FBFF: Fitness and Fashion

FBFF:Fitness and Fashion (since I used my creative title on last week's fitness related post!)

So I swear I didn't see these questions before last week's post.  If you didn't read it, please check it out! It'll give you some great ideas on what to wear when working out - perfect for both functionality and fashion.

1. Do you keep some kind of fitness routine? Why? Yes.  I'm pretty routine about everything actually and I hate to deviate during the work week.  Having a routine keeps me on track and makes me feel good.

2. Has working out, maybe training for a marathon or something of that nature, helped with your own perception of body image? Well they say working out helps build endorphins and endorphins make you happy.  I definitely think that working out helps with your body image (or it should.) When you treat your body right it's a good feeling, knowing you're trying your best to take care of it.  At least that's how I feel.

3. When you are hitting the gym or just going out for a long walk what do you wear? Is it about functionality or fashion? I am 98% percent about functionality!  While I do try to match my old teeshirts to my pants and sneakers, I keep the mantra - I'm at the gym to make my body look and feel good outside of the gym.  I'm there to get in and get out.  It's not a social hour or beauty pageant for me.  Plus, I'd rather spend my money on other things.

4. Do you feel there is a cultural perception of what you ‘should’ be doing for your own physical fitness? Probably.  Americans have such a twisted perception of what beautiful is.  Many people think it means being super skinny.  This creates a horrible image perception.  You see those people in magazines and you think, "I should look like that, why don't I look like that?"
5.  Dream big… what would be your ultimate fitness goal. To have perfectly flat abs without doing any type of ab exercise.  That would be glorious.  I envy those people.
If you need/want more ideas on how to treat your body good check out my friend Krystle's blog at FierceFabFit.

XXoo

Bright S[hues]

Even though I struggle with it, I can’t deny it.  Color is HUGE right now and it seems like the brighter the better.  Given my love/lust/obsession with shoes, I thought this would be a perfect way to incorporate one of summer’s biggest trends into my wardrobe.

Here are some of my favorite bright shoes:

RED

(Trinidad Leather Sandal available @ SteveMadden.com, $99.95)

ORANGE

(Nine West Stylin Sandals available @ Macys.com, $89.00)

PINK

(Belle Sigerson Morrison Cutaway Flats available @ NETAPORTER.com, $195.00)

PURPLE

(Yves Saint Laurent Gipsy Suede Block Sandals available @ NETAPORTER.com, $795.00)

BLUE

(Ellingwood available @ Aldoshoes.com, $70.00)

GREEN

(Christopher Kane Two Tone Leather Platform Sandals available @ NETAPORTER.com, $650.00)

YELLOW

(Giuseppe Zanotti Design available @ Zappos Couture, $595.00)

How do you incorporate color into your wardrobe?

XXoo

What Inspires YOU?

In a world where it's easy to have none, this week's (well technically last Friday's) Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions focus on inspiration. 

1. Which celebrity (celebrities) do you look to for fashion inspiration? I wouldn't say that I look towards any celebs in particular for fashion inspiration.  I try not to copy other peoples looks and just do me.  However, I really like Whitney Port's style.  I think she always looks great no matter what.

2. When it comes to your own personal style, what inspires you? So many things inspire me.  Most of the time I'm inspired by my mood or the weather.  I'm more apt to put myself together when the weather is warm and sunny.  I get lazy in the winter and dress more for warmth than anything else.  Winter clothes bore me. Sometimes I'm inspired by editorials in magazines, other times by a color I see somewhere and think, "I HAVE to find something in that color!"

3. How do you hope to inspire your readers? I hope to inspire my readers by giving them ideas on what to wear when they are feeling uninspired.

4. Outside the realm of fashion who/what inspires you? Knowing that success is possible. If you can dream it, you can achieve it.

5. And since Idol is ending… Which songs inspire you? First of all - is Idol ending? Not forever right? And who is winning?  In all seriousness though different types of music inspire me in different ways.  Trance music inspires me to keep running at the gym, hardcore rap also does the same thing as well as inspire me to keep pursuing monetary dreams, classic rock helps inspire many of my laid back casual outfits and top 40 hits inspire me when I'm getting dressed to go out.  I can't say there is just one song that really inspires me in every aspect of my life. It's always different.

