It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, especially THIS Year!

Written By Brooke Goldstein

Our kids are headed back to school… in person… in September! Who is celebrating with me? Minus the face coverings, things seem closer to normal for our kids. My tween finally got to have a locker this year (last year her school didn’t do lockers to limit hallway congregating) and is able to eat lunch in the school cafeteria with some friends (last year, she was stuck eating lunch in science class with all boys!). We are getting there, and I am so happy for these kids.

So to kick off the biggest back to school ever, I teamed up with Athleta in Bryn Mawr for a little back to school shopping event and fashion show. Athleta is all about empowering women and young girls to inspire, connect and support each other to reach their limitless potential. And there could not be a better message for our young ladies to hear.

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My two girls have always loved Athleta Girl clothes because they have fun prints and styles. The clothes are comfortable, the fabrics are soft and the styles support all of their activities. As a mom, I am happy to buy Athleta clothes for my girls because they hold up. These clothes can withstand the numerous activities and washes that the kids put their clothes through. The details that Athleta puts into their Girl designs are like no other— there are secret pockets for chapsticks; never ending drawstrings that won’t get lost in the wash; and even fidgets sewn into the pockets of some jackets to keep fidgety fingers busy. I am happy to put my girls in these clothes and proud to partner with a brand like Athleta Girl for this event.

All of our models are local girls ranging from Kindergarten to 6th Grade. These kids participate in dance, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, soccer, tennis, basketball, volleyball— you name it, one of the girls in this group does it! The girls could select whatever they wanted to wear in this fashion show. Some of the older girls even ventured into the Athleta women’s clothes. The girls could pick clothes to support their various activities and have their personalities come through with their selection. A few trends emerged. Camo was the number one pick! Almost every girl had some form of camo in her outfit. Another trend was comfort. A lot of girls picked an item simply because it was so soft and comfy.

The girls all wore Athleta Girl masks in the show. Since they are headed back to school in masks again, I provided the girls with new Athleta masks to match their outfits. These masks are a favorite in our house. They have 3 layers for protection but are lightweight, breathable and have additional comfortable features like adjustable ear loops and a soft cotton lining.

Mila is in kindergarten and wears a size XS in Athleta Girl. Maddie is a first grader and wears a medium in Athleta Girl. Both girls are wearing the High Rise Chit Chat Capris, which come in a wide variety of prints and lengths. These Capris are perfect for school, sports and play with all-around stretch and a high waistband that stays put. I was able to tighten Mila’s waistband with the “never-ending drawstring” which gives her room to grow. Both girls are wearing the Comeback Textured Tee which is now sold out but this one is very similar.

Mila is in kindergarten and wears a size XS in Athleta Girl. Maddie is a first grader and wears a medium in Athleta Girl. Both girls are wearing the High Rise Chit Chat Capris, which come in a wide variety of prints and lengths. These Capris are perfect for school, sports and play with all-around stretch and a high waistband that stays put. I was able to tighten Mila’s waistband with the “never-ending drawstring” which gives her room to grow. Both girls are wearing the Comeback Textured Tee which is now sold out but this one is very similar.

Tilly is in 3rd grade and chose this outfit because it is sporty and pretty at the same time. Tilly has a petite and athletic build and wears a size small in Athleta Girl. She is wearing the Stash Your Treasures Tight that is made with Athleta’s Powervita fabric. This fabric has UPF 50+ protection. Tilly loves how buttery soft this fabric is, and her mom loves that it’s supportive for all of her activities. These leggings have large side pockets to store her “treasures” like a note, some ice cream money, her mask, and when she is old enough, a phone. Tilly paired the Minimalistic Grey color tight with a black Long Distance Bra and the In Your Element Hoodie in the Cascade Green to match the leggings.

Tilly is in 3rd grade and chose this outfit because it is sporty and pretty at the same time. Tilly has a petite and athletic build and wears a size small in Athleta Girl. She is wearing the Stash Your Treasures Tight that is made with Athleta’s Powervita fabric. This fabric has UPF 50+ protection. Tilly loves how buttery soft this fabric is, and her mom loves that it’s supportive for all of her activities. These leggings have large side pockets to store her “treasures” like a note, some ice cream money, her mask, and when she is old enough, a phone. Tilly paired the Minimalistic Grey color tight with a black Long Distance Bra and the In Your Element Hoodie in the Cascade Green to match the leggings.

