Photo | Sports Then and Now

Are you ready for some football?!  It’s that time of year, once again, to gather ’round the tube with your favorite sports fans to watch the Giants versus the Pats.  But even if your team isn’t battling it out on the field, you can still look your best wherever you watch the game.

Tips for Super Bowl Style

• Don’t be afraid to rock a team jersey like the guys.  These days they make fabulously slim-fitting, ladies jerseys.  Try Touch by Alyssa Milano or go to NFL.com and shop their selection of Pats and Giants gear.

Touch by Alyssa Milano Patriots slim-fitting tee, $29.99

• Maybe you don’t want to spend money on an actual team look but want to let everyone know who you’re backing?  Sport their colors!  Tru Colors, started by two Southern sorority girls where football is BIG, has a great line of team color-based silhouettes that you can wear anytime.

Tru Colors apparel, Stafford dress in Giants colors, $78

Outfit Ideas

• Leggings/skinny jeans, jersey (if it covers your you-know-what), casual boots, flats, wedges
• Simple dress in team color, scarf in other team color, tights, boots
• Jeans, jersey, chic street sneakers
• Thick denim shorts, team tee, long-sleeve tee underneath, casual boots if it’s cold, wedges if it’s warmer with no tights

The holidays are over, but it’s still winter, right?  If you are lucky enough to squeeze in a couple more good ski trips in through March, then good for you!  I got some great insight from John Gates over at the fabulous European-based ski-wear boutique Jet Set for trends and tips on what to wear in the ever-popular snow sport destination, Aspen, Colorado. Thanks for the great advice, John!

An Interview with Equestrian and CEO of Pony Glam, Andrea Benavides Wise

Equestrian gear is sportswear first and foremost so there is a precise logic to the tailoring of the clothing and accessories. The fact that equestrian fashion looks so elegant and speaks inherently to a luxurious lifestyle makes the entire affair that much more sartorially satisfying. The relationship between riding and fashion is as long as Hermes, originally a Parisian equestrian outfitter, is elite. Gucci, also had its origins as a Florence saddlery shop, and the brand’s logo comes from gold fastenings often seen on riding boots.

Pony Glam CEO Andrea Benavides and friend. Photo | Andrea Benavides

Top Tips

• Jodhpurs aren’t a good look for everyone, but it’s necessary for the activity, protecting the legs from injury. If your self-conscious choose dark-hued jodhpurs which fit comfortably and not so tight as to be unflattering.
• Think stretch! Your jacket should be breathable and light with attention to safety, detail and high performance.
• The shirts, blazers and jodhpurs are always slim cut because loose clothes would be inhibiting for a rider.

Packing List

• For show: Tailored jackets, riding boots, leather chaps, white shirts, stretch-slim trousers, a great leather belt.
• For a casual ride: A comfortable slim fit polo, old skinny jeans, riding boots.

For this special article, I was also lucky enough to interview, Andrea Benavides Wise, CEO and Founder of Pony Glam — a riding gear retailer specializing in fun accessories (such as horse nail polish!) for rider and horse. She gave me some truly great expert advice on equestrian fashion and her new company!

Check out Pony Glam! >>

SJ: What inspired Pony Glam?

ABW: As cliché as this sounds, my horse, Chloe! She is the quintessential diva mare – she jumps over mud puddles and her own poop! I was painting her hooves one day with traditional clear hoof conditioner and I realized that this every-day product needed to come in fun colors. I knew the addition of these “glam” colors would also encourage kids (and even adults) to use this important product. Plus, horses like Chloe would definitely approve!

Hoof Hi-Lites (from left to right, top to bottom): Bella Blue, Posh Purple, Gimme Gold, Sassy Silver. Available at ponyglam.com.

SJ: What is Hoof Hi-Lites?

ABW: It is a colored hoof dressing that does not stain the hoof and it absorbs and wears off naturally. Hoof dressing is a conditioner that you paint onto the horse’s hooves to help moisturize, condition and protect the hooves. Hoof care is extremely important since horses are on their hooves for up to 23 hours a day. Hoof Hi-Lites is the FIRST colored version of this beneficial product and it comes in glamorous colors like pink, purple, blue, sparkly silver and sparkly gold.

SJ: As a new entrepreneur tell us a little about the process of launching Pony Glam?

