216 Columbus Ave/70th Street
Words/Images Judith Ecochard
Athleta -the sportswear/lifestyle/casual apparel line we could live in 24/7 open it's new Columbus Avenue store for a media peak a whole range of wear for gals on the move...
We have reviewed enough Athleta collections to know that the brand, owned by Gap...uses top techy/performing fabrics (Invista's cottony Supplex®,
Schoeller's C-Change-durable,windproof,waterproof, Primaloft®, Lycra®, Athleta's own Utility Stretch™, moisture management/anti-microbial, etc),--and including organic textiles---PLUS manufactures the highest quality items with a slew of smart details (non-chafing flatlock stitching, reflective details, non-intrusive 'hidden' pockets...)---as the line is conjured up by and for female athletes...
Giving the wearer a leg-up on whatever endeavor she does...including just hanging out on a couch.
The Westside of Manhattan store, the one we visited- is packed with merchandise ----but flows well-with areas of apparel logically laid out on shelves/racks by activity---ie yoga, running, hiking. There is no size chart available---which would help those not familiar with the Athleta way of things---but the sales help knows it all (and their on online kiosks to their site)...
All seem ready for the crunch of buyers we think this collection of terrific outer/active wear deserves.
NOTE: We find the sizing of items from Athleta (and most Gap owned apparel lines in general)--- are "American" sized-and not the typical Euro cut-particularly in the hips, cut generously...good to know as NYC is a shopping mecca for all body types. XXXS ---someday, we hope.
HOLIDAY 2011
Last week we got a media peak at the terrific Holiday collection that includes outwear pieces for winter sports too.
First off, we saw the amazing assortment of versatile yoga/low impact tops that Athleta does so well...and we haven't been to a yoga class yet where we weren't watching the clock pronto...no matter.
These tanks work for climbing too---as well as casual everyday wear...and the color range is terrific.
 |
| Lycra 2-1 wicking/antimicrobial---seams are flattering...a best seller Kerala $59 |
 |
| back pockets helpful for spinning classes |
 |
| ENERGY TANK for high impact $69-breathable, anti-odor |
SMART--
 |
| This tank has a built in shelf bra made of spacer fabric that forms the molded bra/no wire needed. |
 |
| Back zip pocket... |
 |
| Capris match up with the Tinker tops |
 |
| Pretty cap sleeve with gentle ruching-flattering fit |
 |
| Hana Run Short $39 |
 |
| Light reflective details on shorts-wide waistband- nice! |
 |
| A great base layer---fleece feel. |
One of our favs---this layered tee has power mesh panels for breathability.
 |
| Losser fitting tanks too Sodha $59 |
 |
| Super lightweight, inner brief, SPF 50+ Stability Run Short $44 |
 |
| pocket in the back with a waterproof pouch! |
 |
| Love-Relay Capri made for year round use out of Supplex fabric -with banded cuffs |
 |
| Contender Skirt/Capri combo is adorable and a nice feature for women that want a bit more coverage |
 |
| OR Cocoon Cozy Sweater $98 shape cowl neck sweater/tunic can be worn draped... |
 |
| Rolled down like a shrug..... |
WINDWARRIOR Tights $98 made of stretching/wicking Velocitek®, wind proof panels, elastic grips at ankles... pair for just Winter to wear under tunics with boots-works too.
 |
| Winter tights par excellence have reflective zippers-straight legs keeps the wind out. |
 |
| Reflective details on heavier weight flared pants-water/wind resistant |
 |
| We thought the back pockets cute-subtle logo |
Many base layer options are so well done---we could see wearing these on their own...not hidden beneath!
 |
| Breathable, no chafe seamless, anti-odor/anti-bacterial, wicking/breathable---Seamless Twist Top Hoodie $89 |
 |
| Nice ruching details at shoulders |
This INTERVAL Jacket is one of our top picks from Outdoor Retailer....love the fashion elements too---though the pockets are fully functional! For $118---one gets a windproof/waterproof jacket with a rear mesh panel, storm cuffs, thumb loops, 360 degrees reflectivity!!!!!!
 |
| Back pocket-reflective design element |
 |
| Thumbholes keep the sleeves in place and the wearer warm. |
We don't see too many of these in NYC yet---but most mountain towns we've been too have gals wearing winter skirts made of materials to withstand the elements. These WindWarrior Skirt-$98---by Athleta are wind blocking (panels) with 360 degrees reflectivity---and moisture wicking/breathable and CUTE!
 |
| Snow Stomper $89-Quilted Down Skirt can be worn on or off the slopes. |
 |
Pockets and a split pleat at the bottom ....baffle stitching keeps the profile slim
SKI PANTS---are also good for winter hiking....weather tough---in pretty colors too! |
 |
| FREERIDE Ski Pants $198-with water/wind resistant fabric bonded to fleece---warmth without the bulk...ruching on front legs=nice details. Back leg zips and internal gaiters |
 |
| We think these Fall Line Ski snow pants are super cool...$218 |
 |
| High Back Yoke keeps the snow out as do gaiters. Fleece lined for warmth. |
 |
| Made with Schoeller's C-Change materials---POWDER JEANS $328-with amazing moisture management/windproof/waterproof/durable---with a great hand feel...not stiff! |
 |
| Built in Gaiter-rear leg zip makes getting on/off boots ez. |
Athleta has some well made outwear pieces that are multi-tasking...a wardrobe basics for the cold...
 |
| FRESHIE VEST-$148-cinch at hem, water stain resistant. With a removable faux fur hood-Lined in nice gray contrast-zipped outer pocket, warmth via InsulEight™ 800 Fill. |
 |
| Terrific details---ruching/quilting pattern on back--- |
 |
| Waterproof rain jacket with flattering seams, cinched waist---with sealed seams |
Our favorite item we think---is this amazingly chic Moto Trench Jacket----with oversized diagonal zippers---kept cozy warm via Primaloft® Insulation
 |
| Zipper sleeves-articulated elbows for ez movement |
 |
| With the removable hood up---snaps high on the collar for warmth |
No way to be cold---not in this Chalet Coat $248-Super light and compressive InsulEight™-down 800 Fill quilted down coat! Metal closures too...water/stain resistant.
As snowboarders, we know to look for the details---and Athleta delivers a well thought out FLURRY Jacket----for $498---made of Schoeller C-Change---with a remove-able snowskirt, media pockets and access for headphones....
 |
| for headphones |
 |
| Recco tagged! A means to track those buried in snow-a real lifesaver found on smartly made skiwear! |
 |
| Retractable ski pass clip |
 |
| Hood compatible with helmets of all sizes. |
Have it your way---a zip off shearling car length coat becomes a hip biker style jacket with a few unzips. Versatile and affordable-a great value.
 |
| Wonderful Shearling jacket |
INFO:
www.athleta.com
We have reviewed enough Athleta collections to know that the brand, owned by Gap...uses top techy/performing fabrics (Invista's cottony Supplex®, Schoeller's C-Change-durable,windproof,waterproof, Primaloft®, Lycra®, Athleta's own Utility Stretch™, moisture management/anti-microbial, etc),--and including organic textiles---PLUS manufactures the highest quality items with a slew of smart details (non-chafing flatlock stitching, reflective details, non-intrusive 'hidden' pockets...)---as the line is conjured up by and for female athletes... 
INFO: www.athleta.com
