FitSugar

Gear Review: Cloudveil Rayzar Windstopper Softshell

FitSugar — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 10:00:25 PST

If you're an active snow bunny, you need a jacket that will protect you from the elements and allow you to move freely. Softshells are the way to go because they'll keep you warm but are lightweight enough to prevent you from overheating. I just got a new one from Cloudveil. This Rayzar Windstopper ($300) has been great for skiing on the slopes and snowshoeing in the woods.

I love the flattering fit, the bulkless shape, the soft fleece lining inside, and the adjustable hood that can be cinched down to prevent wind from getting to my head and neck. In 20° F weather, all I wore underneath was a wicking sports bra, wicking tank, and a baselayer, and this wind-blocking jacket kept me toasty warm. I even got a little sweaty, but the fabric inside helps your perspiration vapor escape, so I didn't feel damp or chilly. The outer material allows snow and water to just slide off, so you don't have to worry about getting wet or feeling weighed down. Another plus is the two outer zippered pockets that keep my cell phone, keys, and tissues safe, and there are two pockets on the inside to hold even more stuff. If you're not a fan of blue, this jacket comes in three other colors.

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If you've recently tried some fitness or sports gear that you loved or hated, tell us about it in the Good Gear/Bad Gear community group.

Thank You North Face For This Chic iPod-Friendly Jacket

GeekSugar — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:30:04 PST

I already have two North Face jackets - one for cold weather and one for wet and windy weather - but now I'm thinking I may need to add another one to my collection because this Femphonic Audio Jacket ($349) is just what this gadget girl needs.

Not too long ago I told you about the Radiance Jacket by Mountain Hardwear, which comes with a padded heater and a built-in power pack for charging your gadgets, but I wasn't completely in love with it. But this jacket, which is cheaper than the Radiance jacket, lets you control your iPod with an external joystick on the cuff. All you have to do is connect your iPod to the inner pocket and use your sleeve to adjust your tunes. This jacket also comes in black, and there is a men's version as well. Santa can you hear me?

Gear Review: Merrell Destination Running Jacket

FitSugar — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:00:21 PST

For those of you who won't let a little chilly weather prevent you from continuing your outdoor runs have I got a great jacket for you. Staying warm is all about layering, and this Destination Jacket made by Merrell ($85) has you covered. I tested it while visiting some friends on the East Coast, and it was perfect for my trail run even at 20° F. I wore the Ibex wicking sports bra and tank, a long sleeve midweight baselayer and this jacket on the outside, and I stayed toasty warm. Actually, by the end, I was even sweating.

It's made of soft, stretchy fleece and has a feminine fit so it felt really comfy, yet supportive. The special features I love most are the thumb holes to keep wind from blowing up your sleeves, the zippered pockets to hold tissues or your phone, and the hood to keep your head and ears protected. I also love that the front zipper goes all the way up to your chin, to keep wind off your neck. This jacket isn't wind or waterproof, so if it's breezy or snowy, I'd just wear a lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker over it. The Destination can also be used for a light jacket to wear to and from the gym. If you're not a fan of blue, check out the other colors below.

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The Radiance Jacket Keeps You Warm and Charges Your iPod

GeekSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:50:05 PDT

Yesterday, FitSugar brought a fun product over to my desk - this cute bomber style ski jacket. At first glance I thought it was just a jacket, but little did I know that this Radiance Jacket from Mountain Hardwear is outfitted with all the necessary gear to heat up the jacket and to charge your gadgets, you know. . . for those long ski runs in the Swiss Alps. The way it works is the jacket needs a high-tech Ardica power system to perform all of its geeky functions.

The padded heater goes into the back of the jacket (I'm not gonna lie, she is a bit heavy), and the tiny square Moshi power system connects to the USB port which is accessible from the lower left pocket in the jacket. With the heater, you can get up to nine hours of heat on its lowest setting and three when it's on high. When charged up, the Moshi power unit can connect to a variety of devices, thanks to its handy adapters, and at the end of the day, you can just directly plug it into the wall to recharge it for another day. FitSugar took the jacket for a test drive, so you can see what she thought of it by reading her full review here.

To see my overall thoughts about the jacket, just

You know I appreciate a teched-out jacket as much as the next geek, but I just don't know if it's worth the additional $150 for the high-tech features (the base price of the coat is $230 and for the additional gadget gear, you have to pay $150 on top of the original price). Also, the insulated jacket feels nice and airy, and well, lightweight, until you slip in the big battery powered energy pack. I'll give it an A+ for its geeky coolness factor, but I can't say I'd want to invest so much money in something I may not get a lot of wear out of.

On Our Radar: Nike 2010 Running Collection

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:00:01 PDT

The fitness world may not have a fashion week, but this weekend I previewed some of Nike's 2010 Spring running line, shoes and jackets, at the Nike Running Summit here in San Francisco. At the event, held the day before the 6th annual Nike Women's Marathon, designers explained their two inspiration behind their latest sneakers and running gear: runners and lightweight.

The first concept is fairly self explanatory - they design their gear to complement the motion of running and what runners need. Secondly, they pared everything down to shave off weight leaving the running feeling free and unencumbered.

To learn more about the shoes coming out early next year, keep reading.