ABW: I am lucky to have great friends and networking contacts that have really played a vital role in my ability to launch this small company so quickly and successfully. In addition, social mediums like Facebook are truly amazing advertising tools for new companies. I have gained international interest just through the Pony Glam Facebook page alone!

SJ: When did you start riding?

ABW: I started riding when I was 6 years old. My mother took me to watch one of her friends in a local horse show. They sat me on top of her horse for fun at the end of the show and that was pretty much it for me! It has been horses on the brain ever since!

SJ: What do you love most about riding?

ABW: The connection between horse and rider is unlike any other team relationship that I am aware of. Like every sport you have good days and bad days, but on those days when you both are in tune with each other, it’s like you can hear each other’s thoughts and you just know that this 1200 lb animal will jump the moon if you ask it. It is an amazing, rewarding and addicting feeling.

SJ: What’s been your most exciting moment in 2011?

ABW: Launching Pony Glam, of course!

Andrea Benavides, CEO and founder of Pony Glam and Chloe “horsing around”

SJ: What does Chloe think of Pony Glam?

ABW: She thinks it is fabulous! She isn’t too thrilled about being my test subject all the time but she loves posing for the camera as my Pony Glam model!

SJ: You’re a lawyer by trade how does that or not factor into Pony Glam?

ABW: Being a lawyer by day definitely helps me do business related tasks, like setting up my LLC or filing a patent. However, for me, being a lawyer is very mundane and I always felt like I was supposed to be doing something else. Pony Glam gives me an outlet for my creative and sociable side!

SJ: What’s next for Pony Glam?

ABW: Our sassy Show Pony t-shirts were a big hit, so we are doing a second t-shirt design in early 2012 with our creative partners, HawkBoyz. We also have a fun addition to horse and pony polo wraps that we are in the process of testing. So be sure to stay tuned to our GLAM Products page on our website, at www.ponyglam.com, or on our Facebook e-store!

Expert Riding Fashion Advice from Andrea

• Gorgeous dark brown full Custom leather chaps from Journeymen in Middleburg, VA. These will last you forever! A must-have!
• Ariat zip up Paddock Boots
• A polo shirt in the summer or a cableknit sweater for the colder months. Right now I am loving my Mountain Horse Legacy parka!
• I like playing with different fun leather belts to finish off my outfit!
• Always wear my Charles Owen helmet!
• I love these gloves from Dover Saddlery.
• I never leave for the barn without my brown leather buckle bracelet that has my horse’s name engraved on a brass plate. I used to wear these personalized bracelets as a kid when I had my ponies, but a friend gave me my “Chloe” bracelet for my birthday a few years ago.
• Black Leather Tall Boots, custom E. Vogels would be a luxury!
• Tailored Sportsman breeches
• Essex Coolmax Show Shirt
• Grey Pinstriped or Navy Pinstriped Show Coat, Gucci re-released their equestrian show line in the last few years. Lo

About Sinta

Sinta Jimenez’s previous incarnations: rolling stone, financial analyst, law student, herbal specialist, waitress, model, wild child, ballet dancer, student, surfer, world traveller. Current incarnation: mother, lotus amidst fierce flames. From birth to death: artist, writer, poet. A lifelong student of the arts, she received her Masters in Fine Arts from Otis College of Art and Design in 2010. Born in Manila,  she was raised and lives in DC. Check out her fabulous blog Hail to the Chic. Photo taken in Los Angeles.

Read Sinta’s posts.

Click to learn more.

by Renae Virata

While perusing the Adidas site, I came across some very interesting shoes – bowling shoes!  But these aren’t your typical bowling shoes in the oxford style that you sometimes look at with your jeans and think, “Could I…?  Nahhh!” 

These shoes, however, if you dare to, look fabulous both on and off the lanes.  The twist is not only in the boot style but also in the classic Adidas shell toe.  What do you think?  Would you rather get a strike in these?

Jeremy Scott Bowling Boots for Adidas $350 – Click to learn more

by Sinta Jimenez

Nautical fashion is one which is extremely practical. Quite simply put, being on a boat requires specific kinds of clothing, being that you are engaging in sport.

• Sweaters, knits, pullovers of all sorts are required for a day at sea even during the warmest months as it is always colder on the water. Late afternoon and sunset sails get downright chilly.
• Chinos are always a good idea as they withstand sea water just fine and aren’t damaged by salt. They are warm as they breathable and they dry quickly.
• Boat shoes are great though not required for more luxurious cruising. The rubber bottom heel which can grip the floor are great for boats sailing low on the water.
• Nautical trends have lasted for a good hundred years. Stripes, reds, whites, and blues will never go out of fashion!

