Insightful Athlete is now Gymwear Guru

Hi, ladies! Just a reminder that Insightful Athlete has migrated to a new platform and domain. All new and archived content will be at http://gymwear.guru/

Thanks for being great readers!

Big Changes

Hello, hello ladies. I know it has been pretty silent over here. Just wanted to give some updates  since there has been a TON of changes over the last several months:

Change #1: 

I'm getting out of the Marine Corps! After 7 years of service as a Captain in the Marine Corps, I am finally saying goodbye. It's a sad but exciting note for me, and I can't wait for my next chapter!

Change #2

I'm moving to Michigan! That's right folks...moving closer to my Indiana roots to Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Change #3

I got a new job! Dropping my combat boots for something I really love.....project management and six sigma!

Change #4

I have a fiance! His name is Brian, and I couldn't ask for a better person. We are two pea's in a pod, and I can't wait to start my new life with him. 

(Yes, I'm sure this will come up. Yes...I was married before. I had a terrible situation that was nothing but stress and anxiety, but I'm grateful that is a closed chapter in my life. I have nothing but happiness, and can't wait to start my new adventures!)

Change #5

I got a new puppy! (Ok...we, we....got a new puppy....but I'm still excited!) His name is Flint, and he's a German Shepherd. He's my second bestie (next to Brian, of course) and has been growing like a weed! I can't believe he's only 4 1/2 months. Such a big baby!

Change #6/7

I lost my domain :(. My custom domain was snagged by someone else....I'm sure they are using my prior traffic to continue to gain new traffic (hence the athletic links). Please don't visit them and give them any more traffic. If you want to see my older posts, please visit my blogspot domain. 

I can try to get it back, but I'm not banking on it. I'm am in the works of a new site called Gymwear.Guru. This site is not functioning yet. The goal is to start in Wordpress (something I should have done a long long time ago). Once I get a new template running, I'll try to import the older content from Blogger.

So that's it! If you're back, thank's for your loyalty! 

New blog, start. If you have any feedback from my previous blog (e.g., new directions, focus, types of content), please let me know! 

Temporary Blog Closure

Hello ladies.

It saddens me to announce that I will be temporarily closing by blog until further notice. I have been trying to get back in the swing of things, but I haven't had the time or resources I once had to regularly post. Every time I attempt to come back, I am faced with another uphill battle so it's easier to temporarily shut my blogging doors than to try to play a cat and mouse game with you. I was enthusiastic over the blog's growth over the past year....I have done paid sponsorship, guest blogging for fitness apparel companies, and have been featured in printed press. This was quite an accomplishment that wouldn't have happened without loyal readers. I am sincerely appreciative and grateful for your loyalty.

Let's be honest here....there are many fashion, beauty, and fitness blogs....but the realm of fitness apparel blogs is rather small. If you have not done so, I encourage you to check out Agent Athletica's Blog. Her blog has also been a new development that has also been a quick (and rightful) success overnight covering all of the latest trends in fitness fashion. 

I will not be keeping my domain, but my achieves will be available at insightfulathlete.blogspot.com. Once again, I thank you all for reading...it's been a great ride. 

Another Lululemon Blog Sale

*Photos are posted. Once again, as a reminder....if you would like additional photos of the item, please use the search function on my blog. Thank you for shopping!*

Like I said in my earlier post, I'm having another blog sale! I always try to do a closet purge and get rid of the "excess." This purge was a little harder for me because I'm getting rid of a few items I love despite giving them enough love. I'm trying to re-home these that will get the love they deserve!

The following items are for sale. I will update this later tonight with photos. In the meantime, you can use the "search" button on the right for photos of the actual item.

