SHOPPING/FASHION/STYLE

#SobeSavvyShops

Part II #MyVioletValentine Shopping + #ValentinesDay Gift Ideas ~ University Place NC @UPlaceNC #chapelhill

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Hey there! I am back for Part II of #MYVIOLETVALENTINE series (click here if you missed Part I). Today, I am sharing my UNIVERSITY PLACE shopping fun and finds with the Pantone Color of the Year- Ultra Violet in mind. My daughter #outandaboutAva (aka my favorite shopping partner) and I headed back to the mall where we did most of her back to school shopping, University Place. Located in Chapel Hill, this mall is known as …”THE place for shopping, dining, entertainment & the arts, fitness & beauty.” This visit, we are on a mission to find purple purchases and Violet themed gift ideas for Valentine’s Day. Here’s what we found:

•Accessories for Girls at Glee Kids

From hair accessories, like bows and headbands to adorable (and adjustable) rings, Glee Kids had some items that I think any little girl would love for a Violet Valentine!

• Fun Gifts for Girls at The Red Hen

The Red Hen always has unique items and great prices, so I was not surprised that we found something for a Violet color themed gift. If you are making a gift basket for your kid on Valentime’s Day, fill it with little toys from The Red Hen. We left with this Girl Bat Cape because my daughter said it was going to activate her shopping powers and help with finding more #MyVioletValentine items!

• Women’s Apparel & Accessories at Dina Porter

Dina Porter is a classic boutique for shoppers interested in one of a kind quality items. Looking for a unique scarf or sweater? Dina Porter has it all! There were all shades of purple in that store and many eclectic selections, like the ultraviolet polka dot raincoat with matching tote bag!

• Food Speciality Items, Flowers & more at Southern Season

Plan to wine and dine your Valentine at home? Is your special someone a foodie? Then a gourmet gift and flowers from Southern Season would be appreciated. I absolutely love that store, especially the organization of their wine section. Surprisingly, I found lavender caramel chocolate which is going to be perfect for #myVioletValentine theme, don’t you agree?!

• Greetings and NoteCards from The Frame & Print Shop

Art galleries always catch my eye, which made me stop in The Frame & Print Shop. I found the most delightful violet Valentines Day card as well as some great Monet inspired note cards. Nothing says pure romance like a handwritten love note!

• Health & Beauty Finds from BE PURE BEAUTY

Be Pure Beauty sells natural products made of clean, non-toxic ingredients. At this store, you’ll find the best of green beauty brands that are conscious of keeping people, the planet, plants and animals safe. They sell makeup, skincare products, bath bombs and more! I found some lavender scented bath bombs and eyeshadow (color ‘Soiree’) that would make great #myVioletValentine gifts!

• Scented Candles & Fragrances from Bath & Body Works

You may be familiar with Bath & Body Works for their fragrant personal care products. You can always find flavorful indulgences, including shower gels, lotions, candles and accessories. I am a big fan of gifting candles for any occassion and for #myVioletvalentine, a lavender scented or any violet purple candle would be a great choice!

• Jewelry at Goldworks

Did you know you can create jewelry at Goldworks in North Carolina? This store specializes in custom jewelry designs, in yellow, white and rose gold, platinum, silver, Mokume gane, and much more. You will find a variety of designs from traditional to truly original and artistic designs. Visit Goldworks jewelry store and gallery to have one of the professional jewelry designers create a unique and original gift for your special Valentine. Jewelry is always a great gift idea and right now for the month of February, the gemstone is Amethyst! It’s the perfect violet hue and fits #myVioletValentine theme. Goldworks is also currently having a 50% off sale on select items you don’t want to miss.

SobeSavvy Tip: Check out this fun Galentine’s event happening TONIGHT, 2/8/18 7pm-9pm at Kidzu Children’s Museum inside UNIVERSITY PLACE.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post as much as I did creating a fun way to be on trend this Valentine’s Day with the Pantone Color of the Year, Ultra Violet. At University Place, shopping all shades of purple was such a fun time and we found some great choices for #myVioletValentine 💜!

