New Year, New Rear: Talking Fitness Fashion and Fitness Goals for 2020

January 2, 2020

FITNESS FASHION

Nordstrom Fitness Finds

Bra: Zella // Leggings: Free People // Shoes: Adidas

Around this time every year is when the gyms are flooded with people attempting to kick their booty into gear. I have always had a fickle relationship with the gym and working out mostly because of my hip issues but 2019 was the first year I stuck with something fitness related. I found pilates and have never loved a workout more. With my new found love for Pilates, comes wanting to buy all of the cute work out clothes which can get expensive really quick. Why in the world are stretchy clothes so dang expensive?!

Now is a great time to stock up on quality active wear for the year. Nordstrom is having their Half Yearly Sale and there are some great finds in there. Zella, Adidas, Sweaty Betty and Beach Riot are some of my favorite brands that Nordstrom carries and I’ve also rounded up my favorite sale finds to make it easy on you below. Don’t forget Nordstrom has free shipping and returns so if you aren’t positive on sizing, I suggest ordering two sizes and returning the other. Sizes tend to sell out quickly so this is the best way to ensure you get the item you are wanting!

FITNESS GOALS

I get questions a lot on what I do to stay so fit and I’d be lying if I said it’s from a strict workout or diet plan. I struggle with both daily. Quick backstory, I had two hip surgeries in 2017 and honestly hadn’t done any sort of real workout since college prior to my surgery. Then after, I had so many issues that I barely did any sort of physical exercise, let alone workout. But this past year has taught me how rewarding it feels to work towards something and to push your body and mind further than you thought it could go. There is a small victory and dare I say small adrenaline rush that happens with each workout. Going into 2020 I want to put a stronger focus on my overall health and mindset.

Over the past year I’ve learned to love working out for multiple reasons. Obviously I have enjoyed seeing the fruits of my labor physically but mentally it has done wonders for me too! Working from home, sometimes my only break out of the house for the day is going to workout so it’s kind of become an escape. Running has done the same. On days I’m stressed or just need to clear my head, running helps so much. It’s crazy how a year ago I thought people who did these things were just torturing themselves. I don’t know what clicked for me in 2020 but I’m so glad it did. If you haven’t found a workout that makes you feel this way yet, keep searching. Pilates has been my saving grace.

Physically, I’ve noticed the most extreme amount of definition in my arms, abs and butt which are honestly the places I have always been most concerned about toning. I have loved Pilates because it does not involve much cardio yet still gets your heart rate up while being a full body workout. It’s definitely not easy but you can make the workout as hard or as easy as you want it to be. For those that are local to Houston, I go to HIP Fitness which is a megareformer class.

So what are my goals for 2020? Honestly I’d be happy with continuing on the path that I was on in 2019 but my main goal of this year is to add in variability with my workouts so I can start working new muscle groups. I also want to start adding in cardio as I am severely slacking in this department. While I love Pilates and plan on continuing to take it in 2020, I want to widen my range of workouts. So here are my specific goals…

Take at least 3 classes a week.

Try a completely new class once a month.

Start mixing in cardio once a week. Whether that be a long walk, *short* run, spin class or cardio based workout.

Get a massage once a month. Again this goes back to overall health and mindset and I think can be included as a fitness goal as working out/stress can create tension and knots that make it harder to workout and perform other daily tasks.

Eat dinner at home at least 4 nights a week. Of those 4 nights, try a new recipe once a week.

Nordstrom Fitness Finds

*Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Outfits, WWW

Best in Class Teacher Outfits from Walmart

March 27, 2019

Casual Work Wear

TANK // JACKET // JEANS // SHOES

Casual Work Wear

DRESS // SHOES

Casual Work Wear

TOP // JEANS // SHOES

My Chick-fil-a and Target runs have recently turned into Chick-fil-a and Walmart runs and boy have I been surprised at some of my recent fashion finds. While I’ve picked up my basic tees and tanks from Walmart for a long time, I’d never really ventured out further than that because honestly your girl is normally making a bee line for the Cookie Two Step Blue Bell Ice Cream. #priorities

I’ve had some requests lately to share casual work wear or outfits that would be appropriate for a classroom setting and while I haven’t set foot in a classroom setting in awhile, I would put money on the fact that teachers are all about the comfort aspect while still trying to look cute and professional. This is normally where I would give a speech on stretchy pants and dresses: two must haves for the comfy lover but I’ll refrain because I know you ladies know what I’m talking about.

As soon as Walmart announced that Maurices was launching on walmart.com, I knew they would have some great casual pieces that would be perfect for the classroom or a casual office setting.

I was pleasantly surprised by these button fly jeggings. They have the look of jeans, the stretch of jeggings and the quality of designer denim. I am wearing the same pair of denim in both the first and last outfits. The only difference is that I cuffed them in the last outfit making them look like an almost completely different jean! These jeans do run on the bigger side so I would suggest sizing down if in between sizes. I went with the XS short and would have done an XXS had they have had it.

I picked up several other pieces from the Maurices line that are not only appropriate for the office or classroom, they are just great basics to add to your closet. I can promise you that this anorak jacket will go with just about anything and everything. I’m talking over basic tees, blouses, dresses and even jumpsuits. I’ve tested this theory and I promise it works and it looks just as cute as can be. The green color option is my personal favorite but it also comes in a pretty blush pink color that is perfect for Spring and has the prettiest eyelet detail.

