Workout Awesome

Some of my favorite guest bloggers are back, and this time, it is with their favorite workout wear looks head-to-toe!

Let’s be honest…workout wear has exploded into an important part of the fashion industry. But what is MORE important than simply looking good while burning those pesky calories, is having the right equipment to do so! Technology has enhanced the way in which we workout, right down to those magical fabrics that are ‘moisture-wicking’, ‘odor-repelling’, and ‘four way stretch’.

Check out these awesome outfits from Danielle, Alex and Melissa!

Danielle’s Workout Wear
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I used to be someone who could simply workout in yoga pants and a t-shirt and I didn’t understand the hype about all of the new “wicking” or “dry-fit” materials. Now that I’ve crossed over to the dark-side, I can’t see myself going back. I put together a few of my favorite pieces in this head-to-toe running outfit.

I am someone who cannot stand having little pieces of hair stuck to my face when it’s sweaty – so I love the (1) “Fly Away Tamer” headband by Lululemon. The grips on the underside help keep the headband in place and the moisture wicking fabric absorbs the hairline sweat.

Though I am a sucker for Lululemon, I don’t feel the need to splurge on their sport bras (though I hear they are awesome). I like to stick with this (2) Target classic.

I LOVE these (3) “run swifty” tops from Lululemon. I picked the short sleeve option, but whether it’s chilly and you need long sleeves or your in hot yoga and prefer a tank top – this top wicks away the sweat and is one of the top 5 most comfortable things I own.

On the bottom, I love running in these (4) “run: inspire crop II” pants also from Lululemon. They are vented in the backs of the knees, which helps keep you cool while running. They are also made with the “Luxtreme” fabric by lululemon which prevents pilling and chaffing.

If it’s a little bit chilly, you may want to throw on this (5) “lightened up pullover”. I don’t have this, but it is definable on my wishlist! The flowers and ruffles make it girly, yet still sporty.

I only started seriously running last year, so I’ve only owned one pair of running shoes. However, since the first run in these shoes, I have had zero problems. No shin splints, no blisters, nothing! My friend Chelsea, who got me started in running, recommended the (6) Brooks brand – and I do not see myself switching!

Alex’s Workout Wear
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An appropriate outfit should always be part of a workout plan. Having comfortable and durable clothing is part of proper planning, just like stretching before an intense workout, or fueling on carbs the night before a big run.  When it comes to running, my favorite form of physical activity, I have many types of leggings, shorts, jackets and tops. However, I always find myself grabbing the same few articles of clothing before each run. Below are a few of my favorites.

These (1) Women’s Active Side-Mesh Running Shorts from Old Navy are my all-time favorite bottoms to wear while running. While running, I am a huge fan of shorts compared to leggings. With leggings, I find myself pulling them up halfway through my run. However, mesh shorts have never given me an issue. I enjoy this pair from Old Navy more than other running shorts due to the length, since they’re long enough to not ride up. I also love this pair because they have a small pocket on the waistband, holding my apartment keys while on the go.

This (2) Reebok Crossfit Elite Fitness Long Sleeve Tee is amazing. I like it because it is long sleeved, perfect for running in the fall or winter. However, I am a very sweaty person, and this long sleeved top doesn’t make me heat up! It absorbs sweat and it tight on the body, minimizing any chance of the shirt snagging on anything while working out.

About a year ago, I went to Playmakers for the first time. Playmakers is a footwear and apparel store dedicated to helping customers increase their fitness level. They absolutely helped me out. The employee had me walk and run in the store in order to assist me in finding the perfect pair of running shoes for my feet. The pair I was advised to purchase was the (3) Women’s Ghost 6 by Brooks. This pair has enough support to prevent my feet from turning in while running. For anyone looking to buy a pair of running shoes, I advise you to go to Playmakers! I was lost when looking for a new pair, and I am very glad I had the assistance to find the right pair for my running style/feet.

Melissa’s Workout Wear
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If you are anything like me, 90% of your wardrobe consists of workout clothes. When shopping, I like to take into account what I will be able to move around in at the gym and what will be comfortable to wear running errands or around the house.

