Fun, Frugal Fashion: Camo Leggings
I’m a firm believer of the saying: Everything happens for a reason. Saturday was a prime example.
If you follow me on Twitter you might be aware that I was incredibly jazzed to workout with The Biggest Loser’s Jillian Michaels on Saturday at the Los Angeles Fitness Expo.
Although I don’t watch her show, I interviewed her a few years ago and she seemed really fun and funny. I’ve also tried her Jillian Michaels Hot Body Meltdown DVD and it was a really great workout. Finally, she has a sick bod, so I figured taking a class from her in person would be pretty freaking cool.
Well, fast forward to one hour after I wrote that tweet when my friend Gigi and I were still unable to find a parking spot and the class was beginning. We were super bummed to say the least.
So after 30 minutes of driving to the expo and an hour circling the LA Convention Center (thanks for stealing all the parking spots Grammy goers), we decided to salvage the day and find something fun to do downtown.
Gigi suggested we explore the stores in the Fashion District, an area where they sell textiles for high-end designers and mass-produced clothing alike. I’d never been — and I’m all about good deals — so I said, “What the hey, let’s do it!”
Just a few blocks from the glittering buildings housing huge law firms and banks is an area that reminded me of my high school trips to Puerto Penasco in Mexico. There’s fruit stands, fake designer bags, $1 rings…
(is it Movember yet?)
…and — the best part — mountains of uber-hip leggings.
Heyo!
Pretty much every store we went to had piles and piles of patterned leggings that are oh so popular these days in fun prints, hearts, tribal, and neon.
I remembered that Camouflage is back in a big way after seeing my friend Bethann of BethAnimalPrint sporting them, so I scooped up a pair of them immediately.
I was prepared to shell out $20 for them, assuming they cost about half of the $40 that they sell them for at the local L.A. boutiques.
I was wrong.
“That will be $5,” said the vendor.
I almost kissed him.
Totally cute and on-trend leggings that will double as workout wear and PJs for less than I spent on a Starbucks latte? It made my day — nay, my weekend.
They’re light weight, extremely soft, and yet still durable. I haven’t washed them yet so I’m not sure how they’ll hold up in the laundry, but for $5, I don’t really care.
I immediately forgot the fact that we had missed the Jillian Michaels event and started brainstorming ways I could bring this good news to the world.
I wore the camo leggings to Sweat Garage yesterday and one of the gals in my class raved about how cute they were and asked where she could get a pair.
The point of all this is that you don’t need to spend a ton of money on athletic wear to look cute at the gym.
I’m not going to lie, I love my Lorna Jane. But I like to balance out the pricey-er stuff with cheap stuff like these camouflage legging. Cheap finds like these are great for trying out trends that you’re not sure about, like the camo.
Now that I know I’m obsessed with them, I’ll be going back for more.
Field trip downtown anyone?
Jana @ Happy Wife Healthy Life says:
So cute! Leggings for $5 is right up my alley! Love that you picked the camp print too :)
Whitney English says:
Oh, yeah! You’re a camo lover too huh?! I remember seeing some cute camo outfits on your blog :)
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says:
Camo leggings…all day everyday. I love stores like that! they have tons of them in NYC that legit give you an anxiety attack thanks to the hoards of people, but is so worth it for the price.
Whitney English says:
Haha #CamoOnCamoOnCamo
Yeah there were a lot of people there but the surplus of leggings outnumbered the hoards of people and you can pay for everything in cash (no lines), so it wasn’t too bad :)
Candy Sparks says:
I tend to shop for a lot of my workout gear online when they are having the end of season sales. I love tights/leggings. I love neon colors and crazy patterns. I will check out jcpenney’s and target’s website. I just noticed that old navy has some awesome work out gear and now I am just waiting for their end of season sales to go off. If I workout shirt I grab a few at thrift stores.
Whitney English says:
That’s a great idea! I never thought to check Target online. I bet it’s even cheaper than in the store. Thanks for sharing the tip!
Julie says:
I’ve never been to the Fashion District! I also drive by it. I went to the Fit Expo and saw Jillian Michaels speak. It was packed, and I got there around 9:30 to find parking in the garage and then waited in this ridiculous line to get in. Fortunately, they got us in within 20 minutes of opening.
Whitney English says:
Lucky!! Guess next time we’ll have to go early!
Brittany Leigh says:
I’m obsessing over printed leggings right now! Love your camo print ones!
Whitney English says:
Thanks Brittany!! Fun fact: my middle name is Leigh too :)
Kristina @ Damn Ten Pounds says:
Where is this legging Mecca?! I have been on the hunt for camo leggings for awhile and you can’t beat $5! My best friend lives in LA, so I will be dragging her to this wonderland on my next visit.
