Very much a break from the norm for me this week, but as I am currently in Vancouver I thought I would change things up a bit. Since I’ve been here I have noticed that a LOT of the population here in West Van where we are staying, very much favour active wear or lounge wear as their regular everyday outfits. This isn’t really my kind of thing, mainly as I can’t wear it to work in London and I like nice dresses too much, but if my lifestyle was more permanently outdoorsy, like a lot of people here, then maybe it would be something I could get on board with. Sort of. I’m definitely down with the inactive wear. I mean, who doesn’t change into joggers of an evening?

I’m not what you would call a active wear kind of girl, nor really an active girl full stop. I hate most forms of exercise. Cannot bear running. I tried it once for about 3 months. Every time I did it, I just couldn’t wait for it to end. I don’t like swimming as it gets your hair wet and I don’t care for the gym as it’s too sweaty.

I have found only two forms of exercise that I like. The first is walking, some call it hiking, but basically just being outside for a decent walk up hills or across fields. Anywhere where there is a view at the end of it. Or a donut shop. Ideally both. The second is Pilates. I started doing Reformer Pilates a couple of months ago and I’ve found that I actually enjoy it, plus I can feel it working. I can’t see the difference in my body just yet, but I can feel it. Less backache, I stand up straighter and generally have a bit more strength and flexibility. But I’m not here to write about sports, I’m here to write about clothes, and obviously the most important part of being active is looking the part, so let’s see what’s out there…

Summer Hiking

Because it is still summer and frankly no-one wants to climb up a big hill in the bleak midwinter. Here in Vancouver there are many hiking trails for those of all abilities. I made the mistake of doing one on the first day in my Golden Goose Trainers and jeans. Bad idea. You do really need some ‘proper’ trainers. Ones that are made for comfort first, fashion second. I had to emergency buy these New Balance ones. So bloody comfy, I’m trying to think of ways I can incorporate them into my regular life. Decent socks also required, Nike make the best sports socks in my opinion. Add shorts, and a waterproof jacket in case of rain. The ONLY waterproof you will ever need is one by Protected Species. Stylish enough for everyday wear and genuinely 100% waterproof too.

1. Protected Species City Walker Waterproof Jacket 
2. H&M Double Layer Sports Top 
3. Nike Dri-fit Training Socks 
4. Adidas by Stella McCartney Cotton Shorts 
5. New Balance 574 Sport Trainers

Pilates

It’s all about the tights and the bra top. Unfortunately I cannot wear the bra top alone yet, I have to put a T‑shirt over for everyone’s sake. I still have the jelly belly. The one I want to lose eventually, but middle-aged spread is not a myth people. It’s a serious reality. I swear, the older you get, the harder it is to combat the flab. Granted, I know I could do more about it, but we’ve already established I’m a lazy arse who likes cheese too much. Maybe I will do a post soon with styling tips on how to hide the mum-tum. There a many I have mastered over the past 13 years.

1. Purity Active Star Print Sports Bra
2. Sweaty Betty Ab Crunch T Shirt
3. H&M Sports Tights 
4. Nike Kawa Slides 
5. Adidas Swift Run Trainers

Lounge Wear

Here we go, this is more like it. Sweatshirts, joggers, teddy jackets, comfy trainers. All you need for lounging around the house after work, or all the time at the Weekend. I love my Nike Air Max trainers. I never went off them. Still wear them with dresses too, Lily Allen got that right. A good pair of joggers is a must, worth spending a little extra for a quality pair so they don’t bag at the knees too much. I recently discovered a label called Sundry, I think they are a US company, they do the Softest sweatshirts known to man.

1. The Outnet Zoe Karssen T Shirt 
2. Weekday Teddy Jacket 
3. Splendid Stretch Jersey Leopard Pants 
4. Sundry Crop Weekend Pullover 
5. Nike Air Max 1 (Still on sale!) 

High End Lounging

Basically I’m talking cashmere here. The Rolls Royce of all lounge fabrics. Having a pair of cashmere joggers is total game changer. I couldn’t believe my luck when I found a pair with rainbow stripes down the side at a recent Bella Freud sample sale! and in my size! and 80% off! Perfect for travelling, hanging around at home or popping to Lidl. I mean you will be queen of Lidl in a pair of cashmere joggers! H&M do ones for a good price. Pair with a supersoft sweater and some furry slippers — I’m putting these Ugg ones on my Autumn/Winter shopping list

1. Jumper 1234 Rainbow Stripe Cashmere Sweater
2. The Outnet Chinti and Parker Cotton Top 
3. H&M Grey Cashmere Joggers 
4. H&M Grey Cashmere Jumper 
5. Ugg Abela Sheepskin Slippers 

Normal service will be resumed next time. I’ll have a think about that ‘Tips to hide the belly’ post if you are interested?

K x