Weekly Wish List: Workin on My Fitness

While I didn't set any concrete health or fitness related New Year's resolutions, I still plan to establish a better exercise routine this year.

It's no secret that I hate working out. I make excuses all the time. I'm too tired, it's too cold, my hip hurts, etc. I am a little embarrassed to admit that I'm paying $60/ month for a gym I haven't been to since before Thanksgiving. When I start my new job I'll work and live within two blocks of my gym, so it's going to be a lot harder to make excuses. I'm always looking for new ways to keep myself motivated. What better motivation to work out than some adorable new colorful workout clothes/ accessories?



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What do you do to motivate yourself to work out?

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Holiday Wishlist Part 2: Stocking Stuffers

I apologize for doing so many wishlist posts lately, and not so many outfit posts. Sometimes life gets in the way of taking pictures, and I'm learning to be okay with it.

A few weeks ago I shared a few of the items on my holiday wishlist. This week I thought I'd share some of the items I'd love to find in my stocking Christmas morning.

This adorable Stocking. Y'all know how I feel about polka dots!

Stila Major Lash Mascara- This is my go-to mascara. It doesn't clump, has a tiny applicator brush, and it's under $10!

A Tea Ball for brewing loose leaf teas.

Some Smashbox Mega Tint lipcolor in a peachy tint for every day wear. I love, love, love smashbox lip glosses, so I've been wanting to try this.

This sparkly Rose Gold Colored Ring from Dorothy Perkins is also under $10!

For my at home manicures I'd love some Ridge Smoothing Base Coat by Essie and these beautiful lacy Sally Hansen Salon Effects.

... and lots of chocolate!

What stocking stuffers do you have your eye on?

Weekly Wishlist: A Little Sparkle

In college I had a lot of sparkly clothes in my wardrobe. When I graduated and stopped going to dance parties I got rid of a lot of my "going out" clothes. Gone are my sequined party dresses and glittery belts. As a result, I struggle when it comes to putting together outfits for events that require "cocktail" attire. I want to invest in some sparkly basics that can be remixed for formal events, or just for days when I feel like wearing a little something sparkly.

image via DSW.com

Plenty by Tracy Reese Naia Wedge Bootie- $129.95 at DSW

It's boot weather in Boston about 60% of the year, so these sparkly little booties would definitely come in handy. I can see them with a cocktail dress and some funky patterned tights for an event, or with opaque tights, a black pencil skirt and a sweater for the office. 

image via forever21.com

Cropped Sequined Jacket- $29.80 at Forever21

This color is listed as bronze on the website, but I think it looks more like a rose gold color. I'm a little obsessed with rose gold jewelry right now, so I love this little cropped jacket. I'd use it to dress up jeans and a tee.

image via Nordstrom.com

Adrianna Papell Sleeveless Lace Sheath Dress- $140 at Norstrom

This dress isn't technically sparkly, but it's lacy and it's one of my favorite colors. It's sleeveless so it could be layered in cold weather or worn alone in warmer weather. There's also a 3/4 sleeve version if you don't like showing your arms.  I would style this dress with a sparkly blazer and pumps for an event, or with a cardigan and flats for the office. 

image via oldnavy.com

Braided Sparkle Belt- $8 at Old Navy

I love a braided belt, and this one is covered in pewter sequins! At $8 I'm strongly resisting the urge to order it for myself right now.

image via forever21.com

Sequined Scallop Skirt- $24.80 at Forever 21

Quality at Forever 21 is always a gamble, but how beautiful and delicate is this skirt? The sequined arches give it an art deco vibe, which I love. I think it would look great with a simple black sweater.

Which is your favorite?


PS: I did some blog design changes yesterday with my limited tech abilities. What do you think?

