fashion-related stories
Fitness Fashion Flashback, '80s Style
Photo: americanapparel.net
But, like any trend, you don't want to go overboard, or you'll risk looking less like a vixen and more like a fashion victim. Fortunately, when it comes to fitness apparel, there are plenty of ways to incorporate the '80s trend in a fun (not funny) way.
American Apparel is rocking this trend like nobody's business (just check out the tubular picture above!). And yes, you could definitely rock some leg warmers with tights or leggings. Or, take the style to the top with a baggy tee over a leotard (whether you tie it in a knot or use a scrunchie to gather the side is up to you).
101 Things to Do Before You Diet
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| Photo: Christine Gaugler/Diane Meacham |
That's Fit: How much of your personal experience was the inspiration for "101 Things to Do Before You Diet"?
Mimi Spencer: So much! After I had my kids, I ended up with the kind of body I didn't really love anymore -- a softer belly, heavier thighs -- and a bathroom scale that could make me weep. I tried all kinds of diet fads (I remember the maple syrup diet was big at the time, but I also tried to combine diets, drink cabbage soup, and of course, do Atkins and GI like everyone else). But not a lot changed. I was the same size and doubly unhappy.
So I started to think about all of the things that affect weight -- not just calories-in (though those are important), but also things like psychology, hormones, sleep patterns and habits. I also knew from my years in fashion journalism that there are hundreds of ways to appear slimmer, simply by knowing the tricks of how to dress thin. What it came to was a 360-degree view of a woman and her life, not just a narrow "don't eat!" message.
Dress Yourself Skinny
Fila Offers Eco-Friendly Fashion
I've said it before, and I'll say it over and over again -- looking good and feeling good really do go hand in hand. I don't mean that dressing in cute clothes will make you happy (although I promise it won't hurt). Rather, if you feel good -- healthy, happy, optimistic -- it'll show.
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| Photo: shop.fila.com |
The brand has incorporated the use of sustainable and recycled fibers, like soy, bamboo and recycled Polyester into their women's line. Initially launched in 2008, the line has proven that fashion, function and eco-friendliness can go hand in hand (uh, in hand). Don't even try to tell me you're not into the Fila Twist Back Yoga Tank ($58), or the Flower Sleeveless Muscle Tank ($50).
And yes, I realize that $50 for a top is more than you'd pay at, say, Target. And I know that's hard right now. But, consider this -- would you rather have one piece that supports a company that's incorporating sustainable practices and donating money to get more trees planted, or three pieces that don't?
Danskin's New Triathlon Collection - I Tried It Out!
Triathlon season is around the corner, and I couldn't be more excited. Not only did I just have a fantastic swim (the first in a while), but I have the right gear, thanks to Danskin's new triathlon collection.It makes sense that they'd launch a line of triathlon gear -- after all, the Danskin Women's Triathlon Series is the longest running women's triathlon series in the U.S., and they've now joined forces with the super popular SheROX Triathlon series. The Danskin SheROX Triathlon Series is taking place in cities all over the country (check out the website to find a location near you).
Anyway, Danskin's triathlon collection combines quality, style, and -- bum bum bum -- femininity. Because, I don't know about you, but although I like looking tough and athletic, I still like looking like a girl. Sue me, but it's the truth. I can kick butt just as well wearing a pink top with flowers on it as I can wearing all black.
Joe's Jeans Winners - Plus, a Discount for Everyone Else!
There were tons of great entries in our Fit Beauty Joe's Jeans Giveaway -- I loved hearing all about your favorite jeans, and I wish I could give you all a pair of fabulous designer jeans. Really, I do. But I can't (hey, I'm a blogger -- we don't make that kind of money!), although I can give them to five of you.And, to the rest of you, I can offer a discount! Until February 23, if you purchase one pair of Joe's Jeans at regular price, you can get 50 percent off a second pair by using this code: JoesLovesBeauty. While you could be nice and give the second pair away, I say buy one pair in your current size and the second in your goal size -- what more motivation do you need?
Anyway, our five randomly selected winners had all kinds of favorites when it came to denim:
Joe's Jeans Giveaway Reminder - Enter Now!
I don't know anyone who doesn't consider jeans an absolute must. For some, comfort is most important, and others are more interested in style. Still other people are concerned about the brand. And the latest Fit Beauty giveaway has you covered on all accounts.We're giving away five pairs of Joe's Jeans, and, over at our super-stylish sister site, StyleList blog, they're doing the same. You can enter once on both sites, giving you 10 chances to win your choice of style!
There's just one catch -- you only have until 5:00 ET today to enter! If you haven't done so yet, head over to the original post to leave a comment and get yourself entered in the contest, and be sure to do the same at StyleList blog. And hurry!
Joe's Jeans Giveaway

