Highlights from the Weekend – August 8th, 2016

There are only four days of work between me and a 10-day vacation! While I’m looking forward to Friday, I definitely wasn’t ready for the weekend to end.  Even though we woke up groggy and a tired since we stayed up too late catching up on Homeland, we kicked off the week on a strong note with an intense boxing class at Church Street Boxing Gym (<–save $20 off ClassPass with this code).

I thought it’d be fun to share some highlights from our weekend with you guys to start off the week.

photo3

Reading – As I previously mentioned, I’m in love with my Brooklyn Public Library card. While I know that I can also rent books on my Kindle/iPad, I am really enjoying reading the physical book. I read Jane Green’s new book Falling this weekend and am about 100 pages into American Wife. I am still not in love with the book but am going to stick with it.
grilling out

Grilling – We had enjoyed a spur of the moment dinner at our friends house on Saturday night which included lots of Olympics watching, burger eating and laughter. This hamburger was one of the best I’ve ever eaten – at home or at a restaurant – due to the mix of meats, seasoning and Challah bread buns!

relaxing sunday

Relaxing – I woke up Friday, Saturday and Sunday without an alarm and spent the first few hours of Saturday and Sunday relaxing at home. It’s been ages since I’ve had the opportunity to relax like this and it was such a treat. Sunday morning we went to our favorite neighborhood coffee shop,  Smith Canteen, and enjoyed iced coffee, savory quinoa bowl and read the paper.

blossom ice cream

Ice Cream – Sunday’s warm weather beckoned us to enjoy ice cream. After recently discovered a new, neighborhood ice cream shop, we used last night’s heat and humidity as an excuse to finally try it. Blossom serves the Thai style hand-rolled ice cream which hit the Manhattan ice cream scene last Summer. I wasn’t sure what to expect but after enjoying last night’s Classic Cooler which combines banana, oreo and caramel in multiple, delicious rolls, I will definitely be back. They have a menu with 12 signature combinations but customers can create their own as well as add toppings for the $6.50 price. Have you tried hand-rolled ice cream yet? 

bike ride

Bike Riding – For some unknown reason, I haven’t been on my bike this season. For the past three Summers I rode my bike an average of once a week but this year I forgot that riding was even an option. When Bo suggested we go for a ride in Prospect Park to shake out our legs after Saturday’s run, I eagerly agreed. Even though I only rode 17 miles yesterday I really enjoyed the Prospect Park loop and the number of bike lanes available to bikers in Brooklyn. Now, who wants to join me for a ride sometime because I definitely can’t keep up with Bo’s pace! 

 

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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? 

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Friday Favorites – August 5th, 2016

iced coffee

Happy Friday friends! I hope you guys have had a wonderful week and are ready for the weekend. So far the only plans for the weekend include an REI shopping trip in preparation for our trip and a Saturday morning long run with Zoe and Gotham City Runners. Otherwise we hope to spend the weekend relaxing in the neighborhood. What are your weekend plans? 

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.

  • I am always confused by the use of a period at the end of a text, especially when just a simple word or two, has led me to believe the person sending the text was annoyed or upset. Based on this New York Magazine article, I’m not the only person who feels this way.
  • Like many runners, I don’t always foam roll often enough or properly. This simple Foam Rolling 101 video is a great way to remind yourself of foam rolling’s importance and the proper way to roll each of your key running muscles.
  • If I was shopping the Nordstrom Anniversay Sale, I would buy this top as I’ve seen two separate people wear it this week and love the way it can transition from Summer to Fall.
  • Curious about the benefits of collagen? Julie did a great job explaining the benefits as well as the results she’s seen in this post.  I have started including collagen in my smoothies 2-3 times per week but after reading this post, I have decided to start including it in my morning coffee.
  • It is so important to be smart when running, especially in light of the recent murder of a local NYC runner. Every runner, especially females, should review these 6 simple tips for protecting yourself when running alone
  • Is there a better way to get pumped for the Olympics then watching this USA Olympic Team Carpool Karaoke?
  • I may have to whip up this lemon avocado hummus for an appetizer tomorrow night!

Your turn: I am reading more than ever now which means I need YOUR recommendations! What book have you read and loved recently? 

 

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!

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