Graced by Grit – Review

 “Every woman has a gritty moment that could make or break her.  It is how we make it through these moments that define us.  It’s realizing that grit is often what gives us grace.”

A few weeks ago I was contacted by a relatively new clothing line that caught my attention the moment I saw the name in my inbox: Graced by Grit.  High performance quality gear for women designed for land AND sea sport.

The very first thing I loved was the name.  Grit. Dirt. Adventure.  With a touch of feminine flare. Grace.  Right up my alley.

The next thing I loved was the logo.  Such a consumerist thing of me to say, I know.  But it reminds me of the ocean that I miss so much…my happy place…

Zen. Grit. Happy.

The story goes like this: Kimberly Caccavo and her run and swim coach, Kate Nowlan, talked about the overwhelming lack of choice in the market for high performance, flattering workout gear for women, especially the kind designed for running and water sports. They felt there was a need for women’s athletic apparel that not only performed at an exceptional level, but was also designed in a flattering, attractive, and unique way.

Graced by Grit caters to women seeking all types of adventure, NOT just the gym or the pavement.   Surfing, paddle boarding, yoga, CrossFit, Runners, Rock Climbers, Golf, Tennis, even us crazy Obstacle Racers; athletes of ALL types will find something to suit their needs.  The line includes everything from shorts and skirts to tank tops and pull overs, all made with technically superior fabrics.

Also, because it matters: the fabric can be machine washed and dried.  This domestically challenged chick gives Graced by Grit a standing ovation for that fact alone.  .

Not only did I love the name, the logo, and the concept behind Graced by Grit, but their apparel was actually something I would wear.  I asked – nope, actually, nearly begged- to do a product review.  I wanted to get my gritty self into this graceful line as quickly as possible.    Thankfully, they agreed to my please.

And a giveaway! Scroll to the bottom for more info!

Soon I received an awesome package in the mail full of Graced by Grit goodies.

Top: Seamless Nice Lines Tank, Logo Wide Headband. Bottom left: Land & Sea Knicker (Holiday Blue) Bottom Right: Land & Sea Logo Knicker

Much to my surprise, half of them with the Land & Sea logo print that I love so much.

As an added bonus, all Graced by Grit apparel comes with a safety whistle.

Lightweight. LOUD.

The Review:

The Land & Sea Logo Knicker has been my favorite item so far.   Though I asked for a size small (my normal size), I accidentally recieved a size medium, which turned out to be perfect.   Graced by Grit sizes run REALLY SMALL.

About the Land & Sea Knicker:

•   Super quick-dry, soft, luxurious compression fabric
•   UPF 50+
•   Flatlock seams
•   Flatlock seams
•   Media pockets in front and back to hold your phone, keys, gels, or whatever you’d like
•   Comes with a GRACEDBYGRIT safety whistle that can be securely looped inside back pocket
•   Reflective signature logos on front and back for high visibility
•   15 ½” inseam
•   Also available in xxs for tweens 9-12
MSRP $68 -$72

Media pockets and removable safety whistle.

After wearing them for a day of adventure in Southern Maine:

My very best “Moose” impression. Because when in Maine…

I took them on a real test.  An O2X Summit Challenge: base to summit off trail race at Sugarbush Mountain here in Vermont.

Logo Kinckers before the start…

Logo Kickers nearly at the summit!

The pants did exactly what they were supposed to: they stayed on.

Sometimes the BEST review of a piece of athletic apparel is having nothing to say at all. I didn’t notice a thing about the Land & Sea Knickers while racing up a mountain side, and that is EXACTLY how I wanted it.  They stayed dry, they didn’t chafe,  they didn’t slip or shift, they didn’t stretch out while wearing and thus start to slip (yet they stretched and were comfortable enough to let me really MOVE, as climbing mountains requires) and they compressed in all of the right places.

Added bonus: they made me look like a mountain running mermaid.

Seamless Nice Lines Tank -in an absolutely gorgeous shade of green – Garden Green to be exact.   The specs:

•   Quick Dry
•   Double back straps
•   Built in bra for extra support
•   Clean seamless finishing
•   Reflective signature logos on front and back for high visibility
MSRP $48

Things I love about this tank:
-The fabric is as smooth as butter.  It is so incredibly soft.
– Double back straps hold the tank in place, and look pretty neat

Stock photo. Because taking a selfie of your own back is really hard.

Things I’m not in love with about this tank:
-The fabric is super thin and form fitting, so if you have any sort of um, rolls or mom belly (guilty), it is displayed for the whole wide world to see.   Further, even though I don’t need an extra bra (sadly, the built in bra is more than enough support for me), the thinness of the tank makes me want to wear another bra underneath for the “hey, is it cold in here?” coverage (catch my drift?)   This is all based on a size small.

(but if I ever get that 6 pack I’m working towards…watch out.)

Therefore all you get is this angle:

SELFIE!

It makes a fantastic base layer tank, however, and for that reason, it has found it’s place into my wardrobe.

The Logo Wide Headband, sweat wicking, quick dry, and made with water compatible fabric,was immediately stolen by Geoffrey, who as of late has been going for this 80’s hair-metal hair thing.  I couldn’t say no.   In fact, just now while writing this review, I am completely unable to find the headband for a closeup photo, which only leads me to believe that Geoff is wearing it at work, right this very minute.

This is not a good picture of said headband.  Remind me to get another ASAP..

There! Under all of that hair! It’s the Graced by Grit Logo Wide Headband!

CONCLUSION:  I love the look.  I love the concept. I love the logo (it matters!) I love my mermaid pants.   I’ve washed (machine!) and worn the pants and tank at least 6 or 7 times now, and they still look…and feel…brand new.  I’m a Graced by Grit fan.

(Sort of limited) GIVEAWAY!

As you can see in the very first picture, I was sent a second pair of Land & Sea Knickers.   These bad boys are a size small, and as I mentioned, the Graced by Grit line runs VERY SMALL.  Therefore, my normal small – medium frame had no chance of fitting into this pair.  So, one of my lucky (size XS-S) readers gets them instead!

Use the rafflecopter below.   PLEASE don’t enter unless you think you will fit into these (or want to give them to someone you know who will), because they are the only pair up for grabs, so you’d be out of luck if you wear, say, a Medium and I send you these pants.  Contest ends 10/02 and winner will be notified via email.  Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Graced by Grit provided me with apparel free of charge; all opinions stated are my own.