Patagonia “Better Sweater” Quarter Zip (In other colors here. Lightweight style here. Zip style here. Performance Jacket here. Looking for other comfy-cozy pullovers and sweaters? Try the Wubby Fleece, this sweater-like pullover, this lounge top, this fleece-lined vest, and this fleece-lined jacket.) / Similar Leggings / Newer New Balance Sneakers (I have my eye on these white slip-ons, though!) / Newer Vineyard Vines here (Love this Simple White Baseball Hat, too.)
Yesterday was rough. I’m not going to attempt to analyze it, but the girls were cranky, the house was a mess, and I was super behind on work–and it was just a little too overwhelming. Everything I did was halfheartedly done, I didn’t even know where to start in order to make things better, and my eyes brimmed with tears on a couple of occasions because I felt like I was failing at all my jobs in life.
Today is a new day, though. :) I honestly already feel better! But sometimes I like to write about my crappy days because I think it’s a nice little reminder that we all have crappy days. Sometimes there are reasons behind them, but sometimes not. And that’s okay. Sometimes you’ve just gotta turn in early and vow to get up on the other side of the bed the following morning.
This is what I wore on my crappy day. 😂 I’ll tell you: I resisted the whole athleisure thing for a long time, but since becoming a parent of two kids, I’m all in. Like, ALL in, haha. I try really hard to dress in regular clothing more often than not because I do think it helps with my productivity, but at least two days per week, I’m in this kind of stuff and it feels great.
The key to feeling great in athleisure? In my experience, it’s three-fold:
- Shower: On days when I need my comfiest clothing, I’m generally pretty tired, too. Jumping in the shower–even if I only have five minutes to do it–helps me wake up and not feel disgusting. ;) Easier to put it off until midday when the girls are napping, but doing it in the morning before they wake up has the power to completely turn around a day!
- Put on a little makeup, and maybe even dry your hair: I clearly didn’t do my hair yesterday 😜, but I did put on a little bit of eyeliner, some mascara, and blush. Made me look WAY more alive, which is always a plus. Death = bad.
- INVEST IN GREAT PIECES: Obviously the most important one. Before this year, I have to admit that a lot of my athleisure was in pretty rough shape, and therefore I looked like I was in rough shape when I wore it. Now I only have a few pieces, but the quality is amazing, and I look and feel better as a result. (My dresser also isn’t overflowing, which is nice, and I’m consuming less!)
Patagonia
It is, without a doubt, is one of the top brands I turn to when looking for comfy clothing I can both exercise and “mom” in. Sustainably and ethically sourced, the company’s products are technically “outdoor clothing”. Luckily for me, though, I’m technically outdoors quite often, so I don’t feel like a total imposter when I wear it. Just a little imposter-ish. ;)
In all seriousness, I love that Patagonia is available at Nordstrom, my favorite retailer and that it lasts forever. I’ve had the Better Sweater Quarter Zip you see in these photos for YEARS, and it’s good as new. Buying quality means not having to replace or go shopping as often, and as a mom with very little free time, this is much appreciated on my front! I’d so much rather own five pieces that I love and will have in my closet for years than 20 pieces that’ll be in and out of my closet before Lucy’s walking. Am I right?! (Bonus: Nordstrom has the best selection. All my favorites are on the site! And when you shop through the retailer, everything ships free… and returns are free, too!)
Btw: Like most Patagonia, I find the Better Sweater Quarter Zip to run a little small. I would recommend going one size up. And a fantastic feature worth mentioning is the zippered pocked on the left arm, where I can hide a house key or a credit card. Game -changer when you need to be hands-free!
Other favorite Patagonia products?
- Patagonia Radalie Water-Repellant Insulated Parka: A lighter, in-between jacket, perfect for chilly fall and spring days… or for winters in warmer climates. I wore this all last fall and loved it! Size up.
- Los Gatos Fleece Vest: Another go-to. Looks fabulous on top of flannels, and I wear it constantly every fall and winter. It’s just as soft as it looks! Size up.
- Re-Tool Snap-T Pullover: My first Patagonia! Super soft and cozy. Size up.
- Nano Puff Water Resistant Jacket: LOVE THIS. Again, this is a transitional jacket, but it’s perfect for morning strolls, gym visits, and late-night dog walks. Size up.
- Nano Puff Insulated Vest: Don’t have this, but definitely considering adding it to the collection this year. I’m a vest girl through and through! I don’t own this, but I would assume that going up a size would be best. :)
Any awesome Patagonia products that should make the list? Let me know in the comments below! Thanks!
Other comfy-cozy favorites from Nordstrom! ^
Shop the post:
Patagonia “Better Sweater” Quarter Zip (In other colors here. Lightweight style here. Zip style here. Performance Jacket here. Looking for other comfy-cozy pullovers and sweaters? Try the Wubby Fleece, this sweater-like pullover, this lounge top, this fleece-lined vest, and this fleece-lined jacket.) / Similar Leggings / Newer New Balance Sneakers (I have my eye on these white slip-ons, though!) / Newer Vineyard Vines here (Love this Simple White Baseball Hat, too.)
This post was sponsored by Nordstrom, but all opinions are my own. As always, thank you so, so much for supporting the partnerships that keep Kelly in the City up and running!
