Lucy Cut For Me Legging (Product Review)

I was recently contacted by Lucy to try one of their products, the popular "Cut For Me Legging."

From the Lucy.com website:

Product Information:

• The Cut For Me Legging features flat-locked seams and trim lines for you to cut the legging to your specific leg length—plus the slimming, moisture-wicking strength of lucy powermax™ fabric.
• Moisture Wicking
• Jersey knit 87% supplex nylon, 13% lycra spandex
• Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
• High-tech Supplex®/Lycra fabric providing maximum compression, moisture management and four-way stretch.
• Body-Hugging: Form fitting for peak performance and muscle support; ideal for high-intensity activities

I was super excited to try these out. I rarely wear pants/tights when I run since I'm indoors most of the time I get way too hot. However, I do wear pants or capris when I have my kickboxing class. So... I tried them on (pictures courtesy of A, so sorry for quality):

First impression? Oooooh so comfy! Super soft (not "compressiony") waist band, yet it is wide so it didn't feel like they were going to slide off my waist. Not too snug around the thighs (a good thing!)


Immediately I knew I was going to have to cut these puppies down! So I watched the video... 





and cut them down. (Which by the way made me VERY uneasy... I really didn't want to do it wrong!) I cut to the tiniest inseam I could do and headed off to a night at the gym of turbo kick box and the stationary bike. Unfortunately the shortest inseam was still a bit too long. As a result of them not being quite tight enough around my ankles, I had a bit of sagging and bunching around the ankles. It got to be a bit annoying when I was jumping around, but it was a non issue once I moved to the bike. 

So... other than the length issue, these were fabulous. If you are taller than me (5' even), these would work GREAT for you.

(Keep in mind that 99% of the clothing I wear is too long. Just about everything I own is hemmed, so this is NOT a brand-specific issue).

Cyber Monday Deals!

RazzyRoo Headbands.

Headbands, Socks, Tutus...

Free shipping - use code CYBERFREE

Additional bonus - spend $50, get a free glitter headband, no code necessary

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Running Skirts

Running Skirts, Newton Running shoes

Free shipping - no code necessary

Pretty much everything on sale

I have had luck with these two codes working ON TOP OF the other discounts for an additional 15% off...

fatty

fitmepink

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Team Sparkle Skirts

Sparkle Skirts!

Buy one skirt, get a second for 50% off! Use code CYBER MONDAY

(Excludes the Showgirl and Special Orders - in stock skirts only)

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Athleta

30% off, free shipping over $50. Use code HUGECYBER

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Lucy

30% off many items. Discount applied at checkout.

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Backpocketsports.com

Cute running/yoga tops

30-40% off. Discount applied, no code needed.

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Tough Chik

20% off. Use code RUNWITHJESS

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Garmin 405CX

Amazon Goldbox deal of the day! $149.99!!!!!

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I'm sure there are more deals out there, but these are the top ones that I am aware of. Hope your wallet fares better than mine! Happy Cyber Monday!!

Amphipod Vs. Ultimate Directions Race Belts (Product Reviews)

*I paid for these products, they were not given to me for promotional purposes*

So I'm super annoying when I race. I am obsessed with running with my iPhone. I like to take pictures before, during, and after races. I'll pretend THAT is why I'm slow... In order for me to race with my phone, I need to have a belt that is big enough to hold it AND doesn't bounce around. One would think that wouldn't be too hard to find. During the summer, and when I train longer distances, I run with this belt, and I love it:

The above is called the "PR10" and it is made by Ultimate Directions, retailing for about $25. However, there are some times when I really don't want to run with a bottle. The way the PR10 is designed, is that the bottle holder is "stiff," so even if I don't have the bottle in, it is... bulky. I know, I'm being picky.