Size 2:

• Angel Blue 105f Singlet, Size 2, worn 2-3 times, $40  Sold

Size 4:

• Black/Polar Cream Laceoflauge Back on Track Tank, Size 4, $40
• Nimbus Groovy Stripe Scuba, Size 4, $70
• Nimbus Groovy Stripe Cool Racerback, Size 4, $25

Size 6:

• Universal Stripe Base Runner, Size 6, worn once, $80 (rare item and good stripe placement...was not released to many stores last year) Pending Payment
• Black Wee Are From Space Inspire Crops, Size 6, worn a handful of times, $70 Pending Payment
• Black Inspire Crops, Size 6, worn a handful of times, $55
• Black In the Flow Shorts, Size 6, Soot Light Still Shorty Shorts, Size 6, worn 1-2 times, $40
• Bali Breeze/Fatigue Wee Are from Space Wunder Under Crops, Size 6, new without tags, $80
• Black Pique Skinny Will Pants, Size 6, worn a handful of times, $80 Sold
• Black Crosstown Pants, Size 6, worn once, $135 (Selling for what I paid for. I love these, I just don't wear black anymore)

Size 8:

• Black Ebb to Studio Bra, Size 8, worn 4-5 times, $35
• Fresh Teal Ebb to Studio Bra, Size 8 worn 2-3 times, $35

Ivivva Size 14 (Lululemon Size 5/6):

• Ivivva Bali Breeze Reversible Rhythmic Tights, Size 14, worn 2-3 times $45
• Ivviva Keep Ur Cool Racerbacks, Size 14, new without tags, $15 Sold
• -Ray
• -Mermaid Tears
• -Seapunk
• -Creamsicle Pop Wee Are from Space

Shipping is typically $5 per item in the US. I'll pay shipping to US if over $100. I use PayPal as GOODS and always pay the fee. 

Accepted buyers are taken in the order they are received, not by the amount they offer. My prices are usually significantly lower than eBay and other sites closet sites so please do not try to haggle the price. I can provide additional photos, but I will be taking buyers by the order they are received. If someone changes their mind, the next person in line will be able to purchase it.  PayPal invoices will be sent out as soon as a buyer has committed to that item and provided a PayPal email. If a buyer does not pay the invoice within 24 hours (without prior notice), I will void out of the invoice and send an invoice to the next alternate.

Please email me if you are interested.Thank you ladies so much for helping me purge my closet!

A bunch of store visits!

Ok...I know it has been awhile. I'm finally settled in my new place and finally have internet! (whoo hoo...thank you Verizon!)

Since it has been AGES since I've done a store visit, I'm going to do one large post of several store visits I did in the fall.

For one of my more recent store visits, I wore my JCrew Peacoat, Lululemon Refresh Racer in Inkwell, Lululemon Post Practice Cardi, and Frey Veronica Slouch Boots.

Turn Around Tight in White Herringbone, Size 6

I really liked these Turn Around Tights in White Herribone. I liked the ruching on the side, and the panels gave it more support than normal Wunder Unders.

I actually don't have many long tights anymore. I think I sold most of mine since they were black (and black is being slowly phased out of my life). I like how light these are and the fact I can wear them in any color....they already got a ton of wear!

The material was really thick since it was Rulu. They were completely opaque (and really soft). 

Twist and Turn Tank, Size 6

The Twist and Turn Tank was marked down....a lot. I think it was $29ish? I really loved the Nightfall color, but I couldn't justify the color since I couldn't wear it with a lot of bottoms.

Twist and Turn Tank in Toothpaste, Size 6

I ended up getting the Grey and Toothpaste version since I could wear it with almost all of my colored bottoms. I also liked that it was a great neutral with a pop of color. It is a well supported bra for a built in bra tank...especially for the chesty ladies. I don't have many built in tanks anymore, but this one is great. I will get a ton of use in the summer.

Om Tank in Ombre, Size 4

The Om Tank was cute in Ombre, but it reminded so much of my Fabletics Tank I got a few months ago. The quality wasn't much better, and I couldn't see myself paying that much for it. The Exquisite Bra was nice, but I was really hoping to try on one in Nightfall. I did like the back design though.

Karamacollected Jacket in Heathered Grey, Size 6

I really wanted to love the Karmacollected Jacket, but I couldn't justify the ridiculous collar! I didn't mind the jacket with the zipper open, but the collar was just too much to try to control.

