Review: prAna's Etta Top

It's no secret that I love prAna so it probably comes as no surprise that I have another prAna review. This time I had an opportunity to try a top that I would normally not buy for myself...I have a fear of wardrobe malfunctions and the Etta top with it's asymmetrical straps seemed ripe for a cupcake slip.

I am pleased to report, I was wrong. The way the Etta top is cut is flattering, and a little sassy while keeping the girls completely secure. The smaller strap and interior shelf bra gives an added bit of security. As a curvy girl  I really appreciate a design that performs while looking cute.      

One of appeals is the beautiful print and variegated color, it's very flattering for all body types. Another is the Veeda performance fabric, made of 45% recycled fibers.

I will definitely keep wearing this top for teaching and practicing yoga, and climbing. I would even consider wearing it out in the evening with the right skirt or pants. Available at prAna.com.        

Cupcake Wants! aka The Autumn/Fall Wish List!

I am moving this weekend. My desire to move was fueled by my desire to simplify my life. I will be five miles from work able to bike majority of the time and to use the bus when the snow is too packed. I will be close to everything I need as far as grocers and other stores. I will be central to all the yoga studios I  teach at as well as minutes away from the foothills for beautiful hikes, climbing and snowshoeing.

However, autumn and winter bike commuting always has it's own challenges. You need the right layers and gear to stay comfy but when commuting it's not just comfort that matter. I like to invest in items that are good for winter hiking and snowshoeing so flexibility is key. Riding to work or errands or outings also mean you want to look good too. Here are a few items on my wish list to help me stay comfortable and cute.

Women's Crystal Mountain Waterproof Tall Lace Boot
If you can have a crush on shoes, I have one. These boots have a Smart Wool footbed which means cozy and breathable! I love the tall height for full coverage when keeping the feet and legs warm and dry. With the Durable Green Rubber footbed you know you're getting the quality you expect from Timberland while getting the benefit of 42% recycled material. Also they're ridiculously cute. My only dilema choosing color. Do I get the pink and brown or the black and grey!


Cascadia Bike Fenders
My Specialized Vita Sport is a great little hybrid. Comfortable, good speed, super light. My only complaint is the splashy mess I get when riding on wet terrain. One way to cut back on the mess is to add some fenders. I have my eye on this pair, the Speedex Hybrid. They light, made for all-weather climates (so needed in Colorado) and they have little mudflaps!

Yogo Mat
Without the righ bag or pannierres on your bike it can be difficult to ride with a yoga mat, they're just not compact. One item I can not wait to try out is the new Yogo Mat from YogoSport. This mat will be available in December and rolls into a compact size that can fit in a bag or larger purse. I can't wait to see how it does for my teaching and studio practice!  Visit YogoMat.com to sign-up for notification when the mats are available.

prAna Parfait Jacket
I love simplistic style with an edge and this jacket has just that! I love the angles and non-frilly feminine design. Not only does the jacket look good but it's insulated and water-resistant. prAna is known for their quality and social activism so I always feel good supporting them. This jacket must be mine.




I am sure I could go on for pages on items I love. For now, these are the top four on my list. What do you have your eye on/

Chakara Love: PrAna's Victoria Top and Lolita Pant

No, not those Chakaras, I am talking about the new technical fabric from prAna. When I first found out that prAna was unveiling a new "technical fabric" I wasn't sure what to expect. While their clothing has always been performance oriented it's been soft and comfortable. Somehow in my mind I equated technical with abrassive textures and uncomfortable compression. I am happy to say prAna surprised me.

The new Chakara fabric is very soft and comfy. The Chakara fabric is available in over a dozen products in the prAna women's collection. I was able to test out two pieces, the Victoria Top and the Lolita Pant.

