Friday Favorites – September 16th, 2016

friday-outfit

Happy Friday friends! I woke up to a crisp, cool Fall morning and the promise of what is going to be a wonderful and relaxing weekend. Tonight Bo and I are heading to Exceed Fitness as part of NYC Fitness week then we are going to a new neighborhood restaurant for date night. Tomorrow will include no alarm clock, yoga, an event at Bandier, tennis and plenty of relaxation. My only plans for Sunday are an 8-mile long run with my friend Mary and a few errands. Like I said, this is going to be the weekend my body needs and craves. What are your plans for the weekend?

Now, let’s dive into this week’s edition of Friday Favorites, including recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.

  • Yesterday’s outfit was definitely a favorite this week for both me and you guys! After sharing a peek of it on Instagram many of you asked for more details. Even though the items I’m wearing in this picture were purchased last year, everything is still available and many of the items are on sale! In case you are interested, here are the links: Faux leather skirt – Chambray ShirtPave Link Bracelet – Leopard Heels (similar and similar)
  • These two articles on sugar and carbs were eye-opening and a very good reminder that you can’t always trust what you see on labels or recommendations.
  • As someone who started running later in life, I could not be more excited for Women’s Running series, Project Start!
  • The WebMD rabbit hole is a scary place. Trust me, I’ve been there more than once when looking for answers to health questions. A new site, Truly-MD, is providing no-nonsense answers to women and better yet, the information comes from healthcare providers so women can make informed decisions!
  • Thanks to a special delivery from Skinny & Co , I was inspired to start oil pulling again this week! Last year I kept up this healthy habit for three months and love that it leaves my mouth and gums feeling fresh and clean! This coconut oil is has a refreshing mint flavor and is 100% pure, wild-harvested, raw coconut oil. If you want to try it out, use the code SKINNYCO15 to save 15% off your first order.
  • If you’re a blogger, make sure you check out this post as it is very helpful and makes SO much sense! 
  • Similar to Kayla, I often see people make these same form mistakes during workout classes and wish I could correct them!
  • If you’ve never ridden at Soul Cycle, this is the month to try it out! New riders get to ride for free in all cities – just call your local studio to book!
  • If you’re in NYC, the new Dumbo Yoga Vida location is gorgeous and must be added to your list! Two studios, a loft vibe and huge showers and steam rooms make it the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day. Bring a friend and sweat through their hot yoga class then head downstairs for coffee and breakfast at the new Bluestone Lane.
  • These nutritionists made me think twice about a few of my go-to “healthy” snacks.
  • Last year this Turkey Trot was on of my favorite races of the year and registration opened today!!  and I can’t wait to race it again! Here’s hoping I can find sub-8:30 paces in my legs over these next two months. Who wants to join me at Mile High Run Club?
  • Speaking of getting faster, this treadmill workout  helped Laura set an amazing new 5k PR!

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!

Share Button
Follow:

Friday Favorites – August 26th, 2016

fall-fashion-chunky-knit-vest

Happy Friday friends!

This week was crazier than expected and I didn’t have time to save as many articles, blog posts, or recipes this week. In fact, I have about 20 different things screen shot on my phone so I can go back and read them this weekend. Luckily, there is plenty of time to relax and catch up this weekend head of my Monday morning flight to Las Vegas. I am not a fan of Las Vegas and therefore have denied the fact that I’ll be there for four nights. I need to figure out dinner plans for Monday so please let me know if you have recommendations on the Strip that are worth the money while not breaking the bank.

Anyway, back to today’s post. Instead of skipping today’s Friday Favorites post I figured that I’d dedicate this week’s Friday Favorites to talking about something I started during last week’s flight – Fall window shopping. As I rarely head to Park Avenue to browse Saks, Bloomingdales or any of the other windows, I love that I can easily window shop online by opening my favorite retailer tabs and clicking their Fall or New sections.  While some people aren’t quite ready to hear the F-word (Fall), I am already dreaming of mums, crunchy leaves, and wearing layers! Even though I’m still not doing much shopping, a little “window” shopping never hurt anyone, right? Here are the items on my wish list, aka Pinterest board for Fall.

  • This blazer in camel & black because who wants to pay full price for a blazer anyway?
  • These over-the-knee boots in taupe or grey are perfect for Fall without breaking the bank.
  • I burn this candle in my home office October through February without fail.
  • This Joie blouse is beautiful, but more than I’d want to spend, so now I’m on the hunt for a cheaper version.
  • I loved J.Crew’s silk ruffle blouses back in 2010 and this updated version would pair perfectly with the blazer, dark jeans, skinny belt, and the over the knee boots for a casual Friday office outfit.
  • I’m so in love with this cross-body purse that I may use a J.Crew gift card I’ve been saving to buy it!
  • This wool sweater coat screams “curl up by the fire with a hot toddy and a good book.”
  • These pants showed up in a Nordstrom email as a top-rated item and I can see why.  Everyone who has reviewed them, from 25-55, raves about their flattering fit.

