On the Scene: Geeking Out at the New NYC Athleta Stores
Some om-worthy yoga gear at the Athleta stores in New York City.
Because there is so much fun stuff going on in New York City when it comes to fitness (and because Erin has a super-cute little one at home making traversing the Big Apple at a moment’s notice a touch more complicated), FBG has added Raquel Guss as our “New York correspondent.” Below Raquel goes On the Scene to check out the new Athleta stores! —Jenn
All of us have an athlete deep down inside. So when I’ve said I’ve found a brand that will have you running your fastest marathon, stretching a little deeper, hiking to the top of Everest or even skiing down your first black diamond, you have to keep your eyes peeled and your ears open.
Athleta has been around for years, at first a mere catalogue company. In 2008, it was acquired by Gap, Inc., a $14.7 billion company. Numbers aside, and clothing front-and-center, Athleta recently opened their first two stores on the East Coast—and in Manhattan at that! Located on the Upper West and East sides, the Athleta stores sit equal distance from Central Park, which is the home for many athletes in the New York area. I was so excited (and I still am) about their Upper West Side opening that I arrived early so that I could be the first to feel and experience what before one could only see in pages of a magazine—and, oh, it felt so good!
Plenty of tops at the Athleta stores that take you from the gym to hanging out with friends!
So good that I touched all the clothes in the Athleta store…kidding! (Just seeing if you were paying attention.) Athleta’s apparel isn’t like the boyfriend who doesn’t understand why you’d rather have a healthy nutritious homemade dinner rather than Ben & Jerry’s on a Friday night. They actually “get” you. And that’s probably because all of Athleta’s collections of women’s active-lifestyle apparel are designed by and for female athletes. Finally! A company who understands that downward dog is prone to butt-crack exposure and running with nowhere to put your keys might get you stabbed in the ankle because you thought strapping your keys onto your shoelace was an innovative idea.
Athleta has apparel for yoga, running, swimming, the gym, hiking and skiing. And don’t forget about to-and-from outfits! I know most of us live in our workout clothes (or at least we’d like to)—and now we can! Athleta has designed a whole collection of clothing with the same irresistible comfort and style for the coming and going of our daily activities. Their assortment includes flowing dresses, dry-wicking jeans, skorts and durable belts. I mean, they have it all—in addition to their comfortable workout attire.
Now ladies, if you have the luxury of living close to New York City, you should definitely get on the subway today to experience at least one of these two new Athleta stores. The best part is, if they don’t have your size in the store, there are in-store kiosks where you can order your clothing with no shipping charges. And don’t forget about the free alterations! Free! A dragging pair of pants can get pretty ratty, if you know what I mean. While the prices aren’t exactly cheap at $40 to $60 for a top and $65 to $85 pants, because of all of the reasons mentioned above, they are well worth it.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, RUN don’t walk to experience Athleta. After all, they understand that butt crack is not the new black.
Have you guys bought any Athleta apparel? What’s your fave piece? —Raquel