Zumba!

Workout trends come and go, and it's easy to see why. Treadmills are tedious, as is Spinning- seriously, how is that for never getting anywhere with your workout? PowerPlates are a pain and expensive besides. Strip aerobics is downright embarrassing, even for non-uptight types. And even Bikram Yoga and Masala Bhangra are not so hot anymore. Enter the latest workout to hit your gym: Zumba.



It's not only the actual moves, which seem more like a fun Latin dance party than an actual workout- let's admit it, it's pretty much all about the clothes. The official Zumba website, http://www.zumba.com, has some pretty cute outfits on it, including these cargos, which are loose in a flattering way and have that cute touch of orange. They are super similar to a pair of Nike Dance capris I spotted the other day, which come in Black and turquoise, as well as olive with purple. The Nike ones also have a coordinating little jacket that is absolutely adorable, and perfect for that gym-to-lunch thing.

My theory is that Zumba clothes should be comfortable, but also colorful to match the Latin grooves. There are a few Brazilian companies that have super sexy workout wear that is absolutely perfect in that respect. Case in point, these adorable Mikka pants by Bia Brazil. Sure, they're bright, but the fabric is super-stretchy and flattering so don't worry about getting noticed. For more modest types who adhere to the "loose pants make me look skinnier" theory, there are these capris by Puma that fit the bill. Just make sure to wear a tight, colorful top with them or you will not be following the tenets of Zumba! May I suggest this Title Nine Tank, super bright and sunny yellow, with a cute detail in back?
But of course, I would pair the tank with these surprisingly funky workout trousers by Victoria's Secret.








For teenybopper types or for those who merely have teenybopper figures, these only-flattering-on-skinny-girls but oh-so-cute Onitsuga Tiger pants are great. For those who think that just because they are somewhat loose, you don't have to be stick thin, may I refer you to those infamous photos of (thin but not skinny enough) Mischa Barton in pink workout pants?


Maybe after a few months of Zumba!

Country Life

I've been in rural Virginian horse country for over seven days now, so I can tell you firsthand there's nothing like a week in the country to open one's eyes to a whole new set of fashion possibilities and requirements. As usual, I was glad I'd overpacked, because my urban staples- the black uniform, acid brights, goddess drapes, standby cocktail gear, all of it looked hopelessly inappropriate. Too staid, not fresh enough for the bucolic setting. Which is not to say that one must resort to Nelly Olson gingham dresses or tablecloth-esque checkers. Enter this season's tongue-in-chic country ensembles. Florals and prints are just exaggerated enough to pop, shapes and materials are new. Wish I'd packed the items below. As it happened, I lived in my fitted denim jacket and Purple Liberty-print fringed scarf.

Roberto Cavalli took watered-down Liberty prints and transferred them to silk chiffon. On the hanger, this shape looks a little mumsy, but try it with bright turquoise panties underneath for a daring look that'll give the local cows palpitations. For more toned-down occasions, such as lunch at the Keswick Club, may we suggest a flesh-toned bodystocking or your trusty Spanx?

Cherry prints? Overdone. Black cherry anything? Cloying. But when the cherries on the print are literally black silhouettes, well, it takes the classic right into acceptable country garb for hipsters. Jill Stuart created this adorable sundress this season. Try it with red platform sandals for dinner in pseudo-urban Charlottesville and stand out from the UVA sorority girls who are mysteriously all dressing in black halter tops and jeans this season.

Red gingham micro-shorts are totally Dukes of Hazzard, but these sequined red-checked beauties by Philosophy di Alberta Feretti are dressy enough for even the most formal barbecue. Be sure to wear them with a loose, modest peasant top and chunky heels to keep the look on the appropriate side of racy.

Sundresses in general are a country staple, but when one lives in the city, it's sometimes difficult to summon the required ingenue attitude. This sundress by cool Spanish label Hoss Intropia is perfect country seersucker that will not look out of place with even the super-preppy Garden Week crowd at Somerset, but the red embroidery work lets your urban self shine through.

What to wear for cool country nights? Cashmere seems contrived, leather is out, stiff jackets are a no go. Chloe has come up with the perfect hand-knit topper: with its irregular stitching and soft dove grey color, it could pass as a hand-me-down, but its sleek length and soft texture makes it unquestionably designer for those in the know. And in terms of packing light, it's a real treasure. It goes perfectly with all the looks above, and when it comes time to decamp back to your urban playground, it'll also keep you toasty on the plane.