 

Holiday Wishlist 2012

So I'm a little crazy and started my holiday shopping a few weeks ago, but today officially kicks off the holiday shopping season. What better way to commemorate the biggest shopping day of the year, than with a list of what I want for Christmas? (Mike and Mom- this one's for you!)

image via SquareHue's Pinterest Page

Lots of nailpolish.
So I'm kind of obsessed with nail polish right now. I've been looking into various subscription options, and Square Hue is definitely the most appealing. For $14.99 a month you get three .5oz bottles of polish and they donate part of their profits to an anti- human trafficking group? Sounds awesome. I would love a few months for Christmas!

image via rei.com

A fancy travel mug.
I have a beautiful ceramic travel mug that I love, but on really cold days my coffee is cold before I even get on the train. I'd love a fancy travel mug that would keep my coffee hot for a few hours, like this one from REI.

image via asos.com

The cutest sweater ever.
I never thought I'd buy into the animal sweater trend, but then I saw this adorable Asos Curve Sweater with a Polka dot Robin. I must have it.

image via nordstrom.com

A cozy robe.
When I get out of the shower, I like to put on my makeup before I get dressed. Lately I've been stealing Mike's robe in the mornings while I do this. I could really use a robe of my own like this adorable and cozy Kensie robe from Nordstrom. 

image via modcloth.com

A cross-body bag that can hold everything.
This is another commuter must have. I like to keep my hands free to hold the aforementioned travel mug, and hold on if I'm standing on the subway. I've been looking for a cross body bag that can hold my laptop, lunch, umbrella, wallet, keys, etc. I love this "Truly Gritty" bag from Modcloth.

image via sephora.com

image via ulta.com

Multi-product cosmetic gift set.

I love cosmetics, and I'm always looking for an excuse to try new products. I'd love a sampler set of multiple brands like the In The Glow gift set from Sephora. Or a set of products from one of my favorite brands like the Benefit Sexy Little Stowaways kit from Ulta

A little something sparkly.
Jewelry is, of course, always appreciated, but this sparkly polka dot sweater from JCrew would do just fine:) 


What's on your holiday wishlist?

(Not So) Weekly Wishlist: Booties

What started as a really small fall and winter wishlist is growing every day. The latest thing I just have to have in my closet? A pair of booties. I only own boots that go up to my upper calves or knees. I am finding that, while those boots are awesome, I want some more variety in my footwear. I am loving booties, or ankle boots on other bloggers. Look how cute Annie from Other Side of Gray and Yi-chia from Always Maylee look in theirs, and how bad ass Megan and Nora from Two Birds look in theirs! Shoes that can be styled with dresses and skirts, but also look totally chic with skinny jeans? Shoes that can by styled classically, bohemian, or rockstar bad ass? How versatile! Clearly, I need a pair! Here are a few I've got my eye on:

 

 

image via zappos.com

 Blowfish Gambitt Bootie in Black- $59.00 at Zappos

Call me boring, but I'm most likely to purchase flat or slightly wedged black booties. They're versatile, they look comfortable and they'd look great with skinny jeans. The side zipper on this pair gives them a little rock and roll edge.

Image via payless.com

 Pixie Western Boot in Taupe- $44.99 from Payless

These booties remind me of the pair that Katie Holmes wears everywhere. You know, the pair that is always made fun of on Suri's Burnbook? Regardless, I love them. I can see the taupe color looking great with just about everything, and they're basically flat, so they should be pretty comfortable for my commuting feet. My only qualm is that $44.99 seems pricey for a shoe from Payless.Maybe this pair from Target would a be better value?

image via DSW.com

Qupid Nesha Bootie in Red- $44.95 at DSW 

How cute are these? The deep ruby red color fits with my fall shopping theme of neutral basics and pops of color/ bold prints. Realistically, I wouldn't wear a pair of red booties all that much, and I shouldn't waste my precious closet space on the, but if I had endless closet space I'd totally buy them!

image via Target.com

Kalama Shootie Wedge in Chestnut- $34.99 at Target

While I think shootie is a totally ridiculous word, I love these shoes. I can see myself wearing them with cords or jeans and sweaters or with tights, a sundress and a cardigan. Plus, I love a wedge:)

image via AldoShoes.com

Cedrina boot in Black- $120 at Aldo

These booties would be a totally ridiculous splurge item. Is it bad that I just want them to wear on every New Year's Eve from now until eternity?

What are your thoughts on booties?

Weekly Wishlist: Printed Shorts

I knew I was officially a grown up when I made the transition from dressing casual all week and dressing up to go out on weekends to dressing up for work all week and wanting to wear jeans and tshirts on the weekends. But what does a girl wear when it gets too hot for jeans and all her dresses are dirty?