Next up, let’s talk shoes. Since heels can be a little too aggressive and usually not the most comfortable for someone on their feet all day, I found two pairs of wedges that are super cute, under $20 and the perfect height for the classroom. If wedges are still a little too much of a commitment for you, I found this pair of on trend white mules that I absolutely love. For sizing purposes, if you are in between sizes in any of the Time and Tru wedges, size down. I’m normally a 7.5 and went with the 7s. As for any of the Time and Tru sandals, I size up a half size!

Photography by: BanAvenue

*Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts an opinions are my own.*

Teacher Outfits

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Outfits

Nordstrom Special Occasion Wear for Spring Events

March 25, 2019

Spring Event Dresses

Jumpsuit: Nordstrom | Shoes: Nordstrom

Spring Event Dresses

Dress: Nordstrom | Shoes: Similar | Bag: Similar

Spring Event Dresses

Dress: Nordstrom | Shoes: Nordstrom | Bag: Gucci

Spring Event Dresses

Dress: Nordstrom | Shoes: Nordstrom

Spring has officially sprung and with that seems to come ALL of the events. And with all of the events comes all of the must have Spring event wear. Whether you have upcoming weddings, showers, parties or vacations, Nordstrom is your one stop shop for event wear and I’m sharing why they are always my go to destination.

No matter the occasion, Nordstrom is always the first place that I hit up. Their selection is by far the largest and nothing beats free shipping and returns. I feel a little less guilty purchasing multiple options for my event (whether it be multiple sizes or multiple styles), because I know whichever ones don’t work out can easily be returned. I also recently discovered their buy online and pick up in store option which is actually how I purchased all of the above items. It is a game changer.

Picture this: it’s noon and you realize you have nothing to wear for your event at 8 pm. Panic sets in. Then you remember you can hop on over to nordstrom.com, pick out a dress, and then pick it up in a couple of hours. Instantly relief. I can’t tell you how many times this has saved me. All you have to do is filter your online selection by your local Nordstrom address and it will only show you what is available in store.

Something that I also want to point out about Nordstrom during event season is that they have free alterations. All of my fellow petite girls can rejoice! I almost always have to have my dresses hemmed so this little perk is amazing. Want to hear something even better? It doesn’t even have to be from Nordstrom for them to alter it for free. That means bridesmaids dresses! I personally feel like Katherine Heigl from 27 dresses with the amount of weddings that I have been in. I’ve gone to Nordstrom every time I’ve needed one altered and I’ve even had a formal gown altered into a cocktail dress so that I could wear it again. To make an appointment, just go to their website, alterations are quick & easy!

Since I know Nordstrom’s site is a little overwhelming to new users, I wanted to highlight a few of my favorite brands that I always check out for more affordable event wear. You can click on any of the below brands to shop their current event wear and then see below for my personal picks for spring dresses, jumpsuits and accessories!

All In Favor | Halogen | Socialite | Leith | Topshop | WAYF | Bardot

*Thank you Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts an opinions are my own.*

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Work Wear Wednesday: Midi Skirt Edition

February 13, 2019

Work Wear Wednesday Midi Skirt

Turtleneck: Similar | Skirt: Goodnight Macaroon (use code XOXOCHIC40) |
Blazer: WHBM | Shoes: Sam Edelman

Whenever I was still working in the corporate world I think I googled “creative office style” more times than I could count. I was sick of wearing the same thing on rotation every week and felt like none of my work clothes were very “cute” or “me”. One source of inspiration that I continually went back to was Mary Orton from the Memorandum blog. Working ladies, she is GOALS. Her outfits were always way out of my price range but I always had fun trying to recreate her looks for 1/20th of the cost she paid:)

If you are in a work clothes rut and looking for a fun piece to add into your rotation, try a midi skirt! I personally love the idea of midi skirts in the office because they are an appropriate length while still being feminine and cute! It’s a stand out piece that everyone is sure to recognize which is one positive. The other is that it’s longer than a pencil skirt which means you don’t have to shave as high LOL. The less effort to get ready in the mornings, the better. You feel me?

I rounded up several other midi skirts that are appropriate for the office and sure to be a staple in your closet. The great thing about all of these is that you could dress them down for the weekend as well. My favorite way to style a midi skirt lately is with a graphic tee and sneakers!

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Outfits, Travel

Vacation Wear Packing List

January 29, 2019

**CLICK ANY IMAGE TO SHOP THE ITEM DIRECTLY**

I asked you ladies what you wanted to see this week and the number one request was for vacation wear so ask and ye shall receive! Whether you are headed for some fun in the sun or to hit the slopes, I’m sharing everything you should have on your packing list! I have to say that I am pretty jealous that so many of you have vacations booked. As of now my travel list for the year isn’t too long. I’m hoping to decide if I’m going to move out of state and what timeframe that would look like by the end of next month. Until then, it’s hard to really nail down travel plans when you aren’t sure what city you will be living in! So far, here are my definite travel plans for 2019…

February: Fredericksburg & Nashville

March: Chicago & Tulum

April: Dallas

July: Miami

September: New York

Looking at my list, the cold is out weighing the heat which means I need to get to booking some more beach trips! I am a water, sand and sun girl through and through! I hope that this post is helpful when you are planning out your outfits and packing lists. Every picture above and below is clickable and will take you directly to the retailer’s site where you can purchase that item. Happy shopping!

SUN

SNOW

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