I got sucked into the Lulu pants and have a couple pairs, but all my tops are Champion brand from Target. They seriously stepped up their style and make identical tops to Lulu for way cheaper.
Whitney English says:
I know! Target is amazing. Have you seen the Instagram account: TargetDoesItAgain? It’s a must follow.
Kristina @ Damn Ten Pounds says:
You should NOT have pointed me to that account. I just spent $200 in my head!!
Gillian @ That's G says:
So cute and LOVE the DTLA love!
I need to get down to the Fashion District more — and there’s a flea market in DTLA every Sunday I’m hoping will be a good substitute for the Rose Bowl or Melrose — which are both a trek for me!
Whitney English says:
Oh, I love flea markets! I’m right by the Melrose one, so I go frequently. Dying to check out the Rose Bowl though, and maybe DTLA will be next!
Ashley @ Brocblog says:
I definitely need to hit up this fashion district! I am in dire need of some wardrobe updates.
Whitney English says:
Do it. You will not regret :)
Lisa @ The Skinny on Health says:
Love this! I used to live downtown (when I went to USC) and exploring Santee alley and those little cheap stores was one of my favorite things to do! Back when my boyfriend and I were just friends we explored over there and he convinced me to buy a full-blown leopard print jumper. One piece. Leopard print. Long pants. Connected to top. It was like 5 bucks so I got it, came to good use at some costume parties!
Oh, and those camo pants are adorable! I’ve gotta get a pair. :)
xo
Whitney English says:
Hahaha that is amazing!! Please tell me you still have it. I want to borrow ;)
I saw a metallic two piece ‘Dancing with the Stars’ type halter and leggings for $10 there that I also had my eye on. I didn’t get it because I couldn’t justify when/where I would wear it. But I’m having serious remorse now.
When you come back to L.A., we’ll have to do a shopping spree on Santee!
Ellen says:
Omigoddddd, Santee alley is the bet for cheap fun clothes!! I haven’t been down there in forever. Thanks for reminding me of it, my wardrobe does need refreshing…
Whitney English says:
You, me, and Gig will have to make another day of it :)
Bethann Wagner says:
Oh, hey! $5. That is a CANT situation (Can’t Afford Not To) – way too good to pass up! Thanks for the shout out! xoxo, BA
Whitney English says:
Nice acronym!!! Putting that one in the memory bank! Thanks for the inspiration :)
Kim says:
I would have been bummed to miss the Jillian Michaels workout but I think that the camo leggings (and maybe another couple pairs) would more than make up for it – especially at the $5 bargain price!
Whitney English says:
I know, I’m bummed I didn’t grab a few more! Definitely going back…people, place your orders :)
Alex @ Kenzie Life says:
Those look super cute on you! I’d be bummed to miss a Jillian Michael’s workout too though. Most of my workout gear is Lululemon, but I’m actually not willing to buy any of their pants/leggings/capris anymore. It pills too easily for the price. I recently discovered Karma, which has dance studio type clothing and I love it! It’s a little cheaper than Lulu but higher quality! Have a great week!
Whitney English says:
Oh, I’ll have to check them out! I really like Lulu’s stuff too but it’s just too expensive for me.
Jenny says:
I think I’d pick the leggings! (which you look super cute in by the way) I actually don’t spend a lot on workout gear. There’s an under armor outlet near my house, so I stalk that place for sweet deals.
Whitney English says:
Thanks Jenny! I love outlets. Lucky you being so close to such a great one!
Dr. J says:
I’d rather have the workout!!
I don’t spend much on workout gear, except for the shoes. That’s the critical link where the foot meets the road and leg and foot injuries can be very problematic!
Whitney English says:
Are you saying you don’t want a pair of skin tight camo leggings?!?! I’m shocked :)
Good point about the footwear. Reminds me I need a new pair of running shoes!
Tonya@Healthy, Fit, and Frugal says:
You’re totally rocking those! They look great on you! I’d rather work out with jillian (actually I’d rather work out with Bob!), but that’s only because I don’t think I look good in anything but black leggings! I get most of my stuff from Target. But Target doesn’t hold a candle to the prices you found this weekend!
Whitney English says:
I usually prefer black leggings too. You know what they say about black :) I got a pair of patterned jeans once and I did NOT like the way they made my legs look so I’ve avoided prints ever since, until I found these. They were surprisingly flattering! I think the key is finding something that is still in a dark shade with a pattern that isn’t too in your face.
