Winners Monday Style

 Mondays are always better when you come out a winner.  Just because the golf season is winding down (or for the PGA tour starting back up which is so weird) does not mean you have to stop looking good on the course.  Mondays are for talking about the winners style.  Also a big shout out to Korea who had the bigger winners for the week.  Korea is hitting all the right notes and it is great to see the country being highlighted from great golfers to the Squid Game. (If you have not seen it be aware it is not for the faint of heart.)

First stop is to the LPGA Founders Cup at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, NJ.  The tournament is a great tribute to the 13 women who founded the LPGA.  Their great work allows girls to dream of playing golf professionally. The tournament is my first official LPGA tour event I got to attend. Some photos below of the wonderful course and why the LPGA has the Founders Cup.

Ko Jin-young came out on top.  She is continuing a great run and career on the LPGA.  Her style was flawless during the week and always looking tailored.  Sunday she was able to look flawless despite the tough fall weather with cold rain and wind.  I am a huge fan of black and white and her Sunday winning outfit showed off the simple colors.  The sweater like top had a winter like snowflake feel that seemed appropriate for a miserable fall day of weather.  I was cozy warm on the couch watching the win.

PGA Tour had a second time winner with Sungjae Im. Monochromatic was the style for Im.  The block coloring worked well for me.  Picture shown is from Saturday but Im also rocked the black and white look for the Sunday win.  I always love a white belt on the golf course especially with dark colors. I would say a solid golf style for the week! 

 

Phil Mickelson is a winner again on the Champions Tour.  Turning 50 has suited Phil well.  Not only is he the PGA Champion but he is also winning almost every start the Champions Tour.  Phil is not a style on the course.  He looks like the golfer who rolls out of bed and grabs the clothes just hung up in the closet.  He does not adventure into prints or adventurous golf styles. Style is for Phil is average Joe.  Blacks, whites, grays and blues are a guarantee.  Nothing special.  I am glad he is no longer wearing the button down golf shirt thing.  However, Phil has made the aviator sunglasses his thing.  I will say they work for him. Not many people could pull off the look.  He came out of COVID wearing the sunglasses.  He told CBS sports golf commentators the reason for the sunglasses came out of necessity for some preventative skin cancer measures.   A lot of comments can be found on what type he wears but I have no confirmation.  I will say I am sure they are not cheap.  A good pair of athletic aviators will cost you close to $300.

Lastly, the Symetra Tour finished out its season and 10 women earned their tour cards to the LPGA.  A tour card looks good on all the ladies.  A big congratulations to all the women and good luck.  I hope to write about you in the Winners Monday Style.

  

 

Bargain Golf Cloth Shopping Online

I love bargains.  I want to stay on the cheaper side of the budget line when it comes to golf clothes.  Plus being a golfer is like having a second wardrobe.  Golf can be damaging on your clothes with the weather and natural obstacles.  (Tree sap...terrible on clothes).  Also, there is the personal obstacles like weight gain.  As I like to say I am still battling the COVID weight.  It was time for me to admit get some clothes that fit properly. But with that I did not want to spend an arm and a leg. So I decided to try Poshmark for some updates in my golf clothes.

I wrote before I like Athleta brand for my bottoms on the golf course.  I am a long time wearer of the 2 in 1 legging and skort.  My favorite short is also Athleta the Brooklyn style short.  So I decided to buy a pair of their Brooklyn pants.  To save some money, I bought my first pair of Brooklyn Pants on Poshmark. I was planning on reviewing and tell about the shorts but I had to give some advice about Poshmark buying.   

I like Poshmark.  I have bought successfully on the site through the years.  I especially like the site for items that are more of luxury item but you are not sure you will like.  I have bought a couple of pairs of specific type of exercise shoes. I like to do crossfit and the shoes can be expensive.  I also had issues with the shoes making my feet hurt.  Why I like Poshmark.  I can find a used or gently used pair for cheaper to try out.  I also have sold several items on the site along the way.  If you are ever in a wedding a need a bridesmaid dress check Poshmark first!  Save a lot of money especially for a dress you are only going to wear one time.  

To update my fall/winter golf clothes, I decided to try Poshmark.  I needed some larger sized pants.  I wanted to go with the Athleta Brooklyn Pant because I like the fit and feel.  I also like the ribbed waist band and the front and back pockets.  The pant is light weight but has room to move.  Plus, the ankle actually hits on my ankle.  I tried the pants on at the store and I felt no need that I would have to get tailored.  However, the $89 price tag was out of my budget.  

Athleta Brooklyn Pant

Poshmark to the rescue.  I found a pair in navy and I was able to get for $35.  A great savings and the reviews of the seller were strong.  I also reviewed the pictures and comments.  However, I was disappointed to see some information was left off when I received the item.  First, the seller had to be reminded to send.  I am never upset about the reminder because life happens. So it took over 2 weeks to receive.  When I unwrapped I noticed the waist had some puckering at the waist line like it had been altered.  After, closer inspection, an elastic waste band was added to the pant.  In the description line there was nothing about the alteration just some information about some staining.  I went back to the pictures and looked closer and did find the photo below.  I missed the waist band alterations in the picture.  But again there was nothing in the descriptions.  As a seller and buyer on the site, I hope to have the best honesty about the product. 