Leslie, Lifestyle Blogger & Founder of SobeSavvy.com and daughter, #outandaboutAva enjoy a day of shopping fun for #MYVioletValentine at University Place in Chapel Hill

UNIVERSITY PLACE
201 S. ESTES DRIVE CHAPEL HILL, NC 27514 919.945.1900
http://www.universityplacenc.com

Part I #MyVioletValentine Shopping Picks + Fun #ValentineGift Ideas ~ CrabTree Valley Mall @ShopCrabtree

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#MyVioletValentine Shopping Experience at CrabTree Valley Mall

If you have been following my Instagram @SobeSavvy, then you may have seen my instastories and posts about a new series I am starting just in time for Valentine’s Day called #MyVioletValentine. 💜

In honor of the Pantone Color of the Year: Ultra Violet, I want to inspire you to switch up from the usual color red and make violet purple purchases this Valentine’s Day for yourself or loved ones. With over 200+ stores and restaurants, Crabtree Valley Mall is the perfect place in Raleigh to kick off this series! There are so many great places to ‘SHOP in the name of Love’ just like the sign outside of Bevello says…so let’s get started!

Here are a few ideas for Girls:

Accessories from Claire’s

New Athleta Girl fashions at Athleta

Hallmark for cards + candy

There’s also Purple Disney characters like Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Rapunzel available at The Disney Store and fun fashions like this graphic tee from The Children’s Place!

Speaking of fashion, everywhere I looked in the mall there were awesome sales on purple clothing,shoes..take your pick! You must remember to gift yourselves ladies this Valentine’s Day. Check out these gift ideas for HER:

Purple Sweater, Violet Floral Top from American Eagle Outfitters

Find February’s gemstone, Amethyst and other purple gemstones in any of the jewelry stores including Swarovski at Crabtree Valley Mall. I found a beautiful cocktail ring at Sears, which is one of three anchor department stores at the mall.

You can also find Handbags from Coach or Michael Kors, purple candles from Yankee Candle, and shades of violet at your favorite cosmetic stores: Bare Minerals, MAC or Sephora.

Loving this MAC matte lipstick, color: Heroine

As I began to look for things my husband would like, I noticed there were quite a few His & Her Options throughout the mall. Got yours eyes on gifts for a special guy? Here’s some ideas for HIM:

Cool Shades from Aeropostale

..and Sunglass Hut!

Everyone loves a good smelling man right?! Pick up a nice smelling fragrance for the both of you at any of the anchor department stores, Sephora and these from Aeropostale.

Remember those tops I saw at American Eagle Outfitters? While there, I noticed boxers that were perfect for #MyVioletValentine! I plan to box up these (along with a few other surprises) and present on Valentine’s Day, which is just 9 days away!

SobeSavvy Tip: Still can’t decide what to get for him or her? Give “The Gift of Choice”, a Crabtree Valley Mall Gift Card available for as little as $5 or as much as $500! Gift Cards are available at Guest Services.

We had so much fun shopping for #MyVioletValentine at Crabtree Valley Mall and hope you are inspired to make your way there soon!

CRABTREE VALLEY MALL

4325 Glenwood Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27612

shopcrabtree.com | @shopcrabtree #shopcrabtree

#outandaboutAva visits the @American_Girl Store for Holiday Shopping, Bistro Dining and More! 

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We are in Charlotte,NC where a visit to the American Girl store in the SouthPark Mall is a must do experience! Our daughter, now age 6, was very excited to take her GOTY doll, Gabriela McBride, with her for the first time to enjoy afternoon tea at the Bistro, ear piercing at the doll salon and some holiday shopping. Not only did my husband,daughter and I enjoy our family date, but we got the opportunity to #givewhatcounts to our child. American Girl brand inspires all to create memories that will last thru the holidays and beyond!

THE BISTRO

Good eats, delightful sweets and for your doll a special seat..that’s what you can expect at the Bistro. We went during their special Holiday Tea event, which included a deliciously different menu of teatime treats, a craft, and fun conversation with the holiday Table Talkers. We made a fleece headband to keep the dolls’ ears warm on chilly days, and a holiday-card-making craft. It was great way to start the holiday season with a special teatime together and a couple of crafty projects!

