exactly what I was writing about.
My packing mess. Brian is going to take the girls out later today so that I can focus. Underneath that pile are neatly folded running clothes and beach things. I can thank Cheryl Strayed for that.
I downloaded Wild to listen to when I ran. I liked it so much I pinned it on my Pinterest page, which resulted in a signed copy of the book at my front door. Pretty neat if you ask me!
A Good Day found on Pinterest (uploaded by Brianna Hope). Fitting, wouldn’t you say?
Habituality
May 31, 2012 § 10 Comments
This morning when I rolled out of bed my first thought was coffee.
When I came downstairs, groggy still, I auto piloted through the making of a new carafe.
As is my ritual, the next thought was breakfast.
Usually I’d go for my Greek yogurt concoction, or a measured bowl of cereal, maybe some Ezekiel and peanut butter. I had to remind myself of the smoothie challenge I began just yesterday.
A cup of kale and banana and berries was not what I wanted.
It got me thinking about habits; good habits, bad habits, auto pilot habits, and make life easier habits.
When the coffee was ready I poured it into my sunny yellow cup and added skim milk. Then I waited, taking a few minutes to think about the challenge and why I was doing it.
I took yesterday’s second kale portion out of the fridge and gave it a good whirl with a spoon.
Having just drunk it down I can honestly say that it was good. I feel satisfied and full despite the fact that there was no chewing involved.
Habits are hard to adjust. They take thought and work and in the case of yesterday’s trip to Target I was able to avoid the toy buying habit, but fell victim to the children’s pleas for checkout candy (I caved and I can admit it). Rome was not built in a day.
One habit I am not ready to break is my fairly regular visit to Lululemon.
This week’s upload showcased a whole lot of dots. From what I’ve seen, I’m not a fan, so the girls and I will visit the store today to check them out in person.
Of course, I will let you know what I think.
M.
What habits are you working to change? What are some of your rituals that you do on autopilot and take concentration to do differently?
Coffee and skim milk in my favorite Crate and Barrel cup. I love the yellow on the inside, which is why I bought them in the first place.
I made a batch of kale smoothies yesterday morning. Today when I took the second portion out of the fridge it has separated with the blueberry juice on the bottom and the kale on top. A good mix was all it needed. It tasted a lot better than it looked.
Lululemon Daily Tank in high noon dot blush. I tried the Daily Tank before and didn’t love it. The straps were too long. I really dislike this pattern, but we shall see what it’s like in person.
Lululemon Diversity Wunder Under in high noon dot blush quartz/black. They are $72.00 and have tack marks where you can cut them to different lengths. It’s a terrible idea, I think. Spend that kind of money for leggings that you cut and are left without a hem? I’ll be surprised if they don’t end up in loot.
Sunglass Shopping
May 25, 2012 § 8 Comments
I’ve been living in my Zeal Optics for almost two years.
They have taken me through hours and hours of running, 26.2 miles of my first marathon, a sun screened summer in Maine and many many days behind the wheel of the Sequoia. But their time to be retired has come, mostly because of the big chip that has appeared in the left lens. They’ve lasted far longer than they should have. I’m far from gentle with my glasses.
As I wrote about in Girl in Glasses my effort to find another pair of sunnies and my savvy Internet shopping led me to a pair of Kaenon’s.
The Kaenon’s, while oversized and cute, have turned out to be a much better headband than eye cover. They aren’t all that comfortable and leave a big imprint on the bridge of my nose. It’s not a great look and does horrible things to my face when wearing my Glo Minerals powder. I’ve succumbed to dusting my face once the glasses are on to miss that spot that rubs my makeup into my skin causing roughness, little bumps and redness, too.
Yesterday, since I was sans kids and at the mall for a scheduled visit to the genius bar (another story entirely), I figured I’d use my time to investigate sunglasses.
When I enetered the first store the girl behind the counter asked me to hand over my Zeals. Her bright face and happy voice warmed me instantly.
“Here, let me clean those,” she said.
Embarrased I handed them over. She sprayed them with magic (they never looked better when she was done) and worked away while we talked.
“Try the Tory Burch,” she mentioned as she pointed to the case.
The first pair I picked were coded TY 6006; gold rimmed aviators with pink gradient lenses. They were light and chic and sized right (not too big or small) and the sales girl and I had a bonding moment; she still working on my Zeals and smiling at my face that had lit up over the discovery of sunglass awesomeness!