Pros:

• I can rotate the belt around my waist without my number moving around or anything bunching up
• The zipper pocket holds my iPhone
• Pouch holds a 10 oz bottle
• Adjustable waist
• Snaps to hold race bib in place

Cons:

• A bit bulky to travel with, even if the bottle is removed

So, I was on a mission to find a smaller race belt (yes, even a belt with one bottle is bulky when travelling) for shorter distances, or when it is colder and I don't need the extra fluid. I came across one from Amphipod and I decided to shell out the money for it:

This one is called the "Race-Lite Go" and retails for about $20, but I got it on sale at my local running sale for about $15. I LOVE IT. It fits comfortably, does NOT bounce around, holds my iPhone, and still holds my bib in place. The only complaint that I have is that the zipper pull is a bit hard to use, but I think with a little bit bigger of a tab on there, I can open and close more easily. Really happy with this purchase, and it is a LOT smaller than my other belt.

Pros:

• Small and compact. Great for shorter distances and travelling
• Zipper pocket will hold iPhone (and probably other stuff with it, but I typically don't store anything other than  my phone)

Cons:

• If I rotate the belt, the pouch is not attached so my bib can get messed up. Try not to do that.
• Zipper a bit difficult to open and close if I leave pouch at my back

I've tried other belts in the past. I tried one that I could add/remove bottles, but I didn't like that the belt itself closed by Velcro. I ruined a few tech tops because of that. I've tried two other smaller race belts where my phone bounced around like CRAZY. Nothing more annoying that spending a whole race messing with a belt.

The above two have been tried out in half marathon distances (or longer) and have not annoyed me. I recommend them both!

Black Friday - Ultra Training Style

Most people that were up around 3:15 in the morning on Black Friday were out shopping. Me? I was on the treadmill in my basement, getting in the first long run of my new training program. So how far did I have to run?

Did you know that I watched Gone With the Wind all the way through and it STILL didn't last my entire run? That's a LONG time on the treadmill. How did it go?

Basement Treadmill = INFERNO. Never been so hot and sweaty in my life. Had to change clothes halfway through my workout. Went through three towels, 1 32 oz powerade zero (orange), 1 GU (plain, nearing expiration date), 1 pack chomps, 1 pack Honey Stinger chews, 1 small Luna bar (white chocolate macadamia), 2 17 oz bottles of water and a 12 oz diet wild cherry Pepsi.

Goal - 20 miles @ MP+30 (10:54) 

Actual - 24.08 miles @ 10:51

There were some stops in there - bathroom, clothes change, dumping water on my head, feeding A, letting the dog out...

The nice thing was that I finished early and A and I were able to go out and do a little shopping at a reasonable hour. By the time we went out all the crowds were pretty much gone, and everything I had hoped to pick up was still available.

Louisville Turkey Trot (Race Recap)

Louisville, CO
Thursday, November 24
Weather - Sunny, WARM

We were originally going to do a Turkey Trot in Arvada. But. We waited too long to register (Hey, it's Colorado. If it's 5 degrees outside and snowing, I'm not running). Luckily, there was another option. And this one was FREE. Yes, you heard me. FREE. The Louisville Turkey Trot was FREE with a donation item (either clothing, shoes, toiletries, blankets, etc) for the local homeless shelter. So. Louisville it was.


I'm never quite sure why I sign up for short distance races. I really don't like them. I am slow, don't pace well, they just aren't fun. But. Free.

Starting Area

We were able to park about a block from the starting area, got our bibs and timing chips (yes, even though it was free, STILL TIMED), and went through the bathroom lines. Twice. We actually got recognized. A lady said, "Hey, are you the two girls that dress alike and ran the Bear Chase?" Why, yes. We are. Hilarious. Went through the bathroom line again, and literally the race starts as we are headed to the start line. Which meant we ended up behind dogs, strollers, walkers, kids. Blech.


The first quarter mile or so was a lot of dodging, but on a city street so it was ok. Then we entered the trail area, and it really narrowed out. I did ok for about the first 3/4 mile and then pretty much crashed and burned. It was HOT (relatively speaking, this IS Colorado), in the upper 50s. I was ROASTING. My calves were ok, but my thighs were burning. Probably not a good idea that I did a tempo run the day before. I ran with L until just past the first aid station (there were THREE).


I started my unplanned walking around 1.2 miles in. Really? I can run a whole marathon without walking, but not a 5k? There is something wrong with me. the course was on trail, so I was getting lots of dirt/pebbles in my shoes. And it was crowded. Plus, the course was short. The turnaround should have been about another .1 out. Even with all THAT, I still ran a disastrous race. I barely ran sub 30 (officially 29:54...), and keep in mind the course measures 2.91 miles per my watch. Bleh. I doubt I'll ever PAY to run another 5k. They are just no fun.