DOLL HAIR SALON

Recently, #outandaboutAva got her ears pierced just in time for her photo with Santa and thought it would be great to have her doll’s done too! At the American Girl Doll Hair Salon you can get a “Gabriela Girl of the Year Ear Piercing”, which is an exclusive ear-piercing service available only for the Gabriela™ 18″ doll. It was a quick service for her doll, which included her signature earring set. The music note studs are so adorable, I wish I had a pair! Pampering services and hair styling services are also available at the salon. It was so fun to see the dolls get a new look!

SHOPPING

Christmas is just days away and if you are still looking for ideas to gift your girl then look no further than American Girl. They have gifts that will teach her that “little moments of kindness can only come from big hearts”. I decided to treat my daughter to an early gift to celebrate her courage in performing in her first solo ballet recital a few days ago. It was practiced as a duet but in the last moments, she had to do it by herself. That experience helped build her confidence and allowed her to let her spirit shine.

To help her with backstage jitters, we were able to discuss how her American Girl doll Gabriela loves to perform and express herself thru dance just like her. Gabriela’s story inspires creativity and even when its not easy, she uses her talent to help those around her. So for both, my daughter and Gabriela, we got matching girl & doll PJ sets, which are on holiday sale until 12/24/17. We are planning an NYE ‘family date night in’ which is a together tradition we do and you can bet these fun, matching pjs will come into play. Find creative tips on planning the ‘Ultimate Sleepover’ inspired by American Girl’s ‘A Year of Slumber Parties’ book.

SobeSavvy Tip: Now-Thru December 31, 2017 while shopping at any American Girl store in the U.S., American Girl will match any customer donation to the American Red Cross, up to $75,000 maximum. Tied to the debut of its newest BeForever character, Nanea Mitchell—a Hawaiian girl growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1941 during WWII, American Girl is supporting the American Red Cross and their Service to the Armed Forces mission
to provide care and comfort to members of the military, veterans, and their families. Donations can also be made at americangirl.com.

On Jan 1, American Girl is introducing Luciana Vega, the 2018 Girl of the Year. She comes with her cool line of space inspired products (like a Mars habitat and flight suit!) AND an out-of-this-world storyline about an 11-year-old who dreams of being the first person on Mars. American Girl worked with NASA, including a task force of advisors (scientists, astronauts, and more) who helped ensure the accuracy and authenticity of Luciana’s world—from her story and products to a STEM-based educational program in partnership with Scholastic and Space Camp.

We plan to head to the Raleigh,NC temporary store to celebrate her launch. AG is hosting Luciana debut events at its retail locations nationwide on January 1. The event features interactive science demonstrations, a Moon Phase craft, galaxy-inspired treats, and a free Luciana doll tee to take home. For more details, visit americangirl.com/retail.

Check out more of our in store experiences on You Tube and see a glimpse of how magical it is! Enjoy..thanks for reading..and Happy Holidays 🎅🎄💖🎁

#FashionFriday Tip: Find #FallFashion Savings with @Groupon + @TorridFashion 

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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with USFamilyGuide.com

Shop Groupon for Fall Fashion Coupons | by SobeSavvy.com

I recently had a chance to enjoy a Mom’s Day Out, which included brunch and a chance to attend a “Blogger Collective: Pop &;Shop Experience” Fall Fashion Shopping Event, hosted by KikiSol at Torrid. That was my first time in that store and I discovered not only do they offer stylish fashions for sizes 10 to 30, but also great deals. As an online shopper, I immediately checked to see if this retailer was on Groupon..and YES, they are! I found some amazing Groupon Coupons for Torrid that I wanted to share with you so you can do some Fall Fashion shopping and save some money!

If you have not tried Groupon yet, you must check out the website. Right now there are 34 coupons available offering deals, sales, promos and in store offers for Torrid. With these coupons from Torrid, you can find feminine party-ready outfits, sophisticated work attire and trendy looks that are casual for women size 10 thru plus sizes to 30. Also available to buy are lingerie, jewelry and accessories,(which is my shopping weakness), so it is important for me to save BIG before shopping. Thanks to Groupon, I easily saved money at Torrid and purchased some items, like this bell sleeved dress, perfect for the fall season:

SobeSavvy Tip: Groupon is FREE and so simple to use! There are so many money-saving offers from a variety of merchants that your Fall Fashion shopping needs will be covered. I highly recommend downloading the app right on your mobile device for convenience.

