Fashion Preview: Brooks Running Spring '17

Brooks Running recently unveiled a colorful Spring '17 collection to a small group of style bloggers and editors in the city. The evening started at the Brooks Running Trailhead store on Stone Way with a short run for guests to test the new gear and get a better feel for the movement and functionality of each piece. The latest collection is designed with the athleisure trend in mind providing equal parts of style and performance on and off the run. Tops are breathable and lightweight, tights and capris feature flat waistbands and sweat-resistant interior pockets, while shoes are responsive with flexible soles. Comfort and convenience play a big role in the collection which includes a healthy mix of seasonal trends including bright, graphic prints, mesh fabrics, and breathable materials that wick moisture from the body. Details make the difference throughout the line with an emphasis on fit and fabric. The collection is designed to be mixed and matched, but savvy shoppers will notice that many pieces pair back to others items in the line including sports bras and colorful prints.

Highlights from the collection include the Fremont tank, the Ghost Crop Running Tight, the Dash Hoodie, and my personal favorite, the PureFlow 6 running shoes (as seen in my pic above). Here is an overview of the spring collection by category.

Sports Bras - Left to right: Uprise Crossback $44, Rebound Racer $50, Embody $68

Tops - Left to right: Fremont tank $50, Streaker Tee $55, Streaker Long Sleeve Tee $68

Jackets - Left to right: LSD Jacket $100, Fremont Jacket $110, Cascadia Shell $100

Bottoms - Left to right: Streaker Capri $85, Ghost Crop Tight $120, Greenlight Running Tights $85

Shoes - Left to right: Ghost 9 $120, Launch 4 $100, Neuro 2 $120

For newbies to the brand, Brooks Running is a Seattle-based company that sells performance footwear and apparel in more than 50 countries worldwide. Stop by the Trailhead store in Fremont to check out a full assortment of Brooks Running gear including the Heritage Collection, which features original styles that have been remixed for wear beyond the run. The company recently released a special edition Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series shoe, the Adrenaline GTS 17, which features an all-over guitar print and retails for $120. 

Brooks Trailhead

3400 Stone Way N. 

Seattle, WA 98103

Hours:

M-F 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

S-S 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

SoulCycle is now open in Bellevue

2017 will be the year I look back on and fondly remember as the year I finally embraced my own health and wellness. For the past few months, I've been slowly getting back into shape at Ian Fitness doing high-intensity interval training workouts and I'm always on the hunt for fun ways to mix up my routine. For years now I've been hearing about SoulCycle, wondering what type of spin class could possibly be so exhilarating that it's developed a cult following. "You just need to go!" said one friend. "Trust me, it's an insane experience." said another. So when SoulCycle opened its doors in Bellevue and my friend Julia from Style & Cheek invited me to check out a free class, I instantly said yes.

For those of you who are new to SoulCycle, the learning curve can be steep. You arrive, sign in at the front desk to receive your bike number, rent cycle shoes for a nominal $3.00 fee, then store your stuff in a locker before heading into class. The spin room is dark, which makes for a cool night club-style vibe- essential to getting lost in your workout. On the flip side, the darkness is somewhat terrifying for first-time riders who have no idea how to find their bike, how to adjust it, and most importantly, how to "snap in". Fortunately, the SoulCycle team spotted me instantly and swooped in to help adjust my bike and get my shoes snapped into the pedals. By the time I got my bike set up the instructor was already a few minutes into the warm-up, but I had no problem catching up.

So picture this: you're in a dark room, with *amazing* music, surrounded by your Soul Cycle sisters, pedaling like a maniac, sweating like crazy, and most importantly, you're smiling. In the dark. Because it's such a high. And that my friends, is the magic of SoulCycle. I can definitely see why people are instantly hooked after their first ride.

The instructors are amazing, literally glowing in the dark because of the lights illuminating their platforms. I was incredibly inspired by Britt, who had an epic playlist and amazing energy. Her positive mantras kept riders focused on feeling the music and having fun. It was a full body workout. Sure, there were points when I was sure I couldn't go on, but Britt made me feel like my pace was the perfect pace and that I could face any challenge that got in my way. SoulCycle is all about riding with your tribe, pushing through together, and savoring the experience. I highly recommend checking out a class. If I survived, you can too!

A few things to know before you go:

• The ideal outfit for spin class consists of a sports bra, tank top, and leggings.  Too many layers may restrict your movement and it gets really hot, really fast in class. 
• Drink plenty of water before you ride and during class. You'll be sweating like crazy so it's important to rehydrate. 
• Easy parking is available at Lincoln Center. 
• To celebrate the second weekend of being open in Bellevue, SoulCycle is having a complimentary yogurt bar at the studio on Saturday 1/28 to give riders a delicious way to refuel after class.  
• Classes can be booked each week starting on Monday at noon. 

Ready to experience SoulCycle? Buy a BLVU Soul Starter Pack which gets you 3 classes for $60, available for a limited time only. To take advantage of this grand opening offer call the studio at 425.786.0004 or stop by the front desk. You can also keep up with the Bellevue Soul Cycle studio on their Facebook Fan page to hear about studio news and community events. 

SoulCycle Bellevue

10470 NE 4th St. 

Bellevue, WA 98004

Free yoga series at Jujubeet

Avoid seasonal meltdowns and nourish your body from the inside out before hitting the holiday party circuit this year. Join yogi Andi Wardinsky and Jujubeet for a series of free community yoga sessions starting on Saturday, December 5th at the University Village Jujubeet location. Classes start at 8:15am and are free to the public. Guests will get to sample Dragonfly Nutrition bars, taste signature juices and have the chance to chat with Jujubeet dietitian Elena Razmpoosh to learn more about juicing to support your health and wellness goals. Yoga sessions run Dec. 5-19th and will resume in the New Year.

What: Free community yoga at Jujubeet

When: Saturdays, 8:15am (Dec.5-19th and starting again in the New Year)

Where: Jujubeet Seattle 4915 25th Ave. NW Seattle, WA 98105 (just past University Village)

Why: Because you need a moment of calm during the chaos of the holiday season

Note: Bring your own mat. Parking is free in the underground parking garage.

Fashion Calendar: Brooks releases limited edition #12thFan Shoes

12th Fans get ready because Brooks Running is releasing a limited-edition shoe on Saturday that you need to complete your game day look. Say hello to the Brooks Emerald Chariot, a brand new addition to the Brooks Heritage Collection. Featuring a Seahawks-inspired blue and green color scheme the Emerald Chariot celebrates the spirit of Seattle as the team heads to Super Bowl 49. The shoes retail for $89.99 and will be available on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last at Brooks Trailhead (3400 Stone Way N.) in Fremont this Saturday, January 31st, 2015. Doors open at 9am. Get your gear just in time for the big game! Go Hawks!

What: Brooks Emerald Chariot limited edition shoe release

When: Saturday, January 31, 2015. Doors open at 9am. Be there early. You're crazy if you think there won't be a line. 

Where: Brooks Trailhead 3400 Stone Way N. - Fremont

Why: Because you love this city and you want to show your 12th Fan Pride! (and also because you can justify anything when it's limited edition) 

Don't forget to follow @BrooksRunning on Instagram!