Affordable & Cute Activewear

It's hot.  I swear it didn't get hot like this last summer.  I remember longing to jump in the ocean last year and it never got quite hot enough to do that.  This summer, I've been swimming like a fish in Maine's beautiful Old Orchard Beach ocean since July.  Which means, it's hot.

When I'm not swimming, (life doesn't stop just because it's summer) I'm sweating.  I'm not going to stop doing the things I love because of a little sweat.  Most mornings, I start my day with a walk through the City.  Unless there's snow on the ground or it raining really hard, I gotta workout outside.  Something about the fresh air, the rush of traffic, the interesting sights of Congress Street... I love it.



But, City wear is a little different than gym wear.  See, on my City walk, I walk through Deering Oaks Park, past the Preble Street Resource Center and around the Joe's Smokeshop construction.  A sports bra and lycra shorts are not going to cut it.  Even though it's hot, modesty is important.

I found an activewear line that is fashionable, super affordable and the quality is surprisingly good.  Forever21's Activewear line isn't just for 21 year olds.  They offer three levels of support in their sports bras: high, medium and low impact.  I wear their low impact bralettes for daytime support when I'm running errands.  Their high impact bras will give you plenty of support for a workout. 



Cutouts in activewear right now is huge.  Let your brightly colored strappy bra peak through an interestingly draped tank.  Don't like the idea of letting your skin peak-a-boo through your leggings?  Forever21 has tons of options for leggings.  Between mesh panels, lace-up ballet leggings and waistbands with motivational sayings, there's a pair for everyone.

You're going to sweat this summer, so why not look good doing it?  Check out Forever21's incredible line of activewear HERE.  My sneakers are from the Nike Outlet, the lace-up leggings and bralette are from Forever21 and the tribal tank is from H&M.  You don't have to spend a lot to stay cool and active this summer.



Play Ball!

Summer means so many things.  Beach, pool, picnics, festivals, sporting events... I love them all.  But dressing appropriately isn't always easy.  Especially when you are going from one place to another.  Going from the beach to an evening baseball game without the opportunity to shower and change isn't an easy feat.  Planning is essential and perfection is unobtainable.

 

A piece that can work the job of a dress you can pair with sneakers AND a beach cover-up is like buying two dresses in one, so invest in one that's versatile.  I'm so loving the white striped dress I'm wearing above with rope accents from SheIn.  I feel like I could wear this dress to almost anything.  Definitely to the beach, the pool, a picnic, a festival and even tonight's Sea Dog baseball game!

 

 

Next up, let's talk about my absolute favorite trend right now... dresses and sneakers!  For the longest time, dresses were reserved for anything but sneakers.  Now, it's totally fashion forward and the most comfortable way to dress.  I own a ton of sneakers.  I own a ton of dresses.  It's a match made in heaven.  Of course, there are exceptions.  Sneakers should be paired with a casual dress, worn in a casual atmosphere.  Like a baseball game, lunch with a friend, running errands, etc.  Keep the heels on for evening and special events.

 

 

In summary... Finding a dress that can serve multiple events is essential.  Comfortable footwear will keep you going all day and night, and sneakers CAN be worn with a dress!  If you love my dress as much as I do, you can get it for $13.99 from SheIn...  One of my absolute favorite companies.  I'm always highly satisfied with the quality, sizing and prices.  Check it out!  





 





Graphic Tee & Denim

It's my uniform.  In the summer, it's graphic tanks and denim cut-offs.  A pair of sneakers for running around during the day and a pair of platform sandals to transform the look for night.  In the fall, I'll layer a flannel shirt over my graphic tee and throw on a pair of booties.  Boom.  Winter, a graphic tee with a cardigan or blazer, skinny jeans and waterproof boots complete my look.  It's probably the most versatile combination in fashion history.

Denim has stood the test of time.  Although styles and washes change, denim is timeless.  I remember the days when your denim was tight around your waist and baggy around your bottom.  Pretty much the most unflattering style of all time.  Then there were flares that sat so low on your hips you couldn't help but peak your thong in the back.  Now, almost any style jeans are in.  My denim cut-offs are my go-to in the summer.  Cooler seasons, I rock skinny jeans as much as I wear flares.

 

Just as versatile as denim are graphic tees.  I live in them.  Although, I will admit that I have a few that say things in French or say something that isn't quite accurate to my personality.  I just liked the look and fit.  Come on, I'm not perfect, but one thing I am is never late.  My tank above says, "Fashionably Late" and if you know me, you know I'm early for everything.  I also love my "Pug Life" tee, even though I'm not a huge fan of dogs and have never owned a pug.  It's just a wicked cute shirt.  One fashion piece of advice about graphic tees is no matter what the shirt says, if it doesn't fit well, toss it to the side.

 

My fashion uniform has been and always will be graphic tees and denim.  It will never go out of style, it's functional and can easily be transformed from day to night.  My graphic tee and denim cut-offs are from Forever21 and my Nike sneakers are from the outlet.







Swimwear Essentials

If you haven't heard of Adore Me, you're about to get schooled.  It's just like any other subscription company, but this one specializes in lingerie, loungewear and now, swimwear.  Your first order you get for $24.95 and then each month after, you can select from all their merchandise that averages for less than $40.  If you invite a friend to join Adore Me, you get $15 off your next purchase.  Want to know more?  Watch a quick video on how it all works HERE.

Adore Me offers sizes all the way from XS to 3X, so there's no excuse to not shop their styles.  Every body type looks different in a bathing suit.  I have a more athletic body, so I'm always trying to accentuate curves.  The bikini above is the perfect solution for someone who would want to keep their curves at bay.  The halter top gives support to a fuller bust and the brief style bottom is perfect for a little more coverage.  Hate your mid-section?  One pieces are all the rage right now.  Try one that has cut outs in the places where you do love your body.  Have a great butt?  Show it off!  Exposing part of your bottom is completely acceptable these days.

My favorite bikini this summer has ruffles on top and on bottom.  The one shoulder ruffle top gives the illusion that my small B cup is larger than it is.  Plus, I love that I can jump around, play in the sand with my son and dive into the ocean without it going anywhere.  My triangle tops can't do all that.  The bottom is pretty bomb.  The ruffle is asymmetrical and only ties on one side.  The advantage of that is depending on how many tacos I had for lunch, I can adjust it so it doesn't pinch or fall down.  Your bikini should draw someone's attention to the parts of your body that you love.  If it doesn't, put it down and find the right one.

Your bathing suit is only a small part of your beach/pool look.  If you're anything like me, your cover up is going to be on just as much as your suit.  So put just as much attention in what goes over your bathing suit.  I like something light, sheer and can transition to lunch.  Because you never know where your day will take you.  A great tote that you can fit everything is essential.  I carry a Sea Bag to the beach.  They're made from boat sails, so they're highly durable and waterproof.  Don't be a fool and wear anything but flip flops if you're hitting the beach.  My favorite beach flip flops have a 3" wedge and rhinestones.  They work great walking in the sand, but also look sexy for cocktails out.  Lastly, jewelry is always optional.  If you're going to be applying sunscreen, around sand or sweating, wear pieces that will wipe clean and not tarnish.

Images from Adore Me.

My red ruffle bikini is from H&M.  



 









Guilty!

I overheard a woman describe her look as, "wash n' wear" the other day and thought, yeah, that's me.  I'm pretty low maintenance in the beauty department.  BUT, as I get older, the "wash n' wear" isn't holding up like it used to.  Fine lines are settling in, my hair is getting increasingly more course and as my youth fades away, so does my "natural beauty".  I started wearing makeup everyday, but I officially plead guilty to neglecting my hair. 

The saddest part is that I know hair is your number one accessory.  It's not like a purse that you can swap out when it doesn't match your outfit.  Your hair is always attached and it's a part of your look that can make or break it.  I've seen women before where I thought, "Oh, she's so pretty and I like her outfit, but that hair has to go".  Guilty as charged.  Because I guarantee someone has said that about me.



For years, beginning in high school, I dyed and occasionally cut my own hair.  Playing sports, it becomes socially acceptable to "look like an athlete" and put your hair in a ponytail everyday.  I rode that guilty train until college.  In college, I discovered bangs and a straightening iron and didn't change my look for almost ten years.  Ten guilty years of the same look.  When I finally realized that I looked "dated" and discovered that the reason why I couldn't grown my hair long was because of the damage I was causing it (from boxed hair color and that super hot iron), I decided to make a change.

After being bumped around to a few different stylists at my old salon, I did some research and found a highly recommended stylist to take this guilty girl on.  When I sat in her chair, Nichole sat down with me and asked a ton of questions.  I was embarrassed to admit what I had been doing with my hair, but there was no judgment.  She asked about my hair goals and explained to me why my guilty hair habits were preventing me from obtaining those goals.  It all made sense.



Together, Nichole and I made a plan, and within a year, I had achieved hair success.  Of course, every time I'm overdue (I'm also guilty of going too long without making an appointment), I revert back to my "wash n' wear pony".  I never get a lecture, Nichole just fixes it.  Now that my hair is exactly how I want it, I vow to take better care of it.  You'll probably still see me with my wavy, unbrushed look from time to time.  But if you see me with nice polished locks, tell me I'm pretty.  I find positive comments make me want to keep my look polished and stylish.