Grabbed a candy cane and Clif bar at the end, took a picture:

and headed out. We had lots planned for Thanksgiving!

Quick shower and lunch at home. Then I took L's boyfriend to the airport. Took A and H to the park, went to the Muppet Movie (which was AWESOME), and then family Thanksgiving dinner. Stuffing and chocolate cheesecake are MY favorite Thanksgiving foods :) Relaxed at home, watching Megamind in the recliner. I got to go to bed early since J is one of the crazies that went out for Black Friday shopping at 9 pm.


So. What are YOU thankful for? I'm thankful my MS is still in remission, having a biopsy that was negative for cancer, my awesome family, and RUNNING.


Happy Holidays!!


PS - I never heard from Anais, so the new winner... 

Yay, Lisa J, contact me! I can email you the code or mail you the physical card. Congrats!!

Black Friday Deals!!

Click here to visit RazzyRoo Headbands.

20% off from 12:00 am MST to 10:00 am MST only on Black Friday. You better believe I'm stocking up on SOCKS!! Good for all items on their website!! USE CODE BLACK20

ALSO... VISIT RUNNINGSKIRTS.COM!!!

Everything on sale, FREE shipping, gift with purchase AND use code "fitmepink" for an even BIGGER 15% savings!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Williams Route 66 Half Marathon Pictures

Pre-Race - the giant guy next to me also ran White River the day before

Look, Dave is in red right behind me!

Completion of State #43, Half #51

Dave Spotting #1

Dave Spotting #2

Big News

I am 99% committed. (Or is it a 99% chance that I *should* be committed?) I have been debating for a few months about attempting my first (only?) 100 mile race. Well, pretty much since the day I finished my first 50 mile race. I have a decent mileage base and I think I can do it. After reading Fast Cory's race recap of HIS first 100 miler... I was convinced. (THANK YOU Cory, for all the info!!) I can totally do it. So. If anyone wants to join me in Moab, the last weekend of March...

THE MOAB 100 MILER (presented by Gemini Adventures)

So. Join me... as I train for my first 100 mile race. It'll be an adventure... I promise.

Williams Route 66 Half Marathon (Race Recap)

Tulsa, OK
Sunday, November 20
Half Marathon #51
State #43
Weather - Overcast, misty, windy, FREEZING

Have to add this from the White River Half Marathon... Here is a picture of Rick (from the Biggest Loser) finishing the marathon!

He finished in 6:00:39!!

I signed up for the Williams Route 66 half marathon about seven months ago. There are not that many races in Oklahoma, and it was a nice fall addition to an otherwise EMPTY race schedule. Plus, I knew a lot of people that were running it, which is always nice.

Anyway. So after leaving Chili's, it's my turn to drive. The first hour or so go fine, then I start to feel SUPER drowsy. I have to pull over because I'm concerned I'm going to fall asleep! We get a cappuccino from the gas station... YORK.PEPPERMINT.PATTY. So delicious! Sure enough, it keeps me awake the rest of the drive.

We arrive in Tulsa around 5:00, only to discover that the Holiday Inn we are staying at is the host hotel and literally about a hundred feet from the start line. SCORE! L goes in to check us in, and I'm sitting behind a car waiting. The guy comes out, gets in his car, proceeds to back up and hit our car! Not a huge hit, but definitely a tap. As I'm getting out, the dude just drives off. WHO DOES THAT??? L comes out and tells me we can park for free in a metered spot (to avoid paying to park in hotel lot). Ironically, the dude that hit our car was in the elevator. We make a comment and he pretends like he doesn't even hear us. RUDE.

Our room is nice, and L decides she wants to rest. I pull out my computer to work on my Sociology term paper for a bit. Lose motivation, and we decide to go sit in the hot tub for a bit before dinner. Only one other person was in there, a guy who was also going to be racing. I really enjoy making small talk with other runners. Always entertaining. Go back to the room, quick showers, then we drive about 15 minutes to... Applebee's.

Yummy!!

Beer!!

And that is our rental car

After dinner,we head back to the hotel. It's only about 7:45, but L goes to bed. I can't go to sleep that early, so I stay up working on my paper and surfing the internet. I still went to bed ridiculously early around 8:30. Don't mock me. Tired. Before bed I checked the weather to finalize my outfit. Forecast was 54 degrees, 30% chance of rain, about 9 mph winds. OK.

Wake up just after 6:10, giving us enough time to get dressed and be out to the start line for the Marathon Maniac picture. Little do we know that after we went to bed (8:45), the time was changed to 7:30.... We spend about 40 minutes FREEZING, wandering around, and trying to find the other people for the picture. Recognized quite a few runners from the White River race. Turns out the group of Maniacs, Fanatics and 50 Staters would have been impossible to miss. Check out this group!

Can you find me??

Immediately after the picture, I decide I have to go back to the room and get my gloves and arm sleeves. I am freezing to death! It is way colder than the forecast. We leave the comfort of the nice, warm hotel with about 8 minutes until the start. We were in the second corral, so we actually didn't head out until about 5 after 8. Right off the bat, I am concerned. I feel like I'm barely moving I'm running so slow. At the first mile marker, I was really surprised to see that I was under a 10 minute pace. I cannot run by feel AT ALL. I lost L briefly at mile 2 because my calves started to tighten again and I slowed my pace considerably because of that. Well, that AND the fact that the course was SUPER hilly. First aid station right before mile 2, and I caught up with L. She had JUST tossed her throwaway sweatshirt. That alone should tell you how cold it was. She has NEVER run in long sleeves. Ever.

Swan Lake

We had a nice semi-circle around Swan Lake, then up and down more hills. I took a Hammer Gel at mile 4, and was immediately feeling better. I know it's totally dorky to say that I could feel the effects of the gel, but I really think I could! Course continues to be pretty hilly.

Nice to see changing leaves, everything is dead already in Colorado

We both had to use the bathroom, so we stopped at some potties just before mile 6. We had to wait for a few people ahead of us. Then a guy cut in line! At the same time, L and I both say "Wow. Really??" Guy acts totally surprised like he had no idea he cut us off. RUDE!!! Turns out we would see him later in the course, he was a pacer... Still don't think that gives him the right to cut us off!

After putting my gloves back on after using the bathroom I never did warm up. It was cold, cold, cold. I don't care WHAT L says, she must have been FREEZING. We see the leaders heading toward the finish (crazy fast). The course finally levels out around mile 6, and I am feeling a LOT better. The course isn't all that interesting, or maybe it was just too cold for me to care. I really didn't want to take my gloves off to take any pictures, so sorry for the lack of them!

Around mile 8 we spotted Dave. As we were catching up to him, we ran by a bank that said the temperature was 32 degrees... mind you, by now it is like 9:30 in the morning. SO COLD. Aid station with some GU, and I should be ashamed of myself for taking extras (again). Wouldn't have taken so many if they weren't handing out Roctane again... Anyway, head back out and around mile 9 the wind really started to pick up. I am so freaking cold, I just cannot wait for this race to be over. I feel like I am pacing pretty well, but I won't lie, I was tired and have I mentioned it was FREEZING???

Doesn't Dave look like a bunny?!

The last aid station was just past mile 12, and then right about mile "13," the course split and we headed toward the finish. Like yesterday, L had taken off with about a half mile to go. She always has so much energy at the end! Longest .1 ever, and cross the line. Hallelujah!!

Bib #3270
Official Time - 2:14:53
Official Pace - 10:19
10K Split - 1:05:23
Overall Place - 1584/3118
Division Place - 136/314
Garmin Time - 2:14:52
Garmin Distance - 13.28 miles (!!!!!)
Garmin Pace - 10:10
Mile 1 - 9:37
Mile 2 - 10:56
Mile 3-  9:52
Mile 4 - 10:12
Mile 5 - 10:10
Mile 6 - 12:03 (bathroom)
Mile 7 - 9:49
Mile 8 - 9:43
Mile 9 - 10:23
Mile 10 - 9:53
Mile 11 - 10:01
Mile 12 - 9:45
Mile 13 - 9:50
Mile 13.1 - 8:53

Nice ribbon, nice medal!

Volunteer just hands me a banded medal. My hands were so cold I dropped it while trying to unwrap it to get my picture taken :(  Pretty good post race beverages (I didn't see beer, but I assume there was some since I had beer tickets on my bib), Pepsi products, Rock star energy drinks, Gatorade AND 0 calorie SoBe. Wow!! We finished about a mile from where we started, so we had to locate the shuttle bus to get us back to the start. Even though there was a Marathon Maniac tent, we didn't have time to visit it because we had an early flight back.

So cold we didn't do a pre-race picture. This is after, in the hotel

This was a GREAT race. I enjoyed the huge presence of Maniacs, Fanatics and 50 Staters. Everything was VERY organized, there was lots of crowd support, and everything we needed at the finish line. I am really considering running the full marathon of this one next year. Only I certainly hope it would be warmer. I really think this was the coldest race I have ever run. Brrr.

We barely manage to get off at the right stop, but we get dropped right by our hotel. We take quick showers, pack, and then head out. As we are checking out, we discover that we had been charged for parking even though we didn't use the lot. Annoying, but they fixed it right away for us.

Head out, have to get gas before heading to the airport. We arrive with plenty of time, our flight was on time. We had a relaxing lunch at TGIFriday's, and got to sit next to each other in the third row. I managed to finish my paper on the plane AND we landed 25 minutes early. Probably the most uneventful trip we have ever had.

Super tasty Southwest Burger... YUM

PS... I still have NOT heard from the winner of my giveaway. Anais, you have until Wednesday at 5:00 pm MST to contact me or I will be selecting a new winner.

White River Half Marathon (Race Recap)

Cotter, AR
Saturday, November 19
Half Marathon #50 (!!!!)
State #42
Weather - Mild, sorta windy towards the end. Not much sun.

The White River Half Marathon was a late addition to our race schedule. We didn't even know that it existed until the other L heard about it from someone she was talking to after our race together in Rhode Island last month. Turns out it was only a 4 hour drive from Tulsa, and since we still needed an Arkansas race...

We opted to fly in early to Tulsa on Friday so we could hit the expo there before driving to Arkansas. Figured that would save us a lot of time/pressure so that we wouldn't have to rush back on Saturday. The expo wasn't too exciting, but we finally splurged on that shirt we had been eyeballing.

They DO exist!

This is what happens when people use a photo booth and cannot follow instructions

If you are looking for an interesting cross country drive, I don't advise the route we drove from Tulsa to Mountain Home. BORING. We stopped halfway there to get a Sbux. FYI, the Sbux in the Barnes & Noble 10 minutes out of the way is NOT a real Sbux, does not honor their promotions and you CANNOT use your Sbux card to pay. Anyway.

We are thinking we still have time to get our packets for the race as long as we can get to Cotter by 7. Unfortunately we hit a bit of snag when a semi broke down on a two lane road and we got to sit there for a half hour. Did you also know that there is no Applebee's anywhere NEAR Mountain Home? :( :( We opted for a pasta bowl from Pizza Hut. I tell you what. $6.50 for a cheesy bowl of pasta with chicken? Great idea. We DID have to wait about a half hour for it, but it was TASTY. We arrived at our hotel somewhere between 8 and 8:30. Exhausted, we were probably in bed by about 9:00.

Early wake up, just after 5:00. The race was starting at 7:00, but they were only handing out packets until 6:15. It was about a 15 minute drive to the school where the race was headquartered. Picking up packets was simple, we had about 45 minutes of hanging around. Obviously used the time for waiting in line for the bathroom. There were quite a few Marathon Maniacs there, so we chatted a bit. Got a chance to meet one that we interact with quite a bit on Facebook, so that was neat. Headed to the start line when there was about 10 minutes to go.

We were pretty excited for this race because 1). It was advertised as "flat and fast 2). There were aid stations every mile and 3). Rick from the Biggest Loser was running!! We didn't see him at the start, but he said he thought he would be running about 10 minute miles (!!!) and that people were welcome to run/talk with him.

The first mile was a VERY steep downhill (seriously steep), and we actually saw Rick a few minutes in. I tried to get a picture but it came out blurry. :(

You mean you can't tell the dark purple shirt in the middle with the white bib is Rick? Really?

