We recently caught up with Candice Wiggins, the 2009 WNBA 6th Woman of the Year and player for the Minnesota Lynx, to talk about training, shopping and what inspires her most.
Featured in Nike's new Delicious Training campaign designed to inspire teen girls, Candice had a great time showing us her favorite pieces to wear while training or just hanging out.
Check out her picks below and find out why she loves them:
I especially like the T-Shirts from Nike. Even though they are very simple, it's amazing how well they fit and flatter any body type. Women want to look good and also be extremely comfortable, and Nike does a great job at that.
Two styles I absolutely adore are the Nike Bright Just Do It. Women's T-Shirt and Nike Core NSW Women's T-Shirt. You can wear them pretty much anywhere and be happy with how you look. I wore the "Nike Sportswear" shirt in gold and red to the CSI New York set and got so many compliments because the fit is great.
This "Reverse It" Women's Yoga Cover-Up is like a long sleeved shirt - not a sweater, but not a T-shirt. It has a hood and pocket like a sweatshirt, but isn't. The "in between-ness" of the shirt is good for layering, and it's not that heavy. Also, it's reversible which makes people feel as though they're getting 2 products in 1! The way it fits is also key for those of us that might be insecure about our body types, it's really loose so it offers comfort while also being a fashionable at the same time.
This is a classic short, and Nike just completely nailed this one! I can't even tell you how many people I've told about these shorts. The color selection is amazing, I literally have like 10! Also, they're not just for the super skinny girl. I have sizes ranging from S-L and they all are comfortable in their own way. And you can definitely work out in them too, that's the key element. Most women that train aren't pro athletes, and they want to feel feminine and simultaneously strong when they train, so these really work for that. They make you feel proud of your body.
I have a HUGE fascination with Nike jackets, especially the Windrunner series. They are fashionable, but more important, they are so comfortable. They're light and airy and are perfect for going to the gym, or just going out. I was recently in Greece and had to go to practice and then go straight to a big dinner with the mayor and president of the club, and this jacket transitioned from the gym to the restaurant perfectly. So that's a great thing.
I recently bought this shoe and had to add it to my top 5 picks. It's the Snow Waffle Women's Shoe, and it's so innovative and fun! We're seeing this "neo-vintage" revolution in the fashion world, and these have the old school bottom, which I think is a hit. Other Nike shoes I love are the high top Dunks, Blazers, and Vandals, and of course Air Force 1s. Nike shoes are like Christian Louboutins, they are "artwork for the feet". Athletes love these shoes, but people who don't play sports also love them, and it's that ability to transcend from the sports world to the "real" world that makes Nike so special.
You can find these styles and more at nikewomen.com
Read on to find out who inspires Candice, what she'll be wearing off-the-court for fall and the charity that's close to her heart...
SBT: What's the best thing about playing in the WNBA?
CW: Besides fulfilling a dream of mine from 13 years ago, it's amazing that I get to do something I love so much and can inspire people at the same time. Whether you're a basketball player or anything else, just being able to do what you love is amazing.
SBT: Are there other professional athletes (male or female) that you would like to model your career after?
CW: There are so many. Lisa Leslie has made a huge impact on women's basketball and sports in general, it's hard to be in this position and still hold yourself to a higher standard. She proves that you can have children and do it all. Olympia Scott and Jennifer Azzi also have the whole picture. All these women before us prove that it's more than just basketball for them.
SBT: How would you describe your off-court style? Casual, athletic, trendy?
CW: Fashion is fun for me, it reflects your personality. I would say that I'm tomboy chic - influenced by athletics but influenced by style on the streets and my California laid back style.
I'm not really big on buying the most expensive thing out there. I'm more interested in things that mean something to me, that I can wear forever - hopefully I'll be dropping my kids off at school wearing my favorite pieces one day!
SBT: Given all your hard work, practice and travel, how hard is it to stay fashionable as a professional basketball player?
CW: It's not hard if you wear what you're comfortable wearing. Nike is unique in terms of offering comfortable, strong clothing that is innovative that you can mix and match into your wardrobe. Since I've been working with Nike, it's great to have all these pieces to wear.
SBT: What do you like to wear on your down time?
CW: Luckily, basketball makes my legs really toned so I love wearing dresses, skirts and shorts. I also wear a lot of heels, believe it or not! If I'm comfortable in them, it's great.
SBT: Do you have a favorite piece of clothing?
CW: I really love jeans since you can dress them up or down. A pair that fits really well, and it doesn't have to be expensive. My favorite is actually a $16 vintage pair! I also really love t-shirts and being comfortable.
SBT: What are you excited about for fall? What are some fashion and beauty items that you cannot live without?
CW: I'm blazer crazy this season, and I have a great leather jacket from Miss Sixty that I love. I especially love the poof shoulders - that style really fits an athlete's shoulders well.
For beauty, concealer is God's gift. I'm not really great at applying makeup, but I love the invisible look. Concealer, eyeliner, lip gloss, maybe blush.
SBT: Are there celebrities that you look up to from a style perspective?
CW: I admire other people's style and might think something looks good, but I like clothes that love me. Amber Rose and Blake Lively - I like their style the most.
SBT: When people describe you, what word or words would you like them to use?
CW: I'm passionate with integrity about everything I do.
SBT: Tell us about your partnership with UTAC (Until There's A Cure®) and The Bracelet
CW: HIV and Aids education is really important to me (her father, the seven-year MLB player Alan Wiggins, succumbed to complications from AIDS at age 32). The Bracelet is a great way to spread awareness and help raise money for the cause. In my rookie year, all the fans got one and I love putting my face to a cause I believe in. In homage to Lisa Leslie and my dad, I have red shoes with my dad's initials that are going to be auctioned off. Being involved in charities and these types of organizations, touches people more than a basketball game ever could.
Check out Candice's Delicious Training spot here:
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