Running skirts are rising in popularity faster than teenagers' hemlines, and for good reason. They're comfortable, flattering and, generally speaking, quite functional with handy pockets.

There's just one problem -- once winter rolls around, bare legs aren't exactly ideal. Even if you're heading to an indoor workout, the few minutes it takes you to go from the car to the gym in the freezing temperatures can do a number on your muscles. But what if your skirt -- your favorite, comfy running skirt -- had legs?

SkirtSports offer just that in their ToughGirl Skirt ($90), and it comes in a variety of colors -- the "Hot Legs" version even has a fun print on the leg. You get all the benefits of yoga pants or leggings, but there's nothing skin-tight to your bum. Now, that's a design I can get behind! As far as functionality goes, the ToughGirl Skirt has two hidden pockets as well as a SonicMusic Port for your headphones.

As the temperatures dip, drying your hair before leaving the house becomes more important than ever. Hey, I remember the days of watching my wet hair freeze while waiting for the bus as a kid. Not such a big deal in the third grade, but when you're an adult on your way to work? That's a look you want to avoid.

If you work in your workouts before heading to work, there are a few tools and products that can cut your drying time down significantly.

When it comes to the dryer, Sedu is tough to beat. Sarah James of Hair Thursday says, "I love my Sedu 4000i Hair Dryer. It cuts drying time in half, and actually isn't that big, given how powerful it is. Total lifesaver when you're in a time crunch!"

OK, you have less than a week until Halloween, and you still don't have a costume. Don't worry -- for a fit beauty like you, looking festive and fabulous is a piece of (low-fat, sugar-free) cake!

Seek your inner athlete (doesn't matter if you actually play the sport) and put together a fun, fitness-focused costume using the suggestions below.

Marathon Runner
What You Need: Short little shorts, knee socks, a headband, tennis shoes and an old race tee (ask friends and family, or check your local Goodwill).
Bonus: A Walkman (an iPod will do, but I think the old school Walkman is a lot more fun) and a water bottle (fill it with whatever you like!).

I live in Florida, so I can usually wear my running shorts and tanks year-round. But, last week I was in Michigan, where I took a jog on a beautiful 45-degree fall day. And I promptly froze my butt off.

Now, those of you who live in seasonal areas know that it's going to get a whole lot cooler than 45 degrees, and before long, it's going to take more than full pants and a long-sleeved shirt to keep you warm when you go running. Fortunately, there are lots of cold weather options that will keep you comfortable without making you look like the abominable snowman. Runner's World has a slew of suggestions, and I have a few additions to make.

Let's start at the top. If you don't keep your head warm, good luck keeping the rest of your body warm. One stylish option is the Sugoi Kana Tuke, a hat that has fleece on the inside and a perfect amount of stretch within (plus, flowers!). If you can't wrap your head around wearing a hat while running, keep your ears toasty with the Athleta Polartec Power Stretch Headband -- it even has a ponytail hole in the back!

Anyone with any interest in fashion has probably realized that one of the biggest fall trends is one we've seen before -- the '80s are back, baby, and they're more radical than, like, ever before!

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).

Photo: iambeyond.com

As is the case every October, suddenly, we're overrun with pink. Whether or not you like the color, you can't help but support the cause it represents -- breast cancer awareness. And this week, I've rounded up BCA-focused items that all fit beauties would be happy to own.

What's more important to health than drinking water? Do it in style and support the cause with a fabulous pink water bottle from Lucy -- 10 percent from each water bottle sale is donated to BCA awareness. Or, make even more of a statement with your beverage with the Beyond Yoga I Am Beyond ... bottle. A minimum of $4 from the sale of each bottle will support research, treatment and more.

Looking for something that supports more than a charity? Beyond Yoga is also offering a Breast Cancer Lift and Support Bra, giving at least $10 from each sale to charity.

