Athleisure for Every Consumer

Athleisure has infiltrated the fashion industry and has re-imagined exercising, lounging, and traveling. Brands across the board have been taking their shot at selling athleisure. Luckily, there are some outstanding options for every type of customer.

AFFORDABLE ATHLEISURE Aerie offers oversized sweaters, incredible cozy leggings and graphic tees galore, along with so many other essential athleisure items. Best of all, Aerie is very reasonably priced and often offers great sales. This past summer I purchased a pair of leggings and a Henley pullover sweater. They are now some of my favorite athleisure items. I can dress the sweater with jeans or joggers and the leggings are hands down my most comfortable pair. Aerie offers great pieces with even better prices.

ECO-FRIENDLY Girlfriend Collective proves fashion can be eco-friendly. The brand believes in ethical manufacturing, recycled materials and never putting anything before what’s best for the planet. If that’s not empowering enough, it’s an all-inclusive brand supporting women of all races, ages, and sizes. The merchandise itself is minimalistic but comes in numerous colors. Test out the brand with its sustainable scrunchies. They were made from recycled water bottles and will amp up any basic pony.

SPLURGE-WORTHY

Lululemon is a bit pricier with leggings priced as high as $158. However, splurging on a great pair may be well worth it. In fact, my roommate raves about the brand’s leggings and believes that everyone should have at least one pair. Lululemon offers a wide range of apparel with a style and color for everyone. Are you willing to take the pricey plunge to own a beloved pair of Lululemon leggings? I haven’t heard of any unsatisfied customers yet.

SIZE-INCLUSIVE Universal Standard is making beautiful clothing for women of all sizes. The brand values giving women the same shopping experience, regardless if they’re a size 00 or size 40. Either way, Universal Standard offers some stellar athleisure items including, biker shorts, stirrup leggings, and full-length bodysuits. Another feature it provides right now is its fit liberty program which allows consumers to purchase products in the size they are currently. If their size changes, Universal Standard will replace the product and send them a new size for free!

Look your finest in your favorite leggings. There is an endless amount of options, so take your pick, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

WORKING OUT CAN BE CHIC!

If you are anything like me, you dread working out. It is incredibly hard to feel good about yourself while you are sweating through an old t-shirt and leggings you don’t really care for. But, what if I told you athleisure brands today are making it easier than ever to look and feel cute while you are working out?

Brands know and understand that people are more motivated when they are feeling their best, so they are creating stylish and comfortable workout gear to get young people off Instagram and out being active.

We have all seen Adidas’s black and white 3 stripe pants, but did you know that they come in multiple colors? Available in dusty rose, red, green, blue, and gray, you can rock those sleek and stylish pants with any outfit.

Athleta is an awesome brand that has trendy legging and sports bra options, sure to motivate anyone to get up and go out. Athleta leggings are sold in regular, tall, petite, and plus sizes. Also, its leggings have built in pockets as well, so there is no need to worry about carrying around your phone. Coming in flattering colors and patterns, there is a little something for everyone. Lastly, Lululemon has amazing technology in its leggings that prevent sweating. With small “vents” in its leggings, they are more cooling to wear than your average legging. Lululemon leggings come in sizes 0 to size 14. Working out doesn’t need to be a hassle. So go out, buy some cute athletic gear, and feel your best.

I SAID TO BRIDAL ELEGANCE My Internship Experience

This past November, I went on a field trip with Erin Magorien’s Visual Merchandising class to Bridal Elegance in Erie, Pennsylvania. When entering Bridal Elegance, I was drawn to the visual presentations, the set up and staging, and of course the beautiful dresses.

Bridal Elegance is all about creating an experience for the entire bridal party. I was impressed and intrigued when learning about the store’s history— enough to apply for an internship position. After applying and interviewing with the owner Chris Wells, a couple of peers and I were hired as interns and consultants, assisting clients and their parties find their dream dresses for their special day or occasion.

Before interning at Bridal Elegance, I had no experience working at a bridal boutique. I knew nothing in-depth regarding the bridal industry. My only exposure involving the bridal industry was through watching the TLC show “Say Yes to the Dress!” Every day I work at Bridal Elegance, I am learning something new—there are so many nuances to learn in the bridal industry. It takes time. With the mentoring of Chris and other professionals at Bridal Elegance, I have gained considerable knowledge about the industry.

In January, Bridal Elegance participated in the bridal fashion show and expo at the Warner Theatre in downtown Erie. It became one of the best fashion experiences I have had so far. I contributed with the fashion show by putting outfits and accessories on the model I was assigned to and saw it all come

together. It was a great experience and one that I will never forget—it was an excellent way to end winter break!

The best part of my internship is when I put a smile on my client’s face when we find the perfect dress. Whether the dress is for prom, mother of the bride, or bridesmaids, our goal is to create a fantastic experience. We complete the look with complementary jewelry, stylish shoes, and accessories to adorn their dresses. It’s all about whoever is the center of attention on that special day.

Overall, I learned significantly about the bridal industry through working at Bridal Elegance. This internship has taught me that you must have thick skin when dealing with high energy and high emotions. It can be a roller coaster, but it is not personal, just fueled by passion.

Working in a bridal boutique is entirely different than working at a traditional retail store such as Express, where I have previously worked. Lastly, it is creating an experience that these clients have dreamed of. Their time to be “in the sun” and the center of attention has finally come. This Cinderellaeffect is the difference in this industry and the key to overall success both in the eyes of the bride and as a boutique.

To all prospective and current fashion students, my key takeaway is to make the most of every opportunity there is before you. You will learn a tremendous amount from different sectors within the fashion industry. Step outside of your comfort zone—sure it is risky, but it is much more rewarding!