Category: Fashion

Old Stand Bys

Sadie1 Comment

Workout clothes might be my favorite topic. I wear them everyday, I take a lot of interest in them. I love trying out all the new fabrics, patterns, and silhouettes that the athletic apparel companies come out with, but there’s something to be said for the basics. I have pieces in my dresser that are a little pricey, crazy, or activity specific, but at the end of the day there is core wardrobe of basics that are durable, comfortable, affordable, and awesome for every workout.

Here are my favorites that I will buy until the companies discontinue the style:

Tops

This basic Under Armour tank. It usually comes in several colors, and I love it for anything from weights to Pilates to cardio. It stays put whether you’re upside down or right side up!

UAtank

When it comes to a tee shirt, I love this Nike option. It’s a company staple so they come out with new colors all the time, and keep the style the same. I like it because it’s not skin tight so it’s perfect for days that I’m not looking for something comfy, but a big step up from a standard cotton tee shirt.

NikeLegendT

Bottoms

I think bottoms can be a little trickier than tops because they ride up, fall down, are see through when you bend over, or just plain unflattering. These ones from Under Armour though, are the definition of basic. They work for everything from spin class, to weights, to Pilates (no zipper on the back). Every time I wear these I wish I could wear them 24/7/365 because they are that comfortable.

UAcapris

When it comes to running I have a few requirements. I need a drawstring, a pretty high rise, and a little zipper pocket on the lower back for my keys. These Nike capris meet all the requirements, and I think I usually get an even more affordable version of these from the Nike outlet.

NikeCapris

Based on my observations over time, I’ve realized you can go two directions for running shorts. You’re either a spandex person, or a Nike tempo (or other brand equivalents) person. I am a spandex person. Always. These are my go-tos from Nike. Comfortable, light, and a slightly longer inseam (5 in.) than the shorter version (3 in.) makes them age appropriate for everyone older than 17.

NikeShorts

Sports Bras

I have done extensive research in this category. This is obviously very dependent on your body type, and I require maximum support. I cannot tell you how many times I have bought a sports bra because it claims to be my size and/or be extremely high impact/high support, and they just don’t live up to any of the claims (I will not name names…). Time and time again I come back to this very basic compression bra from Nike. I have tried all the imitators, but no one does a compression bra like Nike. Plus, just like all these other basics, they often release it in several colors and patterns every season.

NikeBra

Socks

I’m pickier than you might think when it comes to socks. After trying several of the fancier brands, it turns out Champion makes my favorite in their target line. They are the perfect combination of low profile, and fluffy. Socks are a goldilocks thing for me, they’re either too thin or too thick and fluffy, but few are just right.

targetsocks

Shoes

I am a New Balance sneaker girl. I like the lightweight, basic nature of these ones that I’ve been ordering at a discount from DSW for a couple years now. When you find a shoe that works you need to stick with it!

Sneakers

What are your old stand bys, when it comes to workout gear?

Fave 5 Nail Polish

CarrieLeave a comment

I like to save money when I can and one way I do that is by giving myself manicures.  You certainly don’t need to pay for your nails to look good.  You can easily do them yourself with the right tools.  Go to a beauty supply store or Amazon if you don’t already have a nail file, buffer, clipper, and cuticle trimmer.  These are the only tools I need to give myself a top notch manicure.  Here are my favorite nail polishes that are essential for your collection.

1.  You need a great base coat to keep your nails healthy and protect your nails.  Essie makes an assortment of base coats depending on your needs.

essie base-coat

2.  You need a few colors that are your go-to colors.  You might not have the same go-to colors as me because nail polish is a great way to express yourself.  The hunt is on for your go-to colors.  This color is my go-to for the Holiday season and for Valentine’s Day.  It’s from Mariah Carey’s holiday line…OPI In My Santa Suit.

OPI-Mariah-Carey-In-My-Santa-Suit-Nail-Lacquer-192511

3.  This is my fall go-to nail polish..OPI Romeo and Juliet.  I don’t wear nail polish in spring and summer due to my rigorous work schedule and hand-washing/scrubbing of sheet pans.  Hopefully one day, I’ll be able to wear spring and summer colors.

romeo and juliet

4.  To make my manicure a little bit special, I like to put Essie Luxe Effects over the layer of color on my ring fingernail.  It just gives it a little bit of glam.  It comes in a lot of different colors.  You can also go full-on glam and do it to all your nails.

essie luxe effects IMG_1037

5.  Make sure to finish off your manicure with a great top coat.  I have found this one to be the ultimate top coat.  I won’t ever try another one because it is simply the best.  It’s called Out the Door because it speeds up the drying process.  It also puts a glossy finish on your nails and protects them from chipping.  What are some of your favorite nail colors?  It’s always nice to have a few more colors to add to my arsenal.

out the door

Fashion at the Oscars

Sadie1 Comment

Just when I thought awards season was done, the Academy Awards snuck in at the end. I actually did not watch much of the actual show (I’ve already seen enough of this year’s batch of nominees), but of course I watched the red carpet. It looked like white and very pale colors were a huge trend this year. Some people made it look elegant, and some people made it look like they were just wrapped in sheets or toilet paper. All in all, though, I think people were pretty safe, there were no drop dead fashion forward stunners, and no catastrophes, I guess people are taking the Oscars seriously.

As usual I borrowed the pictures from People.com.

The Best:

Amy Adams: This look is not so dis-similar from her SAG choice, but when it works, it works! The color is great for her, and I love a simple dress with some interesting structural elements.

AmyOscars

Kate Hudson: This is the definition of glamour. Definitely riding the white and metallic trends, I think this is a good mix of fashion forward and classic.

KateOscars

Cate Blanchett: I think this is the best she’s looked so far this year. She definitely looks better than many starlets half her age. It’s unique but fabulous.

CateOscars

The Worst:

Lupita Nyong’o: She had a really good run this year, but I am not thrilled with her final dress of the season (that being said, I’m sure she’ll be on many best dressed lists anyway). Lupita Nyong’o was making waves, but this choice seems kind of princessy and unflattering for her (not to mention the Cinderella headband). I wish the color was richer and the structure on the bodice wasn’t so blah.

LupitaOscars

Elsa Pataky: (aka Chris Hemsworth’s wife) I am going to hell for saying this, I am sorry. In my opinion, this silhouette isn’t working for her. I think you have to be completely fitted with more of a column dress like Olivia Wilde at the Golden Globes, or drapey like Kerry Washington. That being said, the fact that she is even standing up and walking around is impressive to me, let alone all dressed up.

ElsaOscars

Kristin Chenoweth: I’m all for a metallic, but I don’t think this dress is doing her any favors. It seems reminiscent of both art deco and 70’s glamour, which sounds good in theory, but I think she can do better. Perhaps a tan and better makeup would have been to her advantage.

KristinOscars

Who were your best and worst?