What inspires you? How do you incorporate music and fashion into your life? Are there any celebs that mold your fashion choices?

XXoo

Push It To The Limit

So I'm not usually one for spending money on gym clothes but given a recent (possibly rather rash and not well thought out) commitment to participate in a charity lacrosse game, I'm feeling inspired to vamp up my workout wardrobe. 

While I work out regularly, It's been over TEN YEARS since I've picked up my trusty stick and played an actual game.

Since I'll be playing in less than 3 weeks, it's time to hit the gym harder than ever.  (Frankly, I am a little frightened about embarrassing myself.)

But if all else fails, at least I will look cute playing.  Here are some of my favorite workout essentials:

A Great Jacket goes a long way. Perfect for those chilly days and for keeping your muscles warm after an intense workout.

(Women’s Vital Jacket available @ Lucy.com, $78.00)

A Loose-Fitting Tank. No one wants to be pulling their shirt down during a run. 

(Performance Sports Tank available @ Forever21.com, $13.80)

Well-Fitting Capris or Leggings.  No one wants to be pulling their shorts down during a workout either.

(Nike Tech Running Capri 10 available @ Zappos.com, $55.00)

 

Comfortable Running Shoes.  Even if you're not comfortable running these shoes will keep your feet happy no matter what.

(New Balance Women’s WT572 Trail Running Shoe available @ DSW.com, $59.95)

A Durable Water Bottle. Drop it. Throw it. Just don't lose it.  Water bottles make the perfect yet practical gym accessory.

(Gaiam DAMASK 750 Aluminum Water Bottle With Screw Top available @ Everythingyoga, $11.99)

Now I don't know about you but looking cute at the gym makes working out SO much easier!

XXoo

 

 

FBFF: A Birthday Reflection

Too often in our lives we get caught up in ourselves and forget how we got to where we are and who got us there.  While these things often get taken for granted, it's good to stop and give thanks once in a while.

In lieu of FBFF's ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, Katy has come up with questions that allow all of us to stop, reflect and give credit where credit is due.

1.  When it comes to be personally – I owe a lot of who I am to: My parents for installing values and morals and common knowledge into me as I grew and to my husband for continually making me the happiest I have ever been and for making me whole. (Disclaimer: Sorry to anyone who may have gagged reading this response.)

2. When it comes to be professionally – I owe a lot of who I am to: All the people that have ever doubted me.  Thanks for being the thorn in my ass that drives my success everyday.

3. When it comes to the art of blogging, I’m grateful to these people for helping me through some rough spots: Since I'm a newer blogger I don't think I've had any rough spots in my blogging life per say but throughout the past 9 months I have had some personal obstacles and I have to give shoutouts to a few of my bloggersistas for being so awesome and keeping me smiling during those roadblocks.

Krystle from FIERCEFABFIT http://www.krystlesstyle.blogspot.com/
Ty from Gorgeous in Grey http://www.gorgeousingrey.com/
Taliah from Fashion Was Here http://www.fashionwashere.wordpress.com/
Melody from One Day in April http://www.onedayinapril.wordpress.com/

These ladies are all amazing! Check out their blogs, comment if you like.  You won't be disapointed.

4. One blogging challenge I’m grateful happened because it made me stronger was… Hmmmmmm....I'll come back to this one!

5. To my readers, I’d like to say… THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! I am continously amazed people are actually reading my blog.  I cannot say it enough, THANK YOU!!
THANK YOU!!!

XXoo

Button-Down Ode

I always have a tough time dressing down because I’m such a dress-up girl.  I love my heels, dresses and skirts.  This isn’t always practical and sometimes a girl just has to wear jeans. Other than throwing on jeans with a classic cotton white tee, I’m a huge fan of jeans with variations of comfortable button-downs.

These are some of my favorite button-downs for a casual but sheek day.

The Chambray:  Not only do these tops look awesome with white jeans, they look great paired with OTHER SHADES OF DENIM.  Just don’t forget to throw on a patterned or contrasting belt to divide all that blue!