Exquisite Tank in Nightfall, Size 6

The Exquisite Tank was pretty in Nightfall, but this was a like and not a need....so I needed to leave it in store for someone else to love.

In one of my other store visits, I wore my Rain Runner Jacket in Rust Berry (LOVE this jacket by the way), Athleta Sugar Rush Pullover, Heathered Grey CRB, and Frye slip ons.

Fleecy Keen in Fuel, Size 6

I tried the Fleecy Keen again this year, and have the same opinion as last year. It's really cute but not worth $198. It would be a better value if it was about $50 less.

Awesoma Henley in Hyperstripe Slate and Ghost, Size 6

I did pick up an Awesoma Henley on sale. I was impressed with the softness of the Henley, and it ended up being a steal on markdown.

Radiant Long Sleeve in Heathered Rust Berry and White, Size 4

I really liked the Radiant LS, but I couldn't figure out my size. The 4 looked the best unbuttoned, but looked too tight buttoned. I ended up grabbing a 4, and I'm glad I did....it ended up stretching out a tiny bit making the fit perfect.

Om & Roam in Heathered Rust Berry, Size 4

I ordered the Om & Roam pullover online in a size 6, and it was HUUUUUUUGE. I'm glad I gave it a second chance in a size 4. It has been easily one of my favorite fall items...it's so soft and warm. I love longing around in it.

Bhakti Jacket in Black Grape, Size 6

The Bhakti Jacket in Black Grape was one of my bigger disappointments this year. I wanted to love this one because of the color, but it just didn't lay right. I think the material was too thick. Last year, the black looked great partially unzipped and fully zipped, but this one looked awkward when it was anything but zipped.

Yogi Racerback in Heathered Angelwing, Size 6

I liked the Yogi Racerback because it worked with for casual and workout wear, but I thought the size 6 was a little too big.

Yogi Racerback in Heathered Berry Yum Yum, Size 4

I tried the Yogi Racerback in a 4, and the fit was much better. I definitely will get a lot of use of this tank outside the gym.

Well that is it! Thanks for being great readers! I hope to have all of my blog kinks worked out soon. Expect another blog sale. After moving AGAIN, I took it upon myself to do another closet cleanout. 

Technical Update

Just a quick update so you guys didn't think I disappeared again! So my computer did another forced Windows update around Thursday and gave it the black screen of death! It disabled my keyboard, mouse, and corrupted everything from my video card to my battery pack. It was finally fixed but the upgrade bumped it back to junk mode again...I was seriously considering throwing it down the trash chute. I've been without it for 3 months anyways! Well I decided to completely wipe it on Friday. My mom backed it up before it was sent back, but I didn't even care if I lost anything at that point...I just wanted to use the darn thing!

I was looking forward to getting wifi/cable on Sunday. Comcast was supposed to come anytime from 10-noon, but they never showed up! I called at noon, 2:30, and 5. They claimed that they came by at 11 and 3, but I'm not buying it....I didn't have a single missed call and home all day. I was stuck on house arrest as I waited for Comcast to stand me up...not to mention I had three passionate phone calls with their customer service reps. A big thank you to Comcast...of course they couldn't send anyone out because it was after their service hours, but they "generously" offered to reschedule for Thursday with a $20 reduction on the installation. Which, according to the floor supervisor, that's the best they can do...(pretty sad if that's true). I got on the apartment computers and got an account with Verizon. Boom. I can pick up their crap tomorrow and install it myself...for free. And I got more perks at a cheaper rate. See ya later Comcast....its been nice...err....its been real...its been a real pain in my rear. (Santa is watching and we all know who has been naughty and nice.)

So I don't know if the Blogging Gods want to make it extremely difficult to post, but it's been a rough three months. Let's cross our fingers that tomorrow I'll actually have Internet and a fully functional computer. Wish me luck....

Lulu in Layers

I'm baaack! Ok...not back-back, but I finally have my computer back. I had a series of abnormally-crazy events and even ended up moving apartments (again). I've finally finished de-boxing, and my last step preventing me from blogger freedom is getting my internet transferred. Note- I'm convinced that Comcast, like every TV/Internet company, is a second form of satan brought here to make our lives hell.

I feel like I have missed so much in the last couple months...even black Friday and Cyber Monday....but I'm baaack. There has been a little buying here and there, but I wanted to provide some feedback on my two recent Lulu loves:

The Love Tee

Lululemon Love Tee (Size 6), Massimo Duitti Silk Scarf, Citizens of Humanity Skinny Jeans, and Jeffery Campbell Boots

I really heart this soft relaxed tee made of buttery soft Vitasea fabric. It has a flattering scoop around the hem to cover your bum, v neckline, and cuffed sleeves. It has been a great white staple for the winter....I'm just trying my best not to fudge it up by spilling something on it (let's be honest...I'm not the most graceful thing that has walked this earth).

It's comfy enough for lounging, looks great with skinny jeans, and breathes well for workouts....I'm a fan! 

Wrap It Up Sweater

Lululemon Wrap it Up Sweater (Size 4) with Lululemon Fatigue Fo Drizzle Jacket (Size 4) and Louis Vuitton 35 Speedy

Made of Merino Wool, this Lululemon Sweater has easily been a winter favorite. I have reached for this sweater the most this season with its pretty drape and unique details (i.e., elbow pads, zippers). The wool fabric is surprisingly warm and soft....without being itchy. I'm definitely glad I invested in a good cardigan that will get a lot of love this winter!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

I love these two pieces! I'm wearing 3 Lululemon pieces in this outfit....would you have guessed I was wearing athletic apparel? 

I'm so sorry for my absence.... I'm looking forward to posting again! I have a few more fall favorites so keep an eye out for more posts to come!

Columbia Turbodown Jacket and Minx Boots

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Columbia through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Columbia outerwear, all opinions are my own.”

Columbia was nice enough to send me their Turbo Jacket and Minx Boots and asked me how I stay active out doors in the winter. While the cold, nasty polar-vortex can be a bit of a deterrent (hello hot yoga class….), I still find time to enjoy life in the chilly outdoors:

1.        Running – Quite possibly one of my favorite outdoor activities in the winter. It gets your blood flowing, and the crisp air feels amazing. Just be sure to wear shoes with good traction….you don’t want to end up twisting an ankle on some black ice! Natural light is also at a minimum so ensure you have some sort of reflective clothing if you are running after work.
2.        Ice Skating – In heavy metropolis areas, ice rinks pop up all over the city. Use this as an opportunity as a great date night and workout for those thigh muscles. It’s a great excuse to grab a guy and get some hot chocolate afterwards.
3.        Playing – Who says you have to be a kid to play? Making snow angels, building snowmen, snowball fights, and sledding can all be a great way to burn those calories with or without kids. Work on that lower body by finding an awesome hill to truck up and have a blast on the way down.
4.        Hiking – Another great activity that is low impact to the joints is hiking. Whether it’s with your family or loved one (human or fur-child), take advantage of a low-wind day to stroll through the woods.  Just ensure that you have a great pair of boots and plenty of warming layers….you’re not going to be getting that heart rate up as much as other activities so dress a little warmer!
5.        Shoveling Snow – Yes…this is tedious labor that has to be done…but at least you get to work on your shoulders, right? Just ensure you are using those leg muscles so you don’t end up pulling your back!

I had an opportunity to test out the Turbodown Jacket, and I’m so ready for winter! Here’s a little additional info about the jacket:

Packing serious heat for the active winter adventurer, this progressive women’s jacket is outfitted with our performance-enhanced down—a combination of Omni-Heat® synthetic insulation and 800-fill goose down for ultimate lightweight warmth and heat retention, even when wet. The rich, water-resistant shell fabric has a lovely sheen, and the clean, flattering design will take you from mountain to street with ease.

I love the bold color of the jacket. I picked the red hue, and it was definitely more electric than expected (in a good way!) I like that it is such a pop of color, and the reflective lining will keep me nice and warm.

