Happy Thursday! I don’t post a thankful things Thursday every week but this week I think it’s appropriate due to the wonderful week I’ve had! I’ve been smiling ear to ear this week even though our weather has been less than wonderful in New York City this week.
Three days in a row, this scene has greeted me as I’ve headed to work.
But, luckily the outlook for the weekend and next week includes sunshine, temperatures above 75, and very little rain! I’ll take it!
Now, without further ado, let me share with you some of the things that are making me smile this week!
1. Fashion Sense: I’ve never considered myself a fashionista or even someone who has the ability to put together good looking outfits. Luckily, over the past few months, that has slowly changed. Working in the fragrance and retail industry means that I get to work with fabulously dressed women and men on a daily basis. They are also very happy to provide their two cents on my outfits. Until recently, I’ve clung to my baggy cardigans, loose pants, and blouses that were my security clothes when I was heavier and less secure. Slowly but surely, my colleagues have convinced me to include fitted clothing in my wardrobe. In addition, I’ve started using WWD, Vogue, and other fashion magazines as inspirations for my own wardrobe. In turn, friends like my favorite author, Tina, have started coming to me for fashion advice! While this still makes me laugh, today’s outfit is proof that I’m getting better at combining old and new pieces to make an outfit that compliments my body.
Top: JCrew circa 2007
Belt: Banana Republic circa 2006
Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft (purchased with Meghann back in September!)
Sandals: Cole Haan circa 2010
Watch: White Marc Jacobs Mode Pelly Watch
2. Bright Colors: I grew up in the South where it is most appropriate for girls to wear bright colors versus the black wardrobe in which many New Yorkers live. Therefore, I’m excited to bring color back as the weather gets warmer through fun cardigans, earrings, and even rompers! I can’t wait to rock this outfit next weekend over Memorial Day weekend and then again in Bermuda!
Cardigan: JCrew Forever Cardigan
Romper: JCrew Outlet (this season)
3. My Trainer I’ve raved about the success I’ve seen since starting personal training here, here, and here but I really can’t say enough about my experience thus far. Lauren has pushed my body in ways I never thought possible and given me the confidence to push myself harder in my other workouts and races. Since I started training with her two months ago, I’ve PR’d in two races, lost 6 pounds, gone down a dress size, and have increased my arm exercises to 15 pound dumbbells, and can complete burpees and jump squats without falling flat on my face! While the investment is definitely expensive, it has been the best choice for me. While it may not be for everyone, I highly recommend talking to your gym and seeing if you can meet with a trainer for free the first time. Even one session will help you understand how to better take advantage of your gym’s resources and push you body.
4. Blog Opportunities My blog has allowed me to experience New York City in a way I never imagined. I have had the opportunity to try new workout classes, practice yoga with a thousand other people, and mingle with celebrity chefs. But, moreover, it’s the people who I’ve met through these experiences that have meant the most. I met two of my closest NYC friends, Theodora and Melissa, through my blog and continue to meet new people at every event I attend!
5. Fun Shoes Since meeting Bo, my love of shoes has grown. He has a design eye due to his architecture degree, which means he can appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into a pair of quality shoes. A fun pair of shoes can dress up a pair of jeans or add life to a simple black dress. It’s an area of my wardrobe that can allow creativity and personality into the workplace on a daily basis. In addition, I’ve been addicted to Piperlime lately as they feature shoes for all occasions, prices ranges, and have a wonderful rating system. I found these two pairs of shoes since they were high rated picks in their categories: evening and espadrilles. This week, I embraced two of this year’s trends and couldn’t be more excited to rock them out this weekend in Philadelphia with Sabrina and Meghann.
Bottom: Steve Madden Fantastik
What fashion related things are you thankful for this season?
I’ll see you all tomorrow for a quick check-in before heading down to Philadelphia for Leslie’s wedding weekend! In addition, I’ll review my favorite new Barre class which I enjoyed last night at Pure Yoga West, thanks to Well+Good NYC!