A while back, I had a chance to try out Joe's Jeans -- a brand that would otherwise probably be a little out of my price range. That being said, I do think that, if you're building a solid wardrobe, good jeans are one of those things you shouldn't be afraid to spend money on -- you'll wear them a ton, and if you ask me, it's all about cost-per-wear. And, if you're working hard to get your body looking good, it's important that you have some nice, go-to clothes that make you feel hot!
If you're going to spend a little money on jeans, Joe's Jeans is a brand you definitely need to check out. The denim is so very soft and comfortable, and in my experience they're really flattering. And, they offer lots of different styles (you can view them by fit or scroll through to see all the different styles and washes), so whether you're rail-thin and looking for skinny jeans, or a little curvier and looking for something that will balance out your bootie, they've got you covered. Oh, and guys? They've got plenty for you as well, so don't shy away. They even have cool kids' stuff!And with this week's Fit Beauty Giveaway, you just might have a chance to have a pair of your own. In fact, you have a pretty good shot -- we'll be selecting five winners, each of whom will have his or her choice of Joe's Jeans styles! And there's more -- our stylish sister site, StyleList blog, is also giving away five pairs. So, you have 10 chances to win.
Entering is simple, and with all these chances to win, what are you waiting for?
- To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us about your favorite pants (because, if you win, these jeans will become your new favorite).
- The comment must be left before 5pm ET on Monday, February 2, 2009.
- You may enter only once at That's Fit and once at StyleList blog.
- Five winners will be selected in a random drawing.
- Five winners will receive one pair of Joe's Jeans of his or her choice (valued at up to approximately $178).
- Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
Click here for complete Official Rules.
Winners are notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you're a winner!
Danskin Prima Organics - For the Fit and Fashionable, Not Just Hippies
Fashion and Beauty, Fitness, Reviews & Products

Organic clothing has had a bit of a bad reputation -- I know my mind used to immediately go to scratchy fabrics, dull colors, and baggy, unflattering styles. I might live the hippie lifestyle in some ways by trying to be as green as possilbe, but I don't want to look ... crunchy. You know?
Enter Danskin Prima Organics. They sent me a couple of pieces to try out, and let me just say that my mindset has definitely been adjusted. Each piece is made of earth-friendly certified organic cotton, dyed and printed using non-toxic organic dyes and finishes. And that's not all -- each garment comes with a recyclable hangtag made from 30 percent post-consumer waste, attached with an organic cotton string.

The website describes the collection as "feminine and contemporary," saying it "offers you fashionable functional looks created in the spirit of dance style and yoga chic. Sumptuous soft, lightweight quality fabrics and sensational lines wrap you in comfort ... Pose flex and move with ease in gorgeous pieces to wear alone, layer, and even add to your casual wardrobe for a cool highlight."
I'd have to agree with them.
Yummie Tummie Giveaway Reminder
You might already be making a New Year's resolution to trim your midsection, but a little help smoothing our your belly in the meantime can't hurt, right?Yummie Tummie offers comfy tanks that help reign in any extra pudge or "muffin top" that might spill over your jeans. And, for this week's Fit Beauty Giveaway, we're offering one lucky reader the chance to win her own Yummie Tummie tank! They come in sizes from XS to plus size, so everybody's covered.
To enter, just head over to the giveaway post and leave a comment -- we'll select a winner on Friday evening, so don't waste any time. Enter today!
Yummie Tummie Tank Giveaway