This summer I discovered shorts. In the past few months, I have purchased 4 pairs of shorts and seriously talked myself out of about a dozen more. I think I'm going to allow myself one more pair, preferably printed!

image via forever21.com

Pleated Daisy Shorts: $17.80 at Forever 21

Did y'all know the 90s are coming back? Neon, giant floral prints, a new No Doubt album. Now all I need is a beanie baby and some gel pens. These shorts look like they walked off the set of the Babysitters' Club Movie, and I love them for it. 

image via oldnavy.com

Printed Twill Shorts in Nutmeg Dot: $19.50 at Old Navy

I tried on these shorts in Old Navy on Friday. They were so soft and comfortable. I carried them around for about 15 minutes before putting them back, and now I'm kicking myself for it! They're available in a ton of cute prints. This mustard polka dot color is my favorite, but whatever would I wear with them? Maybe I'll snag a pair when I use my supercash coupon later this month.

image via nantucketbrand.com

Seersucker Shorts in Green: $59 from Nantucket Brand

These shorts remind me of my favorite swimsuit. It's a green and white seersucker top with a white skirted bottom. It is abut 6 years old and quite literally falling apart, but I refuse to part with it. Can you get any more quintessential New England Summer than seersucker? Now I just need something with whales on it and some boat shoes...

How do you feel about shorts? Any pairs you've got your eye on? 

Weekly Wishlist: Flat Sandals

I have not been doing a good job of taking outfit photos this week. I promise I'm getting dressed, but I've also been over-sleeping. My excuse? I got sucked into the Hunger Games books and read all three in just three days. I know, I know, I'm late to get on that bandwagon, but I didn't want to buy the books and they were reserved at the library for infinity. I finally borrowed them and stayed up until wee hours of the morning reading with my kitty in bed.

Anyways no outfit photos means you get a Weekly Wishlist instead. I love flat strappy sandals. They are possibly my favorite style of shoe. I usually buy inexpensive sandals at Target or Payless and then they never last more than a summer or two because I wear them basically every day. I've been thinking about investing in a few higher quality pairs of sandals in hopes that they will survive more than two summers. Here are my favorites:

image via bornshoes.com

Born Aberlin Sandals in Cream Patent: $112 via Born Shoes

I can't imagine spending over $100 for a pair of simple sandals, but Born makes a super comfortable high quality shoe, and the nude color would go with everything. They're also available in brown, black, pink, and aqua. I bet I could find them cheaper if I did some hunting.

image via stevemadden.com

Daffy leather sandal in Turquoise Leather: $41.98 via Steve Madden

I love, love, love the beautiful color of these turquoise leather sandals. They would be great to add a pop of color to my summer outfits. The price tag isn't bad either.

image via dsw.com

Naturalizer Temma Comfort Sandal: $49.95 at DSW

These neutral cuties look super squishy, and that's important. There's nothing worse than walking around all day in hard sandals and going home with blisters on the balls of your feet. My Payless camel colored brown sandals are on their last leg, so these would be a good replacement. They're also available in wide width!

image via stevemadden.com

Srikka Leopard/Multi Sandals: $69.95 from Steve Madden

How cute are these? I love the pastels and leopard print. I can see them adding a little spice to a black sundress. 

Which sandals are your favorite? 

Weekly Wishlist: Rompin Around

About two weeks ago I tried on a romper at Forever 21 as a joke. Much to my shock and dismay I actually liked it. I probably would have purchased it if it had not been strapless (I was worried about my girls falling out). I like the idea of a romper in theory. One piece, comfortable and effortless... like a sundress but without the need for precautions against the dreaded chub-rub.

Still I was  hesitant/ filled with self doubt. The last time I wore a romper was when scrunchies were still cool. Can I really pull one off? Then I saw this romper on GabiFresh (seriously how cute is she!?!) and I decided I have to add at least one romper to my wardrobe.

image via forever21.com

Abstract Print Romper- $24.80 from Forever 21+

 Y'all know how I feel about polka dots. This romper is my favorite choice. I will probably order it on payday. I like that it has sleeves and is super colorful. Available in sizes XL-2X.

image via torrid.com

Leopard Romper- $120.50 from Torrid

Leopard, sweatheart neckline, awesome. Love this romper, HATE the price. The only clothing items I'll pay more than $100 for are winter coats and leather boots Please let me know if you've seen a more reasonably priced alternative. Available in sizes 12-24.

image via target.com

Ruffled Romper in Navy Floral- $18 from Target

This Target romper is available in a few different prints and colors. I like the floral print, and the ruffle is fun.

