SKIMS Review | Is the SOLUTIONWEAR worth the hype?

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THE SKIMS BI-ANNUAL SALE

scroll down for all my sizing and favorites

shop SKIMS on sale at Nordstrom and Net-a-porter too

what I own -> followed by a full review

SKIMS COZY COLLECTION

I wear a L/XL

SKIMS MASKS

the $28 bandeau bra

top seller | 10/10 | the only strapless bra you will ever wear again

I am a 36C and wear a size L

bodysuits

I wear a size large

Fashion blogger KatWalkSF models the cozy SKIMS collection with the AQUIS X POOSH RAPID DRY LEOPARD PRINT HAIR TURBAN

Fashion blogger KatWalkSF reviews Skims

SKIMS Review

Last week I took the plunge and ordered from Kim Kardashian’s highly publicized SKIMS solutionwear collection. I had been eying the collection since it launched and last week the pieces I had my eye on were finally available in my size. The sizing is a little confusing but based on the size guide I went with a L/XL for everything. A L/XL should fit sizes 10,12,14 according to the site and but I am a size 8/10 and found everything to be VERY tight.

All of the pieces in my SKIMS delivery were from the original KIMONO collection so they had the old tags on them. This is what the SKIMS website had to say about it:

So as not to waste our original round of production, a fabric label with the SKIMS logo has been placed inside the garment. This label has been wash and wear-tested to ensure nothing is compromised with quality and feel.

Honestly, I wouldn’t have even noticed the tag issue. I was too busy trying to wrangle this shapewear onto my body. The tags are soft, flat and not an issue!

For my SKIMS review, I wore all three pieces from my order for an hour under multiple outfits. I sat, I danced, and I lived in them…and this is what I thought.

SKIMS review | solutionwear

1 | The Sculpting High Waist Brief | $36 | L/XL | 78% Nylon / 22% Spandex

These are by far my favorite. If you are reading this go immediately to the SKIMS website and buy them. Not only are they comfortable (as comfortable as they are going to get), they really work. I tried the sculpting high waist brief on with two form-fitting dresses and honestly could not have looked better. If you taking anything away from this SKIMS review it should be to buy the brief ASAP!

2 | Core Control Brief | $28 | L/XL | 79% Nylon / 21% Spandex

These are the WORST. They do not stay up and they fit like a thong! I ordered the same size in everything and these do not come close to even fitting the same way as the other pieces in my order. They are not shaping my butt because they don’t even come close to covering it! There is also no way this would even come close to being invisible under everything. I am poking out of this from every possible angle like an overstuffed turkey! These are already back in the box with a one-way ticket back to Kim K.

3 | Core Control Short Mid Thigh | $38 | L/XL | 79% Nylon / 21% Spandex

If you are looking for FULL coverage and support like you’ve never felt before then these are your shorts. If you want to eat, breath or talk then these are NOT your shorts. These shorts intentionally run smaller for a compressive look and feel. If you prefer more comfort for everyday wear, SKIMS recommends selecting a size up or just not eating, breathing or talking. While I do not plan on returning these shorts (because honestly, my body looked BANGING in them) I am not quite sure when or how I will wear them.

 

Final thoughts: Kim is on her way to something great, but the products are not ALL there. The core control brief made me want to CANCEL Thanksgiving and go for a run. I could not put them back in their perfectly merchandised box fast enough! The sizing feels a little off too. If I really want to wear the core control short and LIVE I will most like need to go up to a size 2X/3X or 16,18,20?!?! and that just doesn’t sound right!

Have you shopped the SKIMS collection yet? Let me know in the comments.

SKIMS review | cozy

This week Kim dropped the cozy collection from SKIMS. This collection was designed for lounging in style…a lifestyle choice I can ALWAYS support. The collection dropped on Monday and sold out in minutes! I signed up for notifications on the website so I had a little bit of an early advantage to shop and I knew exactly what I was going for. I snagged the cozy robe and pants in bone and came home to a box the size of ME last night. My original SKIMS order came in a beautiful branded box and this order arrived in a MASSIVE basic brown box. My two items were packaged in clear plastic bags and the invoice was lose thrown into the box. Overall this was a VERY different experience from my original order. While I am all about reducing packaging and going as green as possible (especially this time of the year), this package did NOT feel special and ate my dinner before even trying anything on <- something I NEVER do.

Fashion blogger KatWalkSF models the cozy SKIMS collection with the AQUIS X POOSH RAPID DRY LEOPARD PRINT HAIR TURBAN

I polled my Instagram audience on whether or not you were interested and another SKIMS review and the answer was an overwhelming 95% YES! So here we go!

