Loose Change: A Local Alternative to Athleta Stretches Your Dollar

If you get as much mileage out of your exercise attire running errands as you do jogging 5Ks, you’re not alone. An entire cottage industry of $100 yoga pants has cropped up to make the habit fashionable. Green Apple Active Lifestyle Boutique in Carmel serves up local competition to the Athleta/Lululemon axis of power at The Fashion Mall. “I go more for what feels good and what lasts,” says owner Shelly Petrowski, “because I know that these days, what we work out in is our outfit for the entire day.” Ease the transition with versatile layering pieces, the standouts among the store’s selection of workout attire and casualwear. The boutique’s bestselling Saint Grace line (starting at $80) features unhemmed maxi dresses and wide-legged pants meant for tailoring. Omgirl ($50 and up) offers organic fabrics, and L.A. label 15love (starting at $55) has a sportier feel with breathable nylon-and-spandex tanks and capris. With free Zumba and yoga classes in its studio on the occasional Saturday, Green Apple even offers a way to save some money for your wardrobe budget. 4335 W. 106th St., Carmel, 317-802-9920, greenappleboutique.com

Photo by Tony Valainis

This article appeared in the June 2013 issue.