Posts Tagged women’s clothing
Aventura 2-in-1 Dress and Dharma Tank
It’s official: I have a new favorite dress. Actually, I have two: the Aventura 2-in-1 organic cotton dress converts to a skirt and back again in the blink of an eye. I love cotton dresses for travel because your entire outfit takes up half the space of a pant-shirt ensemble, and doesn’t wrinkle to boot. This dress, however, does one better: it can be worn as a dress or a skirt, potentially saving double the outfit space. Made of incredibly soft organic cotton, its rich color (Aventura calls this one ‘dragonfly’ but I reviewed ‘tabasco’) is simple yet striking, and matches many simple tops (and most Aventura swim suits).
So how exactly does this convertible dress convert? It’s easy enough that even a fashion-challenged girl like myself could figure it out. The dress can be worn as a halter top dress (halter strings tie at the neck) or as a strapless dress (with the halter strings tucked in). If you’re wanting a skirt, simply fold over the pleated waist (which is the chest-portion of the dress), tie the halter strings in a bow at one side, and wah-la! You have yourself a casual, swishy skirt.
I took the convertible 2-in-1 dress with me on a recent cruise, where I wore it as a halter dress over my swimsuit, and as a skirt to dinner. In either style, the dress is super comfortable, though I’ve developed preference for the skirt style. The waist is soft and stretchy (which anyone who’s been on a cruise knows is a plus) and it’s easy to slip it on over a swim suit.
I’ve paired the 2-in-1 more than once with Aventura’s Dharma Tank, which is also made of organic material (super soft bamboo), and is fitted while remaining slightly stretchy.The top is sleeveless, has an elegant surplice neckline, and a pretty back graphic, all of which adds a little flair to the ensemble.
The dress style is classy enough to wear away from the beach or pool as well, and could even pull an evening shift for a casual dinner. The skirt is an ideal travel day piece, and could also be worn around town or during any sort of touring. When worn as a dress, the hem falls to just above the knee (though I’m short, so apply that information accordingly) and when worn as a skirt, it falls to mid-calf/below knee. It’s machine washable, and features a classic cut (not too fitted, but certainly not boxy).
The 2-in-1 is also available in dragonfly (shown), tabasco (a rich coral), black, or white, and will set you back $67 at the Aventura website…a very good value for what you’re getting. The Dharma top is also available at the Aventura site, lists for $49, and comes in four colors, including a white which looks great with everything.
These don’t seem to be showing up yet outside of Aventura’s own site, but check Sierra Trading Post later as they usually have at least five pages of Aventura clothing deals.
Posted by Amy in General Gear on May 22nd, 2012
Adidas Terrex Formotion Women’s Hiking Shoe
I’m picky about my hiking shoes. As an avid hiker and past Search and Rescue volunteer, I’ve gone through quite a few pairs. I’ve rarely been completely happy with any of them: cheap shoes are too stiff, or too heavy, or just too flimsy, and top-of-the-line models may fit like a glove, but tend to come with too steep a price tag. Then I tried Adidas’ Terrex Fast X Formotion hiking shoe, and immediately felt like Goldilocks: they were just right.
What sets the Terrex Fast X Formotion Mid Gore-Tex hiking shoe (what a mouthful!) apart is the fact that it’s extremely lightweight for a mid-height shoe, yet completely protects your foot. Hiking over uneven, muddy terrain this spring, I’ve never felt likely to turn my ankle, and my feet never get wet, yet I don’t feel as if I’m wearing a clunky boot.
When Adidas says these shoes are waterproof, they’re not joking. Aside from my winter snow boots, the Terrex is the only pair I can wear all day through rain, puddles, and wet trail and still keep my feet dry. Since they’re not bulky, I’ve been reaching for them not only for trekking, but for my kids’ soccer tournaments (during which I’m guaranteed to stand on wet sidelines for hours) and weekend trips to (soggy) Portland.
The Gore-Tex membrane is breathable, too. During my first test hike on a trail heavy with snowmelt, I paired the shoes with wool hiking socks, and my feet didn’t get sweaty. I also really like the ‘speed lacing’ elastic lace construction, which makes getting them on and off a breeze (they stay tight, too). The grip on the tread is comprised of Traxion, which made for more controlled descending on slopes. My only complaint is that the sole is pretty flat; if you need a very supportive arch, this may be a problem, but it didn’t deter from my comfort.
The Terrex Formotion is available on Amazon for $159.95 and comes in blue or magenta. In addition to the mid-height shown (and reviewed) here, Adidas also makes a low-height (ankle cut) hiking boot.
Posted by Amy in Adventure Gear on May 8th, 2012
Vasque Talus UltraDry Boots
It’s always great to find super-lightweight hiking shoes, which pack easily for a trip. But when it rains or you have to walk through marshy conditions, the mesh in those boots tend not to be much of a barrier against water. To keep your feet dry, bring along the Vasque Talus UltraDry boots.
The waterproof lining in the Talus boots keeps your feet dry while you’re sloshing through the city streets or the wilderness. And while they’re sturdier than the lightweight shoes that leave your socks soggy, at a pound each, these boots won’t add much weight to your bags.
The Vibram Nuasi outsole provides solid traction on a variety of surfaces. I used them on dusty trails, river-slick rocks and rain-soaked grasslands. When I had to do a little trailblazing, the nubuck upper kept the shoes from getting snags in the heavy brush. And for those concerned about ankle support, the padded collar provides stable ankle support for all your adventures.
