Westbound Boarder

Finding a good sports bra is a common problem for most women who snowboard, because you want good support, but you also don’t want anything too tight and restrictive while shredding your local slopes. I used to be very loyal to Target-brand sports bras (I think the actual brand was Champion) because they were basic, comfy, and cost-effective, but I have since changed my preference slightly, because they can sometime hurt my shoulders if I wear them too long.

Last year I discovered Old Navy’s sports bras and workout gear. To be quite honest, I don’t really shop at Old Navy, but I popped in one day last summer and really like their new work out line. I bought two of their sports bras and they are fab – they have thin straps so they don’t get in the way, they are cute (and you can buy matching workout shorts), and they are supportive enough to ride in. Best part? They are affordable ($16.50, but you can usually find them on sale). I say, two thumbs up!

Rarely am I ever inspired by the fashion portrayed in Vogue-style magazines.  I usually find high fashion a bit too chic for my liking (I’m a laid-back girl, what can I say?) however, I was totally inspired by an advertisement in next month’s issue of Lucky.  The ad featured a Denver-based fashion blogger, Jenny Lee, wearing her choice outfit for fall.  With leggings, a plaid farmer’s T, and a faux fur jacket, her cute, edgy, yet 100% practical, outfit is the perfect combination of hip and fun, but still cozy, day-off-the-mountain type style.  Most of all, I’m in love with her Sorel boots!  And for anyone who lives in chilly climates (so, basically, anyone except those of you who live in SoCal) I think these boots will quickly emerge as the new must-have of the season.

The boots in the ad prompted me to go check out the Sorel site, and I picked out my two favorite pairs – the women’s Cate the Great ($200), and the women’s Caribou ($110).  The Glacier‘s also look great for the mountain, though I can’t decide if I’d actually wear these out or not.

Man do I love shoes and boots… perhaps a little too much for my budget   What boots are you going gaga for this season?

Thank you for your entries. This contest is now closed.

It is finally, officially summer and what better way to kick it off than with a free watch from Freestyle? For those of you who aren’t familiar with the brand they make kiss a$s watches perfect for the individual. From Freestyle themselves, “We may not play the same sport or have the same passions, we may not have the same gender, religion or faith, we may not live in the same country, city, or state, but we all spend our days breathing, bleeding and sweating the same way. At the end of the day it’s all about performance and together we are Freestyle, we are performance timing.”

Freestyle hooked us up with the newest watch of the season, the Killer Shark, and now we get to give one to you. Coming in a variety of colors, this watch measures at 50MM wide (the bigger the better, right?), and boasts quality and style. See for yourself! (Specks: 100 meters H20, Time/Day/Date, 2 Alarms, Heat Timer,  Chronograph, Night vision backlight display, Durable polyurethane strap with high gloss finish).

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When I first looked at the Killer Shark I realized how large this watch is. Depending on what kind of style you are looking for this watch could just as well work for the ladies, but at first glance I would consider this a men’s watch. The pros of the watch? It has a great big easy to read screen and even the date is easy to view. It is user friendly and super simple and the band that the strap tucks into is very secure, this watch is not going anywhere unexpectedly! (a.k.a. you’re not going to loose it). In addition, the watch has a high gloss finish and is perfect for the active individual. It is waterproof, has two alarms and looks flippin’ sweet. Cons? None really, other than the fact that it is a little big so it may get in the way of the range of motion of your wrist if you ever lift weights, but that is a stretch.

The big boasting Killer Shark not for you? We have a more feminine option for those who prefer it. The winner of our giveaway has the option of choosing either the Killer Shark, or the Classic shark – which is a smaller option and comes in slightly different colors (below).

Win It:

We are giving one lucky winner their choice of either the Killer Shark or Classic shark, depending on your preference. All you have to do is leave us a comment here and tell us where you plan to take your Shark this summer. It is that easy.  Contest ends Wednesday June 30^th, 2010 at Midnight.

As usual and as promised, the sickest links of the week:

• Nike 6.0 To Launch a Women’s Apparel Line: This week, Transworld Business announced that beloved action sports brand Nike 6.0 is launching a women’s apparel line in the fall of 2010.  The line is inspired by Nike 6.0 team athletes Monyca Byrne-Wickey, Ellery Hollingsworth, and Carissa Moore and will be available in retail this fall.
• Secret Sweet Spots: What’s hot in the good ole Oregon? Check out MtHoodTerritory.com to find out and you could win a trip! That is right, all you have to do is watch a video, answer a question and you are entered. Two weeks, two videos and two chances left to enter…it is that simple.
• Don’t forget to check out our recap of the West Coast Invitational!