Hopefully this weekend I’ll have time to update you guys on a few of the other things on my radar as well as the next round of ClassPass reviews!  Have a great weekend!

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!

Photo source is http://wachabuy.com/fall-outfits-to-copy/.

Share Button
Follow:

Stitch Fix Review #6

It’s time to share my latest Stitch Fix review with you all!  This month I did my best to give my stylist very specific requests for things that I wanted and needed to add to my closet – a work appropriate dress as well as a fun tank top which can be dressed up or down.  Overall, she definitely listened to my request though I realized I should have been more specific in regards to the work dress request. When I actually need to wear business attire it is business casual versus business. I easily could have kept three of the five items in this stitch but I have a rule of only keeping one item per stitch.

August Stitch Fix

In case this is your first time hearing about Stitch Fix back in January. It is an online personal shopping and styling website. After registering for the site, new members fill out an in-depth style survey and profile which helps theStitch Fix personal stylists get to know you. The questions include things like sizes, styles, favorite colors, brands, and other likes and dislikes.  Once you finish the profile you are able to schedule your first Stitch Fix delivery. EachStitch Fix delivery is a box of five pieces of clothing or accessories. Each month I share with you a recap of what I receive (January FebruaryMarchApril and June) and my thoughts on each piece. Your personal stylists selects the items for your individual fix based on the answers you provided in the survey. There is a $20 styling fee which you have to pay up front, but, the good news is that this $20 works as credit towards any of the items you want to keep.

Many of my friends who have loved Stitch Fix for years told me to give my stylist time to figure out my personal style, and therefore expect each box to get better. Based on this month’s fix, I would agree with what my friends have said and think that my stylist is doing a great job listening and even asking questions.

Here we go! Remember – If you see anything that you like below, feel free to pin and/or ask your stylist in the notes section of your next fix for something similar! Your stylist does her best to get to know you and therefore will read your blog, check out your Pinterest board and even your Facebook page if you give her access so she can see what you wear and love! In addition, remember that while I do get a small amount of compensation if you join Stitch Fix, all thoughts and feedback are my own opinion!

Alice Blue Alasdair Scoop Neck Blouse – Medium – $44.00 – Return – This tank top is a fun top for Summer, especially Fourth of July since the vibrant red and navy colors pair perfectly with white jeans for a patriotic look. Unfortunately, I am not a fan of scoop neck tanks and this tank was too large and flowy for my shape. If it fit better I would have been tempted to keep it but in the end decided to return it.

stitch fix tank

Brixon Ivy Ekland Lace Top – Medium – $58 – Return – I absolutely love the cut and fit of this fun and flattering tank top which includes a cross back and v-neck. However, I have never been a fan of lace whether it be for my wedding dress or wardrobe pieces. In fact, over the years I can only recall owning black lace items which due to their coloring and style, barely resembled lace. If you like lace then this top should definitely be requested in a fix as it fits perfectly and would be the perfect tank to pair with jeans and heels for date night!

stitch fix lace tank back of lace stitch fix top

Pixley Nelda Halter Blouse – Medium – $44 – Keep – When I saw the vibrant pattern of this top I immediately told Bo that I hoped it would fit. It is unlike any top tank or blouse that I have in my wardrobe and screams Summer. I have worn it four times already – once with white jeans, once with dark jeans, once with jean shorts and even tucked into a navy pencil skirt for work! The cut and style which includes a slim halter strap as well as a v-neck flatters my shoulders and flat chest while the bottom portion is flowy enough to be comfortable but doesn’t add bulk or size. This is hands down my favorite Stitch Fix item to date!

farmers market

Adrianna Papell Tallulah Dress – 8 – $98 – Return – As I mentioned, I requested dresses which would be work appropriate in this fix. This dress, which would be perfect for a more formal office setting or a cocktail event, is too formal for my typical work meeting. The style of this dress may work on some people but it fit me so poorly that a picture wasn’t worth sharing. The semi cap-sleeve cut was too thick for my shoulders and arms – adding bulk and even though the dress appears long, it hit me at the worst point possible – mid thigh. As you can see in the second picture, there is detailing along the neckline which adds some detail and removes the need to wear a necklace with it. In addition to the dress being too short, the fit was very odd on me – too small in the chest and then large in the hips which is the reverse of what I typically experience.

full size pic black stitch fix dress black stitch fix dress

Adrianna Papell Nevara Dress – 8 – $98 – Return – This was the second work dress included in this box. While the cobalt color is perfect for my complexion, this style was not flattering on my figure. Once again, the thicker strap/sleeve made me seem thick in the arms and shoulders while the square neckline did nothing. The rouching, which is supposed to be flattering was too loose in my mid-section and just hung awkwardly. The crepe material is far too fancy for my work meetings and overall this dress just felt old and stuffy.

blue stitch fix dress

Your turn: What piece is your favorite? What would have you kept? 

Share Button
Follow: