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I’ve never really been a gym kind of a girl although I’ve always exercised. But I have to say that I’m quite envious of those who truly love exercise; it’s like pulling teeth to get me outside or to the gym sometimes. I think that’s why I like this resurgence of gym style, because when you add the element of style to something… well that changes things. You mean I can look cute while doing something healthy? Tell me more. It’s a bargaining game with me — I can get something cute to workout in, if I actually go workout. So I find myself reaching for workout clothes in the morning typically because they are comfortable. But it works out that since I’m in them already, I’ll go for a walk with the dogs or I’ll pop in a yoga DVD. (not sure if this needs to be said, but then I do yoga. I don’t just watch it while drinking my coffee…even though it’s tempting sometimes.)

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So when Zella, a new-to-me workout wear brand sold at Nordstrom, approached me with the challenge of taking gym style to street style, I was game. You know I love a good challenge. And a challenge it is because I want to be able to get enough wear out of something to make it worth my investment, so the challenge starts from the shopping to the styling. Since I’m not a devoted gym rat, I need my workout wear to double as day wear. Especially right now since most of my days are cleaning out and organizing our house that we’ve neglected for 2 years and the very, very full garage that holds almost all of the remains of bloom. (Every day I find more stuff, it’s amazing. But that’s another post.)

I figured that the chicest way to go from gym to street or vice versa is in all black. I actually saw this look a lot in Europe — all black with bright sneaks. Since I had a few more errands to run today I tossed on my go-to denim jacket and somehow I don’t feel like I’m in fitness clothes anymore.

< a few of my Zella picks >

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*since it was new to me, just a quick note on their line: If I could describe this whole line it would be ‘soft.’ Everything is in a very soft material with a good weight, not so thick that it’s hot to wear and not thin that you are afraid you’re going to rub a hole in them. My leggings actually feel more like cotton instead of the poly / spandex mix it is. I sized up in the pants but just because I like looser pants. I tried on many pieces in the line and would say that it all fits true to size.


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Wearing: 
Zella Tee
Zella ‘Live In’ Leggings
Nike Sneaks / Similar
Ray-Ban Sunnies
J.Crew Factory Jacket
Baggu Leather Tote

*This post is sponsored by Nordstrom. Thank you for supporting the brands that support me and my two dogs. 😉

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56 Responses

  1. I just got a pair of Zella leggings, and I LOVE them! They hold you in without uncomfortable squeezing. And you look super cute and fit in this outfit!

  2. Kendi, I totally get that a girl has to make a living, but sponsorships seem to be seriously overwhelming your blog entries lately. I’d really love to see you bring back the 30 x 30 which was awesome!

  3. I wear these combos all the time, and not just because I live in Europe, mind you 😉 so comfortable yet not hobo looking. Black leggings, a comfy black top and cute sneaks are a must. And the gym too. I know I’m a freak but I LOOOOVE my gym time. THE OUTRAGE. 😉

    xxoo
    ~ franciscamay.blogspot.com

  4. Kendi! I used to manage the active department for Nordstrom and Zella is my FAVORITE! i honestly have one of everything, and we sold the leggings more just to wear with tunics and dresses than to wear to work out.
    The fabric feels good.. and fun fact.. all the pants are reversible for two different climates 🙂 i wear the Z tee and the leggings together all the time, so classic and chic! you look great! awesome post.. and i dont mind the sponsorships 🙂 its fun to see brands supproting your blog! love love love your blog. keep it up girl!

  5. Zella is a Nordstrom owned brand and I’ve seen a lot of people compare it to Lululemon. I just know they made my favorite workout hoodie pullover. It’s fitted, has long sleeves that cover my long arms, and it’s longer in the back to cover my lower bike while biking. The only think they could do better is make cropped leggings for tall women. You’re right, it’s very soft and I find it doesn’t get that stinky workout smell that my other tops seem to get.

  6. I love your blog & your sense of humor – I’ve been a reader since probably 2009-2010, ish. I remember your red UO pumps and blazer obsessions. Lately, over the past 6 months or so, your photos have become SO edited though. The contrast AND exposure seem wayyyy too high. I’m all for cool/expressive editing, but it’s getting to the point where you’re losing image data and it’s hard to see the details of the clothes you’re wearing! I realize this is more a comment for Bryan than you, but please consider my constructive criticism. If you’re featuring/promoting or even c/o-ing clothes, readers want to see them! Extremely high exposure and contrast aren’t fully conducive to that.

  7. I just got a pair of Zella leggings, and I LOVE them! They hold you in without uncomfortable squeezing. And you look super cute and fit in this outfit!

  8. I wear these combos all the time, and not just because I live in Europe, mind you 😉 so comfortable yet not hobo looking. Black leggings, a comfy black top and cute sneaks are a must. And the gym too. I know I'm a freak but I LOOOOVE my gym time. THE OUTRAGE. 😉

    xxoo
    ~ franciscamay.blogspot.com

  9. I’m curious about your shoes–super cute! What kind of Nikes are they?

  10. Loving the outfit today. Sometimes I leave right from the gym and start my day, so it’s refreshing to see you style workout clothes into all day clothes. You never dissappoint.

  11. Kendi, I have been a follower since the beginning and I just wanted to say how much I adore your blog. I loved your 30 for 30, but my favorite part of your blog is watching your style evolve. I find mine changing and it’s nice to see the realness you bring to kendi everyday, not just doing what has worked in the past. You’re always an inspiration, thought you should know! P.s. Love the tennis shoes!

  12. Zella is a Nordstrom owned brand and I've seen a lot of people compare it to Lululemon. I just know they made my favorite workout hoodie pullover. It's fitted, has long sleeves that cover my long arms, and it's longer in the back to cover my lower bike while biking. The only think they could do better is make cropped leggings for tall women. You're right, it's very soft and I find it doesn't get that stinky workout smell that my other tops seem to get.

  13. I love your blog & your sense of humor – I've been a reader since probably 2009-2010, ish. I remember your red UO pumps and blazer obsessions. Lately, over the past 6 months or so, your photos have become SO edited though. The contrast AND exposure seem wayyyy too high. I'm all for cool/expressive editing, but it's getting to the point where you're losing image data and it's hard to see the details of the clothes you're wearing! I realize this is more a comment for Bryan than you, but please consider my constructive criticism. If you're featuring/promoting or even c/o-ing clothes, readers want to see them! Extremely high exposure and contrast aren't fully conducive to that.

  14. I'm curious about your shoes–super cute! What kind of Nikes are they?

  15. Loving the outfit today. Sometimes I leave right from the gym and start my day, so it's refreshing to see you style workout clothes into all day clothes. You never dissappoint.

  16. Kendi, I have been a follower since the beginning and I just wanted to say how much I adore your blog. I loved your 30 for 30, but my favorite part of your blog is watching your style evolve. I find mine changing and it's nice to see the realness you bring to kendi everyday, not just doing what has worked in the past. You're always an inspiration, thought you should know! P.s. Love the tennis shoes!

  17. As a gym rat, I LOVE that sporty styles are in. You look fab and I’m glad that you found some workout digs that make you feel fab, too. 🙂

    XO Alison
    looksharplansing.blogspot.com

  18. As a gym rat, I LOVE that sporty styles are in. You look fab and I'm glad that you found some workout digs that make you feel fab, too. 🙂

    XO Alison
    looksharplansing.blogspot.com

  19. I love Zella they have a great selection and you are right their clothes are so soft!!!!! It really is great quality at a cheaper price point than some other workout clothes.

  20. I love Zella they have a great selection and you are right their clothes are so soft!!!!! It really is great quality at a cheaper price point than some other workout clothes.

  21. I really like those Nike sneakers and have been wanting to buy a pair for quite a while! One question–what socks do you wear? I like low-cut socks but hate their tendency to be swallowed by the shoe as I’m wearing them. Any advice on this? Thank you!

    Quinn

  22. I really like those Nike sneakers and have been wanting to buy a pair for quite a while! One question–what socks do you wear? I like low-cut socks but hate their tendency to be swallowed by the show as I'm wearing them. Any advice on this? Thank you!

    Quinn

  23. Love the simplicity and sportiness of this outfit! The all black combined wit hthe denim jacket and pop of the Nike’s really accetuate your look!

  24. Love the simplicity and sportiness of this outfit! The all black combined wit hthe denim jacket and pop of the Nike's really accetuate your look!

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