Memorial Day Sales Rundown

This is what I’ve seen so far:

  • Ann Taylor is 40% off with the code SOREADY. I might need this.
  • Gap is 50% off everything, plus an extra 20% off with the code: PARTY. I love Gap’s shorts!
  • Banana Republic is 40% off no exclusions with the code BRSUMMER. I’ve had my eye on this.
  • Loft is 40% off everything with the code LONGWKND. This is in my cart.
  • JCrew is 40% off everything with the code GETAWAY. I finally ordered these.
  • Anthropologie is an extra 40% off sale items and 20% off furniture and decor. All the earrings, please.
  • JCrew Factory is 50% off prices as marked. I need these.
  • Boden is 30% off everything with the code 6K2L. More pants please.
  • Athleta is 20% off swim with the code SWIM20. So many cute options.
  • Nordstrom is having a great sale. I need these sandals.
  • West Elm is buy more and save up to 30% with the code SAVEMORE. This is in my cart.
  • Pottery Barn has a similar buy more any save with the code SAVEMORE as well. I always get this.

What do you have your eye on this weekend?

Shopping for Summer: A Hunt for Sandals

It’s just about sandal time, and I realized that when I cleaned out my shoes this winter, I tossed most of my sandals because they were just plain worn out. Now I’m trying to figure out what kind of sandals I need this summer. I have my standard Rainbows and Havanans that I wear running around on the weekends, but I need a couple nicer options for social occasions. I should caveat that most of these options are very neutral because I tend to only get a couple options and just wear them into the ground with every outfit, so I prefer a versatile color.

Here are some of the styles I’m contemplating:

Flats

Slides are so trendy this year, so I think I need at least one slide option. I love Toms in general, and these seems like a really neutral and comfortable option. They also come in plenty of color options, and several brands are doing this style this year.

Everyone is doing a version of these Grecian inspired slides. These are Sam Edelman but Steve Madden does a good version too. Getting them in brown or a metallic would work with everything.

I think this option from Sam Edelman is the perfect marriage of fashion and function. They seem comfortable to walk in, but a little more feminine than some of the chunkier options out there.

I love a metallic, and I love the asymmetry of these slides from Nine West. These are a little more day to night than the other options above.

Another from Nine West. I love a stud accent, and the back strap would be helpful for a long day. I love these in black and they have a slightly more substantial footbed than some other options.

Heels

Starting with Toms again, I think these are great for dressing up or down on the weekend. And they look really comfortable which is a big bonus.

Ann Taylor has surprised me lately with their shoe options. I think these would be perfect for a summer dinner out because they are a little more polished but still not really formal. The heel looks kind of high but I think it’s only three inches.

I saw a friend wearing these the other day, and I loved them. They might not quite be sandals but I think they’re perfect for brunch with the girls when you’ll be in the air conditioning. They also would be great almost year ’round- perfect with jeans.

These from JCrew scream wedding guest to me. They are dressy but a little more interesting than the standard simple strappy heel. It’s also great that the heel is chunky because you’ll last long in these. I’m seeing ruffles on a lot of shoes these days. I guess that trend worked it’s way to the ground.

What’s on your wish list right now?

Running Gear Run Down

I envy the people who can just throw on sneakers and go for a jog. I require all the planets to be in perfect alignment, along with all the right apparel. I don’t want anything moving, chaffing, riding up, or rubbing. If I’m going to kick my own ass, I need to be as comfortable as possible doing it. Here is the equation that works best for me:

Undergarments:

Let’s start with the base layer. I’m not a big fan of Lululemon, but I have found that this sports bra works best for running. It’s very pricey, but necessary for me.

Tops:

If the temperature outside is between the high 30’s through the 50’s I wear a Nike long sleeve quarter zip. Every brand makes something similar, but I like the fabric Nike uses and the fit is perfect for me- fitted but not clingy (the model above makes it look baggier than it is). I hate feeling restricted or packed in while I run.

If the temperature is low 30’s or below, I add the above tank and I might up my long sleeve to something a little heavier with fleece on the inside. Layers are key. If the temperature is below 20, I go to the gym instead of running outside because I like running outside, but not that much.

In the summer it’s suns out guns out. I like a light weight, low profile, loose tank in the warmer months. I think I feel too body conscious in the really clingy or “seamless” tank style. I often opt for a shorter or cropped style just to reduce the amount of fabric flying around. Most of the “cropped” styles hit my waistline so it’s not like I’m showing a lot of extra skin.

Bottoms:

Usually in weather below about 55 or 60 degrees I opt for capris. I actually only run in Nike Epic Lux crops. They are the perfect length, have drawstring at the waist (so they stay up), and two pockets for keys, etc.

There are two types of runners in warm weather: runners who wear running shorts, and runners who wear spandex. Guess which one I am. I love the Nike 5 inch Nike Pro compression shorts. The downside is that they don’t have a key pocket, but I like that they’re lightweight and long enough to stay in place (most of the time).

Sneakers:

I’ve been wearing the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante for a few years now. I get new shoes every 6ish months. I usually check New Balance to see what the latest version is then cross reference DSW and Amazon to see who has a good price on the color that I want.

Accessories:

  • I need to keep my bangs out of my face so the stretchy headband is a must
  • If it’s 45 degrees or below, I wear gloves because they make such a difference
  • Body Glide is definitely an essential for any runner
  • For reasons unknown, Under Armour is my preference for athletic socks
  • Rather than a belt I usually put my keys in the zipper pocket on my capris, or a cuff on my wrist in the summer (I can’t find the cuff online right now)
  • I love my Garmin watch because it helps me track my distance and splits. Looking at the current models, I’m probably due for a new one soon!

Ok, I think I’m ready to go for a run now! 

 

Wait, where’s my sunscreen?