Vishnu and I often talk about how lucky we are to be living in Miami at this time in our lives. It’s a true blessing.
When we decided to make the move earlier this year, I made a promise to myself to enjoy every minute of our time here. And I think we’re doing a good job of that so far.
I also made a resolution not to get sucked into the image centric side of the city. If you’ve ever been to Miami, you know what I mean. Everyone is dressed in designer clothing (all the time), the women have the most beautiful, long, flowy hair, and the cars are probably worth more than my life…you get the picture! Even still, I think both Vishnu and I have done a great job of living within our means and staying grounded.
Side note: I am growing my hair out, but that’s only because short, coarse hair does not fare well in a humid climate.
I do have one confession though. Annnnnnd it comes in story form. Annnnnnd don’t judge me!
Before going on my first run in our new city, I changed into my usual workout attire – loose capri pants and a plain t-shirt. I was just so excited to take my run outdoors! So off I went.
Well, about ten minutes into it, I realized that every single person (and no, I am not exaggerating) I passed was wearing a well put together, somewhat coordinated outfit. I looked down at my old t-shirt and felt a little out of place.
When I got home, I sorted through all my “workout clothes” and came to the conclusion that I needed to go shopping. Why? Because I only owned t-shirts. And because I wanted to look cute when I exercised. There…I said it! If you’re feeling that I overreacted, think about this…I didn’t even own a sports bra until about 2 months ago. In all honesty, I just never thought about buying new clothes to exercise in. I didn’t understand the point since they get all nasty anyway. Who cares? I didn’t…until Miami!
Over the next few weeks, I shopped around for running shorts, workout tops/tanks, and sports bras. And when I say “shopped around,” I mean at Target, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls. Ha! Remember my goal was to look cute, not break the bank.
Anyway, a few days later, I was getting ready for another outdoor run. As I was putting my shoes on, Vishnu asked if I was wearing new workout clothes. When I said yes, he started laughing. I think his exact words were, “So Miami got to you, huh?”
My response? Kind of.
While I may not be strolling around town with a Louis Vuitton bag, Tory Burch shoes, or a Maserati, I will be exercising in proper (i.e., cute) workout attire.
Remember you promised not to judge!
Happy Friday!
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My workout ensembles are mostly on point. My regular attire? Not so much. I fully support good workout clothes. 🙂 I am fashion challenged, so I figure it’s worth “splurging” on something I know how to wear…
I may need to get some pointers from you then because even though I bought some new workout clothing, it still doesn’t come together as nicely as I’d like!
Haha LOVE this post- I definitely feel you! In my new gym, everyone is so put together and as a result, my workout wardrobe has shrunk to almost non-existent! Even my mom “kindly suggested” I buy new workout gear when I’m in London ha! And that last e-card is too true- I always look more forward to my workouts when i buy new gear….not sure how good that it is to my wallet ;)!
You’re so right, knowing that I’m going to sweat my butt off in a nice tank top makes it that much more bearable. Weird how that works!
Haha aw, that’s understandable! I actually felt the same way, when I signed up for barre classes. Every girl in there had lululemon! haha At least you stuck to your budget, somewhat. Marshalls and TJ Maxx have so many great options for cheap!
I’ve only ventured into a Lululemon once and the price tags pushed me right back out! For now, I’ll stick to places like Target. Like you said, they’re just as great!
i am pro-cute workouts and flashy shoes esp when I am at the gym..it really boosts up my energy and motivation. I just got a nice running tank for Kohls for such great deal.
Ahh Kohl’s! Will definitely check out some new gear there. Thanks for the rec!
Oh my goodness, I had to respond to this (longtime reader, first time commenter). I look *terrible* when I work out — old, mismatched clothes + I’m usually wearing glasses because I exercise first thing in the morning and never bother to put in my contacts that early. I always feel self-conscious at the gym with people wearing their put-together outfits … and then I feel silly for being embarrassed! I’ve given up because I refuse to spend money on clothes I just sweat all over. No judgment on investing in new clothes, though. I definitely understand haha.
Thanks for the comment! You are describing me to the tee! The new clothes are definitely helping me blend in a little more (or at least not stand out too much!), but more than that, they do help with the motivation factor. It’s a good investment for now, while we’re living in such an image focused city.
Hah! Finally you switched over to the dark side 😉 I’ve been telling you for years!!
The sports bras were all you! 🙂
oh i think workout clothes can definitely make a difference! if you feel good about yourself you might even go the extra mile (literally or figuratively) in your workout! and i don’t mean designer but it’s the little things like being color coordinated haha! and tjmaxx and marshalls are my go to for that stuff too! although… i got my first pair of lululemon yoga pants and they are life changing! seriously the best. i’ve pretty much stopped wearing all my other workout pants and these do not get ruined in the wash like some of my others. very highly recommend.
You are right! I absolutely love my new bright pink tank top I bought a few weeks ago. Every time I run with it on, I feel like a superstar!
And like I said earlier, I’ve only ventured into Lululemon once before, and the price tags drove me out the door! But maybe I’ll give it a second chance sometime soon!
Haha! Love your confession. I own an array of crappy and cute workout clothes, and definitely feel better about it when I’m wearing the cute ones. No shame. Rock your cute workout wear!
Thanks! I’ve separated out my t-shirts so they’re not even an option anymore! Funny how a nice piece of clothing can make you feel so much better.
Definitely no judgment here! I mean, who DOESN’T like to look cute when they work out? Anyone who says they don’t are lying. And to be honest, I find that I have way better workouts when I actually feel like I look good… don’t judge me 😛
You and me both!
haha.. it’s totally cool. I feel that in New York, but it’s fine. It feels good stepping it up a little, makes you feel good and look good. I always say there are people who buy the LV bags, the TB shoes, and those who spend $5 a day on Starbucks or get their nails done every week… at the end it all adds up to a lot. We all have our sinful pleasures. 🙂
I’m from LA where workout clothes are amazingly nice. Nobody wears old stuff, it’s all perfectly coordinated Lululemon. So I get what you’re saying!
I have the all black ensemble. Even here in NYC where the pressure isn’t so much. 🙂
I bet you have really cute workout clothing! And black pieces are my favorite too. I feel like they’re the most sliming as well.
Ha! It’s totally the same in San Francisco. I even fell into the Lululemon trap for a while but you know..especially in Miami sometimes the more form fitting stuff feels good because all the heat and humidity doesn’t get caught in the cotton!
Yes! When I used to wear t-shirts and sweatpants, I would literally feel heavy and disgusting during my workouts. Buying stuff that’s geared for the activity really makes a huge difference, especially in such a humid climate!