Fashionable, Comfortable and Good for the Earth

We see the term ‘eco-friendly’ these days on everything from cosmetics to water bottles. It was only a matter of time before the concept became common place in our clothing. Here at BodywearBoutique.com we have a large variety of products for the ecologically sensitive fashionista.

There are many reasons why a person might gravitate toward eco-friendly active wear. Having the back story on why a piece fits that description will give you the tools to make an informed decision when purchasing. Some of our suppliers, like ALO Clothing, believe in using eco-friendly business practices. Another way to determine the carbon footprint of your yoga pants or workout wear is to check out the fabric content.

Anyone that ever planted bamboo on their private property likely has a clue why it would be a great resource to use in clothing. It grows very quickly and does not require the amount of maintenance necessary in many other natural fibers. On top of that, the fabric is very soft, highly absorbent and has anti-microbial properties. Check out our Avani “Dreamy” Dolman Bamboo Tee, it is 95% Bamboo and 5% Spandex and comfy as can be.





Another fabric to look for when checking your labels would be Modal. If you’re not familiar with this one, you might be surprised to know it comes from Beech Trees. It is so very soft and unlikely to shrink or fade. You’ll look cool and earth friendly in our Emma and Emilie “Ava” Racerback Tank made from 70% Modal and 30% Acrylic.





I don’t need to elaborate too fully on the joys of cotton, most of us are well aware of the comfort we feel when we wrap ourselves in it. Cotton, unlike bamboo, can be a far more challenging crop to raise. It is highly susceptible to a number of pesky predators from the insect world. Farmers and processors specializing in organic cotton should certainly be applauded for providing us with a fiber that is pesticide free, does not come from genetically modified plants, has no chemicals used in processing and utilizes eco-friendly dyes and finishes. If you have a preference for organic cotton, check out our fun Pink Lotus Organic Floral Printed Pant made from organic cotton. You’ll look good, feel good and know you’ve done just a little more to help our planet.

Wrinkled Traveler No More

Summer is coming to a close, but many of us are trying to squeeze in one more getaway. Long car rides or time spent waiting at the airport can sometimes make us wonder why we didn’t just have a staycation cruising through the DVR. Dressing comfortably can make a big difference if you wind up racing across the terminal or taking a nap while your spouse rants about the traffic en route to your mother’s house.

There are so many unexpected possibilities that can arise when we head out for what we hope will be relaxing time away - make certain a wardrobe malfunction is not one of them. In addition to comfort, you want to arrive at your destination looking as put together as you did when you first threw your bags in the trunk.

Try pairing the Emma and Emilie "Ella" Open Shoulder Tee with a pair of skinny jeans, leggings or yoga pants. This Polyester/Cotton/Rayon blend top will keep its shape no matter how many times you fasten and unfasten your seatbelt. Having your accessories nearby in your carry on bag will give you the option of dressing it up or keeping it casual when you deplane.




You’ll look stylish and refreshed no matter what travel ordeal you just endured in this flowing, feminine Allen Allen Layered Tunic Tank.





When you get where you’re going, you’ll be relieved when you open your bags and don’t have to run for the hotel iron. Our active wear clothes travel well and will still look great when you’re dressing for that long road back to reality when your sojourn ends.

IT’S ALL ABOUT SUPPLEX

I am old enough to remember hearing women complain about how uncomfortable girdles used to be.  I am young enough to have tried the modern day slimming undergarments that may not qualify as a torture device, but certainly can be lacking on the comfort and functionality scale.  Leave it to the great minds of our era to have come up with a compromising solution for those of us that want to get a sleeker shape without giving up on the ability to go about our business. 

If you are the type that likes to check out the fabric content label in your clothing, you may have seen a product called Supplex®.  Every now and then something new in textiles pops up on a label that gets us running to our Droid for an explanation as to what it might be.  I’m going to save you the online search by giving you the lowdown.  In actuality, Supplex® is a form of nylon made by Dupont that is considered to have a far softer hand than standard nylon. 

People love the feel of cotton, but unfortunately keeping its color and shape are not two of its most redeeming qualities.  Scientists developed Supplex® with the goal of giving people the comfort of cotton without the drawbacks.  What they have achieved with this development is a sturdy fabric that will hold its shape and color, is great with moisture and breathes well when you’re working out.  Each time you put it on, it will keep that slimming quality as it maintains a great fit.  An added bonus is that it won’t give you that shiny appearance when stretched - that look always brings to mind the time I saw Nick Gilder sing ‘Hot Child in the City’ wearing red Spandex pants.

Just because a label has Supplex® doesn’t mean you’re good to go.  Make sure you’re buying a well made product.  There can be differences in content percentages and how a product is woven can have an impact on quality.  A well made capri or yoga pant made from Supplex® can stand up to whatever you might throw at it and still look great the next time you put it on.

Check out a few of our favorites (pictured below) like the Bia Brazil Faux Pocket Capri, Prana Lolita Supplex Pants and Balance BellaBootleg Pants – we love them!  No go out there and ask your friends if they know about Supplex®, if they don’t you’re fully prepared to dazzle them with your brilliance.

 Bia Brazil Faux Pocket Capris

Prana Lolita Supplex Pants

 Balance Fitwear Bella Pants

We're Now Carrying Balance Fitwear!

Due to overwhelming demand, we are now carrying Balance Fitwear, the Brazilian Active Wear Line that’s both a customer and celebrity favorite! 

