Five for Friday: The Five Rings (and five bags) Edition

Good morning, Friday. It's another stinker of a day here in New York- hot, humid, and generally uncomfortable. I had no idea that summers in New York would be so very similar to Miami- yuck and yuck again. But screw the weather- the Olympics start tonight and I for one am super stoked to see what Danny Boyle does with the opening ceremonies (guessing junkies, zombies, Bollywood). He's going to do a phenomenal job, I'm sure of it, and speaking of phenomenal- our US Olympic team has me super excited- I love hearing their stories and how they became champions. From hottie hot Ryan Lochte to the lovely young women that make up our gymnastics team, it's going to be an exciting couple of weeks, with over a billion people estimated to watch all the fun. Lord knows we need a lift on this side of the pond, so let's hope we win some big time medals. Go USA. 

I'm amazed at the determnination and discipline of these athletes- in an age where we are so easily distracted by Facebook and text messages, these kids are superstars. And maybe in our own lives we need to be that disciplined when it comes to our own workouts- I'm sure that many a day these talented pros wake up and don't want to go out of bed. But get out they must, and so must we. And maybe it's not winning or the thrill of competition that inspires you to run that extra mile or double up on the crunches. And maybe you've got all the drive you need, but just need something cute to put all of your crap in when going to your next workout. For that reason, I give you today's Five spot, a series of bags that will help you channel your inner McKayla Maroney, and look cute doing it. Let's get to it:

Reed Krakoff Gym Bag- This gorgeous bag should not just be used for the gym- it's a sporty lovely (and very pricey) way to store your stuff in true high style.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/reed-krakoff-gym-bag-stripe-satchel/3238160?origi...

 

Alexander Wang White backpack- A downtown choice for downtown girls that are more interested in style than sport. I love the look of this bag- it's got that cool futuristic sporty thing I so dig.

http://www.ssense.com/women/product/alexander_wang/white_leather_gym_backpack...

 

American Apparel tie dye gym bag- At $40, you can't go wrong with this cuteness. A great choice for toting your stuff to yoga class, or bagging your sneaks after a quick run on the beach. Love.

 

http://store.americanapparel.net/rsasd500td.html?utm_source=shopstyle&utm...

 

Lesportsac backpack- I love the material of Lesportsacs for the gym- they're sweatproof and the backpack is a great way to not kill your shoulders when you're running to work after an early morning spin class, plus it's super adorable and classic and the stripe keeps it sporty.

http://www.endless.com/dp/B004NYATQE/182-3901573-0763314?ie=UTF8&creative...

 

Marc by Marc Jacobs Zip duffel- This may be my favorite- just an ultra chic yet not fussy or overly femmed up way to carry your gym stuff. I hate that women's sporty stuff can often feel too girly- you're not going to see me wearing pink or lilac to the gym any time soon- I prefer more neutral colors that feel a bit more toughed up. I dig the edge of this bag but also its sleekness and ability to transcend the gym bag scenario and go anywhere you need to go. Perfs.

http://www.endless.com/dp/B004TB2MKM/ref=asc_df_B004TB2MKM2103547?tag=dealten...

I'm counting the hours until the games open, and can't wait to see the show. As for me, I've been to spin this morning, even though I didn't want to, and somehow managed to have a good class. And though my gym is literally steps from my apartment and I no longer need to bag up my stuff to get dressed in a hurry after a class, I still think if you like what you're wearing to the gym, you're going to be happier working up a sweat. Regardless, let's cheer on Team USA tonight and throughout the weekend. Hope you're having a great Friday, and that's what's up this sporty chic go team USA kind of Friday in the US of A. XO