We did say hi to him and told him we love the show. He was nice about our craziness. After the first mile, the course levelled out a bit. I felt sorta tired and my legs were a little tight. Got worried a few miles in when they started cramping. Thanks to all the awesome water stations, they loosened up a bit. I had worn gloves and arm sleeves, but once the sun came out, it got pretty warm. I probably tossed my gloves after about 15 minutes and the arm sleeves came off about 10 minutes after that.

The course was not that interesting, and it was not closed to traffic, so a lot of time/energy was spent dodging around trucks hauling ginormous boats. That's probably the only complaint I have about the race... especially with it being an out and back, runners on both sides of the road, at least HALF of the road should have been closed to traffic. I opted not to take any pictures until the turnaround since it WAS an out and back.

Took this right after the turnaround at mile 7

This was supposed to be my Rick redemption picture but someone stepped right in front of him and I didn't realize it when I took it. Awesome shot of L in front of me though

Course #2 picture... the river we ran by. It was pretty dark when the sun wasn't up

I don't remember too much of the course or how I felt. I only know that as flat as the course was, that I should have been able to run faster, but I didn't. We did pass the few rabbits that we picked out, and I ran a faster second half. Race was pretty uneventful until about mile 11 when the wind picked up.

The race finished about a mile from where we started (THANK YOU for not making us run up that huge hill!!!) L had sprinted off to the finish with about a half mile to go, and I bet she finished a full minute ahead of me :D Crossed the line and overheard people saying that they were having trouble with the timing... (as of now, a day and half later, there are still no official results). We got our picture taken - mainly to celebrate our FIFTIETH half marathon, then caught the shuttle back to the start line.

Chute 1 - Determined

Chute 2 - Promise I won't barf

WINNING!!

Bib #1177

Official Time - 2:14:55

Division Place - 11/18

Garmin Time - 2:14:48

Garmin Distance - 13.17 miles

Garmin Pace - 10:14

Mile 1 - 9:13

Mile 2 - 10:30

Mile 3 - 11:11

Mile 4 - 10:08

Mile 5 - 10:29

Mile 6 - 10:01

Mile 7 - 10:14

Mile 8 - 10:38

Mile 9 - 10:02

Mile 10 - 10:42

Mile 11 - 10:02

Mile 12 - 10:11

Mile 13 - 9:54

Mile 13.1 - 9:22

Nice medal!

Parched, we stopped to get something to drink, and wouldn't you know that the second place we stopped had souvenirs. REALLY?? We weren't going to have to drive around all afternoon looking for shot glasses and a key chain. AWESOME!! Quick shower at the hotel, and then we managed to find a Chili's (!!!) to eat at. (Quick story... I used to have Chili's every weekend... I absolutely ADORE their big mouth bites. I think that might be part of the "extra baggage" I was carrying a few years ago. I went ONCE in 2010 - Las Vegas airport. Guess this was my one trip of 2011...) Anyway. Had a nice salad, TASTY DELICIOUS AWESOME Big Mouth Bites. Nice satisfying lunch. Then around noon, we started the drive to Tulsa.

Three Things Thursday

1. L and I didn't have anything on our schedule in February. We had been eyeballing the Austin Marathon... yes, the marathon. I have family there, so I save a lot on not needing somewhere to stay and not needing to rent a car. But then found out that some others are planning on running it too... Kim, Lisa, and Becca. Turning it into an EPIC weekend!

2. I have a new blog hero. I was referred to his blog after asking for suggestions on how to (possibly) train for a 100 miler... If you are at all into ultra running. Check him out. He is HILARIOUS and takes some really sweet pictures.

FAST CORY

3. I am registered for spring classes!!! Only will be taking 6 hours in the spring, but I (thankfully) will be down to just 2 days a week in classes. YAY!!! For some reason we have next week off from classes, but all that means is I will finally be writing my Sociology term paper.

BONUS - Three Products I'm Eyeballing

Razzy Roo socks!!! (Use code PROMORW for 10% off!!)

Showgirl Skirt from Team Sparkle (perfect for New Years Eve race??)

Hello Kitty/Asics Arm Warmers (So adorable!!)