Balance Fitwear’s designs have sold out in stores and across the web. Balance Fitwear is a new activewear line created by Brazilian born designer, Anna Carolina Arias, who also designed the star favorite, Body Language.  Anna’s clothing has been coveted by many of Hollywood’s brightest stars, including Eva Longoria, Hillary Duff, Jamie Presley, Ashley Greene, and Brooke Burke.

Her new line, Balance, is made of the highest quality Brazilian Supplex. This amazing fabric keeps you cool and dry while flattering your figure. Balance workout tops, active pants, and shorts are ideal for hot yoga, pilates, zumba or any other workout activity!

We recommend, for hot yoga, the Balance Troy Workout Shorts, paired with the Floral Printed Yoga Halter Bra.

 

If you're heading to Zumba, we suggest the Balance Bella Capri paired with the adorable Rachel Sports Bra.

Of course, Balance Fitwear can be worn for any fitness activity. You can shop all Balance Fitwear by clicking here.

From Street to Studio and Back Again

Ever have one of those days where you’re actually looking forward to running errands and spending some time at the gym? Just when you’re headed out the door an old friend calls and asks about meeting for lunch. Mentally you peruse your list of tasks wondering what you can eliminate. Unless you can put off groceries another day or reschedule Fido’s trip to the groomer, a workout is often the thing we are tempted to push back. After all, coming home to change clothes and freshen up in the middle of running around can be a big time suck.

Fortunately, we live in a time where our workout attire enables us to move comfortably though the day, look chic and darling at a quaint bistro, and do pilates without a single wardrobe change. Try layering your workout pants with a great jacket like the Green Dragon Draped Wrap pictured below.






Adding one of our fashionable cardigans like the one featured here from Twisted Heart will enhance any outfit. No one at the restaurant will imagine you’re on your way to the yoga studio.

 



After your workout, you can finish up those errands with ease - you’ll look and feel fabulous. Our days are hectic enough, why not have a wardrobe that can help make our lives less complicated?

Not Your Mama’s Workout Wear

These are indeed good times for those of us opting to live an active lifestyle. Step into a gym or studio today and you’ll see attire far better suited to comfort in fitness than what the previous generation had to endure.





Those of us that exercised our way through the 80’s and 90’s know first hand the great strides that have been made relative to what we can wear to get our sweat on. Changes in fabric content, fit and style have given us workout clothing that allow us to go from the elliptical machine to the grocery store without looking like we washed up on shore in an ill-fitting clown costume.


Granted, that big t-shirt and the stretched out, faded capri pants you bought years ago won’t hinder you from getting your heart rate up, but the functionality can’t compare to today’s fitness clothing. Game changing fabrics like Supplex, will breathe during a workout and enhance your body type with slimming support and fit. It is an added bonus that you won’t just feel better exercising in these clothes, you’ll actually look chic and stylish while doing it. Working out in leotards and tights may not have stood the test of time, but your new pair of yoga pants will.






Our model, Lauren, looks effortlessly chic in head to toe I am Beyond (Formerly) Beyond Yoga. She's sporting the Original Jacket, Original Supplex Pant and the Beyond Yoga Racerback.

The Weekender: What To Wear on Your Little Getaway

The weekend is finally here! Friday is more-than-warmly welcomed in our offices. One of  the great things about living in Southern California is that fantastic vacation and "staycation" destinations are only a few hours away by car--and even less by plane.

Whether you're shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, playing roulette in Las Vegas, or relaxing on the beautiful beaches of San Diego, we've got just what you need to look and feel your best. Below are a few of our favorite travel-friendly items that are perfect for a weekend getaway.

The Pink Lotus Twill Drawstring Pant is so comfortable, yet so chic. These pants can be paired with a nice top and wedges for a romantic dinner, or worn with a tank and flip flops for walking around a park or a shopping center. These pants are great for their versatility as well as their style.

If you're planning on laying poolside or beach side, you'll want a nice cover-up for when the air gets breezy or you need to make a quick trip to order a cocktail. We have many gorgeous, soft dresses that fill this need wonderfully. It doesn't hurt that they travel well. We love the Alo Shawl Neck Dress as well as the Love Tanjane Easy Dress (Pictured Below). 

Perhaps your resort, spa, or hotel is offering yoga or pilates classes, while you'd love to partake, you'd rather not strut around the hotel lobby in your over-sized men's tee and five-year-old leggings. Why not pick up a stylish, flattering workout outfit? The form fitting, flattering supplex won't wrinkle, pill, or fade and you'll look cute working up a sweat! Our favorite outfit at the moment is the Public Myth One Shoulder Workout Cami paired with the Public Myth Rocker Flare Workout Pant.

Every traveler knows to bring at least one nice dress wherever she goes. We suggest the Rasa Lila Maxi Dress. Paired with bold jewelry and elegant shoes, this incredibly soft, eco-friendly dress will really make a statement. Additionally, this easy to care for item will not require ironing or dry cleaning.

How could we make a list of easy, flattering items that are travel-friendly and not include our all-time best selling bottom, the I am Beyond (formerly Beyond Yoga) Original Sueded Supplex Pant?  Of course, we couldn't. The pant is amazingly comfortable, flattering and versatile. These pants can be worn hiking, biking, shopping, walking, or traveling. These pants are the best for long car and plane rides!

Happy Travels!