ashleyd /

Instagram Fashion: February 2016

Instagram Fashion

Each month, my Instagram feed features my life through pictures. The captions and pictures sometimes describe my goals or aspirations for the month while other times they’ll highlight the morning’s breakfast. Over half of each month’s images include myself running, stretching or sweating my way through a new adventure. With each image posted, you guys always ask where you can find the gear.

“Where can I buy that shirt? Who makes those shoes? Those tights are awesome, who makes them?” 

Inspired by Jenna’s monthly Instagram fashion round up, I thought it would be fun and helpful to recap each month’s looks along with links to where you can buy the items.

  1. This picture should be called staying warm when there are 20 mph wind gusts and below zero wind chills. Nike head to toe, this look includes this top, these tights and these kicks.
  2. A positive mindset and some fun gear make any run easier, right? This run through Prospect Park was powered by these kicks, these fleece-lined tights,  this running top, and my favorite ear warmer.
  3. Waking up for Friday morning yoga is easier when it includes neon tights. This outfit is only two pieces – these tights  (same style but different colors as mine are sold out) and this tank.
  4. This wintery photo shoot produced some really fun pictures including this subway shot. I was wearing this hat,  this awesome moto jacket and these tights to stay warm during the snowstorm.
  5. Nothing screams Spring like bright running gear. My friends at Sweaty Betty sent over this top (color sold out but here is current color) and these tights which have already become a favorite in my rotation.
  6. Another Nike look which Kayla and I shot on the same day as number one, this top (on sale now!!) kept me warm the entire time. I paired the top with these tights and these shoes  (on sale!!) which are my favorites for high intensity interval training and boot camp classes.
  7. Last but not least, this yoga shot was a perfect way to capture these new studio tights from New Balance and this fun, inspirational muscle t-shirt.

I’m sure that next month’s round up will include plenty of neon and hopefully even a few pairs of shorts since Spring is around the corner!

Your turn: What was your favorite look last month? What is your favorite piece of workout gear right now?  

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:
ashleyd /

A New Balance Giveaway

Why hello Fall!

Ashley Fall

Even though today’s hazy, warm weather in New York City makes me quickly forget this past weekend’s cool temps and Fall fun, there is no doubt in my mind that Fall running has arrived.  With the arrival of a new running season comes the fun task of switching out my workout drawer. Long sleeve technical tops and jackets replace the tank tops of Summer while I add compression socks to my shorts for just a few more weeks before switching to crops.

Similar to the way I’ve been stalking Loft, Nordstrom and J.Crew for their new Fall trends, I’m also excited to try some new running gear this Fall. In order to help you all with your search for new gear, I wanted to share my five favorite pieces from Reach the Beach weekend with New Balance. When I wasn’t dripping sweat during the hot daytime runs, I was wearing this gear whether relaxing or running at night.

IMG_4412

Before this weekend, I wasn’t familiar with New Balance’s gear beyond their shoes, tanks and shorts which I’ve sworn by for years. Most of their items, including these, tend to be more forgiving and comfortable in their sizing which is a pleasant change from some of the tighter, more bootylicious fits which are so popular with other brands. While I was lucky enough to be sent these items by New Balance, I wanted to share my thoughts with you guys as well as let one lucky reader win one item for themselves!

relaxing in new balance gear

These items, except when noted, run true to size or a bit large, which is perfect for Fall and Winter as typically you have multiple layers up top.

New Balance Premium Performance Print Capri – Stripe

I fell head over heels for these tights the first time I wore them. The horizontal stripes unexpectedly flatter me everywhere while the higher waist flatters the waistline.  The DRY technology wicks away the moisture quickly, allowing me to finish a run or Bar Method class fresh and dry versus a sweaty mess.

vazee

New Balance Vazee Pace

While these are perfect for all seasons, I can’t help but include these in my five favorites as I’m absolutely in love with these shoes! They weigh in at only 6.5 ounces, far lighter than my other shoes and have resulted in faster paces! The material hugs for feet, providing a fast feel while the sole is responsive. Even though it packs all of this into a light package, the sole and heel are still supportive enough for my 20 Reach the Beach miles as well as this weekend’s 10 mile race. I’m currently running in the grey blue but have full intentions of rewarding myself with the hi-lite color if I can set a new half marathon PR this Fall!

new balance beacon

 

New Balance Glow Beacon Vest

On sale right now, this vest will become a layering go to this Fall and Winter as the days grow shorter. The bright color keeps runners safe, even in the pitch dark, and there are zip pockets for storing your keys and money as well as smaller, interior pocket. The women’s version is slim cut so keep that in mind when ordering.

