I mentioned in my last blog, “What Are Trail Shoes and Do You Need Them?” trail shoes are having a moment right now given the trend of everyone going outdoors during COVID. People are finding new paths and trails to explore and they want to get outside and beyond the treadmill.

I compiled a list of the Top 5 trail shoes from industry experts from top outdoor and running sites (Gear Junkie, REI,Runner’s World). Their rank varies depending on who’s review I was researching so I took the liberty of ranking based on their looks because as you may have learned in my last blog that is how I stumbled upon my first pair of trail shoes. Yes, you can purchase trail or running shoes for fashion too. …

When I first arrived at adidas in December of 2002, as a sales rep, I was so excited to purchase my first pair of 3 stripes with my employee discount. I headed out to the employee store near the HQ in Portland, OR, and purchased what I thought were the freshest kicks of all time! Unbeknownst to me, they were “trail shoes.” I am not sure when I realized what type of shoes these actually were or perhaps I knew and didn’t care that I am not, nor will I ever be a trail runner.

Trail shoes have a moment every few years as a fashion trend. When I purchased these beauties 15 years ago, I bought them for the COLOR not because I was going to run in the woods even though I lived near some pretty enviable trails that a true outdoor enthusiast would love. Of course, when I learned they were trail shoes I was able to justify my purchase because as a footwear rep, trail shoes were one of the styles that I sold to retailers. …

3 style guides, 4 regions of fashion for all things athleisure/activewear with a splash of sporty chic and home.

Welcome to the Midwest Edit

If you have not seen the West Coast edit click here. For your listening pleasure, a carefully curated Midwest soundtrack, click here.

Midwest Look 1: “Lake-effect & Chill” (Y’all know what I am talking about don’t you?!) The snow in the midwest is no joke and although you’ll need more than the items below to venture outside, these styles are perfect for chillin' on the couch! For a link to all styles click here.

1. adidas Originals French Terry Hoodie

My Grandma Maxx trained me at a young age to spot the best deals on jewels and shoes at TJ Maxx but I am no longer the shopper I once was and COVID has increased my angst for shopping to the point that I’d rather drink wine and “add to cart” from the comfort of my own home!

What retailers deem a“treasure hunt” I deem a gigantic pain in my ass. Who has the time or attention span?

***PREFACE*** I decided to reveal/relaunch my new logo today on 8/11(my favorite numbers are 11 and 81so it seemed perfect), not expecting the historical significance of today. Senator, Kamala Harris of CA (who I am proud to say I voted for), the first woman of color, was chosen to be Joe Biden’s VP. TODAY. 8/11 . It was a surprise announcement so I felt it worth mentioning since Kamala Harris, is absolutely on-brand for Tiny Bubbles, read on and I think you’ll see why.***

Clearly I was born to write an athleisure blog. Look at this trendsetting tot!

Tiny Bubbles was never going to be a blog though. Tiny Bubbles, the brand, has been in the works for over 15 years in my head. Where it began and where it is now is the story of my life: unpredictable, constantly evolving, grandiose, so many ideas, confusing, everchanging, all over the place, contradictory, fun, happy, and all about freedom. …

*Disclaimer* I am wildly uncomfortable posting this because I fear it might ruin or tarnish my reputation in an industry where I have worked extremely hard, however, I cannot stay silent anymore. The events over the course of the last few weeks have compelled me to finally speak up and realize that I should have spoken out a long time ago.

Working as a sales rep for adidas around 2008–09, the company held an auditorium-style corporate meeting and I remember thinking, “Wow, does adidas know how bad this looks?” I turned to a colleague and said, “Aren’t they embarrassed there is only one woman and only one person of color? There are no Black people at all?!” This seemed bizarre and very troubling to me since adidas is one of the largest global sports brands. At that time, the senior leadership team (not sure of the exact name) consisted of 12 people, 10 of whom were white men. I recognize that they are a German-owned company, however, the global appeal of the brand and its consumers reflect a very different representation then what was on the stage that day. Sadly, their sales force which I was a part of for nine years also reflected little racial or gender diversity. …

brace yourself… i am about to share 3 months’ worth of research that included: torn flesh wounds, skin rashes, my foot punctured by a safety pin, and loads of sweating because shopping (for leggings), is in fact cardio!… i am bringing to you my top 5 leggings for working from home — the research was tough y’all but the timing is right.

**Update** I wrote this in 2019 pre-COVID. I did NOT follow my own advice which you will read later in the blog and I gained 11 pounds during the pandemic. Read on to see why and what to do about it!

It was Friday night. I had not been out in what seemed like an eternity and I was actually looking forward to it, at least initially.

I had Beyonce's “Homecoming” album on as I was getting ready, having a glass of wine, trying to channel my inner queen bee….

…And then it fucking happened.

Something so insidious that I didn’t see it coming, it overcame any sort of joy I had about going out. In fact, it caused me so much angst and frustration that I didn’t even want to go out anymore. …