Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Skirt Sports Review & Giveaway: The Lioness Skirt


In celebration of Labor Day and the impending fall weather, I'm so excited to announce that I get to review and giveaway to one lucky winner their very own Skirt Sports Lioness Skirt!

Now, if you've read my blog or followed me on Instagram, you've probably heard me rant and rave about their Gym Girl Ultra skirt - my favorite piece of running apparel EVER (I mean, it literally changed my running life!). So needless to say, I have a TON of them. But when I found out I got to do a giveaway, I decided this would be the perfect opportunity to branch out a little and try something new.

And what better to try, than the adorably cute Lioness Skirt:

(For more details, check it out on the Skirt Sports Website.

Seriously - I don't even usually like animal prints, but I LOVE how this one looks - so I decided to go for it (I think I just love how, because of the colors, it's not your typical animal print!). In order to review this, I went for an 8 mile road run, a 16 mile trail run/hike, and another 5 mile trail run - so I think it's safe to say I got a nice variety in before reviewing it. Here's how it panned out:

STYLE:


I kind of went over this already, but I think this is adorable. I'll be honest in that it's a little bit shorter than I typically like, but (and I'll get into this more when I go over the "fit" of it) I ordered a size up than I normally do and I do feel like it's a little bit longer (even though I don't know if it actually is - it's probably all in my head). The actual stats are as follows:
  • Skirt length (medium): 12 inches on front; 13 inches on back
  • Built-in shorties inseam (medium): 4 inches
The pleats are super fun and girly (and I'm really not even a "girly-girl" - but I love them - maybe I'm becoming one as my Skirt Sports wardrobe increases?!) and I love the color of the Safari print - but they also have various solid colors too if zebra stripes aren't you're thing:

 

FIT:


I'll let you in on a little secret: I actually tried this on in my usual Skirt Sports size (which is actually one size smaller than I typically get from other apparel brands - an Extra Small) about 6 months ago and wasn't super comfortable in it. Because it's shorter than the Gym Girl, they put the silicone grippers in the legs, which I didn't like - not because of feel, but purely for aesthetic reasons - I know I'll get crap for this, since I'm not that big, but...I felt like my leg fat stuck out from the shorts, making it "unflattering" (and because this is a shorter skirt - you see the shorts more than you do on the Gym Girl). However, after I returned it, I kept re-looking at it online and just couldn't get over how cute it was. So when I decided to give it another try, I went for one size up (or my "normal" size in other companies - a Small). And it's perfect. The waist is a little looser than my other skirts, but it comes with a drawstring, so I can always tighten it if I feel it necessary (although I haven't yet!).

So, my recommendation, if you're a little self conscious like me, is to order a size up. If not, go for your standard size - it did still fit that way - it was just for pure aesthetic reasons that I prefer the larger size.


 

FUNCTION:


Overall this skirt functioned great on the run! As I mentioned, I took this on both a road run (in VERY hot, 95 degree weather, mind you), and 2 trail runs (including a long one with lots of elevation gain and loss) and it worked out great. I didn't have any chafing issues or sizing issues. I'll be happy and confident to wear this to any race I do in the future!

I was also happy to say, I didn't have any issue with the plastic leg grippers - I had a skirt in the past with those and didn't really find them comfortable - but these were fine and didn't bother me one bit!

Here's some other miscellaneous stats on the skirt regarding function:
  • Features Skirt Sports GoSoft (Skirt) and Endure (Shorties) Jersey fabrics with wicking properties
  • Elastic Waistband and continuous drawcord puts you in control and keeps your skirt where you want it
  • Built-in Shorties have UPF 50+ Sun Protection Properties
  • Light-weight, thin 5/8" silicone dot grippers hold the shorties in place (what I was mentioning earlier)
  • 3M Scotchlight Reflective Material elements for low light visibility; be safe, be seen!
The Lioness got me to the top of Imogene Pass (13,114')!

 

POCKETS:


With me and my obsession with pockets, I couldn't do a review without mentioning them (so they get an ENTIRE category!). And drum roll please... they didn't disappoint! Especially because this skirt has 3 pockets! My typical Gym Girl Ultra's only have the 2 total pockets (one on each leg), but this one has those same leg pockets AND a back zippered pocket - how awesome is that?! I love my pockets, so the more the merrier. And really, the back zippered pocket is perfect for a key or something you don't want to worry about losing! Here's what Skirt Sports has to say about the pockets:
  • Zipper pocket on middle back of skirt secures your running essentials
  • Built-in shorties have two pockets, one on each thigh to carry music system, nutrition (or in my case, my phone!)
The only thing I will say, is that since I have an iPhone 6 in the biggest Otterbox case offered - I do have to take a little bit of time getting it snug into the pockets - but it's not too bad, and once it's there, it stays put:


So there you have it - my review of the Lioness Skirt! It is probably going to be a new favorite! Enter below for your chance to win your own Lioness Skirt.

Please note: this giveaway is made possible by Skirt Sports; when you enter the giveaway through the widget below, you agree to the rules of the giveaway. Skirt Sports will collect the emails of all giveaway entrants (but you can later unsubscribe from future email communications). The value of the giveaway is $65 and sales tax, if applicable; the winner will not be required to make any payment. Should the winner choose a print that is currently on sale, they will not recieve the difference between the above amount and the actual cost of their product in any form (store credit, coupons, or otherwise). This giveaway ends at 12 a.m. (midnight) Mountain time on September 10, 2015. Open to residents of the United States only. Winner will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter and agrees to have their first name and last initial published on social media.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't want to wait to see if you won? You can buy one today at this link! Don't forget to use my Ambassador Code SSMAA20 for 20% off your order, and be sure to check out the patterns from last season which are on sale now!

39 comments:

  1. I've never tried this brand - love the lioness and tutte skirts

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  2. I also love the gym girl. I do have the vixen in black which I wear a LOT. I got the lioness in the peach color and it is the only one I have with grippers.

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  3. I have a Skirt Sports skirt and love it. It's too cute for just the gym, I wear it everywhere!

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  4. I love my Gym Girl Ultra - I hiked 1200 miles in it this summer and wore it EVERY SINGLE DAY. I finally got a hole in the shorties near the end of my trip and was so bummed - but sliding down slick rocks on your butt will do that! I couldn't believe how great the durability was though!

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  5. I still haven't tried a running skirt yet, I'm still not totally ready to show off that much leg! But I've heard such good things about this brand!

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    1. They have some really cute capri skirts too if you want something a little more covered! Other ambassadors are doing giveaways for the next few months for all different kinds of products - so stay tuned for some of those (if you"like" my facebook page, I'll be sharing all of those giveaways as well!).

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  6. I haven't tried any yet, but I think I'd enjoy one because I like wearing skirts and dresses on a regular basis.

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  7. I have not tried any skirts from this company yet but they look really cute.

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  8. So cute! Can't wait to try this!

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  9. I have previously been anti-running skirt...for no real reason lol. I am definitely intrigued! I have heard nothing but awesomeness from you and another ambassador I know! Ready to give it a shot!! Love the pockets in this one!

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    1. I was super hesitant to try them at first too - I think I didn't want to look too "girly", haha, but I just love them now - and in particular Skirt Sports because of the pockets - so many companies don't put pockets in stuff and it's so impractical! I need to carry my phone, keys, fuel at races etc. and it's super nice to not have to bring a separate belt for all of that!

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  10. I already own 3 lioness skirts. :)

    That said, I do have bigger thighs, and I do find if I wear them for runs over about 5 miles I do get chafing. Although oddly I didn't size up (maybe I should have, but I think it would have been too big elsewhere -- I'm a pear shape, after all).

    Love the zippered pockets. Wish the gym girl skirts had them!

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  11. I've been avoiding skirts due to my shape, but I might have to give one of these a try. Thanks for the chance to win and the discount code if I don't!

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    1. Of course! They also have capri skirts if those ever interest you (that's what I love about Skirt Sports - they have a ton of variety - and all of the ambassadors are all different sizes and shapes)! Also, all of the Ambassador Captains are doing giveaways from now through late Fall with different products - I'll be sharing them all on my Facebook page!

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  12. The happy girl is my favorite but I would love to try the Lioness

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  13. I haven't tried a running skirt yet, but I'd love to try the Lioness!

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  14. A good friend of mine is also an ambassador. I have been eyeing her skirts with envy. They may make me leave the shorts brand I am VERY loyal to if they fit/feel like she and you says they do.

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  15. I love the pockets and no chaffing! Good for long races and carrying your gels with you it appears!

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  16. I'm not sure how to leave a comment without an ID but I love the Lioness and Jette lol
    Sirinya

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  17. I haven't tried, but I would love to. The pockets are genius!

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  18. I have never run in a skirt before, but this looks super cute and functional! Would love to give it a try!

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  19. I've run in a few different skirts, but haven't tried this one...yet! Would love to :)

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  20. Hi! I just registered for my first half marathon (runDisney - WOO HOOO!!)... so the training has begun! I'm so excited, and I've been searching for a great running skirt option. I quickly realized skorts are the most comfortable and *flattering* way to go. :) Keep reading good things about Skirt Sports - I think I may need to take the plunge! Great review, very helpful.

    P.S. You look adorable in that turquoise Lioness print!

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  21. My wife has a couple of their skirts, would like to see her run in the Vixen.

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  22. I LOVE Skirt Sports! The Vixen Skirt is my favorite-- I wore it for the Pike's Peak Ascent last month and it was perfect.

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  23. I love running skirts. After reading the review I need to try this brand!

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  24. always wanted to try a running skirt :)

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  25. No, I haven't tried any of these skirts yet, but I want to.

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  26. No I haven't but they sure look cute and comfy

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  27. Great review. I don't have any skirts...yet. But, looking forward to getting some in the future. Your review will definitely help the decision making process.

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  28. This looks lovely. I love running skirts and rather fancy this one. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  29. Like my gym girl ultra, but LOVE my redemption Capris!

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  30. Love Gym Girl Ultra... love the Lioness skirt too

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