Sometimes it’s difficult to muster motivation to go to the gym. Whether it’s a perfectly warm and cuddly bed or a deliciously mind-numbing episode of your favorite scandalous reality TV show, stuff gets in the way. But we have found one no-fail workout motivator: a cute gym wardrobe.

Call us shallow fashion junkies, but if we’ve got a stable of bright, mix-and-match pieces that we’re longing to wear to the gym, we’re much more likely to not cancel that hot date with a treadmill. So, we’ve put together our dream arsenal of workout clothes (all from Athleta.com, which offers an endless supply of functional-meets-feminine gear).

These fitness styles are colorful, chic and comfortable—not to mention fun to wear. And, they’re designed to work together in any number of combinations that your little (healthy) heart desires.

1. Seamless Geothermal Half Zip: This thermal knit top wicks away moisture and is sure to keep you snug on your cold morning run. And don’t you just adore the retro ski racer vibe?

2. Wind Warrior Tight: We never knew fitness tights could be so darn smart. These running tights come equipped with tons of brilliant technology: built-in, wind-blocking panels at the knees and thighs to keep you toasty, zippered ankles with inner silicone grips to keep them from creeping up and a pocket to stash your house key.

3. Sarita Bag by Dakine: Sure, you could carry your workout clothes and your yoga mat separately, but why would you want to when you could just stuff all of your gym needs (and then some!) into this super cheery, striped bag?

4. Seamless Anjali Cami: When we’re hitting up our yoga classes, sometimes we just want to wear something soft, sweet and a little relaxed. Enter the Anjali Cami, a tank that got its name from a Sanskrit word meaning “from the heart.” We thinks it’s perfect because we can’t help but fall in L-O-V-E with this sugary pink top with a built-in bra.

5. Chaturanga Bermuda Short: Not a fan of too-short gym shorts? Us either. That’s what makes these Bermuda shorts so ideal. Well, that and the soft, stretchy fabric—and the array of colors these breathable shorts come in. We’re partial to the seafoam green pair shown here (Athleta calls this hue “submarine”), but we’re apt to purchase one in every shade.

6. Burn Out Headband: Nothing is more annoying—and, let’s face, less cute—than the moment when your perfectly coiffed layers become plastered to your sweaty forehead. With its on-trend burn out pattern, this bunchy, elastic headband is the best solution we’ve found to the sticky bangs issue.

7. Tattoo Tank by YellowMan: When it comes to accessories, logic dictates that less is more at the gym. But we’re still suckers for gorgeous girlie details, which is why we have developed serious crushes on this printed tank. Thanks to its moisture-transporting fabric, it’s a real workhorse. But with this intricate and jewel-toned henna print (designed by real tattoo artists), it’s also unmistakably feminine.

8. Harem Pant: Yes, we know. Few items of clothing are as divisive as the harem pant. Some hate it. But we heart it, which is why we were so excited when we happened upon this gym-ready version. The soft and oh-so-flexible modal viscose fabric is ideal for yoga, but we can’t resist planning out-of-the-gym outings for these beauties.

9. Whirlwind Jacket: In the dead of winter, we crave colors. And this semi-fitted jacket—bright as a crisp, Granny Smith apple or newly sprouted leaves of grass—is so energizing, don’t you think? For those more interested in how it performs, you’ll be happy to hear that it is windproof, water resistant, breathable, built to give you a full range of motion and includes reflective details.

10. Finesse Legging: Good, workout-designed leggings are hard to find—especially if you’re tall/petite/curvy. But these leggings come in a myriad of sizes (read: xxs to 2x) with special sizes for short, tall, regular and plus-size lovelies. In other words, they’re sure to fit your shape.

11. Mesh Lace Seamless Bra Top: As we all know, the best workout gear is useless if you don’t have a supportive sports bra. But who says a good sports bra has to be all work and no play? We’re sweet on this subtly lacy version. It’s light, airy and reminiscent of pink cotton candy.

Aside from the champagne, confetti, countdown and nostalgic look back at the year that was, New Year’s Eve typically marks the end of holiday decadence for us. No more extravagance, indulgence and waste (think dozens of Christmas cookies, endless eggnog, lots of late-night holiday parties and trash bins full of wrapping paper and such).

It’s in the name of starting fresh and turning over the proverbial new leaf that we make New Year’s resolutions, our hopeful thoughts for a brand spanking new year when we can be and do better. But as we know all too well, New Year’s resolution results don’t always come easy. (Some of us are still trying to lose those 5 pounds we gained last holiday season.)

This year, rather than beating ourselves up over unfulfilled resolutions past, we’re arming ourselves with a few New Year’s helpers—ones that will help us go green, get fit and finally relax and get the rest we need to thrive in 2010. And, of course, we’re sharing them with you.

1. Coffee Press: Reduce your electricity use at home by trading in your traditional coffee maker, or cut back on gas (not to mention greenhouse gases) by skipping your daily stop at the local coffee shop. How, you ask? By buying a sleek new coffee press. Bean French Press Coffee Maker in Green, Bodum.

