Our Favorite Things From 2015

With January behind us, and the rush of the “new year, new you” craze over, we thought it would be a good time to share some of our favorite goods with you from last year.

Full disclosure: We’re NOT being paid by any of these companies. Even the two companies for which Paisley is an ambassador, Stonewear Designs and Green Goo Helps, do not pay us, they only give product. No company asked us to write these reviews, we’ve done it only to give a shout out to products we believe in and to help you navigate your way through some goods you might enjoy.

LEGGINGS

Best All-Around

Fusion Tight by Stonewear Designs

This material is soooo soft and cozy. We constantly reach for these pants because they are total work horses.

We run in them, climb in them, hike in them, practice yoga in them and wear them to lift weights. Behind the knees are mesh inserts to keep you cool during high output activities. The mesh is even in texture (not that honeycomb pattern that blows out immediately in the thin spots), not too see-through and is built to last.

Waistband has an attractive ruching that helps eliminate muffin top and an in-waist pocket for keeping cash or keys. These run large, so size down.

Standout Features:

• waistband stays up but doesn’t create the dreaded muffin top
• material is super soft, thick and durable
• excellent breathability
• versatility

Cost: $79

 

Ferocity Legging by Anjali

There aren’t that many leggings that you could snorkel in, but you can in these, and we have! We’ve also slipped them under another layer on cold climbing days, like a pair of long underwear.

They are very thin, like a second skin, but are not so sheer as to be see-through. If you run hot or want something minimalistic, these are a good bet.

The Ferocity Leggings are awesome for hot yoga, or if you don’t want to wear shorts but would overheat in regular pants. Added bonus: they’re made from recycled plastic water bottles!

Standout features:

• fun, colorful designs
• great, stretchy fit that doesn’t ride down
• made from recycled material

Cost: $65

 

Most Commented On

Pointe Leg Warmer Legging by Green Apple Active

Seriously, every single time we wear these pants, (which is a lot because they’re comfortable and cute) someone comments on them.

The bright blue fabric is an eco-friendly bamboo-cotton blend that feels like the dreamiest lightweight sweatpants-gone-classy.

But what really gets people’s attention is the built in leg-warmer. You can snap it closed and wear it down around your heels, or open the snaps and let them bell out over your feet. These are equally at home in a yin yoga class or lounging around the house.

Standout features:

• organic bamboo and cotton blend fabric
• super comfortable while being good looking
• hold their shape well, even after several wearings without washing in between

Cost: Normally $60 but currently on sale for $48.99

 

ATHLETIC TOPS

Sports Bra

Zenergy Sports Bra by Colosseum Brand

This little bra is snug enough to provide support, but not so snug as to make breathing difficult. It never rides up, has removable padding in the cups for extra coverage, and comes in cute colors.

The flattering double strap back pattern gives freedom of movement while keeping the straps from being too tight.

Standout features:

• wicks sweat
• snug without being constricting
• bottom hem sits true on chest, at bra line, rather than lower on ribs
• top moves with you without riding up or binding

Cost: $54

 

All Purpose

Lyra Top by Stonewear Designs

We are constantly reaching for this top! The straps are nice and wide so they don’t rub underneath a backpack or create any hot spots. They also provide plenty of coverage and range of movement without fear of the girls falling out.

Length is perfect for yoga or wearing under a climbing harness and the fabric is super soft next to skin. Removable pads in the bra cups have a sewn-in space so they don’t float around or turn sideways while wearing.

This top is a favorite for traveling because it looks nice enough to wear on the airplane and is comfy enough to sleep in while onboard.

Standout features:

• stay-put padding in bra (removable for washing)
• ultra-comfy and functional styling
• wide straps look cute and never dig into shoulders

Cost: $60

 

SKINCARE

Dry Skin Face Wash

Face Cleansing Oil With Lavender & Calendula by Green Goo Helps

This may have been the most revolutionary change we made in 2015! If you have dry skin, normal cleansers leave you feeling itchy and tight. Not this oil-based face wash from Green Goo/Sierra Sage Herbs. This is the best face wash we’ve found for dry skin.

While it’s an adjustment to wash your face in a non-sudsing, organic olive oil and vitamin E base, the results are remarkable. Skin is softer and less dehydrated, you’ll use less moisturizer (because your skin is no longer being stripped of oil) and you won’t be worried about chemicals or parabens.

Standout features:

• 100% organic, natural ingredients
• supremely moisturizing and balancing for skin without leaving you oily
• smells amazing with lavender and calendula to calm and soothe
• free of chemicals, petroleum, parabens, pthalates, dyes, perfumes
• family run, small business
• made with care in the USA
• supports small farms and sustainability

Cost: $16.95

 

Combination Skin Face Wash

Good Morning World Face Cleanser by Homestead Soaps

This fluffy, light cleanser is made from a goat’s milk and coconut oil blend, with a very light, refreshing floral scent. It goes on with a cream-like texture and wipes away dirt and makeup, leaving skin squeaky clean and smooth.

Standout features:

• some ingredients (goat milk and egg) are farm harvested in small batches
• calendula, chamomile and lavender smell great and calm irritated skin

Cost: normally $9.95 but on sale for $7.99 through the end of February

 

 

NUTRITION BARS

Chia Protein Bars by Health Warrior

 

These are the perfect vegan bar for on-the-go, at the crag, post-yoga or pretty much anytime. Made with 10g of plant protein from a superfood blend of chia, quinoa, oat and pea, these bars fill you up without making you feel heavy.

While most of us generally love chocolate, these fruit flavors are amazing. Our favorite is the Lemon Goldenberry for a bright and refreshing flavor that will get you out of your nutrition bar rut.

Standout features:

• vegan, gluten-free, plant-based, clean protein
• 2000 mg Omega-3 in each bar
• unique and delicious flavors

Cost: 12 pack for $23.99