TennisIDENTITY

Spring 2013 tennis fashion preview from Lija.

Lija's up-coming spring 2013 tennis line will release in three groups. Vivid on January 15, Reflex, February 15 and Tranquil, April 1. I can't wait.

The four shots here are from all three groups. Hover over each image for group and style.

The new collection plays with a springy palette of energetic solids, changing textures, new silhouettes, fabrics, straps, drape and back detail in whimsical ways. Some outfits incorporate compression, others are body skimming or totally relaxed. 

Compression garments, no longer reserved for under-wear, are made of a denser fabric than others. They still breathe and stretch but by nature are a heavier weight. Three reasons to like compression: no jiggle, a smooth look, and warm muscles. Whether or not you like tightish the feel, that's personal preference.

Check out the bustle on the back of the deuce skort left. Love it. This outfit is actually two pieces. With the Infinity Tank, also in tranquil (blue), this set is a good mix of fierce and foxy.

Inset below is a wrap tennis dress (it's a mock wrap). Diane Von Furstenberg took the lead with this flattering silhouette years ago. This version, cut for movement will give you a nice waistline while you carve up the court.

 

Buy or find a retailer at LijaStyle.com, Tennis-Warehouse also sells a selection from the line.

 

Up next, Lija reinvents black and white tennis fashion.

Lija's Fall 2012 "Shades of Grey" tennis collection rolls out June 15. Fashion is always so way ahead of us isn't it?

Whatever they call it, this designer group will certainly work for summer, especially in white. I like that it's something new and not retro inspired. Luxe fabric blocking, lace overlays and asymmetrical styling raise black and white from the ordinary. Compression is built into many of the pieces and is noted as such.

Above is the Compression Swing Tank paired with Compression Strike Skort. Left, the Compression Aim Tank.

The skorts run the gamut from smooth sophisticate (Sprint Relay Skort, stretch overlay lace (Compression Lace Skort) or prom-ish ruffle (their Fuse Distract Skort is a redo of a very popular style).

If you like shorts, they've got a cute running style as well as the tight booty (my term) that teen girls wear alone.

Your choice, your style, your needs.

Consider looking at some of Lija's new artistic warm-up pieces as well. The company blends athletic style with fashion very beautifully. 

This Fluid Destiny Pullover cowl neck (pictured below)  will keep you feeling warm and looking elegant.

Find it after June 16 at: Lija, Tennis Warehouse and fine tennis retailers. Check Lija's site for brick and martar shops.

 

Ruffles and mesh style up Lija's Fall 2011 tennis collection. First up Neo.

Lija is releasing two fall groups this season. Up first, Neo. This collection brings on a few ruffles as well as some great mesh infused looks.

Seems women can't get enough of that most girly of accents, the ruffle. They're back again but here adding more texture than fluff. Sophisticated in black, pictured left is the Love Ruffle Tank, $70, racer back with ruffles down the front. It's paired here with the Compression Crush Skort, $85. There is a matching ruffle skort as well, $80 (both ruffle pieces are also available in white) 

Other pieces I love in this group are the hot looking black Balance Release jacket that looks almost like a wrap (see inset left), the EnergizeTank (not pictured here but offered in black and neo red) and the Mesh Skort. All pieces are body "hugging" (aka supporting) but breathable.

   

Mesh is hot in bodywear right now, most often used in a very revealing fashion. Lija has done a nice job working it in without the tart factor. Yes, they have an all-over mesh tank but layered over a full coverage tank in the same color it's simply fun (and a little dressier) for apres-court.

Find the group at Lija. Tennis-Warehouse carries much of the line.

 

 

LIJA Renews Apparel Contract with WTA Top 60 Player Rebecca Marino.

LIJA announced today that they have extended their partnership with WTA tour pro Rebecca Marino, who recently broke into the world top 60 after just two years as a pro. The Canadian will wear LIJA headwear, apparel and accessories on tour and be featured as the “Face of LIJA Tennis.”

“I am very excited to be working with Linda Hipp and the team at LIJA,” Marino said. “I genuinely believe in their mission to inspire healthy, active lifestyles through trend-setting fashion and high quality garment construction. I love playing in the clothes and feel very fortunate to be wearing such a fashionable and sporty apparel line.”

Marino will have her own Rebecca-inspired line with the company beginning in 2012.

I like their stuff too, pretty, flattering and super functional. There is a big emphasis on separates which makes a lot of sense to me as that's what I see most on rec courts. Find the line at LIJA, Tennis-Warehouse and other fine tennis retailers. This is higher-end tennis apparel.

Here's a write up on some of their Spring 2011 apparel.

Lija Spring 2011. Get on That Net Ladies.

Lija spring 2011 tennis fashion has some pretty cool graphics coming our way. Take a look at the Fuse Rally Tank and Fuse Match Skort shipping in March 2011.

The tennis net print is sublimated, created from a digitally enhanced photograph that is then fused to the garment using high heat rollers. The result is a print that does not crack or bleed. Subtle and on target.

See the tennis net print right on the tank.

Lija's Compression Jolt Tank and Enliven Skort, which will be out a little earlier (January), features a graphic that resembles the smoke from an extinguished candle (see below). I like that these pieces all have matching items in solids that pick up the colors in the design as I'm not one to overdo too much of a good thing.

The model above left wears the Fuse Mercury tank in indigo/onyx. There is a skort in the same color.

If you are into some of the season's more muted shades look for their pieces in blush. Very pretty.

The fabrics are nylon/lycra, UV protective, wicking and cooling. Compression labeled garments provide a little extra body hugging support.

I'm looking forward to seeing these on court. Wonder if Lija sponsored athletes Rebecca Marino and Lilia Osterloh will choose them?

Find the line at Lija and Tennis-Warehouse.

 

Introducing Lija By Luck of the Draw. Rebecca Marino at the US Open.

Rebecca Marino, a qualifier from Canada, beat Ksenia Pervak of Russia first round Monday at the US Open. Today she faces Venus Williams in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

With this match against the #3 ranked, high profile American, Marino introduces Canada's Lija brand to the tennis world.

Pictured here, Marino wears the Lija Fuse Elevate Skort, $75 in aqua and the Compression Fierce top in Onyx, $52.

Lija is a Canadian brand, made of high quality microfiber active wear that's moisture wicking, uv protective and quick drying. For fall I also love the Fluid Destiny Pullover and the warmth jacket (like a big comfy hoody only dressier). I also like the Fuse tank, Risk skort and Magnetic tank. The grey (slate) in the collection is very soft and pretty.I'd combine it with white or black for a sophisticated look.

Here's more on Marino from Canada's Globe and Mail.

Find the line at Lija, Tennis-Warehouse and tennis retailers worldwide.