I just had the most refreshing shopping experience!
Theo Pace
It wasn’t the clothing that caught my eye…it was the mannequins. They were “normal.”
I very rarely get to a mall and actually go into chain stores. However, I found myself at the mall the other day, and as I was walking past Athleta, I was drawn to the window. It wasn’t the clothing that caught my eye at first, it was the mannequins. They were normal! Normal looking shapes of actual people who are in my life. I was also drawn in because they have an entire “young girls’ section. My daughter was with me, little Ms. Chacha herself, and I loved that she got to experience this too!
The Mission—The Salespeople
So, aside from having fun shopping together in the same store…we had the best salespeople. They rattled off Athleta’s mission as soon as I commented on the mannequins. “To ignite a community of active, healthy, confident women and girls who empower each other to realize their limitless potential.” How positive and powerful!
Versatile Clothing—Fabulous Return Policy
We found an incredible selection of “clothes that transition from workout to work to weekend” and a return policy like no other….”GIVE-IT-A-WORKOUT GUARANTEE. Work it out. If it doesn't perform, return it.” I’ve "worked out, traveled and lived in it…and it performs!!!
“The Power of She” Campaign
With the launch of their girls line, Athleta unveiled “The Power of She,” an incredible campaign “inviting women and girls to stand together, collaborate and put an end to undermining. Through the launch of this campaign, the brand aims to create a sisterhood of women and girls fueled by the core belief that alone we are strong, but united we thrive.” I love that with the launch of a young girls’ collection the company felt the need to also empower girls to be the best they can be. Not the sexiest or hippest but most supportive and positive!
Athleta took the plunge….their marketing, their catalogues, their mannequins and employees all represent normal women.
There is always so much talk about the fashion industry and it’s impact on young girls and even those of us who should know better. The models on the runway and on magazine covers are still, for the most part, not your average size woman/girl in the states. There is definitely a shift happening but it certainly is taking a long time. Athleta took the plunge….their marketing, their catalogues, their mannequins and employees all represent normal women. I found this so refreshing!
Alex and I had so much fun shopping. We both needed a few things for our upcoming trip. There were going to be a lot of outdoor activities and the climate was going to be much different than in FL. We found a lot of great items to travel and explore in. AND, we looked really cute at the same time.
Here are some of my favs from this shopping trip!
1. The Gramercy trouser has proven to be a great travel pant! It has these fun snap details on the legs to wear open and show off those fun “kicks.” I pair it with the 2. Pacifica wrap top. This top is so flattering on-it has side ruching that hides some of my own “natural ruching” It comes in short and long sleeve also! I also pair this top with many of my workout bottoms, especially tennis skirts. I layer the whole look with the 3. Baja UPF Jacket. This is a nice lightweight jacket with side slits so it’s easy to get into pockets if it’s zipped up! Athleta thinks of everything! I have it in both the grey and the black!
The 4. Stellar Trouser is super flattering on. The side placket has stretch and goes from super casual to dress in a heartbeat. I could pair this with a tank and kicks or even a heel and blouse. Love the side slit at the ankle! Super cute!! I paired this with both the 5. Hayes shell and the 6. Switchback Pullover sweater. The Hayes shell is super comfortable with zip detail on the side. I love the stretch in the fabric. The Switchback Pullover comes in a few different colors and is great layered with a tee or blouse or just alone over a tank with a scarf. I also pair these two tops with the 7. All Over Gleam Tight. Add a bit of pizazz to your run around legging. I love these for after school activities and travel! 8. Nopa Shirt is another great blouse (long sleeves this time) which is great if you don’t want to layer. It has cute button details along the side and has the same stretch fabric as the Hayes.
For the actual workout gear I chose the 9. Camo contender 7/8 Tight and these AWESOME 10. Foothill tanks! I’m obsessed with camo but we will save that for another post. This workout tight is so comfortable and flattering at the same time! The tanks are in Athleta’s “unstinkable” fabric. They come in so many great colors and have a cute split in the back that leaves you just as cute going as coming!
If you haven’t already checked out Athleta….I strongly suggest you do! I’m a believer!!!
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