2. All-Natural Detergent: One tablespoon of this Laundry Soda does one load of laundry. It may be super concentrated, but it’s completely natural and gentle. And the packaging has plenty of retro charm to spare. Laundry Soda, Nellie’s.

3. Recycling Bags: These industrial-strength, waterproof bags make dividing glass, paper and cans so easy. Plus, the colors and graphic labels on the plastic-coated bags are quite appealing, so there is no need to keep them stowed out of sight. Folding Recycling Bags, Gaiam.

4. High-Tech Shoes: Why settle for running shoes when you can buy shoes that double as your trainer? The Nike Air Max + 2009 Running Shoe has the cushion and comfort you crave with an added bonus: it’s built to work with the Nike+ iPod Wireless Sensor, a gadget that works with your iPod or iPhone to track distance, calories burned and more. Women’s Air Max + 2009 Running Shoe, Nike.

5. Home Workout: What’s cheaper than a gym membership, takes up less space than a home elliptical machine and lets you hit golf balls or strike a yoga pose, depending on your mood? That would be the Wii Fit Plus with the Balance Board. It’s the ultimate personalized workout—perfect for meeting your fitness goals without leaving your living room. Wii Fit Plus and Wii Balance Board, Nintendo.

6. Professional Yoga Mat: This popular yoga mat provides plenty of cushion and is slip free (perfect for 105-degree Bikram classes). Aside from relaxing as you strike a pose, you’ll breathe a little easier knowing that this yoga mat is made from natural rubber, a renewable resource from rubber trees. Harmony Professional Yoga Mat, Jade.

7. Nighty-Nightcap: Hope to count fewer sheep in the New Year? Try a hot cup of Sleepytime Extra tea. It’s as delicious as your fave chamomile tea, but it’s chock full of soothing herbs like spearmint and the sleep aid valerian. Trust us, one cup before crawling into bed, and you’ll be snoozing before you can say, “Yummy.” Sleepytime Extra Tea, Celestial Seasonings.

8. Sleep Aid: If you’d like to take a more high tech approach to getting shut eye, you might need to see the light. As you gaze at the blue light projected onto your ceiling by the NightWave, you can synchronize your breathing with it, an act that guides you to deep relaxation and some serious zzzs. Sleep Assistant, NightWave.

Hear that sound? Yeah, those are jingle bells—already. We’re sure you’ve noticed the tinsel, ornaments and glittery goodness invading the grocery store aisles. But this time around, we’re avoiding the in-store holiday rush, shunning Black Friday madness and refusing to listen to holiday muzak in cramped dressing rooms.

Instead, we’re shopping online from the comfort of home—and the comfort of our jammies. To ensure that each shopping sesh is oh-so-successful, we’re making our lists and checking them twice. Then we’re sharing them with you. Each week, we’ll be passing along our shopping cheat sheets based on the types of people we all shop for. And we’re picking the best—and of course, the most affordable—goodies we can find.

Which brings us to this week’s object of our shopping affection: our workout buddies. They’re the ones who motivate us to hit the gym and provide plenty of juicy treadmill discussion to distract us from feeling the burn. Plus, they still like us even when we’re at our sweatiest. So why not give your workout partner something that will make her workouts all the more enjoyable?

Gaiam Aluminum Water Bottles: If your gym-time bestie arrives with a new bottle of water every day, it’s time for an upgrade. One of these aluminum water bottles will not only keep her from having to buy water, but it will also keep all of those excess plastic bottles out of landfills. And did we mention that these non-toxic, refillable bottles are pretty darn cute? With cheery bright colors and vintage wallpaper-inspired designs, hydrating never looked so chic. Silver Aluminum Water Bottle, Purple French Wallpaper Aluminum Water Bottle and Flower Power Aluminum Water Bottle, all by Gaiam.

Gaiam Yoga Mats: If your favorite fit friend is the queen of zen, give her a yoga mat that is irresistibly gorgeous. These durable mats may be ultra stylish, but they’re definitely built to work. They’ve got all the non-slippery, super-comfy stability she needs to rock her favorite poses. Now when she’s holding the downward facing dog pose, she’ll get a good dose of eye candy. Purple Yoga Mat and Tree of Life Yoga Mat, both by Gaiam.

LeSportsac Nylon Weekender: If your impeccably styled friend often arrives to the gym in four-inch heels before swapping for something more treadmill worthy, this weekender is destined to wow her. The metallic sheen of this bag is so subdued and irresistible—almost too rich to be nylon. It also has tons of zip pockets that are perfect for stashing her gym card, jewelry and so on. Plus, it’s big enough to carry all of her essentials but still small enough to not be annoying bulky. Sure, it’s a bit of a splurge, but we guarantee she’ll coo over it—and buy your after-workout smoothies for life. Nylon Small Weekender Bag, by LeSportsac.