*Gear Review* Stonewear Designs + a Giveaway for Moms!

Mother's Day is just around the corner and, as you can imagine, we are big fans of moms around here :)

This weekend we honor the moms that raised us; the moms that get their families outside; the moms that cook and clean and work and love; the moms that we are.  This post will be directed more at moms than usual, but if you are MARRIED to a mom or HAVE a mom, listen up! :) (there's a chance to win at the end here...)

First of all, I wanted to highlight a women's clothing company I am especially fond of because of their mission to help us women stay active in clothing that can keep up with our busy lives.  Stonewear Designs strives to "make clothing to help us (women) feel beautiful while performing under strenuous demands."   Established in 1996 in Boulder, CO, the company (made up entirely of women) has been setting the bar high for climbing, yoga, fitness and travel wear (all made here in the USA.)

I have mentioned before that I personally demand my clothing to work throughout my active day which includes my daily-routine, chasing my kids, going on a walk/hike, biking and being involved in the community.  When I first discovered Stonewear Designs at a shop in Jackson (WY), I felt like I had made a pretty great discovery.  Wear upon wear has confirmed that.   Their prices may seem a bit higher than you would expect, but you are definitely getting what you pay for (clothing that performs AND lasts).

Even more attractive about Stonewear Designs is their commitment to make clothing that fits EVERY body (not an easy task!)  They truly work hard to make their designs flatter and look good.  I am proud of the fact that I am a mom, I am active and love the outdoors, and I am ok with the fact that my body is not "perfect".  I like clothing that is ok with that too.

Without further adieu....
My new favorite: Liberty Pants ($80)

What I love about them:
- They come in 3 different lengths (petite, long and regular)
- The fabric is thick enough to be "sturdy" and supportive without being hot on warm days (this is HUGE for me)
- Wide waistband at the top, flare at the bottom
- Basic, yet functional
- I literally have been wearing them at some point every day (yes, I DO wash them.... and there has been no fading or piling in the wash)
- Lined gusset
- They don't stretch out and keep their shape very well.

What I am not so crazy about:
- They only come in three colors - Black, Tar and Navy.  The "Tar" AKA grey color is on sale for $56 currently...!  I wish they came in brown (though have it on good authority they WILL be coming out with brown and other "earthy" colors this fall.)
- They run just a TAD big.

As it warms up: Liberty Skort ($70)

What I love about it:

- Supportive, thicker fabric which doesn't blow up in the wind.

- The built-in shorts (AKA "skort") under the skirt are substantial and long enough to not ride up and still provide coverage.

- Washes well (just like the Liberty Pants)

- Moisture-wicking and dry-fitting

- Small pocket on the side - great for carrying a little cash.

- Comfortable!

What I am not so crazy about:

- I wish it were just a TAD bit longer 

- It is semi-fitted...(which is what it is supposed to be, but I think I would prefer a skirt a little less snug.)

For the top: Olympia Tank ($65)

What I love about it:
- Made of supportive fabric that flatters, doesn't cling and doesn't stretch out.
- Higher neckline for modesty
- Longer length to allow for lots of movement while still flattering.

What I am not so crazy about:
- The color.....I am a much bigger fan of the new colors they have that just came out which are darker  (again, a personal preference thing.)
- The signature built-in bra just isn't for me with this top.  I would be more comfortable without it (especially as a nursing-mother).

I need your help....
I am applying to be an Ambassador for Stonewear Designs.  I would love a little support from you if you wouldn't mind jumping on their Facebook Page or tagging them on Twitter just saying you think I would be a good fit for their team and/or you like this blog and what we are doing here.
They want to hear a little from my readers. :0  Thanks! :)

In case you want a bit more....  the ladies at Stonewear Designs published this great list of 40 things you may not know about them back in 2010.  My guess is a few things have changed since then, but it is a great glimpse of who they are!

A little something for MOMS:
Congrats to lucky #8 - Lemmon; #13: Gypsytrekker; and #15: Laura


This is completely unrelated to clothing and Stonewear, but I am excited about it anyway :)  CLIF contacted me offering to give 3 winners a chocolate-themed prize pack that will include Bar, CRUNCH and MOJO.  Enter if you are a mom yourself or need a gift for a mom :)  

From us to you (a little early), HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

To enter (two possible entries): 
1. Leave a comment on this blog post about what you love most about your own mom or the greatest thing she taught you (My own mom is an INCREDIBLE crafter and the most patient, giving woman I know! :))  Please include contact information in case you win!
2. Leave a second comment saying what you think about Stonewear Designs (their company, their products, etc.) and/or that you contacted them through Facebook or Twitter and put in a good word for me (but please ONLY do that one if you really mean it!)  =) 
*This contest will be open until Thursday, May 10th at 1 pm MST (with the hopes that some chocolate will at least be on the way to the winners BY Mother's Day....because you don't need to just spoil moms on that ONE day!)* Winners will be posted on this post and on Facebook.  Please check back to see if you won!*

Stonewear Designs generously supplied me with my Liberty Pants and Olympia Top.  However, as always, the opinions expressed here are completely and honestly my own.  See my full disclosure here.