The Elspeth New York Royalton Tote. Photo: elspethnyc.com

When you leave the house in the morning, you're probably packing things for work, the gym, maybe a shower and possibly dinner afterward. But, just because you're planning ahead and packing for multiple things doesn't mean you have to carry your gym bag, purse and briefcase or work bag -- you can get it all together stylishly without looking like you're catching a flight.

The Elspeth New York Royalton Tote ($285) is chic and understated. The nylon and leather tote has tons of room on the interior to fit all your goodies, and the best part? There are two sliding pockets to fit your (stinky) shoes! The nylon makes it easy to care for -- you don't have to worry about getting something on it in the locker room. But, the leather accents add a real touch of class, making it totally appropriate to carry into the office and, if you fold it over, it can even go out at night.

This Large Weekender by Le Sportsac ($108 at Piperlime) comes in a bright print that's fun and a little girly. Once again, it's nylon so you can easily clean it up after stuffing it in your locker, and you have both inner and outer zip-up pockets to store all your goodies. It even comes with an additional accessory bag for toiletries. This is a bit bigger than the first option, so it's perfect for the gym rat who has lots of equipment to carry. I love that it does all the hard work without looking like a traditional sports duffle.

Photo: Nordstrom.com

Though it might not feel like it yet, in some parts of the country, fall is upon us, which means cooler temperatures. While your gym might stay at a comfortable temperature all year long, it's important to take care of those warm muscles by covering them up before you step into the chilly autumn air. And as long as you're going to be putting something on, it might as well look good.

You can wear your favorite track jacket all you want (or even buy a new one, like this pretty purple one at Lululemon), but let's leave the baggy old sweatpants and your boyfriend's hoodie at home and find a few fun, athlete-approved options, shall we?

Now, notice I didn't say no hoodies -- after all, you need to be comfortable. But there are some that look far more feminine than an oversized college zip-up. For example, if the weather isn't all that cold just yet, this short-sleeved American Buddha by Yogi "Sakura" Hoodie from Nordstrom is adorable. The print is great, to be sure, but it's the fit that makes this one so girly and sweet. Plus, it pairs perfectly with black yoga pants or running tights!

Photo: lucy.com

Yoga pants. We all have them, and we all wear them for a million things other than yoga. But, if you want a really good pair of yoga pants that will actually work for, you know, yoga, there are a few things to look for.

Personally, I'm a big fan of Lucy (capris and pants range around $60 to $90). They've recently come out with a new material called lucy powermaxTMv, which is used in their newest styles, the Vinyasa Pant and Vinyasa Capri. They offer: Compression to reduce muscle fatigue, moisture-wicking properties, anti-chafe flat locked seams, four-way stretch that retains its shape, plus, a flattering crossover waistband.

But don't just rely on my advice. I've talked to a couple of well-known yoga instructors about what brands and styles they like best, as well as how pricey is too pricey.

Photo: blissworld.com

Purple Lab has come out with a lip gloss that promises to plump your lips and not your hips, aptly named Huge Lips Skinny Hips ($20). It's a great idea, born when creator Karen Robinovitz ate too many delicious appetizers at a fancy soiree and had to leave before her belly busted out of her Herve Leger bandage dress. Like we haven't all been there, right?

The products contain moisturizing ingredients as well as lemon peel oil, which can act to irritate your lips (thus plumping them) without causing a sting. Moisturizing and irritating are the two main ways most (temporary) lip plumpers work. Additionally, the product contains a small amount of orange peel extract to boost your metabolism as well as Hoodia, which acts as an appetite suppressant.

I tried it out, and received a tube in Lychee Martini (a light, pretty peachy pink), which definitely had me off to a good start! It looked gorgeous on, had a smooth application, and the flavor was pleasant without being overwhelming.

Photo: freestyleusa.com

When you think of sports watches, I'm going to bet that you instantly picture the big, bulky, black ones that we're all familiar with. And hey, there's not a thing wrong with that -- when it comes to fitness, function often trumps fashion.

However, if there's a watch available that has the functionality that you want, but also looks a little more girly, there's nothing wrong with that, either. And with just a little (seriously, very little) searching, I've come up with several options to suit the most fashionable fitness-minded chicas out there.