The Talus boots are comfortable as well, with a cushy insole that allows plenty of mileage without having to rub your aching feet. And at the end of the day, those feet will still be dry, which is a major key to travel happiness.
Vasque Talus UltraDry Boots list for $150 at Zappos. It’s also available at REI. Both sites carry the men’s version of the boot, as well.
Posted by Jill in Adventure Gear on April 27th, 2012
Obermeyer Coco Jacket and London Pant
Sometimes, performance and style don’t always match on the slopes. They do with the Obermeyer Coco Jacket and London Pant.
The jacket’s 100-percent Cocona polyester fabric uses a natural technology derived from coconut shells, providing increased body moisture evaporation and breathability. It also has a pretty pattern, for those who care about style points. Its interior stretch panels, inner cuffs with thumbholes, integrated powder skirt, well-placed vents and removable hood help ensure you can have a good ski (or board) day and stay comfortable.
The jacket also incorporates the RECCO reflector, a device that never needs to be switched on (and never needs batteries) that bounces back a searcher’s directional radar signal, in the event of a burial. While nobody likes to think about that in advance of a ski day, it’s definitely a nice-to-have element.
The one thing I wish the jacket had: larger pockets. On my recent Aspen trip, I became envious of people sporting jackets with pockets that would fit their ski gloves, wallets and other things needed for the ski day. I got my iPhone, wallet and hat crammed in the pockets, but that’s pretty much all I could manage.
If you’ve been looking for a great-performing ski pant that fits perfectly, try the Obermeyer London Pant. Made with MicroTec 100 percent polyester twill with HydroBlock, the pants will keep the snow out, whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, or just hiking. Heavy-duty zippers, reinforced hems, thigh vents and an adjustable webbing belt add to the useful features.
If you’re planning on seriously layering up, make sure you consider ordering one or even two sizes up. The pants cut a nice silhouette when they fit in your regular size, however with a layer underneath, plus perhaps some padding for the inevitable beginner snowboarding crashes, you’ll wish they were just a tad more baggy. Trust me on this little detail.
The Obermeyer Coco Jacket lists for $399.50 on the Obermeyer website. You may be able to find it for less at Backcountry.com or at Sierra Trading Post. The Obermeyer London Pant lists for $159.50 on the Obermeyer website, and are also available on Altrec and Sierra Trading Post. This being the end of season, you’ll probably find a clearance sale going on…
Posted by Jill in Adventure Gear on March 30th, 2012
Hi-Tec Cloud Chaser Shell
I’ve field tested a good number of jackets and shells this winter, so when the Hi-Tec Cloud Chaser arrived on the scene (just in time for spring), I have to admit to being a bit blasé. After all, once you’ve seen one waterproof shell, you’ve seen them all, right?
Wrong. (But you knew I was going to say that, didn’t you?) So what sets the Cloud Chaser apart? Three things: feel, portability, and price.
Feel:
Unlike some waterproof shells that can be stiff and unyielding, the Cloud Chaser feels almost supple, and you certainly have full movability. The Dri-Tec material is soft and breathable while still being completely seam-sealed. In fact, at first glance, I doubted the Cloud Chaser could be truly waterproof, because it’s not slick like a rain jacket or ‘rubbery’ like the ski shells I’m used to, and it’s extremely lightweight. I put it to the ultimate test: two hours on the sidelines of a kids’ soccer match in the driving Oregon rain…in March. No water got through this shell. Again, I’ll admit it: I was surprised, and impressed.
The outer shell is polyester ripstop and the lining is nylon, but because of the ventilation zips, you don’t sweat in it like you would in a traditional rain jacket. You’ll want layers under the Chaser in extreme temperatures, but on mild spring days with light drizzle, you could wear it over a single layer and be comfortable.
Portability:
The feature of the Chaser getting the most attention is the fact that it ‘packs into its own pocket’. At first, I wondered what exactly this meant: did the Cloud Chaser come with a drawstring pouch of some sort? Did the hood convert to a pocket? Turns out, it’s nothing that complicated. They mean exactly what they say: you can roll up the shell and stuff it right into one of its own front pockets. I tried it, and it does indeed work (shrinking to just a little bigger than the size of a softball.) I left the Chaser stuffed overnight, just to see how it would pack for a trip, and while it was marginally wrinkled when I took it out the next day, the wrinkles shook out within the first twenty minutes or so of wear. The hood is oversized (so it will fit over a helmet or thick beanie), and rolls up to be packed away at the back of the collar when you don’t need it. There’s a nice drawcord cinch at the bottom, and you can adjust the fit at the wrists, too. All the pockets and ventilation slits have waterproofed zippers/closures.
Price:
The fact that the Cloud Chaser is only $99 restores my faith that a quality waterproof shell doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. The price makes it possible to add this shell as a travel piece you’ll use again and again, and reach for at home for walks, light hikes, and, if you’re me, endless soccer matches. The women’s Cloud Chaser comes in four colors (two of which are two-toned): Sprout/November, Haze/November, Dover, and Black. Pick one up at Amazon or the Hi-Tec online store. Discount online sites like ShoeBuy have a nice selection of colors and sizes as well.
See more Hi-tec product reviews
Posted by Amy in Adventure Gear, Travel Light on March 27th, 2012