I’m obsessed with Target too…workout clothes, bras, bathing suits, sandals…they can do no wrong :)
Maria @ The Good Life says:
Super cute! But I wear camo every day for work and yeah, workouts is when I can go crazy with my outfits. bring on the neon colors! lol
Whitney English says:
Yeah, I can see how it would get a little played for you then! It would be like me running in my pajamas (since I’m in them so often haha)….oh wait, I do that sometimes :)
Ashlee@hisnhers says:
Cute!! I got a couple of pair of patterned leggings last month and have never thought to wear them to the gym…Thank you for that awesome idea! Have you tried Jillian’s Yoga Inferno Meltdown? Its a good one!
Whitney English says:
You need to break them out!! I tried Jillian’s Hot Body Meltdown…is that the same?
Louise says:
Such a shame you didn’t get to meet her! However, bonus bagging those leggings! Love them :) I don’t spend much on workout clothes, I don’t see the point haha. Plus, I workout from home, so no one will even see them ;)
Whitney English says:
Good point! If you ever see me jogging in my neighborhood, I’m liking wearing a free “Give Blood” shirt and some of my mom’s running shorts from the 80’s :)
Sharareh Drury says:
I absolutely loved going to the Fashion District in downtown L.A.! I designed some rings down there when in college for fun and often went to get a cheap but cute dress for going out on the weekends….the leggings you found are so sick!!!
I used to shell out money on workout clothes but I’ve realized now it’s more about my body getting fit…not me looking super cute while getting sweaty. I like a good tight legging or tank though – it’s nice to see the definition of your body changing over time.
The best deals for me honestly come from my mom’s closet. Free, stylish and super chic! I’m lucky she’s about my height and and has such a fab taste in clothes. I could probably make an Instagram called Moms Closet based off what I find in there!!
Whitney English says:
Your Mom sounds awesome! Can I have some of her hand-me-downs too? You should set up an online store.
Lee says:
You have such a cute little fit bod! I need to get more fun leggings. I am super boring. Black. Merp.
Whitney English says:
Right back at you Lee! I saw your recent photo shoot :)
I usually wear boring black too, but it’s fun to spice things up every once in a while.
Tatum says:
LEGGING HEAVEN!!
The boyfriend and I are thinking of planning a trip down to Cali this spring.. clearly have to hit this place up
Whitney English says:
Yes you do! Let me know when you swing through :)
Lisa says:
I don’t have any patterned leggings but NEED to get some! :-)
Whitney English says:
They’re super fun :)
Jody - Fit at 56 says:
I LOVE THOSE LEGGINGS!!!! I am loving the camo ones I got from Fabletics!!! I have got a lot of free stuff since blogging & FitFluential but I have to be careful cause I can’t afford much on my own right now.. but I love some expensive brands! :)
Whitney English says:
Haha same! Most of my workout gear comes from stuff I got from blogging or reporting, and my mom :)
Kathryn @ Illustrated Nutrition says:
Bummer that you missed out on Jillian (her workout DVDs are my fav), but who really cares when you snagged such an adorb pair of leggings for only $5! Great score!
Whitney English says:
Right?!
The vegan 8 says:
Wow $5?!! That’s amazing…especially in this economy! I once bought the coolest, hippest distressed jeans for $5 in Japan but that was in ’99! It was a bargain even back then and I wore them for years. Too bad you missed seeing Jillian, but sounds like it was a good reason!
Whitney English says:
I know I was SHOCKED. Maybe I’ll get to workout with Jillian next year!
Glenda @ Healthy Stories says:
I don’t spend much money at all on workout clothes, even though I almost live in them. When I work out my motivation isn’t to look pretty, since I know I won’t look that pretty by the end of it anyway. Instead, I save the money for good quality shoes and sports bras – that’s the expense that matters.
Whitney English says:
Good point!! Shoes and bras that do their job ARE the most important thing!
Kierston @candyfit says:
I love them! Honestly, most of my workout tops are those that aren’t made for athletic purposes. What a fun day :)
Whitney English says:
Thanks girl!!
Lindsay @ Fit & Awesome says:
Wow, those leggings are killer. I’d love to go get a bunch of pairs from there.
My workout clothing gear is pretty varied. I have a lot of nice workout gear from Lulu, Lorna Jane, Athleta and Lucy but then I also have plenty of stuff from Target and Old Navy. I’m a big fan of the Old Navy tank tops and find myself wearing them a lot – especially to yoga. I think it’s important to mix it up with your workout wardrobe and you don’t have to spend a ton of money to do it either!
Whitney English says:
I’m the same way! My workout clothing list reads a lot like yours, along with some Nike, Puma, Asics, and of course random promotional tank tops I got in gift bags, haha.