 

New Balance Essentials Plus Classic Sweatpant

It’s straight up embarrassing how much I’ve worn these since they arrived last month.  They combine the comfort of your favorite, worn-in sweatpants with the style of this season’s joggers, scrunching perfectly at the ankles. I have worn these for everything from recovering in the van during Reach the Beach to brunch when styled with Converse and a v-neck tshirt.  When winter comes, I know I’ll throw these on over my shorts or crops for workout classes as well as snuggling on the couch.

impact half zip

New Balance Impact Half Zip

This feminine half zip is perfect to wear to yoga or on a frigid run as it’s made with NB Dry, ensuring that the swick wicks away. I love the ruched detailing and collar notch detail that allows your ponytail to fall over the collar. The rear pocket is large enough to store everything you need for a busy morning of workouts and errands. The $69.99 makes this a great deal and has me tempted to order it in black heather.

Instead of taking my word for it, why don’t you enter my giveaway so you can wine one of the above items in your color and size preference? 

To enter:

1) Leave a comment letting me know what item you would want and why. (Required)

2) Follow @healthyhappier on Instagram and leave a comment letting me know you followed.

3) Follow @healthyhappier in Twitter and leave a comment letting me know you followed.

4) Like A Healthy, Happier Bear page on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know you followed.

This giveaway is only open to US residents and will end Thursday at 11:59pm. While my friends at New Balance invited me to join them for Reach the Beach as well as providing me with this wonderful gear, I am providing the prize with my own money and was not compensated for this post. 

 

 

Share Button
Follow:
ashleyd /

New Balance Girls Night Out

Wow, the number of free workout events hosted in New York City never ceases to amaze me! While most people often focus on how expensive boutique fitness classes are in the city, there is also the complete opposite offered on what seems like an almost daily basis.

Thursday night, I joined my friends Zoe and Sashea at New Balance’s Flagship location for Girls Night Out, their version of happy hour.

girlsnightout

These evening happy hour events take place a few times per year, each time featuring a great workout, speakers, great swag, and a fun after party including photo booths, drinks and light bites.  Their site features a sign up option which allows people to RSVP for the event, allowing New Balance to cap the number of women who attend each event depending on the venue or workout’s space constrictions.  Not based in NYC? Don’t worry, you can still get in on the fun in the future! On Thursday night over 30 cities hosted Girls Night Out events ranging from Durham, North Carolina to Los Angeles.

IMG_4578

The check in process was fast and included a cute swag bag and tank top which we were asked to wear for the evening’s workout. The check in process only took a minute and I was happy to see that they also offered bag check for those people coming straight from work. While people were arriving, New Balance and local partner Juice Generation offered guests fresh coconut water, green juices and bar samples to enjoy while mingling and checking out the latest Fall gear.

IMG_4579

FullSizeRender (1)

At 7pm the hostess greeted everyone and explained that we had two options: a fun run or a strength training workout with fitness expert Hollie Perkins.  Those doing the strength workout quickly walked a few blocks to a larger space which could accommodate 100 women for a strength training workout.

IMG_4600

Hollie’s energy lit up the room as she greeted our group and prepared us for the workout which would be a mix of cardio and resistance band strength training. She provided tips for making each exercise harder or easier depending on ability and demonstrated each move on the stage so everyone could easily follow along. For the next 40 minutes we lunged, jumped and pumped our muscles until the room was a sweaty mess. Her playlist was so spot on that many of us broke into a dance or busted out a few moves more than once.

IMG_4604

After the workout New Balance welcomed us back to the store for cocktails and food, including a delicious green tea vodka cocktail.

IMG_4607

IMG_4608

If you’re in one of the many cities where New Balance hosts Girls Night Out, I encourage you to grab a few girlfriends and make a date for their next event. While they fill up quickly, they are a fun and free way to break a sweat and enjoy a healthier happy hour. Follow either the corporate New Balance handle or your local New Balance store on social media to get updates on their next event.

 

Share Button
Follow: