Athleta Summer 2012

My mission to find a new bikini lead me to the Athleta UWS store at 216 Columbus Avenue store, which I've been wanting to shop at for months. This particular location is coming up on its one-year anniversary, having opened last August. If you aren't familiar with Athleta, they are a division of Gap, Inc.

As I looked around the store, there was an impressive selection of swimwear and any pieces I would need for the gym, yoga, running or hiking. There are three things I'd like to note, making Athleta one of my favorite places to shop for swim and activewear:

1) Sizing is available in XXS and XS, with many styles offered in petite sizes

2) Free in-store alterations

3) Free weekly workout classes such as yoga, zumba, internval training and outdoor cardio sculpt (classes vary per location)

Let's not forget the friendly, helpful staff either. Ashley, Store Manager at Athleta UWS, ensured I got everything I needed during my visit, including my fabulous new bikini. I decided on the Fiji 360º Bikini Top ($54) and Fiji Medium Tide Bottom ($46) in Fiji Brilliant Blue. Anne, Store Associate, helped me at the fitting room and brought me over to the size chart when I had questions about the differences between the XXS and XS sizing.

Here's a look at my Athleta top picks for summer:

Swim

Left: Fiji 360º Bikini Top and Fiji Medium Tide Bottom

Middle: Calypso Dip Dye Extended Triangle Bra and Calypso Dip Dye Notsostring Bikini

Right: Shirrendipity Halter Bikini Top and Sporty Shirred Bottom

Racine Laptime One Piece Suit

Yoga/Studio

Left: Revelation Capri Outfit

Right: Space Dye Seamless Racer Bra Outfit

Left: Hatha Hoodie Outfit

Right: Batwing and Robin Top Outfit

Gym/Training

Left: Run Racer Tank Outfit

Right: Bra Cup Vee Neck Racerback Tank Outfit

Run

Left: Pop Space Tank Outfit

Right: Supreme Wicking Outfit

Left: Piccolo Half Zip Outfit

Right: Dawn Run Jacket Outfit

Hike/Explore

Left: Paradise Hoodie Outfit

Right: Stellar Capri Outfit

- Kim Weling