Find Torrid Fashion Savings on Groupon

Thanks for reading! Happy Shopping and Happy Saving with Groupon!

Hey #NC Moms, Head to @UPlaceNC for #BacktoSchool Shopping Fun in #ChapelHill #UPlaceNC #shoplocal

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Today is the first day of school for #outandaboutAva, who is going into the 1st grade! Excitement is in the air but she is prepared to go back to school in style thanks to our recent shopping day at University Place. This beautiful shopping area is located in the heart of the Triangle region and is the only enclosed shopping mall in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I had fun shopping with my little one and wanted to not only share our finds but inspire you to go check out the great sales at the following stores:

Glee Kids

Leaving out the store.. full of “glee” | Glee Kids store, University Place

If you like big style for your little one, Glee Kids is a baby & clothing store you should not ignore! We saw a ‘Sale’ sign that caught our eye for one of my favorite brands for children, Tea Collection. Tea styles offer easy-fit items with globally inspired styles perfect for my girl on the go! There’s so many cute fashions, accessories and cool bookbags too, choosing what she wanted was easy to do!

#outandaboutAva shopping at Glee Kids

Cool & Cute Backpacks for girls/boys at Glee Kids

New Arrivals , Gift Items and more at Glee Kids

Great Customer Service at Glee Kids

Shopping Find: Girls Ruby Graphic tee from Tea! From Glee Kids

The Heather Pocket Patch Dress from Tea+ Unicorn Lip Balm found at Glee Kids

The Red Hen

Shopping at The Red Hen | University Place

Looking for a variety of clothes, toys, books, shoes and more? Then, The Red Hen is your ideal store! This resale and gift boutique offers great prices on previously owned name brand clothes and carry new and/or local items. They won Indy Week’s Best of the Triangle: 2017 Best Children’s Clothing Shop and provided a wonderful ‘shop local’ experience.

Shopping Around at The Red Hen

Shopping Find: Carters Black Vest | The Red Hen

Too cool for school! Shopping Find: Vest + Gap Pink & Black Polka Dot Skirt | The Red Hen

Shopping Find: Lands End Leopard Cardigan Sweater | The Red Hen

Burlington Shoes

Back to School ‘Sale’ smiles at Burlington Shoes

I don’t know about your kid, but my child’s feet seem to grow overnight! Which means new shoes for back to school are essential. Tons of shoes, socks and backpacks are available and on sale until Sept. 10th, so hurry there now !

Fun Times + Shoe Shopping with Dad at Burlington Shoes

Emoji Socks Rock! Shopping Find: Emoticon 6pk socks | Burlington Shoes

Shopping Find: Nine West ‘Wilmah’ Girls Ballet Flats | Burlington Shoes

I appreciated how I was able to shop with ease and thoroughly enjoyed our time at the mall. After all was said and done, we had a few shopping bags plus lots of back to school shopping fun!

University Place ‘Back to School’ Shopping Fun with #outandaboutAva and her Mom, Leslie Founder of SobeSavvy.com

UNIVERSITY PLACE

201 S Estes Dr

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

#GetOutThere and Celebrate #NationalSunglassesDay with @sunglasswarehse + SobeSavvy.com 

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Disclosure: I received the sunglasses complimentary from SunglassWarehouse.com to help facilitate this review. The opinions are 100% my own.

Hi ..My name is Leslie and I am a sunglass-aholic. (Well to my husband who thinks I have one too many pair.) I actually see myself as a collector of sorts. I mean after living in the ‘Sunshine State’ for almost 18 years, a girl needs sunglasses for different occassions.

Today is National Sunglasses Day, and I wanted to share one of my go to online retailers for affordable sunglasses: Sunglasswarehouse.com They have different styles, trendy frames and lenses for discount prices. You can also get the necessary accessories needed to keep your shades protected. Everyone in the family can get fashionable sunglasses for every face shape in dozens of colors.

This past Spring, I collaborated with Sunglass Warehouse to bring awareness of the brand and to sport their frames during some of my vacation moments. Some of my selections were based on where we were going and/or what we were going to see or do when we got there. Take a look at my picks and make your Summer selections now at SunglassWarehouse.com!