Anna is also in 3rd grade and chose the On the Go Romper in Camo. This romper is an Athleta Girl favorite because it’s stylish and comfortable. The fabric is light, has some stretch and is moveable. Anna loves to play soccer and read, and this outfit will keep up for both of these favorite activities. She can pair it with a sweatshirt or cardigan as the temperatures drop this fall.

Anna is also in 3rd grade and chose the On the Go Romper in Camo. This romper is an Athleta Girl favorite because it’s stylish and comfortable. The fabric is light, has some stretch and is moveable. Anna loves to play soccer and read, and this outfit will keep up for both of these favorite activities. She can pair it with a sweatshirt or cardigan as the temperatures drop this fall.

Like her buddy, Olivia loves the Black Camo print of these High Rise Chit Chat Tight. This tight is soft, breathable, moisture-wicking and has UPF 50+. All of these features are perfect for Olivia when she plays lacrosse, filed hockey, soccer, basketball and softball. Another benefit— the pants are made with recycled polyester! This generation really understands the importance of taking care of our planet, so Oliva is happy to wear sustainable activewear. Olivia chose the Tandem Tank because it has a matching camo under layer. And to complete her look, Olive grabbed a camo Take on the Universe Headband. I am digging Olivia’s high tops, too.

Like her buddy, Olivia loves the Black Camo print of these High Rise Chit Chat Tight. This tight is soft, breathable, moisture-wicking and has UPF 50+. All of these features are perfect for Olivia when she plays lacrosse, filed hockey, soccer, basketball and softball. Another benefit— the pants are made with recycled polyester! This generation really understands the importance of taking care of our planet, so Oliva is happy to wear sustainable activewear. Olivia chose the Tandem Tank because it has a matching camo under layer. And to complete her look, Olive grabbed a camo Take on the Universe Headband. I am digging Olivia’s high tops, too.

Emma was our first big girl to walk the runway in the show. She is in 6th grade. Emma often walks from school to her dance studio and she picked this look because she can wear it to school and even keep it on for some of her dance classes. Emma is wearing the Stash Your Treasures Tight in Antique Rose because she loves pink. She paired it with the Power Up Camo Tee which is seamless, stretchy and comfortable. Emma picked the Jump To It Jacket because she knows the temperatures will be dropping soon and she can throw this lightweight but warm jacket on when she walks to dance class. This jacket is one of my favorite Athleta Girl pieces and both of my daughters own it— it’s made from Featherweight Stretch fabric that is sustainable, stretchy and “feels like air”. The inside of the jacket is lined with cozy jersey for added warmth. My girls actually wear this jacket throughout most the winter. It’s that warm even though it is light. And this jacket has my favorite Athleta Girl design feature— a fidget charm sewn right into the pocket to keep fidgety fingers busy. How smart!

Emma was our first big girl to walk the runway in the show. She is in 6th grade. Emma often walks from school to her dance studio and she picked this look because she can wear it to school and even keep it on for some of her dance classes. Emma is wearing the Stash Your Treasures Tight in Antique Rose because she loves pink. She paired it with the Power Up Camo Tee which is seamless, stretchy and comfortable. Emma picked the Jump To It Jacket because she knows the temperatures will be dropping soon and she can throw this lightweight but warm jacket on when she walks to dance class. This jacket is one of my favorite Athleta Girl pieces and both of my daughters own it— it’s made from Featherweight Stretch fabric that is sustainable, stretchy and “feels like air”. The inside of the jacket is lined with cozy jersey for added warmth. My girls actually wear this jacket throughout most the winter. It’s that warm even though it is light. And this jacket has my favorite Athleta Girl design feature— a fidget charm sewn right into the pocket to keep fidgety fingers busy. How smart!

Can you tell these two are related? They both happened to pick camo shorts! Lia and Price are cousins and are hanging onto warmer temperatures with their back to school looks. Lia picked the All Play Camo Shorts and the blue seamless Power Up Tee. Price is wearing the white Long Distance Bra and the gray camo Record Breaker Short. Both shorts are 3 inches. Lia’s shorts (black camo) have zip side pockets, a hidden chapstick pocket, a drawstring and are made from very light and airy recycled polyester fabric. The fit of these shorts is loose and breathable. Price’s shorts (light gray camo) have open side pockets, a comfortable knit waistband and are made with moveable recycled Featherweight Stretch. These shorts are more slim fitting and lay closer to the body.

Can you tell these two are related? They both happened to pick camo shorts! Lia and Price are cousins and are hanging onto warmer temperatures with their back to school looks. Lia picked the All Play Camo Shorts and the blue seamless Power Up Tee. Price is wearing the white Long Distance Bra and the gray camo Record Breaker Short. Both shorts are 3 inches. Lia’s shorts (black camo) have zip side pockets, a hidden chapstick pocket, a drawstring and are made from very light and airy recycled polyester fabric. The fit of these shorts is loose and breathable. Price’s shorts (light gray camo) have open side pockets, a comfortable knit waistband and are made with moveable recycled Featherweight Stretch. These shorts are more slim fitting and lay closer to the body.

Ava is in 6th grade and picked a mix of Athleta Girl and Athleta women’s clothes. She is wearing the women’s Elation Capri in the signature Powervita super soft and supportive fabric, in her favorite color, navy. Ava wears a size XXS when she travels over to Athleta women’s clothes. At this age, she can still shop Athleta Girl (in size L or XL) too so for her top, she chose the Long Distance Bra. This bra is more of a crop top, and was a popular pick for the girls in the show. They seem to really like the longer design of this bra for more coverage. It’s a comfortable and versatile piece to wear on its own or under a sweatshirt, jacket or cardigan. Ava chose the luxurious Athleta Triumph Hoodie, which is super soft and cozy and all she will want to wear in the winter because it is fleece-lined. A ribbed cuff and collar add to the sporty style of this sweatshirt. Ava picked the black camo print but a brand new NAVY CAMO print is now available for fall.

Ava is in 6th grade and picked a mix of Athleta Girl and Athleta women’s clothes. She is wearing the women’s Elation Capri in the signature Powervita super soft and supportive fabric, in her favorite color, navy. Ava wears a size XXS when she travels over to Athleta women’s clothes. At this age, she can still shop Athleta Girl (in size L or XL) too so for her top, she chose the Long Distance Bra. This bra is more of a crop top, and was a popular pick for the girls in the show. They seem to really like the longer design of this bra for more coverage. It’s a comfortable and versatile piece to wear on its own or under a sweatshirt, jacket or cardigan. Ava chose the luxurious Athleta Triumph Hoodie, which is super soft and cozy and all she will want to wear in the winter because it is fleece-lined. A ribbed cuff and collar add to the sporty style of this sweatshirt. Ava picked the black camo print but a brand new NAVY CAMO print is now available for fall.

I am loving what Anna (also 6th grade) picked for the show. It’s the perfect lounging outfit that is suitable for a “casual dinner”, as Anna put it. Anna is also wearing a mix of Athleta Girl and Athleta women’s clothes. She is a size XS in the Salutation Jogger and the Conscious Crop, which are both regular Athleta. The joggers and the crop are in the Powervita fabric, so they have all of the wonderful features of the best performance fabric— moisture wicking, breathable, quick-drying with UPF protection. So although Anna may want to lounge in this look, she can also wear it for sports, dance class or yoga. I love the laid back vibe that the cardigan adds. She is a size XL in the Wrap N Roll Sweatshirt 2.0, which is Athleta Girl. Moms, you will want to borrow this wrap from your girls because it is so cozy.

I am loving what Anna (also 6th grade) picked for the show. It’s the perfect lounging outfit that is suitable for a “casual dinner”, as Anna put it. Anna is also wearing a mix of Athleta Girl and Athleta women’s clothes. She is a size XS in the Salutation Jogger and the Conscious Crop, which are both regular Athleta. The joggers and the crop are in the Powervita fabric, so they have all of the wonderful features of the best performance fabric— moisture wicking, breathable, quick-drying with UPF protection. So although Anna may want to lounge in this look, she can also wear it for sports, dance class or yoga. I love the laid back vibe that the cardigan adds. She is a size XL in the Wrap N Roll Sweatshirt 2.0, which is Athleta Girl. Moms, you will want to borrow this wrap from your girls because it is so cozy.