1 | Cozy Knit Robe | $128 | L/XL | 76% Polyester/24% Nylon

I’m just going to be real honest here. At first touch, I was NOT impressed. It may have been the packaging but when I first felt the robe it felt like a mildly bedazzled barefoot dreams blanket. The robe features a tie at the waist and functional patch pockets. Kim calls it the epitome of luxe loungewear and I am slightly annoyed to confirm that she nailed it. I was honestly expecting to ship this giant box back to Calabasas, but I would rather die than take this shit off. I slept in it and I’m about to leave the house in it. The robe is a hard yes. I hope they restock this before Christmas because this would be the BEST gift in the WORLD and it shipped to me VERY quickly.

2| Cozy Knit Pant | $88 | L/XL | 76% Polyester/24% Nylon

The pants are another story. Yes, they are soft AF but if you are LIVING with a FUPA I don’t think that these are the pants for you. I tried them on last night and from some angles, I looked like Kim and from others, I looked six months pregnant. Kim says that they are perfect for lounging in style, but I am unsure if I can leave the house in these. I go from snatched to pregnant in a blink of the eye. The stretchy boucle yarn is supremely comfortable and ultra-flattering according to KKW, but I’m still on the fence on the cut and if they are really worth their $88 price tag. If you are going to shop anything from the SKIMS comfy collection make it the robe and snag it the moment it is restocked!

AQUIS X POOSH RAPID DRY LEOPARD PRINT HAIR TURBAN

And while I’m at it let’s add a little POOSH to this review post. In the photo above I’m sporting the Aquis x Poosh Rapid Hair Turban and holding the $15 mug Kourt uses every day. How’d I get my paws on both of these? The team from Aquis sent over the hair turban and the mug came in a PR package, so I did not purchase either like I purchased the SKIMS.

The hair turban was NOT new to me. I’ve been using Aquis Hair Turbans for years and I honestly love them. The only difference between the ones that I already own is that the leopard print outer layer of the turban is made of charmeuse. If you wear this turban inside-out (charmeuse against your hair) while you sleep it alleviates bed-head. And apparently it’s the next best thing to sleeping on silk! I just figured this out and am going to give it a try tonight.

Now let’s discuss the $15 mug Kourt uses every day. It’s made with double-wall glass so there’s no condensation, which means no need for a coaster, and the sturdy paneling allows you to hold a hot beverage without burning your hand. The chic, clear glasses are part of Kourt’s morning and evening routine—she drinks our Collagen Vibes first thing in the a.m. and our Collagen Latte to wind down at night. I am just drinking hot water out of it because I’m not that fancy, but this mug is good and I’m honestly annoyed that I like it.

Find more reviews here and here.

Sweaty Betty Luxe Kit Bag Review

KatWalkSF 70 Comments

save 20% off with the code: SBKAT20

Sweaty Betty Luxe Kit Bag, Sweaty Betty Luxe Kit Bag Review, KatWalkSF, Kat Ensign, Barry's Bay Area, SF Blogger, Fitspo, Fitness Blogger

40% off Goddess Leggings and Tanks

Save 20% off at Sweaty Betty with the code: sbkat20 | free delivery on all orders | 90-day return policy

Sweaty Betty Luxe Kit Bag Review

I’m here to report that I’m an everyday athleisure offender. Find me in leggings and sneakers whether I’m going to the gym or not. I work from home or a cafe and finding the right bag to take me around town with all my gear has truly been a struggle…

Introducing the ultimate luxe kit bag from Sweaty Betty. This bag will take you from workouts to work meetings to weekends away. In durable quilted fabric, with inner pockets including separate pockets for a wet kit (safe spot for all your sweaty gear), trainers and valuables, the zip up fastening top straps with popper fastening ensure your valuables are extra secure. Can be worn on the shoulders or used as a carryall.

This bag has truly transformed my everyday athleisure look and helped me to say goodbye to the random reusable totes I’ve been bringing to the gym. All my gear is organized, protected and frankly, I look a hell of a lot more put together.

Fashion blogger KatWalkSF holds her Sweaty Betty Luxe Kit Bag with Ckanani

Luxe Kit Bag Details
  • Quilted woven fabric is durable and lightweight
  • Internal and external pockets for your water bottle, AirPods, keys and workout gear
  • A wet kit for all your sweaty gear
  • Yoga mat strap at the bottom
  • Roomy enough to fit a laptop (I use the bag for the gym and work)
  • Two sets of straps: can be worn on the shoulders or used as a carryall.
  • Dimensions: H 32cm x W 43cm x D 23cm

Sweaty Betty Luxe Kit Bag

Shop My Look Below:

More fitness content here and here.