Athleta Brooklyn with Alterations 

I notified the seller of my disappoint in the lack of information about the product.  I decided not to return but remove the elastic alteration in the waist.  The seam through the center of the pant can still be seen but the waist sits more flush against my waist and I no longer have the puckering. I decided not to return because I could not find any more Navy in size 6 or 8.  I am able to wear a size 6 or 8 in the Brooklyn.  6 is the more fitting style and 8 is slightly bigger in the waist but still fits comfortably.  I had some friends look at my fixes and from a causal observation it looks like the former seam is a design in the waist.  Closer inspection it does look like a ripped seam.  As these pants will be for mostly fall and winter, I will be wearing with outerwear and it should hid the waist line. 

I still recommend Poshmark for options for cost saving.  I recommend reviewing the pictures and descriptions thoroughly.  Always be willing to ask the seller more questions or to send more photos.  Also, it is completely acceptable to send back an item if it does not come the way the seller stated in the post.  Poshmark is an online consignment store and items may not come in the most perfect condition.  The site is not for everyone but I will continue to browse.  I have another pair of Brooklyn style pants coming my way.  I researched a little more and got a better deal for $25.  Fingers crossed it works out!

Fall Fashion Find Friday

As we enter the second Friday of October, we are fully in the fall season...I think.  Pennsylvania it feels a little more like summer but I am not complaining.  I am enjoying this warmer summer return of weather.  Give me more.

Despite the warmer weather, it is fun to check out the fall clothing.  Fall means the transition from shorts or skorts to pants.  I love skorts and I do whatever I can to wear them all year round.  One of my favorite transitional pieces is the 2 in 1.  The combination of tight and skort is so much fun on the golf course.  It has an athletic feel but meets the requirements for golf course attire.  I think Athleta makes some of the best 2 in 1 pieces.  I have been wearing them for over 10 years.  Athleta has a great feminine touch with excellent quality.  Typically their 2 in 1 line are solids.  I do have one piece with a subtle print for the golf course. 

The 2 in 1 piece above is the Athleta Evaluation 2 7/8 tight.  I bought the piece at the end of season last year and paid $78. Typically Evaluation 2 will cost you $89.  Athleta will cost you a little more but the quality is worth it.  I also find the costs of Athleta cheaper than what you find at the golf course pro shop or golf specific lines.  I receive the weekly Athleta shopping emails which helps to alert me to sales or end of season final items.  I have a pair of 2 in 1 from Athleta from 2011 and still look like new.  So if you get a solid or simple print you can wear for many seasons.  The 7/8 fits me more like a full legging.  I got the medium for a little longer length in the leg and more room in the waist.  Athleta legging or legging style are true to size for me.  The piece only has one small pocket at the back of the waist.  I can put tees and ball markers in the pocket.  Athleta website for Evaluation 2.

I paired my leggings with a cow neck Polo Golf Pullover.  I found this piece last fall at TJ Maxx of $29.99.   The pullover is a great layer piece.  It is a little lighter weight so good for the cooler fall mornings that may warm up.  I have worn this pullover under a golf vest and have plenty of room to swing.  I love a cow neck.  I just feel like it keeps me warmer.  The top has plenty of room to put another shirt under it and feel comfortable.  I bought the pullover in size medium.  The length at the arm and waist sits perfectly for me.  Not too long.  I do recommend always trying on Polo items.  I some may run small.  Pullovers I like to wear a small but I chose a medium in this piece. Buying a Polo golf piece a TJ Maxx is going to save you money.  At a pro shop or Polo online pullovers will run from $85-$150.  Check out a new Polo Pullover. 

Women's Golf Clothes

Playing golf requires a second wardrobe.  A lot of clothes do not carrying over from leisure or work especially for women.  Country Clubs can have strict rules on appropriate golf attire.  How long the skort/short, the amount of shoulder is bared, does the shirt have an open back...so many rules.  Some are archaic and sexist.  I am sorry the length of the golf skort has no reflection on the game.  Also, longer skorts at the knee are just as uncomfortable to me as really short skorts.  The length of my clothes should have not affect on if I can play at course or not.  A lot of feelings there and we can address later and often :).  I like golf clothes and I like the tradition of golf clothes but we need to update our rules.

I also want an update because golf clothes can be expensive.  But I am here to help.  I am going to provide cheaper alternatives for golf clothes.  TJ Maxx has become a regular stopping ground for me.  Sometimes I take clothes that were not specific to golf and bring them to the course.  I like to look fashionable but be comfortable.  I could be on the course for over 4 hours at a time.  I want it to work.  

I also want my outfits to work in my budget.  Golf clubs and courses, the clothes can be expensive.  You are playing for the logo more than the shirt.  I call this Logo Dropping.  (I am guilty of buying clothes just because of the location).   