Gear Review: North Face Apex Softshell

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:45:00 PDT

Since we're getting a hint of warm weather, I'm tempted to rip off all my heavy layers and run outside in shorts and a tank top. Unfortunately we're not quite there yet, so you'll need some thinner layers to keep you warm. That's why I love my North Face Apex Pneumatic Softshell ($99). It's a lightweight jacket that's stretchy so it has a feminine, flattering fit. I wear it for Spring runs, hiking, biking, and to and from the gym. I love that it's soft and fuzzy on the inside, but the outside is smooth so it stays clean and doesn't pill (like fleece jackets tend to). The two pockets are great for keeping my hands warm, or for carrying my keys, cell phone, and iPod. I wouldn't wear this on super cold and windy days, but if it's around 50° F, it's the perfect layer.

I have it in brown, but it comes in tons of other colors too. To see them, click the images below.

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Chris Benz Kelly Patent Leather Jacket: Love It or Hate It?

FabSugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:00:22 PST

In the spirit of all the resort and
cruise collections that are just hitting the racks, I wanted to get your thoughts on this Kelly Patent Leather Jacket ($1,495). Are you digging the luxe lambskin sheen or is the jacket a little too slick for your taste?

To post your selections go to the Love It or Hate It? group. And if you want to learn how to do a blog post click here.

Fab Finding Follow Up: A Fall First Date

FabSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:00:22 PDT

You're about to embark on your first date with that guy you've had your eye on. The nerves are getting to you, and they bring that eternally bothersome question with them: what to wear? He's taking you to a romantic speakeasy restaurant on a weeknight after work, and you want to bowl him over at first sight.

I started you off with this Marc by Marc Jacobs Variegated Herringbone Jacket, $398, because it's feminine and sexy! To see all the Fall first date Fab Finds, go here.

Let's see what you all came up with!

Oh! Now, you can build outfits by creating a list of clothing items. We have everything you need to build outfits with and you can use your Fab Find bookmarks too. This is an even better way to put together an entire outfit when you are completing your Fab Finding missions.

Look #1, created by leeluvfashion is so chic. I love how she paired the washed-out clothing palette with bright colored accessories - especially those to-die-for d'Orsay pumps.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Variegated Herringbone Jacket	Theory Pamela Top in White - shopbop.com
Rosette Skirt - 3.1 Phillip Lim - Eleven Boutique	Daniela Satin D'Orsay Heels (burnt yellow) - JCrew.com
Lauren Merkin Charlotte Patent Lambskin Clutch	Gorjana Madison Wrap Necklace	Gorjana Flutter Ring - shopbop.com

To see a couple more,

Look #2, created by tigerlyllie21 is more laidback. The pumpkin and mauve are so pretty, and perfect for Fall!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Variegated Herringbone Jacket - shopbop.com	2-Row Pearl Stretch Bracelet : Target
eLUXURY - Marc by Marc Jacobs - Runway Turnlock Posh Super K	BananaRepublic.com: women: Satin-trim blouse: short sleeve: blouses & shirts
Rock & Republic 'Kasandra' Bootcut Stretch Jeans (Elusive Silver Wash) - Savvy - Nordstrom	Nine West Naso

Look #3, created by DCStar is speakeasy-ready. She took the restaurant theme and ran with it, which I think is super cute.

Violin Case Handbag/Bottle Carrier	CAMPISE - Gun Necklace @ Ron Herman
Nordstrom Large Wide Brushed Gold Hoop Earrings	Bottega Veneta dark brown leather wingtips
DAY Birger et Mikkelsen Tweed checked pants	MARC BY MARC JACOBS Flocked Dot Tie Neck Top	Marc by Marc Jacobs Variegated Herringbone Jacket

Come Fab Finding With Me: A Fall First Date

FabSugar — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 11:30:22 PDT

I'll start you off with this Marc by Marc Jacobs Variegated Herringbone Jacket, $398, because it's feminine and a bit sexy! Come back and tell me when your Fab Finds are up and tag them Fall first date.

Now, you can build outfits by creating a list of clothing items. We have everything you need to build outfits with and you can use your Fab Find bookmarks too. This is an even better way to put together an entire outfit when you are completing your Fab Finding missions.

To learn what a Fab Find is and how to make one, click here. For a more detailed explanation of bookmarks from geeksugar click here.

To see some of my favorite online stores,

Active Endeavors
Aloha Rag
Banana Republic
Big Drop
Bluefly
eLuxury
Intermix
Neiman Marcus
Net-a-Porter
Refinery29 Shops
Revolve Clothing
Saks Fifth Avenue
Shopbop
Urban Outfitters

Get Your Butt in Gear: C9 Jacket by Champion

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 03:00:00 PDT

A lot of you were liking the little pink Nike jacket I posted about a while ago, but user lintacious tipped me off on another cool jacket that's a little bit cheaper.

The C9 Jacket by Champion is just as cute as it is useful. The best part? The sleeves have built in mittens (sort of), so when your hands get cold on especially chilly jogs, you can put your hands in the little pockets that attach to the sleeves. When your hands get hot, take them out and keep on with your jog. I love that you don't have to worry about keeping track of yet another thing while running. What's more? There is even a slot on the sleeve for your iPod nano! Buy it from Taget.com for $25. Gotta love Target!

Thanks for the tip lintacious!

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