For a day sail: Sunblock, a brimmed hat, a tank top and light knit to layer, shorts

Click an item to shop this look: Alba Hawaiian Natural Sunblock with Green Tea, SPF 45, $7.19; Delia’s crochet cardigan, $14.99; Miss Sixty singlet tank, $19.47; Southpole cut-off shorts $33.99, Crocs flats $34.99,

For a sunset sail: A medium knit sweater or pull over, close-toed boat shoes, a jaunty scarf

For a dinner cruise: Dinner cruises rarely require seaworthy duds!

• Saint James

• Le Minor

• Sperry

• stmichaelsmd.org
• www.capecodtravel.com
• www.mvy.com
• www.capemay.com
• www.sailingmontauk.com

About Sinta

Sinta Jimenez’s previous incarnations: rolling stone, financial analyst, law student, herbal specialist, waitress, model, wild child, ballet dancer, student, surfer, world traveller.  Current incarnation: mother, lotus amidst fierce flames.  From birth to death: artist, writer, poet.  A lifelong student of the arts, she received her Masters in Fine Arts from Otis College of Art and Design in 2010. Born in Manila, raised in DC, she currently lives in Los Angeles.  Check out her fabulous blog Hail to the Chic.  Photo taken in Los Angeles.

Photo | WeareverTheWeather.com

by Renae Virata

If you’re the adventurous type, the best way to cross over the hundreds of grachten (canals) in Amsterdam is to hop on a bicycle.  Everywhere you go, you’ll see rows and rows if not whole clumps of bikes parked next to storefronts or chained to bridge rails.  Be prepared with an outfit that will make those vacation pics worth sharing yet comfortable while you pedal your way through this historic and enchanting city.

Cyclists in Amsterdam ride their bikes like we drive our cars here in the States, so you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible to worry more about defensively cycling than what you are wearing.  Consider safety your primary focus, then, when planning your ensemble!  It’s definitely no fun to tumble over your bike because of a rogue piece of loose fabric or loose sandals.   Unfortunately, no one wears a helmet there, so it’s up to you to decide how important your noggin is.

Me in Amsterdam. Photo | WeareverTheWeather.com

Now on to the fun stuff!  Since the bicycle is such a commonplace form of transportation in Amsterdam, you will see some of the most fashionably dressed people in the world on two wheels there.  During the fall, I witnessed a number of women ready to go to work or meet up with friends in full chic attire: knee-high boots, skinny jeans, mid-length coat, artfully-tied scarf and cozy hat.  During the summer, the style is much like the rest of Europe but less formal, so you can wear a fabulous casual shirtdress and flats or strappy sandals or skinny jeans and a cute knit pullover with a scarf and light jacket.

______________________________________________________________________________

What else should you wear for your trip to Amsterdam? Fill out our My Stylist form to find out!

______________________________________________________________________________

What to Wear and How to Wear It

Here is a list of more specific fashion tips that will help you look your best on your ride.

• Pants. Try cute banded styles in cropped or ankle lengths.  They will keep you from dragging your pants on the gears.  Luckily, skinny jeans, leggings and flared minis are staples in the typical Amsterdammer closet.
• Skirts. Try a circle or paneled skirt.  Avoid binding styles such as pencils or too-revealing minis.
• Shorts. With so many great styles this summer, you are sure to find one that will suit your style and be perfect for the road.  Try culottes (yes, I said CULOTTES), bermudas, or simple chino shorts.  The safest and most flattering style to wear should at least reach your just above your fingertips.
• Sunglasses. A must, as much for the sun as for protection against UFOs (I’m talking rogue projectiles from cars or trees), dust, and bugs.
• Hat. Make sure it is one that can be secured to your head or hair.  Better yet, try a side French-braid or just pull your hair back in a pretty scarf to keep your hair out of your face (for safety’s sake, of course!).
• Jacket. You never know when it will rain in Amsterdam, even during the summer, so don a lightweight, at least water-repellant jacket with a hood.  Make sure it gives enough room in the underarm area, too, for sufficient mobility.
• Shoes. Cute flats or sneakers are obviously your best bet, but during my last visit to Amsterdam, I definitely saw some heels.  As a beginning cyclist, make sure your shoes are securely strapped to your feet. Sandals are fine if they are  If need be, carry foldable flats (Dr. Scholls offers some that you can find at places like Target) and bring your change of shoes.
• Scarf. Absolutely!  What European vacation would be complete without the ubiquitous fashionable scarf?  Make sure yours is wrapped well so as not to slide down into your wheels and cause a vacation memory you wish had never happened.
• Bags. Cross-body bags are a champ in this scenario as are mini-backpacks (yay, they’re back in!).  Other options may leave you doing a balancing act so, if possible, rent a bicycle with a built in basket to carry your stuff.  (When was the last time you had a basket on your bike?  How picturesque!)