My first find to show is one of my most exciting...a golf dress.  I am not sure if it is a golf dress or a tennis dress.  I tried to find it online but I am not able to find.  I cannot say the original price or what its intended activity.

The first picture with the price tag shows the coloring the best. I would describe as a bright orange.  The full shots make it come off more peachy.  Lately, I have enjoyed more of a non-collared shirt or style in my golf clothes.  I like the more structured look for myself.  I struggle with golf dresses and the look of two pieces helps break the dress up on me.  Let's talk about the price...$22.  Most golf dresses are close to $100 or more.  The dress does not come with shorts under it but I am going to wear my own black spanx-type athletic short.   I prefer that the shorts not be attached in a dress.  I love that this dress has side and one back pocket.  The top piece has a mesh underlay to help with breathing in the outfit.  The shoulders are not too wide.  They do not sit over the shoulder.  I find the piece to be more feminine.  I also like the small zipper detail on the back.  

I got this piece at TJ Maxx in the athletic clearance section.  The is not designation tag from Nike except a small one that says 'standard fit'.  The dress is a size medium.  I would say it fits like 6-8.  The bottom fits me well but top could be a little big.  However, I do not feel I need to get it altered.  The dress sits a little long on me which is not uncommon for mediums.  I am just under 5'3".  I do like the little longer length on this piece.  

I will be adding to my fall wardrobe.  I will most likely wear the dress with a long sleeve under it and maybe some layers.  I think a zip up would look cute.  We are having a warm and humid fall so this would be great with layers.   

Packing for a Golf Trip

 Ever pack for a golf trip and you have no idea how long you will be gone?  That is what happened to me this week.  I am playing in the USGA Women's Mid-Amateur Championship.  The event is in Bluffton, SC. The event is a great tournament but it is match play.  I plan on winning but it is match play.  You have practice rounds and potential to round days.  Plus I am not home and I have to travel to the event.

One bonus to this trip is I am driving.  Extra space to bring extra stuff.  Traveling by airplane for golf trips is the hardest thing to me.  How to I get all those clothes in one suitcase and then I have the golf suitcase.  I am trying to hit the weight limits.  I do not want to pay extra when it is already expensive.

Worse when packing for golf trips you need all types of weather clothing.  Luckily for me the future forecast looks amazing but I still have my rain gear and some cold gear.  I am playing on a typical Pennsylvania summer in my outfits.

Also in all honesty I have been at one of my highest weights all year.  I gained the extra COVID weight and then there was the stress weight from a tough year.  I feel like clothes are not fitting me right.  I also want to hide the extra pouch that happens.  I also want to be comfortable.  Packing is not easy with all these things going through my head.

I have not even hit the course and my thoughts are all over the place.  I am wearing a lot of elastic waste lines with sleeveless tops.  I mixed some skorts and shorts.  I also realized I forgot a belt.  Oh well, not a huge deal.  Just won't wear a belt.  I had to travel for work before I headed south for the trip.  It was like packing for two trips.

Tomorrow is the first day of practice.  No idea what I am going to wear yet.  Going to be a last minute game day decision.  I wish I had the outfits sent to me brand new like the pros.  Hey this is what you are wearing.  It will be tailored, pressed, and sent to you.  Nope, I packed it and hoped I packed enough.   

Golf Clothes

I have been thinking about golf styles through the years.  They have not changed too much.  My the length of pants could have changed but the clothes Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer wore to win their majors could be worn on the course today.  I am not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing.  I enjoy history and culture of golf.  Tradition is a major part of the game.  However, is the clothing styles an asset to women?  An issue for women especially in athletic clothing is retailers and companies just take the men's clothes and make them smaller.  There is not thought to the women's body or how clothes should be on her body.  

As we look to try to grow the game and diversify our population, we need to consider the clothing we have to offer.  Golf clothes are not the outfit of choice for most people.  I will speak for myself and I would not naturally choice a golf out for a casual day out with my friends.  Sometimes for convenience I could have a piece on like a skort and I change when I get to the course.  In addition, golf clothes can be expensive.  I will into my local pro shop and I cannot find on piece of clothing under $50.  For someone who is looking to start the game that is not affordable.

I also think of clothes more because I was practicing this week and got asked is that really golf clothes?  Admittedly, my outfit was expensive.  I had a lululemon top with Athleta shorts.  My shirt was purchased at Oakmont and has the OCC logo.  The shirt does not have a color.  I like it because it has the athletic and leisure style that is popular at this time.  I had to run errands after golf and I was comfortable to do both.  In addition, my outfit was extremely comfortable.  It was a hot humid day and I wanted comfort over style.

However, what should golf style be?  We criticize golfers for wearing joggers because they are different.  I think joggers are a good thing.  They are popular in general style especially among younger generations who we are trying to connect with on the golf course.  Isn't time to bring new outfits to the game? Joggers are comfortable and have pockets.  They are well fitted.  Time to think of new clothes and changing it up.