The Minx boots were super comfy. They do run a little small so consider sizing up! Here’s what Columbia has to say about the Minx Boots:

It's like a jacket for your feet. Whimsy meets technology in this versatile, lightweight boot. The waterproof woven synthetic quilted upper boasts a winter-inspired print, touches of faux-fur at collar and tongue, and 200g’s of insulation. Add to that thermal reflective lining and you’ve got a natural wonder.

I love the light color of the boots. I feel like it will match a ton of different combinations while being functional with the cozy lining and thick rubber soles. I’m going to be getting a lot of use out of these boots during the winter season without worrying that I’m going to land on my keister!

Thank you so much Columbia! I was needing a new puffer jacket this winter, and I’m really excited to be wearing the Turbodown Jacket and Minx Boots during our upcoming winter!

Check out Columbia for more product information on their Turbodown Jacket and Minx Boots.

http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/clk?id+131473923&iu=/5485/sugar.pop/track

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Lululemon Everyday Pants

So excited to see the Everyday Pant's on Lululemon's upload last night! Last year, I did a comparison to the Lululemon Bust a Move Pants and the Urbanite Pants. Lululemon releases a "communter" pant every fall, and I always patiently wait to purchase a pair to use as golf pants.

They couldn't have came at a better time...I found out that my golf team needs black golf pants for our upcoming tournament in Texas. I have a skirt and shorts, but no pants. The only options that are out there are pretty anti-feminine (on right). I pretty much gave up this year...thinking that the weird &Go items was all we were getting. I actually was looking for size 6 Urbanite and Bust a Move pants on eBay and other places, but I couldn't find my size in black.

So it is a baby miracle. I have finally found a black pair and I think I'm going to like these more than the last two pair. The Urbanite was more of an ankle pant, and the Bust a Move had not as comfortable motorcycle stitching....These look like a happy middle between the two!

Ugh...wish I didn't have to get black. I already have Urbanite Pants in Inkwell, but if they come out in one of their fall colors (i.e., Rust Berry, Bordeaux Drama, Fuel) I'm definitely buying a second pair.

If you missed my Lululemon Urbanite vs. Bust a Move Pants comparison, you can check it out here.

Update - my mom has my computer, and it's getting work done. I'm flying to Texas on the 31 and will be back the 12. Hopefully, my poor laptop will be fine and I can start posting regularly again.

Lululemon Rain Runner Jacket in Rust Berry

Last week I had some issues with my Rain Runner Jacket in the mail, but I was so happy it was finally located!

Right off the bat, this has been one of my favorite jackets since my Fo Drizzle from last year! I've had the jacket for about a week and a half, and I have worn it constantly ever since.

The biggest draw to the jacket was the color. Rust Berry is a very rich berry color that is perfect for fall/winter. I love that it goes with a lot of my neutral bottoms....black, navy, grey....it all works!

There's a lot of great features in this jacket. I love the zip hood and the zip pockets. While I was initially worried that the pockets would be too high for me to put my hands in, I find that they work out perfectly. I also like the reflective panels that are underneath on the back of the jacket and the cuffs of the arm....it turns it into a very practical jacket at night!

This is just to give you an idea of the reflective panels. I'm only seeing reflective material in the back and also the cuffs....it was pretty bright though!

I was also impressed with the fit. I order a size 6, my true Lululemon size in jackets and felt that the fit was spot on. The back gathers and creates a slight poof on the top...I actually love this because it gives it a feminine vibe. I also like that the zipped hood provides a stiffness to the neck. I also appreciated the length....my Fo Drizzle is great for to and from, but it is too long for running. This jacket is a perfect length for a multitude of activities...I have been wearing it running, playing golf, and even casually with my Frye boots.

As for practicality, is a very well lined jacket. While the Fo Drizzle has been great for rain,  it is not a lined jacket. This one has just enough lining to be warm enough to block rain and light wind. I've actually had to take off my jacket a few times because the lining was making me a little warm!



I just wanted to give you a comparison to the Fo Drizzle. The material is much heavier than the Rain Runner, but there is no lining. I do appreciate that the Fo Drizzle has fuzzy pockets though! It has been an unexpected favorite that I would have never ordered online!