______________________________________________________________________________

Don’t leave for your trip without Access America Travel Insurance. From travel delay coverage to missed connection coverage, they’ve got you covered!

______________________________________________________________________________

]]> http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2011/05/what-to-wear-in-amsterdam-cycling/feed/ 0 http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2010/12/the-new-sweatshirt/ http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2010/12/the-new-sweatshirt/#comments Tue, 14 Dec 2010 07:17:22 +0000 Renae Virata http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/?p=3133

American Apparel $34

by Renae Virata

Casual glamour takes on a whole new meaning with this season’s “fancier” sweatshirts.  Whenever I used to think of sweatshirts, I thought sporty, loungy (as in on my couch) and pure comfort.  So what takes a sweatshirt to the next level?  Versatility, finer details and a good blend of pattern and / or color.

Many retailers carry sweatshirts these days that you can layer over button-downs for work, easily tuck into skirts for cocktails or just as quickly slip on over leggings for a stylish day of running errands.  Want to inject more style into your athletic look?  Slip one of these on over jeans, cords or your best knit pants for a football game or winter post-run. What’s more, these shirts are the perfect travel companion.  They perfectly balance comfort and style and can be worn as easily on the plane as for a day of site-seeing.

Look for a sweatshirt with a finer gauge, smoother seams (notice how the banding is not as thick at the seams making it easy to tuck into pants or skirts), and a more sophisticated pattern or color, like herringbone (check out American Apparel’s below in two colors) or pale pink like Delia’s.

Do you have a favorite sweatshirt that you wear a million different ways?  Email us your pic to info@wearevertheweather.com so we can add it to this post for everyone to be inspired from!

Delia's $39.50

A delicate color with a subtle lace lining for an extra special feel.  The tri-color block adds an extra element of interest.  Add a little bling around the neck and wrists and this sweatshirt can go from super cas to glam in seconds.

Click on the picture to learn more and to shop it.

American Apparel $50

Love this sweatshirt!  Not only does it feel more luxurious than any other sweatshirt I’ve owned, but it has a cool herringbone pattern in both gray and salmon pink that takes it a few levels up in style.  Tuck it into a flirty skirt, your favorite funky trousers or over leggings.

Click on the picture to learn more and to shop it.

Esprit $39.50

What’s not to love about this sweatshirt?  The ruched shoulders give it that lady-like appeal that makes you ask, “Sweatshirt? What sweatshirt?”  In black or this yummy plum color, there’s no end to when and where you can wear this.

Click on the picture to learn more and to shop it.

Photo: PopSugar.com

by Renae Virata

One of our adorable travelistas recently inquired about what to wear ice skating at Citi Pond in Bryant Park, NYC, this weekend.  And it’s going to be coooold (okay, by my Gulf Coast standards, 30s is fa-reezing!).  So how to look chic when you’re gliding across the ice (and trying not to fall)?

You don’t have to look like Kristi Yamaguchi to look right on skates.  Leggings or jeggings are probably your best bet.   In my experience, wearing jeans is not as comfortable (unless they are in a stretchier knit), especially if you land on your you-know-what a couple of times (it could leave a nice wet spot on your tuckus and take a while to dry).  Besides, you want as much mobility on the ice as possible to show off that killer spin you’ve been working on since you were a kid.

Here are our ideas on what to wear depending on your mood and what you may do before or after you skate.  Notice how unique each look is with just a change of top layers and accessories.

CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AND SHOP EACH OUTFIT.

Just Hanging Out

Impromptu Drinks with the Girls

Date Night

Apres ski can be defined two ways, depending on who you’re talking to.  There’s the outfit that you put together right after your last run of the day on the slopes, and there’s the outfit that you wear any other time of the day while on a ski vacation.  Most of the time it’s a blurry line between the two as one of the first things you’ll want to do is chill (excuse the pun) out and enjoy the last rays of sun with a beer or head straight to dinner.  Thankfully, most ski apparel retailers have just the right balance of ski / street wear to make the transition easy.