The Victoria Top arrived in white, a color I don't usually wear, and in a halter top, a style I usually don't practice in. I will be honest, I sat there and stared at it awhile and had to work up the courage to wear it out. I worry about white because of issues like transparency and clumsiness (aka: spilled chai).  I found a bit of bravery and wore the top to Advanced Vinyasa Yoga class and I again was pleasantly surprised the top was very comfortable. I felt quite confident in the white fabric and the style. Through many Downward Dogs and Forward Bends the cupcakes always stayed in place. The halter is sewn, rather than tied and the perfect design for support without that feeling you're being strangled. The top also has a double layer of fabric throughout the bust area, my fears of transparency were dismissed. In addition the fabric performed beautifully, wicking moisture from the skin and drying quickly.

As far as the Lolita Pants, well I will just say it, they made my butt look great! While not the only reason of value that is certainly worth mentioning. The Chakara fabric works beautifully in the pants. While thin and lighter in weight it still allows for a bit of compression.. This creates very nice lines and support. I know a lot of people say you shouldn't care about what you're wearing in yoga, but I think the clothing has to make you feel good. When you're not adjusting your pants or top and just able to feel good, you can focus on the flow.

I love prAna's traditional collection and the new Chakara items are a great addition. They're excellent for times you may need more support and moisture-wicking properties. To check out these and other items in the Chakra Collection visit prAna.com.

So Nice I Bought It Twice: Why I Love the prAna Kaley Top

It's no secret that I love prAna. They're clothing sizing is consistent, made with excellent fabrics and construction that lasts, and I like their community action and responsibility. This is the type of clothing that is a worthwhile investment. As a yoga student and instructor (graduating this weekend YAY!) I spend a lot of time in my yoga clothing; it's really what fits my lifestyle. However, some yoga clothing can be a little too revealing or form fitting for my taste. I either throw a skirt on top or a jacket. Not so with the Kaley top.

I originally bought the Kaley Tunic Top in the Turquoise print. The colors are vibrant and I just smile when I put it on. As a girl with curves I love that the cupcakes feel supported, I never feel like I am going to pop out in inversions. I also love the empire waist, it flatters my figure without fitting so tight I feel like a sausage. The length is also excellent, on a short gal like me it really ends up giving a cute skirt affect. For taller women it would fit more at where the hip meets thigh. Either way, it is a truly flattering fit for any frame size and height.

Since I would wear the top every day if I could I treated myself to the top in an Orchid print as well. For those who are not into prints, the top is also available in traditional black. I highly recommend you try it out today!

Two More Reasons to Love prAna

For awhile now prAna has been one of my favorite brands. I love their clothing for climbing, yoga, and everyday life. I love their yoga mats too. In addition to the quality of their clothing and appeal of their design I love that they've always supported intiatives I believe in. This Spring, prAna has rolled out two more initiatives that make me smile ear-to-ear.

Packaging Simplicity

The first intiative is reform in their packaging for shipping. The traditonal wrapping of each individual item in a poly bag will be reduced by about one third. Those garments that are suitable will be folded and tied. It is nice to see that company who values giving back to the community and earth are looking at their processes and making changes to represent their values.



Available in Three Colors

The second bit of prAna news worth sharing is the new Soul T. As one of the first participants in the new Fair Trade Apparel Category, PrAna began working with the Liberian Women's Sewing Project to not only create a new piece of apparel but to reach a little farther. The Liberian Women's Sewing Project is in accordance with the Fair Trade principles:

• Fair price to farmers for their goods
• Fair labor conditions and wages for farm and factory workers
• Direct market access eliminating unnecessary middlemen
• Democratic and transparent organizations
• Community development
• Environmental sustainability

I had an opportunity to sample the shirt first hand and I love it. It is well-crafted, the colors are vibrant and fun, it fits great and it washes well. It also makes me smile when I wear it. To know it was crafted in an environment where women are empowered and in roles outside of the norm for their community, it warms my heart.

To learn more about the partnership check out this video from prAna.

Can on Tee Intiate Global Change?

prAna Soul Tee from Prana Living on Vimeo.