This is just to give you an idea of the reflective cuffs. The only thing I don't really care about is the perforated edging on the inside of the jacket...I know it is for venting, but it's just not necessary. I would have rather it been a solid piece.

Overall. I'm really impressed with this jacket! It has been a new favorite by far. I know the price was a little steep, but I'm wearing it enough to get my money's worth!

Just a reminder since I was getting a little bit of hate on my blog sale post....I have a 10 day golf tournament in November. With the upcoming tournament, my torn hamstring, and my broken laptop....I will not be posting as regularly as I have in the past. While I appreciate all of the readers on this blog, I have to make my tournament and recovery a priority. Always appreciative of you all!

Blog Sale!

UPDATE - Please keep checking this post for updates. I am constantly updating the status of the items being sold!

So many things to add to my blog sale tonight! Still having some computer issues, but at least I can get blogger to load!

Before you contact me, please read my rules on my blog sale page. PayPal fees are on me, but the buyer is expected to pay shipping (unless they buy more than $100 then it's on the house). Items to US buyers usually range $5-7 unless it is a heavy winter coat or multiple items. I usually low ball the shipping estimate anyways.

Please no counter offers....I always check the eBay prices and mine are WAAAAAY under eBay. Plus you guys get the comfort of blasting me on my blog...I have nowhere to hide! ;)

If you are interested in an item, please send me an email. Offers will be accepted at a first come, first serve basis....so there is no "out bidding" during this sale. The first to send me an email committing to buy at the requested price is the first to receive a PayPal invoice. The buyer has 24 hours to pay for the PayPal invoice. If a buyer does not pay for the item, it will go to the next email I receive. Items sometimes don't get paid for so if you are intersted in an item that is listed as "Pending Sale," I highly encourage you to email me in the event it falls through. Once the listing has been changed to "Sold," the item is no longer available.

[Sorry about the lack of photo editing...my laptop hates me...]

SOLD 

EUC White WAS Pacesetter Crops, Size 6, $80

SOLD
Good Condition, Laceoflauge Scuba, Size 4, $75
(This has been a pretty rare Scuba! Lulu has not made a nice B&W printed Scuba since this one!)

PENDING SALE 

EUC Nimbus Groovy Stripe Scuba, Size 4, $75

EUC Black Unnamed Shorts, Size 4, $20

EUC Black In the Flow Shorts, Size 6, $35

EUC Black Wee Are From Space Inspire Crops, Size 6, $85 75

EUC Black Inspire Crops, Size 6, $60

SOLD

EUC Bordeaux Drama In the Flow Crops, Size 6, $65

(I'm only getting rid of these because I have the Inspires and can't justify keeping both!)

SOLD 

EUC Parallel Stripe Wunder Under Crops, Size 6, $90

SOLD

EUC Parallel Stripe Shake and Break Shorts, Size 6, $40

NWOT Ivivva Keep Ur Cool Racers, Size 14 (Lulu 4/6), $20 each

I will sell the whole lot for $70 +$5 shipping....that's $18.75 per tank top!

Left to Right: Seapunk Multi, Space Dye Pow Creamsicle Pop, Mermaid Tears, Ray 

PENDING SALE

EUC Mod Dot Energy Bra, Size 4, $35

SOLD

EUC Brisk Bloom Speed Shorts, Size 6, $40

EUC Soot Light Still Shorty Shorts, Size 6, $40 35

SOLD

EUC Black Hyperstripe Race Me SS, Size 4, $25 (Silverescent)

SOLD

EUC Soot Light Studio Pants Unlined, Size 6, $45 (hemmed to 5'7)

NWOT Alice and Oliva Dress, Size 4, $135 110

(No free shipping on this one, but it will be shipped in a garment bag)

This was a $597 dress.....loved it.

AMAZING quality, but I don't think I'm going to get around wearing it. Brand new, never worn.

If you are unsure about an item or the color, please search my blog posts or use google for additional photos. While I will be more than happy to take additional photos, it is a secondary priority to committed buyers. Thank you ladies.....pleasant shopping!