The next pair I tried were TY 6016; rimless with brown and like the others had pink gradient lenses. Without a rim they look the complete opposite of every other pair of glasses I’ve ever owned, but were so pretty and felt comfortable on my face that they make it hard to decide which of the two I liked better.
As much as I feel the pull toward grown up ladylike sunglasses, I inquired about the running selection next. The store carried Oakley and I was handed a pair of Polarized Overtimes, similar to the Kaenons in shape, plastic rimmed glasses with polarized lenses and a rubber bridge piece to keep them from sliding while sweating. At $170.00 they were not cheap, but their lightness and good size made up for it. I wished I’d found them before the Kaenons.
Oakley also makes an aviator and to compare to the Tory’s, I tried them on. They were okay, but didn’t have that lightness and chicness thing that Tory does so well.
I moved down the case.
I used to wear a pair of RayBans, black and wrap around they were great to shield me from the sun. But like the Kaenons, they weren’t comfortable on my nose and would slide down my face while wearing. They also failed the headband test and wouldn’t stay put atop my noggin (a deal breaker). I passed them onto my sister. They looked much better on her anyway.
The RayBan aviator was a no the moment I put them on. Too big. Too heavy. All wrong.
Next, I tried the wayfarer.
Again, they weren’t right for me. Maybe it’s because I wore the same pair in the mid eighties? I don’t know, but I’m glad I tried them, since I’d been pulled toward a Kate Spade pair that I’d seen on Gilt.
I left the store feeling like I really need new glasses, but must decide if I should stick with Zeal, which I know perform for me or just keep the old ones for sweaty running and buy a new pair of pretty glasses for when I’m attempting to play the part of “forty-year old mommy in desperate need for some chic in her life.” Hm?
I dropped into another shop before leaving the mall.
The girl behind the counter asked if she could help me and I said I asked about Kate Spade, since I hadn’t seen any all day. She said they didn’t carry them and added that Kate Spade doesn’t have much control over the quality and control over her glasses anymore.
This can be a problem when designers expand and sell their names. I’m sure Kate Spade is making more money than she ever dreamed, but for a consumer like me, the overselling and lessening of her control makes the brand less special and less likely that I’ll buy anymore. I hope this doesn’t happen with TB, though she’s expanding at similar speed.
This store carried more luxury eyewear and avant-garde designs than the last.
My interest fell to the glass case filled with Dita frames, a manufacturer/designer I’ve been hearing a lot about. Dita is made in Japan and currently being worn by a ton of celebrities in the know. The frames were priced around high, around $500.00-$600.00 a pair.
I wished I had really great things to say about the brand, but overall I found them overpriced and while certainly quality, not worth the retail price tag. The stores selection was small, which I was okay with. They ones they had were too weird; even for me.
Below the Ditaa was another company who produce their glasses out of the same factory in Japan.
Matsuda, similarly priced and beautifully detailed were made famous by Linda Hamilton when she wore them in the movie Terminator 2. I learned that the producers of the new Iron Man film, being shot down the road in Cary, N.C had requested a bunch be sent for their film as well.
Apparently, with the death of Mr. Matsuda in 2008 there has been a new demand for his glasses, evident by the auctions on Ebay and the $1000.00 price tag for certain styles.
Sunglasses are an important accessory and I left feeling glad that I’d done a little research in the area. I was enlightened by what I’d learned, intrigued by the many choices and thoroughly convinced that sunglasses, like running shoes, should be purchased in stores.
What glasses are you wearing?
Did you buy them online or in a shop?
Think it’s too much Tory to have her on my face, while carrying the Amanda bag and possibly also wearing TB Eddie’s on my feet? Decisions!
Tory Burch Aviator TY 6006. I’ve never been the aviator type. These changed my mind.
Tory Burch TY 6016 rimless brown/pink. Surprisingly flattering.
Oakley Overtime. When I say these were feather light, I am not exaggerating. Loved them!
Ray Ban Aviator Metal Gold/Crystal Rose. Supposedly made for women, but looked hard on my face.
Original Wayfarer
Matsuda style similar to the Terminator 2 pair. These with blue lenses also show the details that Matsuda is known for. Very pretty.
Kaenon Zaza. I have the tortoise.
Dita.
Tory Burch Amanda Hobo. I’ve been carrying this since my birthday. Don’t think I can part with it for a summer bag. It’s too good.
Tory Burch Eddie. Best flats ever. Loathe the Revas, btw.