You already know how I feel about Yummie Tummie. I mean, don't get me wrong -- I'm all for working hard for awesome abs, but for most of us, there are times when we just need a little extra help holding it all in and keeping things smooth, and these shapewear tanks are just what the doctor ordered. And really, even folks who are super fit still experience a bit of bulge with the right (or wrong, as the case may be) combination of shirt and pants.
Now, just in time to help you out as you work toward your New Year's resolution of a flat tummy, this week's Fit Beauty Giveway is a Yummie Tummie tank! You have your choice of size or color, and remember -- Yummie Tummie now offers plus sized tanks, so everyone can enjoy its magic smoothing power!Entering, as always, is super simple. Details are below!
- To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us whether you have any New Year's weight loss or fitness resolutions.
- The comment must be left before 5pm ET on Friday, January 2, 2009.
- You may enter only once.
- One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
- One winner will receive one Yummie Tummie (valued up to $68).
- Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia who are 18 or older.
Winners are notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you're the winner!
Fit Beauty's Top 5 of 2008

I love bringing you tips and tricks each week for looking fabulous and hiding your flaws -- and I really love it when you guys weigh in with your favorites! With 2009 right around the corner, I took a look back through my Fit Beauty collection of posts from this past year and chose five of my faves. Check them out in the gallery, and be sure to tell me in the comments if there's something you'd like me to cover in the new year!
Lo Bosworth - Which "Hills" Costar Would She Switch Bodies With?
Celebrity Fitzness Report, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products
Curious to know how celebrities squeeze fitness into their daily lives? Want to know the secrets of the stars? Bi-weekly our That's Fit fitness expert Fitz sits down with the celebs we want to know more about, and digs out their great and not-so-great methods to staying healthy.
The Hills season finale on December 22 is quickly approaching on MTV, and I was able to catch up with reality star Lo Bosworth for a quick interview. To find out how she stays in shape and what her "realities" are while starring on this hit show, read on.
Fitz: How'd you end up on The Hills? What goes in to that?
Lo: Well, I started out on Laguna Beach back in high school. Then I went away to college. I was at UCSB and I transferred to UCLA my junior year. That was when Lauren and I were able to spend more time together. So I started going out a little bit and sometimes they would be filming. And then at some point, the producers just asked me to re-join the show.
Fitz: You're on a reality show but not necessarily a "performer" in Hollywood. You're supposed to be "real," but do you feel tons of pressure to be thin, beautiful and well dressed all the time?
Will Lo launch her own fashion line? Read on!
Favorite Fitness Tools - They Make Great Gifts, Says Your Fitness Trainer

I just posted a list of my favorite fitness tools of the year in my Holiday Hottie column over at Holidash, and since you are all fitness fans ... I'd feel silly not to share it with you.
The bottom line is: I'm privy to the best tools and clothes on the market. I aggressively seek out hot new items, and sometimes the makers of those items seek out me. At the end of the day, I drop the crap and keep the stuff I truly love.
My short list of Gifts to Get Greedy Over is comprised of some of the most innovative tools for training at all levels of fitness. Oh! And the apparel is to die for. So scoot on over to Holidash and give the gift of fitness. Or ... get something fancy for yourself. You deserve it!
I wish you happy and healthy holidays!
Valerie Frankel Speaks Out About Trying Over 150 Dieting Programs
Diet & Weight Loss, Reviews & Products, Motivation
A while ago, we told you about ex-Mademoiselle editor Valerie Frankel's new book, This is the New Happy, and some of her shocking revelations about the world or fashion. But there's more -- in a recent article at the Daily Mail, Frankel discusses her life-long relationship with dieting -- starting when she was just 11 years old. As a child, Frankel's parents put her on several diets to help her lose her adolescent chub, beginning a lifetime of self-doubt and weight worry. Dieting at a young age didn't sit will with Frankel. She says, "The blunt and sudden understanding - that if I wanted to continue to shine like the sun, to bask in praise and glory, I would have to eat celery sticks for ever - gave me a physical pain in the gut." But from that point on, she was constantly measuring portions, questioning food choices and striving to cut calories -- until a devastating loss caused her to re-examine her priorities.


