When I run or do any type of cardio, I am a dripping mess of sweat. I prefer to wear tank tops for this very reason. I love this (1) Nike tank-top in black and white. Racer back tanks are awesome for working out because the thicker straps provide more support and don’t dig in to your shoulders.Underneath my tank-top I like to wear a racer back shaped sports bra with thick straps, just like my shirt. Once again I like this style because it provides the most support and comfort for me. I usually workout in all black clothing, with a pop of color in my sports bra. I love this neon yellow (2) Nike Pro-Sports Bra for summer!

I am a Lululemon addict and own countless styles and pairs of their leggings. Recently, I wanted to invest in  a different brand of leggings geared more toward sweating and cardio, rather than yoga.  These (3) Nike Pro-Hyper cool leggings have mesh panels designed for ventilation when working out. They are much cheaper than Lululemon leggings but the quality is just as high!

To continue my Nike workout outfit I have a pair of (4) Nike Lunarglide +5 running shoes. Nike tennis shoes have always been my favorite type of workout shoe. I love the amount of sturdiness they provide while still being lightweight. They provide support for my weak ankles and keep me feeling safe while running and jumping around.

When working out I like to use a reusable water bottle instead of a plastic one. I recently was introduced to the (5) Tritan Flavor It Water Bottle. It holds 20 Ounces of liquid and is %100 BPA free. The selling point about this water bottle is that there is a capsule in the middle that can be filled with fruit to be infused into the water. I love putting lemons, cucumber, or kiwi in mine!

White Denim Jacket

One of my absolute favorite Spring / Summer clothing must-haves is a white denim jacket.

Perfect to throw on with a sunny summer dress, flirty skirt or with shorts to keep warm on a cool summer night – a white denim jacket is a fun, fresh, bright spin on the trusty blue denim jacket (another wardrobe staple).

Bonus: it really pops with that gorgeous summer tan (which I am desperately in need of right about now!)

Spring Forward

No…the title of this blog post is not a sick joke. We actually have to ‘spring forward’ this weekend and adjust our clocks, hoping to coax out the sunshine and melt the snow. Heck, I would perform just about any ritual / superstition / fun dare / etc… right about now if there was even a 20% chance that Spring would peek out.

You, too?

Sigh…

In honor of ‘Springing Forward’, today’s post is dedicated to the first thing that I think of when I think spring…FLORALS!

Energy. New Life. Color. Rebirth. Happiness.

Florals…let’s do this. Let’s WILL Spring here.

Spring Forward…..ready, set, GO!

Green & Navy

I am (and always have been) a BIG fan of green & navy as a combo. Something about the pair seems uber preppy, yet classic…sophisticated, yet young…and (best of all) the combo ALWAYS works.

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Obviously you can build your own navy & green outfits by pairing your favorite pieces together! Need some inspiration?! Here are a few great finds from the wonderful world of Pinterest (seriously, what did we do before Pinterest?)

Head-to-Toe Looks

I love seeing the outfit combinations that people dream up. Isn’t that the beauty of fashion? One person can imagine an item one way, but in the hands of someone else it can be featured in a completely different manner. Awesome!

I asked three friends / guest bloggers to put together a head-to-toe look to share with you! Maybe you will be inspired, too!

Melissa’s Lookmelissa

When it comes to choosing accessories, I love mixing casual outfits with dressier jewelry.  It makes for a great daytime look, whether going to lunch with a friend or just running errands.

To put together my outfit I started with a pair of destroyed skinny jeans from Old Navy (4). Destroyed jeans give a more casual look, as long as you make sure the holes are tasteful!

On top, I chose to wear a flannel shirt from JC Penney (3) in my favorite color, green. Paired with the flannel I am throwing on a black puffer vest from J. Crew (2).  I absolutely love the look of flannels paired with vests. It gives the impression that I tried way harder with my outfit than I actually did.

February is the month of love, so why not incorporate it into my outfit? I absolutely LOVE these Jeffrey Campbell leather flats (5). They are so fun and definitely would get me skipping up and down the streets, even if the ones by me are covered in snow.

For accessories I am adding a gold, crystal statement necklace from Stella & Dot (1). The gold matches the zipper on my vest and the necklace itself brings an unexpected detail to the outfit. A little prep, a little glam, and a little love. Grab your favorite purse and you are ready to go!

Danielle’s Lookdanielle

Since I am at a point in my life where I have a limited budget, when putting together new outfits, I like to focus on things I could wear both to work and to a night out with my friends

On the bottom I picked these floral print skinny jeans from Banana Republic (3).