Nicolette is another 6th grader who chose to wear regular Athleta clothes in the show. She is wearing the Salutation Stash Pocket Capris, the Karma Twist Back Cami and the Balance Sweatshirt. These capris are made in Athleta’s signature Powervita fabric which is really soft and supportive. The pockets and the high waist are two popular features of this capri. Nicolette is wearing the Karma Twist Back Cami (which happens to be on sale right now. I just got it in the pink color) with the cute cropped, full-zip Balance Sweatshirt. This sweatshirt is made with the TENCEL Modal fabric that provides structure while being soft and comfortable.

Nicolette is another 6th grader who chose to wear regular Athleta clothes in the show. She is wearing the Salutation Stash Pocket Capris, the Karma Twist Back Cami and the Balance Sweatshirt. These capris are made in Athleta’s signature Powervita fabric which is really soft and supportive. The pockets and the high waist are two popular features of this capri. Nicolette is wearing the Karma Twist Back Cami (which happens to be on sale right now. I just got it in the pink color) with the cute cropped, full-zip Balance Sweatshirt. This sweatshirt is made with the TENCEL Modal fabric that provides structure while being soft and comfortable.

Molly is wearing the Athleta Girl version of the camo jogger that her buddy Anna had on. The Warm-Up Jogger has a more traditional sweat pant style, made in the super soft and cozy Brushed Nirvana fabric. Molly is also wearing the Long Distance Bra which we saw on a few girls because it’s such an easy-to-wear top that’s stylish and cute. Molly tied the Dream It Sweatshirt around her waist, which is made of the same Brushed Nirvana fabric for extreme coziness when it gets cold.

Molly is wearing the Athleta Girl version of the camo jogger that her buddy Anna had on. The Warm-Up Jogger has a more traditional sweat pant style, made in the super soft and cozy Brushed Nirvana fabric. Molly is also wearing the Long Distance Bra which we saw on a few girls because it’s such an easy-to-wear top that’s stylish and cute. Molly tied the Dream It Sweatshirt around her waist, which is made of the same Brushed Nirvana fabric for extreme coziness when it gets cold.

Berrit closed out the show with one of the few camo-free looks (although the Cascade Green print on her High Rise Chit Chat Tight seems to be camo-inspired). Berrit, I am also feeling this emerald green color for fall. The Athleta Girl Power Up Tank in the Lighthouse Green goes perfectly with the print of the tights. Berrit tied that awesome Wrap ‘N Roll Sweatshirt around her waist.

Berrit closed out the show with one of the few camo-free looks (although the Cascade Green print on her High Rise Chit Chat Tight seems to be camo-inspired). Berrit, I am also feeling this emerald green color for fall. The Athleta Girl Power Up Tank in the Lighthouse Green goes perfectly with the print of the tights. Berrit tied that awesome Wrap ‘N Roll Sweatshirt around her waist.

All of these looks will be available to purchase on my LIKEtoKNOW.it page (download the LTK App and follow me at LiketoKnow.it/FitnessFinds).

Our first fashion show was a huge success. The girls had a blast picking out their outfits, practicing their walks and rocking their looks to an audience on August 26 in the Bryn Mawr store. And, the best part— we received so many donations for I Support The Girls, which is an organization that gathers and distributes feminine hygiene products for women and girls experiencing homelessness and distress. The Bryn Mawr Athleta store is collecting donations for this wonderful organization all month long, and I am happy we were able to contribute with our event.

I’ll be hosting a few other events at the Athleta store in Bryn Mawr so be sure to follow me on Instagram to check out all of my events!

Kids, have the best year at school! It’s good to be back in September!

*This article contains affiliate links. When you click on some of the links, I may receive a very small commission at no additional cost to you. I only write about products that I genuinely use and love.

Brooke Goldstein
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