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Have you heard about the great yoga pant controversy? Apparently, the schism between the two sides is colossal. But I’m getting ahead of myself...

I’m no athlete, but I do have a trainer. Her name is Kerry, and she’s great. Each week I huff and puff on the treadmill. I clumsily balance on the Bosu. I shakily raise and lower weights. And all the while, Kerry coaxes and encourages me to do a little more than I think I can. I’m never going to run a marathon, but “Couch to 5K”? Everybody needs a goal.

Anyway, Kerry and I were talking about workout clothes during our training session this week. And we got to the topic of when, and where it’s appropriate to wear yoga pants. And it seems we weren’t the only ones having that conversation.

One of the country’s largest daily newspapers wrote about it. Fashion pundits have weighed in. Women from all walks of life are wearing, and by extension talking about the ubiquitous britches known as “Yoga Pants”. The question is, are they a fashion faux pas -- just an excuse to wear an elastic waistband and extra spandex instead of real clothes? Or are they the best casual clothing idea to come along since sweatpants?

There are basically two schools of thought. There are those who think that casual dress has gone too far. The very idea that the pants you wear to contort yourself into a cow, tree, cat, or downward facing dog in yoga class, would then be worn with a tunic top and ballerina flats to your favorite bistro is unthinkable to some. On the other hand, busy women who are juggling a million things, appreciate the versatility and ease of yoga pants. They know the pants are comfortable and flattering, and that it’s all in how you wear them. With sneakers it’s workout wear -- with dress shoes it’s ready-to-wear.