Denim & Stripes and Everything Nice

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This week, I’ve found myself working from our NYC office more days than working from home. This means the return of showering at the gym, lugging clothes into the city and trying not to forget key wardrobe components. Did I tell you guys about the time when I forgot to bring a bra to the gym the day I was wearing a white top. Let me tell you, there are very few places in Midtown NYC that sell bras before 10am. If my memory serves me right, I hid in a huddle room until I could dash out to quickly buy a bra. STRIPE_2

So how does this introduction relate to today’s post. Well my friends, in my mind, the best thing about Summer is the return of the sundress – even Barney Stinson agrees! It’s easy to style, easy to pack and pairs perfectly with a fun jean jacket, cardigan or other jacket for breezy days or the chill of a cold office.  Even though my closet already has plenty of sundresses, I couldn’t resist this adorable and comfortable striped sundress from JCrew Factory when I saw it on the mannequin over Memorial Day weekend.

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Dress – Jacket (old but this is similar)- Clutch –  Nail PolishSandals Lipstick

The thick ponte material barely wrinkles, making it perfect for those days that I need to stuff clothes into a locker at the gym. It is longer than most of their dresses making it work appropriate, even for a taller gal like myself.  If those selling points aren’t enough, how can you resist pockets and stripes?  Recently I’ve paired this with a classic jean jacket and my Birkenstocks for weekends and then heels and a clutch for work or evenings.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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Instagram Fashion: April 2016

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

It’s time for this month’s edition of Instagram Fashion workout gear round up! This month I mixed things up a bit by sharing items beyond workout gear. April’s weather was far different than I expected – chilly and rainy, which therefore limited the amount of fun, new workout gear I could wear. The forecast for the next few days is warm and sunny so I’m sure that May will bring the beginning of Summer’s heat and humidity.

  1. An athleisure moto jacket that combines fashion with the technical details you’d expect from an athletic brand sounds too good to be true, right? This New Balance Shadow jacket is a favorite of mine as I dash home after a sweaty workout since it’s breathable and made of sweat-wicking material. Anytime I wear the moto jacket people are in shock when they hear it is New Balance.
  2. Is there a more fun combination than stripes and pom-pom details on a shirt? I love pairing this navy and white striped top with jeans or white shorts for a casual, yet fun weekend look. Since buying it last month I’ve worn it five times AND bought it for two friends. It’s on super sale right now, so snag it before they sell out.
  3. I’ve worn this outfit combination a few times this month as it’s perfect for the transitional weather. The Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity tights are lightweight while still providing compression and fun details, while the Brooks Ghost tank is so light I forget I’m wearing it. While I’ll probably not use the tights for Summer workouts, this tank will be a staple for the next few months as I run through the heat and humidity.
  4. I wore this same outfit on three different flights this month as it is comfortable and keeps me warm during chilly flights. The Patagonia Nano Puff  is compact and lightweight so you can easily stuff it into your suitcase if you don’t need it.  Available in 30 different color combination, the Brooks Chariot Heritage shoe is a great everyday shoe that provides great foot support while still being fun and colorful. Last but not least, the Timex Ironman Sleek 150 is a great update to their classic sports watch, allowing me to keep track of time and my workouts with a pop of neon.
  5. There is no question about it, the Brooks LSD Running Jacket was my single favorite item of clothing in April! It’s available in 7 different colors but I love pairing the neon yellow with solid crops or shorts for wet or windy runs.
  6. I wore this vibrant, flattering Jill Stuart dress to a beach wedding down in Avalon last month and loved it so much that I was tempted to buy it after my great Rent the Runway experience. The fun open back and high neck flattered my shoulders and back, two areas I love to highlight.
  7. As soon as I saw this tank in Target I knew I had to buy it! This fun, flowy and inspirational muscle tank has been the perfect top for barre classes and HIIT classes alike since it has side vents and is lightweight.
  8. I’ve owned this Athleta bikini (top and bottom) for four years and it is constantly my favorite for everything from laying out to riding the waves.  The halter top is adjustable and has removable cups – making it a great option for those of us who want just a little bit of padding.

Your turn: What was your favorite item of clothing last month? 

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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Stitch Fix Review #4 – April 2016

Greetings from Savannah! This visit has been so wonderful I’m already dreading tomorrow’s flight back to New York City. Luckily we have another trip down here in a month for the big wedding weekend! Until then, I’m going to share my latest Stitch Fix experience with you guys in this post this morning and then spend the rest of the day disconnected from social media, celebrating my mom’s 65th birthday with a manicure & pedicure, lunch with her girlfriends and then a fun, family dinner tonight at our favorite restaurant – Elizabeth’s on 37th.

This month’s Stitch Fix shipment was especially fun as my mom helped take the pictures and give her opinion on each piece from the fix.

Stitch Fix twirl

In case you missed it, I joined Stitch Fix back in January. Each month I share with you a recap of what I receive (January February and March) and my thoughts on each piece. In case you haven’t heard about it previously, Stitch Fix 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 the Stitch 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. Each Stitch Fix delivery is a box of five pieces of clothing or accessories. 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. This month’s box was a great one as the styles were definitely Spring and she listened to my requests in regards to fun prints and a Spring dress.  I’ve already put the requests in for next month’s box – SHOES! I am so excited that their stylists now have access to over 200 different types of shoes including brands like Dolce Vita. A fun, in-style pair of shoes is the perfect way to add a new pop of fun to an outfit, whether it’s on the weekend or for the office. Since Stitch Fix just launched their shoe collection, I am going to request at least one pair of shoes in next month’s fix!

You can also give your mom a Stitch Fix card for Mother’s Day! I did this two years ago, and it was so fun to help my mom style her boxes! 

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!

This month's stitch fix

Renee C Alecto Halter Top Medium $44.00 – Return 

Stitch Fix Bright Top

I have been searching for a fun, vibrant Summer top that I can dress up or down and was hoping that this would be the one. I loved the vibrant print but unfortunately the straps didn’t allow for a bra and the fit wasn’t as flattering as I’d like.
Market & Spruce Girona Eyelet Detail Top – M – $64.00 – Return

Stitch Fix White top

I was in love with the cut, style and design of this top as soon as I took it out of the box. Even though I have a similar top from Target’s Lily Pulitzer collection, this top was a winner in that it had the notch detail, flattering sleeveless style and it was the perfect length. I originally planned to keep this item but then I saw the $64.00 price tag and just couldn’t rationalize the price for a top so similar to one I already own.

London Times Lynx Dress – 8 – $88.00 – Keep

Stitch Fix Green Dress

Obsessed is the only word I can use to describe this amazing dress. The emerald color brings a pop of color to my skin even before this weekend’s touch of sun. The ribbed, textured fabric is very forgiving and complements versus showing any flaws. The dress’s longer length makes it perfect for tall gals like me as it hits right below the knee. Paired with fun earrings and wedges, this will make the perfect rehearsal dinner dress for Meg and Russell’s wedding next month.

Dear John – Finnegan Roll Cuff Chino Short – 8 – $58.00 – Return

Stitch Fix shorts

Even when my legs are at their leanest, cuffed shorts are the least flattering style. These were loose in the waist and fit in the thigh but I just couldn’t bring myself to embrace the pattern or style. If they were a true seersucker, things may have been different but this pattern just wasn’t me.

Gilli Arden Printed Maxi Skirt – M – $58.00 – Return

Stitch Fix Maxi

Every fix seems to have one item that just makes me laugh out loud. As soon as I saw this maxi skirt, I could think of a few people who would love it – especially my Florida gal Meghann. The loud print was out of my comfort zone and the front slip went way too far up my leg. While the skirt didn’t work for me, the maxi style and stretchy fabric was very comfortable!

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

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