#FitnessFriday: Self-Acceptance/ Self-Love

"If we hate any part of ourselves, then nothing is ever good enough."

For the last #fitnessfriday posts featuring activewear from my sponsors Rosegal and Zaful, they were always about a review of the product and making sure I somehow look good with it in the photos. I’m sure that by now the brand’s quality is pretty much established and proven trendy. So let me just tackle another point here…

The truth is, I wasn’t really satisfied with how I presented the products upon myself. Lol. Prolly not my tiptop shape to wear something ab-baring or (or lack thereof) or skintight at the moment of shoot. I was pretty sure I didn’t slip into my regular fitness routine too though I could’ve overeaten or something and there could be a whole other reasons why.

But at the end of the day, aside from the pressure from the sponsors to post (lol), I just have to finally let these pics out and say, “Sod it!” This body has run half marathons in the past, can do a back to back dance (energetic if I may add) class if needed or climb the second highest summit of the country without prior training. This body has served me well so much. What do I have to complain about?

Quick description of the items here: if you haven’t heard of the naked trend, well it has taken over the athleisure world particularly in the form of leggings. I’ve had attendees doing double takes if I was really wearing at the bottom with this nude two tone thingy. Haha! And it’s so sweet to find a cool take on the hoodie with this open front top from Rosegal.

Open Front Cropped Hoodie

Two Tone Active Yoga Leggings
Hoop Earrings

Plunging sports top, yaaay! Definitely flattering for flat-chested ITBC members. Lol. But what I appreciate the most here is the half-hand coverage through a thumbhole that doubles up as fitness gloves for tough workouts. 💪 

Plunging Neck Sports Top

P.S. Use the code ZafulChen and RosegalChen in your purchases to get additional discounts. :) Happy Shopping! 

#FitnessFridays: When Sportswear Meets Streetwear

You know just how relevant athleisure is when designers try to incorporate huge fashion trends even in activewear. Take for example my Zaful sports picks below featuring the still going strong (and forever favorite if I may add) shoulder-baring trend and lace-up details.

Sure, comfort over style may not always be my motto in most aspect of my dressing (lol!) but it's different when I'm in the gym now that I'm a group exercise instructor. Shheesssh. So when the bestie was worried whether the top would hinder my activities it being an off-shoulder cut, there was only one way to answer. Last Sunday, I used the pair for an hour of dance workout on stage. I was actually more worried about the lace part of the capri since it might untie while dancing.

And of course once again, Zaful passed the test of making activewear that are durable but within a good budget. The straps on the top still holds the sleeves like a tee so you can raise your arms without being restricted while the ties of the capri stayed all throughout the session. And just so you know, I'm one of the most jumpy instructors on stage. HAHAHA!!! So, if you're on the lookout for some quality gym outfits but on a good budget, you may check out the links below. Use the code ZAFULSALES1 to get additional discount for every $50 purchase. Happy shopping :)

Wrap Hem Capri Yoga Pants

Cold Shoulder Padded Crop Top

FitnessFridays: W.O.W (White on White)

Admittedly, it’s one of those very controversial athleisure trend and something that I used to believe can only be pulled off by VS models who were often spotted wearing them. But I am obsessed with whites recently that I wanna test drive the trend on myself using the, cue the horrific expressions, white leggings. Lol!

As always for leggings, the top tip would have to be to pick high-waisted ones like this pair from Rosegal. It has mesh panels, a waist pocket and pleats for extra texture that would make it less unforgiving than plain ones haha! Glad that I also found a crop top from their sports selection that goes well with it. Both pieces have mesh inserts – a feature that I’m always on the lookout for in sportswear for breathability purposes. Overall, I think I was able to give justice to the whole look but of course the final judgment would have to be how it delivers in a sweaty workout situation because if not, then why would I wear it in the gym in the first place? :P

I did a few sample workouts with my friend in the bike, around the machines and yoga poses at Anytime Fitness Eton tower where I teach dance classes (shameless plug but you’re welcome to visit, lol!) and I’m happy about their performance. It’s not the first that I’ve tried sportswear from this group of brands (see here) and the level of support they give per movement and stretchability in the fabric is constant. It’s really WOW for a W.O.W (white on white, that is haha!) If you wanna snag for yourself any of the items worn here, links are provided below. PLUS, you can use the code RosegalChen to get further discounts. :)

Pleated Skinny Mesh Insert Leggings

Mesh Panel Gym Cropped Shirt

Athleisure

Once again I know I'm quoting an article here but according to a recent study, the fashion industry is hurting because of the increase of popularity of casual wear. Athleisure (a fashion buzzword apparently from last year), as the name suggests, is a "gym-to-office" trend of clothing which is a result of more people embracing a healthier lifestyle. Well, you know what to expect right? Tank tops, jogger pants, sneakers and yoga pants for casual wear. Though I'm strongly against the last one...

Anyway, speaking of sneakers, I got myself these Stan Smiths as a nod to this trend. A gym rat I have always been but not a sneaker type of girl. I still remember how it started though - from Chucks to New Balance to this pair that somehow launched my #sportyfriday wears at work. That one day where comfort prevails over fashion. :P

And about my jogger pants? I've always been proud to announce if some clothing here aren't mine (translation: my brother's). So yeah, I'm guilty again. It's from this line of clothing that he's sort of endorsing so they sent him several pairs. It's just too comfy to resist and I actually wear them for dancing sometimes. Perfect example of gym to office clothing. Haha!

Jacket: Mango

Top: Maldita

Pants: Outkast

Shoes: Adidas

Sunnies: SunniesStudios