A huge thank you to Nichole Sheedy* for taking me on as a Client.  I know it was no easy feat.  You've been patient, working with the guiltiest hair villain on the planet and you always make me feel beautiful.  If you're interested in a change or looking for a professional, innovative, expert hair stylist, I highly recommend Nichole Sheedy.  Book an appointment with Nicole HERE.

 

*Nichole Sheedy: In the Industry for 9 years, works at Gallery Hair Design Scarborough Maine. Loves hair painting and blondes. Goldwelll hairstylist keeping up with education on a regular basis. Travelled to London, Miami, and LA for Goldwell color zoom. Also works with a lot of brides doing hair and makeup for the whole party on site.





When Life Hands You Lemons

You're probably wondering why I'm having a drink with a wooden giraffe.  I was supposed to have drinks with a girlfriend, but when she called 30 minutes before our cocktail hour (with a legit excuse), I found myself left alone with a romper, a bottle of vodka and a wooden giraffe.  When I was younger, I would have dealt with it by pouting and changing into sweats.  Luckily, we progress and  learn to deal with life's lemons.  Cocktail hour was not completely cancelled.  I kept my romper on and poured myself a drink anyway.

 

Awww... and even Harley (my kitty) joined me!  There is a fashion take-away from my silly cocktail hour story.  It's about life's unexpected moments and how to deal with them.  You can't always be dressed perfectly for every occasion.  I strive to leave the house in one look that can carry throughout the day.  I've got kids, a job and an extremely busy life.  Not to mention I'm married to the most spontaneous man in the world.  My look has to cover all possibilities, and it's not always easy.

 

There are few suggestions I can make to help you get through your unpredictable day in style:

• Unless you are the Queen of heels, a small wedge, block heel or flat will be your most functional option.  There's no place in your life for uncomfortable shoes.  I feel like I can take on the world when I'm in a pair of ballet flats. 
• Dresses can be extremely versatile, but they also run the risk of too much peak-a-boo.  If there's a breeze, you're going to be sitting anywhere other than a chair, you need to be active... try a romper instead.  Problem solved.
• A cross-body bag or stylish backpack will keep you hands-free all day.  Smart.
• If there's any part of your look that is uncomfortable before you walk out the door, it's going to progressively get worse throughout the day.

You can't predict life.  But you can be as prepared as possible.  Find a place where fashion meets function.  When your much anticipated cocktail date turns into drinking with your cat, leave that adorable romper on and just add vodka.  I'll leave you with my favorite quote from the Indigo Girls, "you have to laugh at yourself, cause you'd cry your eyes out if you didn't".

 

White temporary tattoo: www.puretatts.com

Flats and Romper: www.target.com

 







What's Trending vs. What Works

This look isn't working.  Sucks, because I love it.  It fits fairly well, I LOVE the lace and it's completely different from anything you'll see this summer.  Unfortunately, I just can't wear it out.  Two reasons: (1) I can't breathe because I'm holding my stomach in, and (2) I adjusted both the top and bottom several times before the camera snapped the picture.  Wearing this lace matching set won't happen again.  It's not worth it.  It's off to What The Frock (my friend's designer consignment boutique) to hopefully find a sweet girl with toned abs.

It's a prime example of what's trending versus what works on your body.  This look isn't working for me.  The place I am the softest, is the one place that this look is drawing your attention to.  Major red flag.  It doesn't matter how much I love matching sets, lace and crop tops... it's not working. 

 

Ahhhh... Now that I can breathe, let's talk about what you shouldn't wear, no matter how "in style" it is.  The whole "pain is beauty" thing is a load of crap.  That's from the old corset days when women dressed to cover and change their natural appearance.  Actually, looking natural is totally in and should be a major consideration when dressing.  Gone are the days of super tight clothing and insanely high heels.  These days, covering up and sturdy shoes are all the rage.

 

If your clothes or shoes are causing any of the following, it's not working:

• Bunching, pinching or sliding
• Uncomfortably tight
• Dragging on the ground
• Dangerously revealing (think, if the wind blows, will your girl parts be exposed?)
• Causing blisters or you look silly when you walk
• I could go on, but I'm sure you're getting it

 

This two piece lace set will look amazing on someone.  I got it from one of my favorite online boutiques, Love Culture.  If you haven't shopped Love Culture yet, I highly suggest you do so.  Their clothes are trendy, made of good quality and shipping is usually free for orders over $50.  Don't forget to check out What the Frock for an incredible selection of designer dresses.  This two piece set will be available soon (only worn for about 20 minutes).  Wear what works for your body and get over what's trending.