(BDG Doublecloth Breezy Boyfriend Button-Down Shirt available @ UrbanOutfitters, $29.00)

The Plaid: Not just for rednecks anymore! These plaid shirts now come in a variety of fabrics and are great for year long wear.  They look awesome with skinnies and riding boots, paired with heels or with your favorite pair of denim jean shorts.

(BDG Doublecloth Breezy Boyfriend Button Down available @ Urban Outfitters, $32.00)

The Trendy: These button-downs are oh so fun but don’t spend a ton on one because what’s in this season but might be out the next!

(Denim Knot Shirt available @ Topshop.com, $36.00)

 

The Fancy: These button-downs usually feature a fabric other than cotton.  They are the perfect addition to jeans and heels.

(Alice + Olivia Brazil 70’s Collar Button Down in Leopard Print available @ Singer22.com, $253.00)

The Classic:  This shirt is timeless (well, until it starts to yellow.) Classic white shirts look great paired with any color denim.  Throw on with a scarf and sandals for a casual look or a skirt and heels for a fancier outtake.

(MICHEAL KORS Button Down Shirt available @ Michaelkors.com, $79.50)

Here’s to you button-down shirt.  Thanks for helping me feel comfortable in jeans.

XXoo



My Favorite Outfits For Under $100

So its been quite some time since I've done one of these posts and it may be because they are the trickiest to do.  I find it's very easy to find a TON of super expensive pieces to put together for an outfit when your budget is limitless.  However, when you have such a specific mind (like my own) and get ideas stuck in your head about things you have to have to put together an outfit, sometimes it becomes difficult to keep the cost reasonable.

Today's outfit is perfect for spring-time weather.  There are so many versatile pieces you'll be able to wear all of them for many months to come in many different ways!

Round Sunnies - $14.00

(Small Round Metal Sunglasses available @ UrbanOutfitters.com, $14.00)

White Blouse - $14.99

(Charter Club Blouse, Button Front Textured Bib available @ Macy’s, $14.99)

Multi-colored Scarf - $3.24

(Multi Print Chiffon Scarf available @ Scarf Heaven Shop on Ebay.com, $3.24)

Denim Shorts - $14.80

(Stitched Detail Denim Shorts available @ Forever21, $14.80)

Leather Pouch - $9.99

Ecote Leather Pouch available @ Urban Outfitters, $9.99)

Peep-Toe Flats - $34.00

(Kimchi Blue Laser Cut Peep-Toe Skimmer available @ Urban Outfitters, $34.00)

Total Outfit Cost = $91.02.  The memories you'll have wearing such a great outfit and all these items over and over again = Priceless.

XXoo

FBFF: Does Engagement Lead To A Happy Marriage?

Many of us bloggers are often torn between how to attract new followers, how to hang on to old followers and how to keep our loyal readers and followers happy and around forever.

Today's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions deal with how to handle this sometimes dicey relationship. 

Blogging is like a physical relationship - sometimes you just have to date around and try new things before you figure out what really works for you.

1. Guest posts are a good way to gain new exposure. What do you think is the appropriate way to go about securing a guest spot?  Start by offering to guest post when a friend needs someone to on their blog.  It's a great way to show that you are really capable while helping out a buddy.

2. Leaving comments is essential to growing your blog. But how can you leave a comment without coming across as ‘Follow Me. Follow Me!’? Make sure you really read the content of the blog and then leave a genuine comment.  If you are having a hard time finding the words to write, then don't - what until they put up a new post and write something then.

3. We’ve all gotten a mass email at one time or another asking for blog exposure, a link exchange, etc… But the mass emails don’t work. How do you make your email stand out from the crowd? Once again, make sure it's genuine.  Don't just send out an email saying follow me.  It's obnoxious.  When bloggers truly need help with something (like promoting a good cause or launching a great idea) mass emails are great.  People are much more likely to respond when the request is from the heart.
4. In interacting with other bloggers where do you draw the line
between seeking support and begging for exposure? My bloggersistas (I should trade mark that.  You heard that phrase here first kids) are THE BEST! I don't have to force feelings to give them support.  I truly love their blogs and love reading and leaving comments on them and I hope they feel the same way towards mine.
5. What’s one rule of engagement error you made and how have you
remedied that?  Please let me know!

XXoo