Q&A with Active in Style founder Caroline Lucey

Q&A with Active in Style founder Caroline Lucey

Love looking good while you work out? Our Q&A with Active in Style founder Caroline Lucey is your go-to girl for in-the-know workout wardrobe updates.

Tell us a bit about Active In Style…

Active in Style is an online destination selling fitness fashion. Our aim is to offer women an active wardrobe that will inspire and motivate them to be active. We stock brands from all over the world and bring them together under the Active in Style umbrella so that our customers can browse and shop exclusive, stylish, performance brands that will enhance their workouts and support their active lifestyle.

Have you always been passionate about workout wear?

I’ve always been passionate about fitness. But it wasn’t until I started working at Lorna Jane in Australia that I realised how having an active wardrobe can motivate you to work out. You look forward to wearing your gym outfits, matching your trainers to your tank or sports bra, putting it on at the weekend to meet your friends for coffee or brunch. Activewear doesn’t have to be old leggings, chunky, faded sports bras and oversized tees. You want to feel good and look good when you train and it will make you train harder.

What do you do to stay fit and healthy?

I try to workout three times a week if I can, although sometimes it’s just not possible with work and family commitments. If there are days that I can’t get to the gym or to a class then I’ll go for a quick power walk or jog just to get moving and get the blood pumping. I am strict with my diet during the week because I know at the weekend I’ll treat myself. It’s all about balance. Other than that I try to get enough sleep and drink lots of water.

What do you think are the must-haves for any workout wardrobe?

A classic pair of black full length leggings that can be worn for any workout or for everyday wear. Good sports bras that are comfortable, supportive and add a pop of colour to your outfit. A pre and post-workout hoodie or long sleeved top to keep you warm on early morning gym sessions or evening runs.

How do you find new brands?

We are constantly searching for new brands that fit the Active in Style look. To do this, we search social media and monitor fitness influencers and professionals to see who they are wearing and what they love. We aim to stay abreast of trends so we can keep our offering current and in fashion. We’re lucky to be in a position now where new brands will come to us with their look books because they want to be stocked on Active in Style, which is great.

Are all the Active In Style brands Australian? If so, what is it about the Aussie brands that you love?

We have brands from the US and UK on the site but we do have many Australian brands, too. I am very familiar with the Australian brands after having worked over there for four years. After we starting importing Lorna Jane to the UK it seemed natural and easy for us to bring Vie Active, Pilot, Running Bare etc too. Australian brands are excellent quality and well-designed but they are vibrant too with colours and prints. I think Australians are naturally very active. Their activewear industry is more established than in the UK so the’s more choice and more brands in the market.

What workout wear trends do you think we’l be see in in 2015?

Prints are still going to be strong next year. There’s also a move towards more ‘boyfriend’ style tanks and tees. Slinkii Athletic does some great ones, which are so stylish and flattering but have that more relaxed, casual look to them.

What are your three fave bits of kit right now?

I am obsessed with my Vie Active Rockell Elite Compression Tights in Warrior print – they are so comfortable and a nice change from black leggings. I love any of the Lorna Jane sports bras – they give amazing shape and are so supportive. My latest one is the Tarika Bra in neon spearmint, which adds a pop of colour to my active outfits. Lastly, my Vivimoss Energy Long Sleeved Tees – I have them in all four colours and they are perfect for layering over sports bras and tanks.

Who or what inspires you?

The Active in Style business inspires me every day. I love what we have created and how our customers relate to us. They are very loyal and come back to us time and again for advice on what’s new. I love all the labels that we stock from global brands like Lorna Jane to brand new start-ups. I’m proud that we can offer them a platform through which they can sell. I want to be able to offer the best edit of activewear so that women can continue to be motivated to move and maintain a healthy lifestyle. We aim to make being active fun, exciting and we want every woman’s active wardrobe to be as important as her everyday fashion one.

What are your goals for 2015? For Active in Style and personal goals?

We’re excited to be adding another two new brands to the site early this year – one from Australia and one from the US. We hope to add at least another eight in total this year while growing the offering from our current brands and increasing stock levels. We are also going to be running regular fitness classes across London from the New Year. Our Active in Style magazine will go live on the site from January and will preview new brands, trends and interviews. Personally, I hope to continue to lead the Active in Style team, grow our awareness, and inspire customers to get active and to get active in style.

Visit Active In Style to update your gym wardrobe.

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