You know those women at the gym who always look so cute and pulled together? I'm not talking about the ones with a full face of make-up and a blowout (those women make me confused). I'm talking about the ones in the color-coordinated Nikes, the leggings and the racerback tank—all perfectly put together for a work out, but equally as appropriate for picking up her kids from school or heading to grab coffee with a friend.
I am not one of those women at the gym. Though I consider myself pretty fashionable on the regular, once I walk though those gym doors, it's over. My outfits consist of: leggings that I had in eighth grade (which are fraying at the crotch), stretch pants from my mom (they can't really even be called leggings because they were made before leggings were a thing) and old softball and field hockey team T-shirts (I never played softball or field hockey).
My poor choice in gym clothes all comes down to the fact that I am lazy. I want to look good, but every time I go to buy something at Lulu Lemon or Athleta, I think "I could put money toward some really great Alexander Wang pumps or some new Current/Elliott jeans instead," and then I never actually go through with it, and I continue to look like I was styled by a five-year-old.
Well, starting July 9, I no longer have any excuses for looking homeless at the gym. Net-a-porter, a.k.a my favorite online retailer, a.k.a my mecca, a.k.a my reason for living and breathing, is launching a new active-wear category. It's called—wait for it—Net-a-Sporter (clever, clever) and it's all about having an designer, après fitness lifestyle. You know, maybe going to the gym, but definitely going to brunch and pedicures with your friends.
Though NAP has always carried a few active brands like Adidas by Stella McCartney and Nike, now it will have more brands for different types of exercise. Into tennis? Try Monreal London's colorful dresses and separates. Are you a golfer? Then L'etoile Sport is your brand. The store will also being selling wearable technology from Jawbone and athletic swimwear from Zimmerman.
As for me, I'm eyeing the exclusive capsule collection from swimwear designer Lisa Marie Fernandez, which the designer described as "part sex kitten, part ballerina."
Goodbye homeless soccer mom—I'm taking on a whole new gym persona.