For Yoga, for Cycling, for Climbing, for Living: PrAna's Erin Top and Bliss Capri Pants

Finding clothing that takes me easily from yoga to cycling to a casual dinner with friends is not easy. I need clothes that move with me while still flattering my figure and maintaining a certain level of modesty. I don't have the long lean body that you may think of when you think yogi/climber. Think less Cirque du Soleil and more Mary Lou Retton. I am short, muscular, and curvy. I am lucky to have found new wardrobe staples from PrAna that answer my needs.

An issue I come across when searching for tops is finding the right amount of support for the girls. Many brands design tops with adequate sports bras built in but they scoop too low thus don't work for yoga or anyone larger than a C cup. Another problem is finding a top that doesn't fall forward (yay everyone look at my tummy!!!) in inversion poses or fit so snug I feel like a wee little sausage in it. I love the PrAna Erin top because it addresses all these issues.

Made from 89% recycled polyester and 11% Spandex the Erin Top has superb moisture management so I never worry about a little perspiration from my bike ride. The built-in shelf bra is combined with a modest (yet not constricting) neckline. Coupled with a cute contrasting racer back style I have full support for the girls. I never worry about a wardrobe malfunction during inversions or a bumpy bike ride. Also, the stomach area of the top is perfect! It stays in place but it's not so snug that you can make out exactly where my belly button is.

The Bliss Capri Pantscompliment the Erin Top perfectly but have also become my go to pants for everything. I wear them to work, to the park, for hanging out with my fella, to going out to dinner. The length is perfect on my 5'2" frame to wear as an ankle length pant. For taller ladies this would be a true capri. The fabric is light weight but ready for climbing or other abrasive activities. The fabric also dries quickly. With the recent storms we've had in Colorado I have come to appreciate how important this is. The drawstring waist allows for a custom fit and stays where you put it (there's nothing worse than having to re-tie your pants all day). I also like the deep pockets, very convenient when you ride your bike everywhere.

I really can't say enough about how much I love these two items. After going through the wash about five times so far both have held their color and shape and no pilling! I plan on purchasing the Erin Top in multiple colors and probably a few pairs of the Bliss Capri Pants as well. After all, when you find a good thing, go with it!

The Love of a Good Mat

About a year ago I was very casual about my yoga practice. I did the occasional video at home or sometimes a group class but it wasn't a regular part of my fitness routine. I picked up my yoga mat like you would a pack of gum. It had a pretty color and was right there on the end of the aisle at Target.

Then I began working with an instructor. I learned about yoga beyond asanas (poses) and it's now a part of my life, not merely for fitness but for my spiritual and mental health. Naturally the more I practiced the more my sassy hot pink yoga mat began to fail me becoming sparse in areas and the cats new favorite scratching toy.

Around the time I began looking for a new yoga mat I was blessed with the PrAna Natural Sticky Mat. What I noticed immediately is how much heft the mat had. Unlike my other mats of the past this mat feels serious. The mat, made of rubber, provides enough cushioning for me to easily work on my concrete balcony with comfort and stability. The smooth texture of the mat is a nice feature as well. Compared to other mats with a basket-weave type texture this feels smooth and doesn't leave weird imprints on my skin after certain poses.

In addition to the cushion-factor I really like the level of stickiness the mat has. I feel I can move fluidly while still able to stick in poses. This confidence helps me focus on my breath and body rather than wondering if I am going to slip.

Another aspect I love about the mat is it's biodegradeable nature. While I have no plans to part with it any time soon I like that it won't live for centuries in a land fill after I am gone. I try to support companies who support my beliefs. PrAna not only matches my lifestyle but cares for the environment and that is important to me.

The mat retails for $68.00 which is a bit more than mats you will find at the sporting goods store or Target. I think that it's worth every penny. Just like a gym membership if you don't use it you won't get a return on your investment but if yoga is a regular part of your life I recommend you give the mat a try. It's really become a partner for me. Allowing me to move my solo practice forward with confidence.