Bum-Sculpting Leggings? Yes! You need the Sweaty Betty Power Leggings

KatWalkSF 18 Comments

KatWalkSF, Kat Ensign, NY Fashion Week, NYFW, Fashionista, Sweaty Betty, SBPower, Power Leggings, Booty, Fitness, Fitness Blogger, Stan Smith, Sneaker Head, Quay Australia, The West Village, New York, Coffee Talk, Purple Hair

Save 20% off at Sweaty Betty with the code: KATWALKSF

I was born with a big booty. Not just a big booty – a WIDE booty. So anything that supports the sculpting of my booty is good in my book.

Allow me to introduce to you the Sweaty Betty, Power Leggings. These bum-sculpting power leggings are perfect for sweaty workouts or a casual coffee date in the West Village (like me above). To achieve this beautiful print the team over at Sweat Betty printed on a white fabric base, which resulted in a white shadow showing when stretched – this freaked me out for a minute but once I gave the power leggings a good look in the mirror I realized just how special these leggings are. These are truly the must-have legging for the fashion-forward woman who works out hard and plays harder – me.

Why do I think you should spend $120 on the power leggings?

    1. They are bum-sculpting (duh). They’ve sourced the best technical fabric with the perfect mix of stretch and recovery. The carefully placed seams sculpt the thighs and bum.
    2. You can wear them for over 7 sports.
    3. The sweat-wicking and quick drying technology are CRUCIAL for when you are training. Insert me (attempting) to train for my half marathon. I need to stay dry…or else (I won’t share the dirty details, but these benefits are crucial).
    4. They are super flattering – even after eating my weight in pizza this week in New York.
    5. The technical fabric will solve ALL of your problems.

KatWalkSF, Kat Ensign, NY Fashion Week, NYFW, Fashionista, Sweaty Betty, SBPower, Power Leggings, Booty, Fitness, Fitness Blogger, Stan Smith, Sneaker Head, Quay Australia, The West Village, New York, Coffee Talk, Purple Hair

KatWalkSF, Kat Ensign, NY Fashion Week, NYFW, Fashionista, Sweaty Betty, SBPower, Power Leggings, Booty, Fitness, Fitness Blogger, Stan Smith, Sneaker Head, Quay Australia, The West Village, New York, Coffee Talk, Purple Hair

What I Wore:

Tee: Madewell, Whisper V Neck Pocket Tee

Leggings: Sweaty Betty (c/o), Power 7/8 Leggings

Shoes: Adidas, ‘Stan Smith’ Sneaker

Sunglasses: Quay Australia, Stray Cat Oversized Cat Eye Sunglasses

Barry’s Bootcamp FAQ

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THE FACE YOURSELF CHALLENGE | FEB 18TH – MAR 20TH

The Face Yourself Challenge is back
and this year they’re giving you two options:

10 CLASSES | Earn an exclusive Barry’s beanie

20 CLASSES | Earn an exclusive Barry’s hoodie

For every finisher, Barry’s will donate to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which provides free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis, and GLSEN**, which works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment.

I signed up for 20 classes. Who’s with me? Sign up here.

Spanx Booty Boost Active Leggings | I have them in a medium and they feel JUST like a better booty boosting version of the Lululemon Align leggings | Save 10% off with the code: save 10% off with the code: KATXSPANX

Barry’s Bootcamp FAQ

Do the instructors actually yell in your face? If so are you into it? Is that part of the appeal?

Hard no! Nobody is yelling in anybody’s face. It does NOT happen and it is not a part of the appeal.  The instructors are more like coaches. The red room is LOUD and they do provide earplugs if you need them, but nobody is yelling in your face!

Should I be scared?

Absolutely not! I was terrified the first time I went to Barry’s Bootcamp because let’s be REAL, it is very intimidating. But I walked out of my first class feeling like a badass and ready for more.

Is it worth the $$$?

YES! And the holiday sale is happening RIGHT NOW! This is the only time classes are EVER discounted. Time to stock up!

Barry’s or Soul?

I used to be Soul Cycle OBSESSED (more on that here) but today I can confidently say 100% Barry’s over Soul.

San Francisco Bloggers at Barry's Castro, Barry's Bootcamp FAQCan you explain the days of the week?

Monday Arms & Abs
Tuesday Full Body (Lower Focus)
Wednesday Chest, Back, and Abs
Thursday Abs & Ass
Friday Total Body
Saturday Full Body (Upper Focus)
Sunday Total Body

I’m not a runner – can I still do Barry’s?

Yes! I am not a runner either but have slowly learned to enjoy my time on the treadmill at Barry’s. If running is 100% not for you, you can also Double Floor and stay on the floor throughout the entire class.

Are the lift classes only at Castro?

Yes.

