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M Rena Tummy Tuck Leggings | gift from ShopAdorn to review – one size
James Perse long tunic tank | size 2
Inhabit NY cotton draped cardigan | old, no longer available
Birkenstock Arizona sandals
Dannijo necklace | old, no longer available
3.1 Phillip Lim large Ryder Satchel
Quite honestly, I don’t wear leggings often in warm weather. I’ll wear jeans, periodically, but not leggings. I don’t know why, other than I guess I associate them with tights. And being hot. But last summer I did start wearing them more frequently, mostly because they allow me to wear the more flowy tops I like while providing a slimmer/darker contrast on the bottom. Of course, I wear leggings a lot when it’s cold, but since my sister’s puppy tore holes in my favorite pair of James Perse brushed jersey leggings, I haven’t worn any.
But, when ShopAdorn contacted me about doing a product review of these M Rena leggings, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to try something new (not James Perse LOL) and tell you what I think. And now, I wonder why I don’t wear leggings more often. They’re SO EASY. And as long as you don’t wear them as pants (i.e., COVER YOUR ASS), they can be very chic and put-together.
Overall, I really like the M Rena Tummy Tuck leggings, and highly recommend them (they’re $38 and made in the US). They are supposed to be ankle length, and on me, of course they’re not, which is annoying, but normal, so I just have them folded under and bunched up a bit at the ankle. They’re also high-waisted (so they can tummy tuck), which I do really like, and highly effective at pulling in a tummy.
Unfortunately for me (or fortunately, whatever…), my tummy is not my biggest problem area, it’s my hips, and I wish the control paneling came down a bit more on the sides of my hips and thighs to smooth EVERYTHING out, but that’s not what these are intended to do. They do still provide a nice shape, but if I’m going for support, I need it to extend down to my thighs more than my tummy. If you do need/want more tummy support then these are wonderful.
They are also very comfortable, and lighter-weight than my James Perse leggings, so I think they’ll be great for summer, and I won’t suffocate. Actually one of the reviewers on ShopAdorn mentions that she wears them for yoga/etc., and I don’t see why you couldn’t do that, although as I said, I need more compression all throughout my legs, so I wouldn’t be comfortable wearing these to Pure Barre. I also don’t think they are 100% opaque, so watch out for downward dog…
Again, I’m very impressed with these leggings, and have been wearing them quite a bit. I’ve also already washed them (hang to dry) and they dried out pretty quickly, so they would be a good pair for traveling. They also don’t collect lint and random hair like the JP leggings, so they stay nicer looking for longer.
I’m not giving up on my JP leggings, because they are the perfect length for me without any bunching and rolling at the ankle, but these will be a great second pair, and more versatile for traveling. Although probably not immune to puppy teeth…
What do you think? Have you ever tried M Rena before? She makes a lot of basics, including a long cami like the one I’m wearing, and a skirted pair of leggings that always intrigue me.
I’ve never even heard of the brand before, but unlike you, my tummy is my BIG problem area (and I do mean BIG!), so I’ll definitely consider them in the future.
Looking adorable, as always! M. Rena makes some cute basics. I don’t own anything, but have admired. Somehow the styles aren’t quite right for me. I’m still on the fence about leggings as pants. I wear them to workout, but that’s about it. I recently tried a cute cotton mini skirt over leggings and liked that, so we’ll see…
oh…do it! that’s basically what i’m doing here – i always layer a mini skirt or a long tunic (dress, basically) over leggings to keep everything covered. I like the look, and it’s so easy…then throw something flowy on top and you’re good!
i agree on m rena, quite a lot of it isn’t my style, but i appreciate the basics, and they’re made in the US
lol – you would like them i think. they’re very comfortable, so easy…
It is definitely easy, and so comfortable! A good quality, opaque legging is key. Similar to you, I prefer the “control” part to be through the hips/things, as I also have a small waist and flat stomach, which is not where I need the help! Lol. I am tempted to do the mini skirt over leggings…I like a nice long fitted tank tunic like you have on, too. 🙂
Looking great, Grechen! Your hair also seems to have hit a perfect length and shape : )