Standing out in a crowd is always a challenge. And when it comes to something like fitnesswear – which is having a major moment right now – it can be even harder to just do you. What’s trending? What’s hot? What’s fleeting, and what’s going to be around for the long haul? We see a lot of fitnesswear come across our desks each day, so we’re both attune to what’s trending and what’s more of the same. We know our readers have high standards – so naturally, we do too.

All this to say: when something really special comes along, we’re not ashamed to go full-on fangirl. Our latest obsession? We’ve fallen head-over-cross-trainers in love with local fitnesswear brand Electric & Rose. Named after the iconic cross streets in Venice Beach, CA, E&R is the epitome of the SoCal lifestyle. Part hippie-chic, part rockstar, and part fitness fanatic, we’re having a really hard time prying their uber soft, stylish, and super functional gear off our bodies.

Founded by designer Erin Chiamulon and her husband actor Eric Balfour out of their mutual love for surfing, yoga, active living, and their eclectic hometown, this a brand with some major heart. After a career in fashion, Erin joined forces with Eric after they realized that in a sea of workout clothes, there wasn’t really anything out there that spoke to their active lifestyle, had a personal flair to it, and performed like a boss while in action. Five years later, and Electric & Rose is now a fave of celeb yogis (like Caley Alyssa, Jen Pastiloff, and Briohny Smyth), surfers and gym goers just as much as those of us who just want a little more comfort, style, and movement in our day. Take a peek inside Erin’s gym bag…