In March, we traveled to Arlington, VA & Washington DC and went sightseeing in style in these…

*”Arlington” Sunglasses for him Gold/Tortoise with Green Lenses


* “Lincoln” Sunglasses for her perfect to see the Lincoln Monument with tortoise/clear fade


In April, we celebrated #outandaboutAva’s 1st Spring Break and took a road trip to Atlanta,Ga, where we shared our Family Travel adventures as well as our sunglass style.


*”Roadie” His and Her Grey Frame, Black Frame


*assesories “Baja” car visor clip 1 silver,1 gold


..and for those of us who enjoy running outside, these *”Yellowstone” blk /orange frame with mirrored lenses turned my 5K Spring Training for my 1st Color Run into a fashion statement!


For Mothers Day weekend, we headed to Miami Beach ( the place where my sunglass collecting began) for some R&R and fun!


* Miami Sunglasses Silver Frame with Yellow Mirrored Lenses


* Slay Sunglasses Gold Frame with Pink Mirrored Lenses

I had fun reliving not only my travels but sharing my obsession of sunglasses with you. (My husband now respects my Sunglass game ) Will you be treating yourself with a pair or two before summer ends? If so, be sure to check out the selections at Sunglass Warehouse and again, Happy National Sunglasses Day from SobeSavvy.com!

#FashionFriday ‘Red & Black’ #Amiclubwear #ValentinesDay Look and SALE !

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Disclaimer: Product from Ami Clubwear featured in this post was sent complimentary to facilitate this review. The opinion of SobeSavvy will always stay honest and true for our readers.

Ladies, be prepared this Valentine’s Day with a dress that will make you feel flirty and fun! AMI Clubwear has a variety of dresses that will look great on you no matter what plans you have! This affordable and show stoppin’ line will get you excited to strut your stuff on Valentine’s Day! I’m attending a black and red affair this weekend and knew that a dress from AMI Clubwear would be the perfect place to shop online for a V-Day style. Here is what I ordered:

Sexy Red Black Glitter Mesh Paneled Short Sleeve Bodycon Party Dress Rock this eye catching dress for a date night out! Featuring; two tone, glitter, round neckline, short sleeve, mesh panels.

I love how comfortable and fun this dress is.The back is sheer so be prepared to strut your sexy when you turn to walk away. Whether you’re going out on the town with your sweetheart or having a girl’s night, AMI Clubwear’s got you covered and has something for every woman including plus sizes. Make sure to check out their selection of sexy shoes to add the finishing touch to your Valentine’s Day look, like these hot heels!

Strappy Open Toe Platforms: Strut your stuff in these classy pumps, featuring a bold strappy design, open toe and back zipper closure. Match it with your favorite little black dress and your date will be loving your look!

Savvy Tip: Today only, use code RED55 and take advantage of their RED HOT Friday sale!

Go out and get your perfect Valentine’s Day outfit all from AMI Clubwear! With all their seductive heels, platforms and boots, you can match it with just about any outfit. Get ready to make everlasting memories with the one you care most for while looking more desirable than ever. To shop for the perfect Valentine’s Day vibe, visit https://www.amiclubwear.com.

~Here’s a special Valentine from me to you~
What plans do you have this Valentine’s Day weekend and what do you plan to wear? Please share below and thanks for stopping by!

With Love, SobeSavvy.com 💋

#FashionFriday Feature: @AmiClubwear “Holiday Essentials” 

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AMI Clubwear. I’m sure you’ve heard of the brand, known for its trendy and sexy fashion at great prices! Recently they announced the re-launch of a fresh new ready-to-wear collection of every day wear (sweaters, jeans, t-shirts, chunky heels, and more for fall and winter). With the holidays upon us as well as shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday , I thought I would share some ideas of some essential fashion items needed for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year!

For Thanksgiving, I like to dress comfortable, but still look fierce for the family feast. These fashionable over the knee boots are not only comfy but stylish! Pair with leggings and a fur vest and get ready to look cute at the mall while shopping those after Thanksgiving holiday sales on Black Friday!

