Fashionably Fit: A Shopping Guide To Help You Sweat In Style

Gone are the days of oversized sweatpants and frumpy T-shirts as acceptable exercise gear. Don't compromise your fashion sense and performance when you exchange your stilettos for sneakers. If you're in need of inspiration for a new workout wardrobe, you're sure to find your new favorite stores and brands right here. When you look good, you feel good, resulting in the spark you need to go the extra mile during your workouts.

Splits59

11677 San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 826-4904
www.splits59.com

Splits59 "signifies the power of a single second and the driving will to beat the tick of a stopwatch to :60." This athletic clothing store for women offers sleek silhouettes made with quick-dry sport performance fabrics. Cool design elements are fashionably functional, such as mesh overlays, reflective inset panels and cut out back detailing. Not only do these chic designs exude style, they create impeccable fit and optimal comfort that can keep up with any sweat-inducing workout that suits your fancy.

Body Language Sportswear

14700 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 783-4671
www.bodylanguagesportswear.com

Body Language offers "women's fitness apparel that combines performance with a fashion forward and sexy style." These made in the USA pieces are designed to be flattering and stylish without compromising function. Think irresistible details such as scrunch detail waistbands that embrace curves without creating that dreaded muffin top. Showcase your hard-earned hard body in one of their edgy designs such as the Versa vest and Twist bra top.

Lorna Jane

Santa Monica Place
395 Santa Monica Place, Suite 100
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 260-8333
www.lornajane.com.au

This "for women by women" concept is a well-established brand leader in Australia that made its U.S. debut last year. They offer trendy activewear constructed with high tech fabrics to "improve your performance, motivate you and inspire you to move, nourish and believe everyday in order to live your best life." Inspirational messages, bold graphic patterns and sophisticated performance details are just a few things you can find at this retail outpost. Check their website for additional locations throughout Los Angeles.

Sportiqe

Available at Fred Segal Melrose
8118 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 651-1800
www.sportiqe.com

This company offers a vast selection of styles printed with self-branded designs, sports teams, alcohol brands and other industry leaders. Sportiqe's is not your standard licensed apparel brands; celebrities, athletes and consumers who want to represent with style love their vintage prints and on-trend designs. Offerings include super cozy tri-blend tees, tanks and sweaters with sexy raglan and off-the-shoulder cuts that keep you comfortably chic during your workouts. Check out the Brooklyn Nets Dixie T-shirt as seen on Beyonce for a relaxed glam look for the gym.

Lululemon

12199 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA. 91604
(818) 761-4361
shop.lululemon.com

This yogi candy store offers technical athletic gear that comes alive in a Pantone rainbow of eye-catching shades. Yoga instructor fit-tested and approved, this wildly successful brand outfits all of the active endeavors your heart and soul desires. Their second-skin Wunder Under pants are a sound investment piece, offering unparalleled comfort, a small inner mesh pocket and a design that makes muffin top a thing of the past.

Alternative Apparel

1337 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 482-3316
www.alternativeapparel.com

Just because it's cold doesn't mean you have to give in to frumpy sweats; there is an alternative, after all. Known for their supple fabrics, vintage washes and flattering fit, Alternative ensures you can stay warm during hikes, morning beachside jogs and pre-exercise warm ups. Everyone should own at least one of their slouchy pullover tops, sweaters or tanks in their signature hues. Additional L.A. locations can be found on their website.

Lucy

10250 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 772-0406
www.lucy.com

"All of our styles are designed and developed by women who do the activities we design for: yoga, running, training, exploring the outdoors, and traveling to your favorite destination." You can find a selection of flattering gear that fits well so you can concentrate on the task at hand. Expect a vast product selection made with advanced fabrication that slims, wicks moisture, supports and compresses.

Joy Bitonio has the phrase "Joie de Vivre" tattooed on her shoulder, a reminder to enjoy life every single day. She has a voracious appetite for fun, adventure, food, good cocktails and works out like a madwoman to keep it all together. Her fitness articles can be found on examiner.com. Follow her on Twitter.