Nothing looks more chic than winter white.  Just switch out your jacket for this vest and slip on a cute skirt like this one from Athleta.  Dress it up or down and then wear it on the plane for easy cute comfort.

The atmosphere around most ski resorts is pretty casual, so it’s easy to bring your style IQ up a notch, apres ski.

• Start with a versatile ski / snowboarding jacket in a slimming silhouette or one with details like furry trim or a great print over a simple sweater and leggings.
• Slip on a sweet mini over your leggings or tights and top it off with a fun scarf and cable knit sweater.
• Replace your jacket with a snug but chic furry or sweater vest over a turtleneck and knit pants.
• Don’t forget to bring a great pair of sporty sunglasses – it might be winter, but the sun can be super bright against that white snow!

What about the ubiquitous jeans that seem to be so perfect anytime of year in any weather?  Well, if you’ve ever been out and about in cold weather, you know  jeans won’t block out the cold nearly as well as a sturdy knit pant or leggings.  That’s because jeans are typically woven which let’s in more of the cold air.  Jeggings are a great alternative that gives you the best of both worlds.

This Obermeyer jacket goes from the slopes to the street, no problem!  Click on an item to learn more and to shop this outfit.

On to my favorite part – the boots!  Where would we be without our sheepskin boots? So warm, cozy and the perfect complement to pretty much any apres ski outfit.  In multiple colors, fabrics and lengths, you can find one that matches your body and style pretty easily.  Another option are waterproof leather boots. I picked up a  pair of waterproof Merrells last year that absolutely fit the bill to satisfy my city-girl fix – they’re sturdy enough for long walks, keep you dry and are tailored enough to keep you looking put together.

All white and bright...Click to see this popular jacket up close.

by Renae Virata

I love the freedom that winter sports gives you to brave the cold and get active! I remember my first snowboarding trip and how much fun I had picking out the perfect outfit. Being the city girl I am, I had to have the city-slicker tweed print jacket. (This year, I have my eye on Obermeyer’s leopard-print jacket below!).  This year’s trends, especially in jackets, feature a fantastic array of styles and colors that make it hard to choose just one.

Can you believe these are ski pants?! Click to learn more.

You’re gonna sweat, no doubt, so it’s important to keep layers light while maintaining mobility.  The most important thing is to keep the cold, snow, and wind out, so your layers should consist of:

• A base layer – You can find specific base layers in either nylon or wool blends, depending on how much you want to spend.
• A mid layer – I personally love a fleece vest and a slim pair of pants.  Keeps the trunk warm while keeping arms mobile.
• A waterproof shell – Make sure it’s not a soft shell, which is a great post-ski piece but won’t help much when you’re out on the snow.

And don’t forget basic accessories: a simple skull cap or headband that covers your ears, waterproof snow gloves and wool or dry-wick socks.

The most popular colors this season are sporty corals and plum while styles continue to expand in silhouette.  You can go as simple as a slick and sporty one in a fun bright color or add an urban twist with a peacoat-inspired shell.  It’s basically a season to express your personal style or to give yourself as varied an athletic wardrobe as your regular one!

CLICK ON AN ITEM BELOW TO LEARN MORE AND TO SHOP IT!

Street-ready Chic

Obermeyer has some of the best styles for those that want to translate their personal style from the street to the slopes and back again.

The North Face $349

Obermeyer $259.50

Obermeyer $310

Marmot $275

Patagonia $249

The North Face $249

Whimsical

Make a style statement in one of these eye-catching jackets.

Powder Room $169.99

Burton $174.

Nils $307.93

Do you have to spend a lot on your winter sports outfit?  It really depends (I know you hate that answer!).  For jackets, for example, if you have a good waterproof, light winter jacket that is wearable on the street, you can easily add layers inside to increase warmth while you’re skiing or snowboarding.  Some of the best values out there are 3-in-1 jackets that include an insulating jacket, soft shell and waterproof shell – easy to pack and more options on your trip!

Accessories-wise, your base layer doesn’t have to be pure wool…the less expensive nylon version can work just as well (though the cheaper you go, the less able they can stand on their own).  Wool does shrink, too, so if you plan to spend more on pure wool socks, make sure you follow proper instructions on how to wash wool to maintain their size and shape.