Available in sizes XS-XL.

image via uniquevintage.com

Red Gingham Playsuit- $124 from Unique Vintage

This romper has an adorable vintage feel. I'd love to have it to wear to a 4th of July party, but it's also a little over priced. Available in sizes XS-XL.

What are your thoughts on rompers? 

Weekly Wishlist: Colorful Swimwear

My beau, Mike, and I are brainstorming ideas for a beach vacation. I spent most of my childhood living in South Texas, so I spent my weekends, and sometimes my weekdays at the beach from April- October. Even when I lived in Maryland there were river/ bay beaches right at my fingertips and trips to Seabrooke Island, SC with family in the summer. I long for the sand between my toes, the breeze off the water, the fresh seafood.

What I don't long for is swimsuit shopping.

Although I am definitely on the road to body acceptance, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not quite there yet. I don't mind showing my stomach, arms, chest, but I prefer to hide my upper thighs. I feel most comfortable in a skirted bikini or one piece. The problem is that skirted suits tend to fall into two categories. 1. Matronly, shapeless, or simply too much coverage or 2. not enough skirt to provide the coverage that I need.  The other obstacle I face is that I'm bigger on the bottom than I am on the top.

I can usually get around these issues by purchasing separates. I have two plain black swim skirts that I pair with cuter tops from more trendy swim wear collections. This has suited me fine for the last few summers (pun intended), but I really want to add some color into my swimwear repertoire. Here are a few colorful suits I've got my eye on.

Image via Alwaysforme.com

Salinas Print Twist Front Bandeau One Piece- $89 from Always For Me

I love the bright blues in this suit. The website shows the back of the suit and it appears to provide a good deal of booty coverage. Also the straps are removable! I recently discovered Always for Me. They are a plus size retailer specializing in swimwear, activewear and lingerie. I love so many of the suits on their site, but I think this one is my favorite. it would be a great one-piece option. Solid color option here. Available in sizes 16W-24W.

Mossimo Plus size Swim Skirt in Boysenberry- $22.99 at Target

Colorblock halter bandeu top

Paisley Halter top

Striped Bandeau tankini top

I have this swimskirt from Target in black from a few summers ago, and it is one of my favorites. I am really pleased to see it online in some bright colors! This boysenberry color is my favorite because I found the greatest variety of tops to go with it, but I also love the turquoise! The swim skirt is available in the plus sizes 1X-3X. The tops all come in sizes XS-XL and are $19.99 each. When buying separates, I like buying multiple tops so I can choose how much coverage I want.

image via jcrew.com

image via jcrew,com

Seersucker Skirted Bottom $64 and Halter top $48 in Bright Citrus, both from JCrew

I've never tried on a JCrew Suit before, so I don't even know if their largest size bottom would fit me. I am a sucker for seersucker and yellow. This suit is just too cute not to include! Top and Bottoms available in sizes XS-XL.

image via mindbodylingerie.com

Strapless Polka Dot Swimdress $59.95 from Mind Body Lingerie

 I had to throw in one last suit, because y'all know I can't pass up a polka dot. This suit is adorable, but I don't think it'd be good for any actual swimming as it doesn't have straps. I've never heard of Mind Body Lingerie, and the site appears a little risque, but they have cute retro inspired suits in a variety of sizes. This suit is available in XS to XXL.

What is your favorite style of swimsuit? Know of any good plus size swimsuit retailers?

Weekly Wishlist: Printed Maxi Dresses

Like a lot of women, I've always been intimidated by maxi dresses. Most of the ones I've tried on look just awful on me. I'm pear shaped, so it's hard to find a dress that is big enough to be flowy at the bottom, but still fitted enough at the top that I'm not going to flash anyone.

A few weeks ago I tried on a really simple black maxi dress at Old Navy. I loved it, but I didn't buy it because it was boring and predictable. I want to be a little more bold in my maxi dress choice. Here are a few printed maxi dresses I'd like to try on.

image via oldnavy.com

Chiffon Tiered Maxi Dress: $39.94 at Old Navy

I love the colors and prints in this dress. I usually shy away from orange, but if you're going to go bold why not go all the way? The neckline would be sexy and breezy for the weekend, but I could easily layer a cami under the dress and a cardigan over it to wear it to work. Available in sizes XS-XXL

image via target.com

Purple Challis Maxi Dress: $29.99 at Target.com

I love, love, love this print. It's almost like a tye-dye, but also like a giant polka dot. This dress would kill two birds with one stone because I've also been looking to add another purple dress to my closet.Available in sizes XS-XXL.

image via hm.com

Floral Maxi Dress: $49.95 from H&M (not for sale online)

This dress is beautiful in photos, but I haven't seen it in store yet. I love the ruffle at the neckline, plus teal and gray is one of my favorite color combinations. Available in sizes 2-14. 

image via target.com

 Mossimo Gray Striped Maxi Dress: $18 at Target.com

This dress is a good under $20 option. Grey is my favorite neutral for spring and summer. It would be really easy to brighten this dress up with a colorful cardigan, a statement necklace, some strappy sandals or a neon belt. Available in sizes XS- XXL.

Weekly Wishlist: Birthday Edition

I haven't been writing the Weekly Wishlist feature as regularly as I did when I began this blog. The biggest obstacle I've faced is finding enough items to feature around a specific theme.

My birthday is less than two weeks away (May 5th), so I thought I'd do a special edition of the weekly wishlist with a hodgepodge of items, including *gasp* some non fashion related items!

Image via etsy.com

Lab Created Emerald and Sterling Silver Ring: $47 from Dreamy Rings Etsy Shop

I've been wanting to buy myself a right hand ring for quite some time. I think my 25th birthday might be a good excuse to do it. Emerald is my favorite. Not only is it my birth stone, but green is my favorite color. This one is my favorite emerald ring under $50. I love the leaf like detail.

Image via dorothyperkins.com

Coral Damask Dress: $69 from Dorothy Perkins

I've been eyeing this dress for weeks. I love the print and the beautiful coral color. I think it would work well for work, but could also be easily dressed up for a wedding or other formal event. I have a hard time justifying spending more than $40 on a single item of clothing, so I've been hoping this beauty would go on sale. 

Image via target.com

Rachel Ray 10pc Porcelain Cookware set in Blue: $130 from Target

When I moved to Austin from Boston I left all of my kitchen stuff in storage. I've been hesitant to buy kitchen things, because I plan to go get my stuff at some point. The one thing that isn't in storage is a nice set of pots and pans. I love these blue beauties. And 10 pieces for $130 is a pretty good deal for porcelain cookware. I imagine they'd last a few years, until I'm ready to invest in some Le Crueset. 

Image via amazon.com

Schwinn Lakeshore Cruiser: $200 via Amazon.com

I've been thinking about making an investment in a bike. Nothing fancy, just a simple bike that I could ride leisurely on the weekend, and occasionally use to commute to work. I'd probably end up buying a used bike on craigslist, but if I decide to buy a new bike, I'd want a Schwinn cruiser like this one!

What are you wishing for for your next birthday?

Weekly Wishlist: A White Dress for Work

I really like building my work wardrobe around neutral pieces. One piece I'd really like to add to my closet is a work- appropriate white dress. The styling possibilities of a white dress are endless. It could be paired with a bright blazer or cardigan, layered with tights and boots in winter, or kept simple with metallic accessories. Here are a few white dresses I have my eye on.

Image via talbots.com

Linen Cap-Sleeved Dress- Talbots $149-$169

This dress is available in a number of colors and in sizes 2-24. Petite and plus sizes are also available! I love the idea of a crisp white linen dress in theory. However, in practice I'm afraid it wouldn't work, seeing as how I don't own an iron. 

image via shabbyapple.com

White Lace "Malt Shop" Dress: Shabby Apple $86

I've seen a number of short sleeved, knee length white lace dresses. I think it might be my favorite style of white dress.  I chose to feature this one because of the vintage feel it has. I've never ordered from Shabby Apple, but I've been wanting to give them a try. 

image via dorothyperkins.com

Ivory Pleated Pocket Dress: Dorothy Perkins $44

One of these days I'm going t order something from Dorothy Perkins! I love the unique neckline of this dress. And it has pockets! Available in sizes 4-18. 

image via asos.com

Dress with Chiffon skirt and Exposed Zipper: Asos- $80.57

How can you go wrong with an A-line, flowy dress? I can imagine putting this dress on and spinning in circles! I'm a little concerned about the sheer detail on the chest being work appropriate, but I imagine a white or nude bra would be okay. Available in sizes 14-22. 

What are your thoughts on white dresses? Which would you choose?