Though it may not seem like it (thanks El Nino!) it’s beginning to look a lot like spring in most parts of the US. Time to toss those snowboard boots in the garage and bring out your flip-flops and summer dresses! We recently caught up with Ashley LaFerriere and Akiko Senda, two fashionistas from PacSun (a store well-known for being at the brink of youth urban fashion trends) to get their take on this spring and summer’s hottest fashion trends, and here’s what they had to say:

WbB: What do you see as some of the “up-in-coming” spring fashion trends and “must have” pieces?

Ashley: I think the biggest thing we’re going to see this Spring is a lot of color. Not as much neon as last year though. We’re also going to see a lot of big prints.. everything from tribal to floral. We’re also going to see a lot more rompers.

Akiko: One of the major trends for spring is all things nautical for both guys and girls. Think stripes, anchors, chains in your basic nautical colors navy, red, and white. Lightweight fabrications like gauze and super sheer cottons as well as chambray can also fall into this trend.

For girls we’ll definitely be seeing tons of dresses with the tube top silouhette being the must have of the season. Florals, chambray, and maxis are all at the top of the dress trends for Spring. We’re also seeing the continuation of the boho chic trend with tons of ethnic and tribal prints across most apparel categories including swimwear. Bohemian inspired accessories like gladiator or braided sandals, fringe bags, and bangles are a must to complete any look. In addition, lightweight oversize tanks and rolled or cut off boyfriend shorts become wardrobe staples this Spring.

Girls Must Haves: chambray dress, maxi dress, ethnic tunic top, nautical bikini, gladiator sandals, oversize tank, boyfriend shorts.

For guys again nautical colors and styles are a must: white plaid shorts, lightweight button up wovens, and boat shoes. Vans has introduced a cool style this year. Another trend across several categories is the military inspired look that includes epaulet detailing, zippers, and plenty of army green. Shorts have become more tailored this season with flat front styling and shorter lengths in fresh neutral colors. And in denim, the cut off short is big for that more fashion forward dude. We’re also seeing tanks again this season as we saw in a small way last summer. And of course, plaid and checks are still going strong.

Guys must haves: Plaid shirt, retro tank, white plaid shorts, army jacket, boat shoes.

WbB: What about accessories? I know the summer scarf was hot last year; do you see these making a comeback or evolving as we head into spring 2010?

Ashley: The scarf will still be just as hot, but I think the biggest spring accessory will be large bold statement necklaces.

Akiko: I see the fedora as being the top headwear accessory for both girls and guys. For girls we’re also seeing the thinner stretchy headband making a comeback in tons of colors and styles and worn layered.

Must Have accessories: bangles, vintage sunglasses now more popular than last year’s wayfarer, aviator sunglasses, trucker hats, leather sandals.

WbB: What are some of the hot brands on the market, at the moment?

Ashley: Wow. There are a lot of great brands right now! Personally, I love the Spring collections from Jack BB Dakota, Roxy and Element. For guys, I’m loving RVCA and WeSC.

Akiko: Girls: RVCA, Wesc, Roxy Collection, Fox, Jack BB Dakota. Guys: RVCA, Wesc, Nike 6.0, Vans, Fox, Rogue Status. Always hot in our market: Billabong, Hurley, Volcom

WbB: What about at the beach? What swimwear will top the carts this spring?

Ashley: We’re going to see big bold prints at the beach too! Animal prints, stripes and florals are going to be big in swimwear. Black and white are going to make a splash again, but lots of bright colors are going to be just as popular.

Akiko: Tons of hot new swimwear for girls. Anything in stripes is big this season as well as ethnic prints with bohemian details like beads. Bandeau tops are major as most brands are starting to do them a lot. Also, one trend in swimwear is anything retro: bra tops, high-waisted bottoms, and vintage inspired one-pieces. Mixing and matching all your swim pieces is the way to go.

I think the guys are going to be buying the big logo branded and plaid pieces as always. Some new trends we’re excited about this season are camo, stripes, art-inspired graphics, and what we’re calling the “hybrid” which are boardshorts that look like denim or walking shorts but can be used in the water. True surfers will be more concerned with the stretch fabrication of the short which brands are focusing a lot on.

WbB: Switching gears, what about spring snow gear? I know people tend to shed their heavy coats in favor of sweatshirts and lighter windbreakers. Any recommendations on products we should check out?

Ashley: Just a hoodie would be great to wear if you’re going to continue to board in the Spring. I usually layer a tank, a long-sleeved tee and then a zip-up that’s easy to take off if it gets too hot.

Akiko: I think the best option for lighter snow gear is to go with a crossover style that can be work on the hill or on the streets like the Burton Stoker Solid Snow Jacket. We’ll definitely be seeing more of these styles later on this year. Since windbreakers are big for Spring, it won’t be hard to find one to wear to the mountain.