Baby-G holds a special place in my heart, in large part because I owned one and then lost it during an unfortunate waterskiing incident. They're designed to be TOUGH -- shock, water and ice resistant. They're also designed to be fun and attention-getting (just like you, right?), and they come in bright colors like pink, orange and blue. Or not, if you're more traditional. Functions vary by style, but many come with cool stuff like a stopwatch and lap timers. Oh, and they're affordable, with most coming in between $75 and $180.

Juicy Couture Blazer, $198 Photo: shopbop.com

No matter how closely you watch what you eat or how hard you hit the gym, it's always nice to know you have that outfit in your closet that will make you look 5 or 10 pounds thinner. Fortunately, there are several trends this fall that do just that!

Now, of course, all the old standbys still apply. Darker colors like black, dark gray or navy are slimming, and wearing something that fits, even if you don't like the size on the label, will be far more flattering to your figure than something that's too tight or too baggy. And remember, shapewear isn't just for the red carpet. It's easy to wear and it works.

But that's not what we're talking about today. Here are the three hot trends that will have friends asking what diet you're on!

Photo: Kansas Poetry (Patrick), Flickr

Maybe you don't like wearing makeup to the gym (let's face it -- wiping sweat and foundation on your towel is pretty gross). Or perhaps you don't like wearing makeup ever. Choosing to eschew cosmetics doesn't mean you don't want to look beautiful -- you just want it to be all natural. And that's no problem.

Good skin is the first step, and you don't have to slather on expensive creams or toxic zit-killing agents to get it. In fact, you can simply adjust your diet! AOL Health has lots of tips on foods you should eat (or wear) for the skin-beautifying benefits, like oranges to undo damage from sunlight.

You also might want to put some thought into what you don't eat. Supermodel Claudia Schiffer, for example, recently posed with no makeup on for Harper's Bazaar and told the mag that cutting dairy helped her complexion.

Photo: my-no-no.com

If your arms are a little flabby, you do some bicep curls and tricep extensions. When you notice some blubber in your booty, you add in more squats. But if your face starts looking soft and saggy, aside from watching what you eat, is there anything you can do?

The no!no! FaceTrainer is designed to work your face back into shape, combining "facial exercise with resistance training to give your face a natural looking lift." According to the website, facial exercises have long been proven to reduce sagging and wrinkling, and the FDA-approved FaceTrainer takes this to a new level: "Clinical studies have shown that a 10-minute daily routine over 30 days will result in 71 percent reduction in sagging, 42 percent reduction in wrinkles, and a noticeable improvement in skin tone and color."

But does it really work? I put the mask on (and my pride aside) to test it out just so I could answer that question for you.

Photo: BodyLanguageSportswear.com

There's no doubt that what you wear to work out says something about you. Old, baggy, mismatched clothes can say a couple of things -- either, "I'm just here to work out, and I couldn't care less about how I look while doing it," or, "Please don't look at me, I'm really insecure." Both of these things are fine, but it is important to know what message you're sending.

Fun, sexy clothes, on the other hand, have a definite "Look at me, I'm proud of my body!" vibe, and if that's you, you'll love it in Body Language Sportswear. After all, lots of celebs are crazy about it, like Eva Longoria, Hilary Duff, Jaime Pressly and Vivica Fox (amongst others). With prices ranging from $40 for short tops to $80 to $90 for pants (and a unitard at $125), Body Language is far from inexpensive, but you're definitely not paying celebrity prices.

The line started when Anna Arias decided she wanted some sexy, low-cut and comfortable sportswear like she'd worn in her native Brazil. What began as a simple idea has grown into a wildly popular collection. The Body Language boutique in Sherman Oaks, Calif. is always filled with fitness- and fashion-minded women, and the sportswear has been worn on shows like "Desperate Housewives," "Law & Order," "ER," "Days of Our Lives" and more, not to mention all of the magazine mentions.