I always like to take a little time at the end of the year to look back at my purchases for the year and evaluate what’s really working for me. Thinking about what kind of purchases were the most valuable to me helps inform my future decisions. Not to mention, it’s just fun to look back.
Compared to previous years, I bought very little this year. Previously, many of my purchases have been stylistically motivated or based on a desire to try a new brand. This year, the vast of my purchases were needs-based with a particular function in mind where I felt I had a gap in my wardrobe that needed to be addressed. As my wardrobe has expanded and I’ve established more of my favorites, I’ve become significantly more choosy with my purchases. Fortunately, that meant I really liked basically all of my purchases this year. Still, I tried to narrow it down to the ones that were the most game changing.
With that in mind, my hall of fame this year is fairly abbreviated, since there was a smaller body of purchases to choose from. These are in no particular order.
By the way: a couple of these items were gifted to me, but I like these so much that I would have no problem paying for them out of my own pocket.
Alala siren tights
When I’m looking for a flattering pair of compressive, go-with-everything tights, these are what I’m always reaching for. After I chose this one for the list, I noticed that it’s what I wore for two of the other outfits in this post, which really just drives home the point of how frequently I like to wear them. I love the extra support they provide for running and lifting while still being plenty flexible and not constricting.
Lucas Hugh deco knit 1/3 zip
This top makes me feel like a million bucks. The fabric is incredibly comfortable, and the overall fit is so flattering. It looks different from most activewear out there, cleverly balancing an athletic, aggressive look with a sophisticated one. Also: I literally walked into a thorn bush while wearing this top and it escaped with just a couple minor snagged threads, no runs or tears. Considering how many thorns I had to pick off of me, I was impressed.
(more sizes via their UK site)
Feetures run socks
I have to be honest, spending $200 to completely revamp my sock wardrobe (to the tune of 20-something pairs) was probably better than almost any $200 purchase I spent on activewear this year. Bad socks are like bad underwear: it just has a way of making your whole experience uncomfortable. Whether you run or not, and whether you like Feetures or another brand, well-fitting socks are key. I can’t believe it took me this long to realize.
Athleta stronger hoodie
There’s something fantastic about a hoodie that both feels great and looks great. I’ve been wanting a hoodie that’s both flattering and ultra-comfortable, and Athleta checks all those boxes. Surprisingly, I get more compliments on this hoodie than just about anything else I wear.
I currently have two varieties of the stronger hoodie: the original version and the luxe stronger version. Both are fabulous and I wear them constantly. Bonus: the oatmeal color of the luxe version hides my dogs’ ever-present fur.
Caraa Sport bags
Ok I’m cheating a little bit here… I couldn’t choose between the studio bag and the dance bag for this list, so I’m lumping them together. I use my studio bag as my daily carry and a travel bag. It suits both purposes perfectly. Not to mention, I’m so glad I retired my older, more awkward bag. My dance bags (I have two colors) are one of my absolute favorites when I need a smaller bag for the gym or other outings. They are almost painfully adorable. As a bonus, both of these bags also work really well for my more petite proportions.
Tracksmith Brighton tank
This top was my top pick all summer long. It’s lightweight, crazy soft, and feels almost as good as wearing no shirt at all. Besides taking a beating on about 3847 runs this summer, I’ve taken it on multiple hikes with a backpack (aka top destroyer) and it hasn’t shown signs of pilling yet.
Love that Athleta hoodie too! I bought it after reading your review, the last XS in blackberry. It has such a flattering fit, very warm, and great subtle color. Bonus: no neck ties to come out in the wash.
Yes, I love that there are no neck ties! It keeps me from fidgeting so much–hah. Glad you love yours too. :)
I totally agree about the socks, they can make or break a moment. Feetures are new to me, since your review I ordered a few pairs and they are great.
I got the Athelta stronger hoodie for 40% on Black Fridays. Let me just say it is amazing and would gladly pay full price for another. If they made a noon-hooded version I’d pay double! It’s my go to and I can even wear it to work.
I should have mentioned that both those purchases, the socks and hoodie, were a result of your review.
Nice score!! 40% off is an excellent price. I’ve heard a few people looking for a non-hooded version–I’d be curious to try it too! I don’t the look of the hood, but I don’t really need or use it. Glad my reviews helped you find some great stuff, that’s always the goal. :)
Another Athleta Stronger hoodie fan. I bought the Abyss one during their Black Friday sale and just went back for the Cassis one. I’ll have to try out the Tracksmith top when it gets warmer.
Thanks for the reviews!
Ack I really want the abyss one because I love the color so much, but I’m trying to hold back… 3 seems like too many for now. If it goes on sale, I’m not making any promises.
This was my year of being very picky too and I stuck to tried brands. Alala had so many new styles this year that were irresistible! I invested in 3 pairs of k-deer sneaker lengths and following your review of track smith, I explored merino wool blended tees from a couple of UK based brands. Merino wool in the summer was an eye opener for me and will definitely be investing more next summer.
Goals for 2018: SOCKS!! And waterproofs :-)
Congratulations on another year of AA ?
Yes, thank goodness for K-Deer ankle lengths! I love mine. I hope your hunt for socks and waterproofs does not disappoint!! :)
I was more wary of trying new brands this year as I’ve been disappointed a lot in the past, but I did get the Alala siren tights for a great deal on ebay and I love them! I also got my first pair of ALO ripped warrior leggings and I loved them so much, I got 2 other colors. They are way more functional than they look! Additionally, I discovered F21 makes a comfy light support longline sports bra that I wear most of the time for lifting and yoga.
Other than that, I’ve done a lot of selling and evaluation of what I actually like to wear.
The ripped Alo leggings always look so good on everyone I see wearing them! Since there’s no seam on the holes, I imagine the holes would be perfectly comfortable. Thanks for the tip on those!
I bought a lot of new activewear this year. A lot of my old running gear was just worn out or out of style, and I added several pairs of tights and capris to my wardrobe for early morning runs and TRX sessions. My favorite purchases:
– Tracksmith Brighton tank
– rabbit Bunny Hop tank (it’s so light, it feels like I’m wearing nothing at all, which is so important since our Central California summers are so hot)
– Oiselle Bae bra
– Nike Metcons (Holy cow do I love this shoe. I love it for TRX and HIIT so much I bought TWO pair. I actually ended up with a pair of Flyknits and a pair of Reppers rather than the standard Metcons. I’ve got my eye on the Metcon 4, but it’s hard to justify a third pair when my primary athletic activity is running.)
– Athleta Sonar tights
If I’m doing anything but running, I’m *always* in metcons. :) I love mine. I should give the Rabbit tank a try when the weather starts warming up. Sounds promising!