If you are like me, do you struggle with participating in the holiday fashion trend known as the “Ugly Christmas Sweater” ? It’s just hard to dress tacky, but I get it..it’s just for fun. Well this year I am prepared to attend any and all sweater themed parties thanks to AmiClubwear.com and their Ugly Christmas Sweater. This not so ugly sweater comes in a non traditional color of Burnt Orange/Blue and has reindeer graphics on it. Wear it with jeans and be sure to join in some reindeer games with this festive look!

Ring in the New Year in a pair of holiday heels with eye-catching embellishments. Get ready to shimmer & shine while wearing these sexy strappy, silver rhinestone heels with your favorite dress and accessories. Walk into the party like…Hello Lovely!

Photo Credits: Erica Santos Photography

Thank you for reading and be sure to follow me on FB and IG for updates! Please comment below or share it with your friends. Let me know:

WHAT ARE YOUR HOLIDAY FASHION ESSENTIALS?

About AmiClubWear.com ~

Founded and solely owned by CEO Yang Yang and famous in the industry for creating the word “clubwear” Amiclubwear.com is an incorporated women’s clothing shop based out of one of the nation’s hottest fashion capitals Los Angeles.

Photos of @Britweek #britweekLA Event ~Cocktails by @absolutelyx with @JuliaClancey at #AuFudge

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On May 7, 2016, invited guests attended BritWeek LA ‘s Afternoon Cocktails with Julia Clancey and her Muses”.

The last time I was able to celebrate BritWeek was in 2014 in Miami for a couple of events , see here , in cluding their closing party. I remembered Britweek events are not only fun but a good time to celebrate creativity and innovation between Britain and the states. This time I was able to join the celebration in Los Angeles, California over cocktails with fashion designer, Julia Clancey !image

Julia showcased her luxury resort collection throughout the afternoon. Models and guests wore her designs which allowed for an up close and personal view of the beautiful garments. Clancey describes her aesthetic as glamorous and fun, and says her clothes are “floaty and very feminine based on silk georgettes, chiffons and satins.”image

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We enjoyed signature cocktails courtesy of Absolut Elyx served in the most unique copper drinkware shaped like a pineapple. I briefly spoke with Lindsay Nadar, Brand Agent fot Absolut Elyx who advised the pineapple , the symbolic fruit of hospitality, is available for purchase.image

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High Tea delights from Au Fudge, Jessica Biel’s new shabby chic, kid friendly restaurant in Beverly Hills , were served during the event and I got to meet a few of the @TheBloggerBabes who were there to show some social media love. Follow hashtags #Britweek10th #Britweek2016 #thebloggerbabes to see more highlights from this fabulous event!

Enjoy my photo slideshow recap here, shared by Julia Clancey via Instagram.

Cheers!

This #TransformationTuesday, Buy some fun #fashion #fitness #yoga #leggings by @vrsgymfashion !

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In February, I joined the #RootYourselfChallenge..an Instagram yoga challenge and I was selected as one of the winners!

It was an honor to receive a pair of leggings from VRS GYM FASHION and I could not wait to celebrate Transformation Tuesday on this new month of March in my new pair of Kula Leggings!image

I opened the package and said to myself, “These leggings are everything” . I can’t wait to try them out at my Zumba class tonight. Zumba is one of those classes where fashion and fitness come together. They are a fantastic Brazilian company that specialize in active leggings for yoga, for fitness, for everyday fashion. Made out of Polyamide and Elastane they fit like a glove and move and stretch as my body does. On their website, they say these feel like “second skin”. I soon found that to be the truth.

These come in various fun styles that will inspire you to feel good about yourself while working out and staying healthy. I love leggings that provide style and comfort so no matter what I am doing, I feel fabulous while doing it!

They have so many color and pattern styles to make sure every woman can find something they like. What I really love about them that unlike other leggings the wide waistband are designed to wear high, low or even folded over.

As a practicing Yogi, I also loved to practice my various Yoga moves while wearing these. I finally found active leggings that fit my active lifestyle.

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This style of yoga-inspired leggings is called Kula leggings. The high quality fabric is soft and the colors are vibrant . They come in a variety of styles and colors, so there is something for everyone.

* We have something special for our SobeSavvy.Com readers.. from March 1 2016 thru March 31st 2016 use coupon code March2016 and receive 25% off !(including sales)

Visit their website for products and new arrivals at http://www.vrsgynfashion.comimage

NAMASTE