I paired the pants with a white Portofino shirt from Express (2). I have a couple of these shirts, and I LOVE the fit of them.

Depending on whether your dressing this up or dressing it down; here are two shoe options. For a night out, I paired the outfit with Steve Madden’s Clydee pump (6). For a day at the office or a shopping trip: I paired the outfit with these Lucky Brand Santana ballet flats (7).

Regardless of your activity, I thought the outfit could be jazzed up with a little sparkle! This black necklace from Fracesca’s (1) will bring out the color in the pants and I am definitely a watch girl, so I also chose this simple gold watch (4) to compliment the gold in the necklace.

Day or night, grab this Michael Kors handbag (5), and off you go!

Alex’s Lookalex1
Today in Michigan, it was 1° outside. As much as I am enjoying this winter wonderland, I constantly have warmer days on the mind. In particular, I find myself daydreaming of my booked beach vacation in March. So, what better way to plan for warmer days than to put together the perfect beach outfit? After some searching, I have come across a few trendy finds, ideal for a sunny day at the beach.

 First off, finding a bathing suit that fits “just right” is the key to a day at the beach. Finding something that is not only flattering, but also comfortable is necessary!  I have been through my fair share of bad suits, however I have always been pleased with a Victoria Secret suit.  My favorite style for the bottom is the Ruched Hipkini, color: White Paisley (2). On top, I adore the Long Line Bandeau, color: Aqua Reef (1).

I personally do not enjoy worrying that I will come out of the ocean topless from getting struck by a wave. This bandeau gives more coverage than the traditional bandeau style, while still having an adorable cutout in the back. The Ruched Hipkini also gives your bum decent coverage, plus more material is used on the side than a string bikini (wider side=less chance of the material pinching your side fat). More coverage while still being sexy? Yes please.

Other essentials for the beach include the three S’s: shoes, shades and shorts. These Old Navy Faux-Leather Capri Sandal, color: Brown Snake (4) are casual enough for the beach, but are an upgrade from the basic rubber flip flop.

The Gap has always been an excellent place for me to find bottoms. I love the 1969 Destructed Sexy Boyfriend Denim Shorts (3). This pair is casual, comfy and has a rugged look, perfect to throw over that adorable bikini.

And finally, to finish off this perfect beach day, a classic pair of shades is necessary. The Two-Tone Clubmaster-Style from Express (5) gives a mix of classic and retro, perfect to top off this cute and casual beach day outfit.

 

Bundled

So, I know the other day I teased you with a post about warmer weather, sunshine, bathing suits, etc… aka HAPPINESS.

Sorry to drag you back down to reality, but…it’s really freaking cold. Therefore, I stopped daydreaming about where I WANT to be and decided to focus today and some cold weather accessories that are not only fun, but NECESSARY.

Stay warm, stay safe and stay awesome!

Take Me Away…

Like most (or maybe all) of you… I am in DIRE need of a beach, sand, sunshine and a fruity drink with a ridiculous name and an absurdly tiny umbrella.

BUT. FOR. REAL.

Since that reality cannot be mine anytime soon…I will instead daydream and plan for my fake vacation. Pack a bag! You can come with!

Button-Up BFF

One of my wardrobe staples is certainly the trusty button-up shirt. They are classic.

You can dress it up, dress it down…pair it with a sweater or a smart blazer…go oversized with your favorite leggings…and accessorize it however you like. It is virtually a blank canvas that can be interpreted to express your personal style. Plus, it can transition between all seasons. Versatile without a doubt!

I find that my button-up collection is constantly growing. The best part is that I find myself  investing in classic solids or timeless patterns that don’t really go out of style. (The occasional ‘super trendy’ pattern is obviously welcome, too!) Basically they are investment pieces that have a long life and can evolve as your personal taste changes.

Here are a few smart button-ups that would be perfect to add to your wardrobe:

Pinky

I don’t know if it is the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday or what, but I have been completely drawn to hues of pink lately.

The fun thing about pink is that the range of tones seems so vast – ballerina, magenta, carnation, baby, hot, and of course…Barbie. The list obviously expands beyond those into a pink Pantone paradise so you can pick your particular pink (I tried to get as may “p’s” in that sentence as possible)

Ahhh…pink. So girlie, so fun.