The lift classes are entirely different from a standard Barry’s class. While things in the traditional Barry’s routine move at a fast pace, Lift is slow and methodical. However, it’s far from boring and not easy! Lift classes start with a five-minute warmup and are followed by a series of rounds, in nine- and five- minute intervals. There are only 16 people in the class, and everyone is encouraged to take heavier weights than they would in the normal Barry’s class. Dumbells, benches, and resistance bands are used. It’s similar to doing double floor.

Best instructor for your first time? (if you are in the Bay Area)

Katie Wang. Follow her on Instagram for a little behind the scenes action of all things Barry’s. She is one of the first instructors I ever took and she broke down the layout of the class in a way that made me feel comfortable and ready to go.

San Francisco blogger KatWalkSF at Barry's Bay Area, KatWalkSF, Barry's San FranciscoWhat do I wear?

You need to wear clothes that you can move in. I usually wear a sports bra, a fitted tank top, leggings, and shoes that I can run in. I would not wear anything baggy or too loose and be prepared to sweat!

When I first started going to Barry’s I was ALL about being fashion-forward and wore my APL sneakers to class. This was a VERY bad idea. I do not recommend running in these shoes. While I looked cute, my body was not pleased with me and I eventually needed some serious shoe help!

After talking to some serious runners I was directed to A Runner’s Mind. If you are in the Bay Area this shoe shop is an absolute must. When it comes to shoe fitting and gait analysis, this is your best option in the Bay Area. I have never seen anyone take so much one-on-one time, care, patience and attention to detail when it comes to fitting you in the correct running shoe.

After answering a series of questions and watching and recording me running the team at A Runner’s Mind sent me home with the New Balance 860v10. They may not be the most fashionable shoes but my stride has never been stronger and I feel 100% better.

Where can you buy the Oribe products they have in the bathrooms?

You can buy them here.

Aquis x Poosh Review – Do You Need the Leopard Turban?

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Aquis x Poosh Review

If you follow me on Instagram you are very familiar with my turban talks -> me talking into the camera (usually about dating) wearing my Aquis turban towel. I was blessed with thick hair but not the patients necessary to give myself a proper blowout (even with the Dyson). I was introduced to the Aquis brand when they launched because they are a local bay area company and they sent over one of the first versions of their Aquis towels for me to try.

Aquis is a Bay Area startup committed to helping restore hair from the inside out with a clean and innovative approach to hair care. Based on the insight that less water + faster drying = healthier hair. Hair is most vulnerable when it’s wet and the turban helps cut hair drying time in half, thanks to Aquis’ proprietary wicking fabric, Aquitex. This ultra-absorbent fabric wicks water away at the point of contact, helping to reduce water damage and stretching and swelling of wet hair that raises hair cuticles, making hair vulnerable to frizz, split-ends, and potential breakage. Your hair feels stronger and smoother before you even begin to style.

Aquis x Poosh Review, Fashion and Beauty blogger KatWalkSF wears the RAPID DRY LEOPARD PRINT HAIR TURBAN, Aquis x Poosh Review

Aquis x Poosh Review

Back in August Kourtney Kardashian launched the Aquis x Poosh Rapid Dry Leopard Print Hair Turban and Aquis sent one over for me to try. At first glance, the biggest difference between the Poosh turban and the classic Aquis turban is the leopard print pattern. But after using the Poosh turban and doing a little bit of research I found that the outer layer of the turban is made of charmeuse verses the original turbans that are made of Aquis’ proprietary wicking fabric, Aquitex. If you wear the Poosh turban inside-out (charmeuse against your hair) while you sleep it can alleviate bed-head and is the next best thing to sleeping on silk! I for one do not enjoy sleeping on silk pillowcases so this was a big win for me.

Additional Benefits of the Aquis x Poosh Rapid Dry Leopard Print Hair Turban

  • Helps cut drying time by 50%
  • Hands-free
  • Friction-free
  • Helps reduce frizz and breakage
  • Helps hair color stay vibrant longer
  • Helps hair look shinier, smoother, and feel softer
  • Creates bounce, volume, and curl definition
  • Reduces the need for styling products
  • Reversible: worn charmeuse-side-in, your turban will protect hair from the frizz and bed-head effects that happen while you sleep.

Final verdict: 

For an additional $8 you get yourself a turban and a silk alternative to sleep on. Since I don’t love to sleep on a silk pillowcase this is a win for me. I also travel quite a bit and hate packing a silk pillowcase. The Poosh leopard print is quite attractive too. So my friends if you are in the market for a rapid dry hair turban I say spend the extra $8 and go for the Poosh version.

I am wearing the SKIMS cozy collection in this post. Full review of the SKIMS collection here.