August is the Best Month

August is my favorite month for many reasons. Here are a few things I’m up to right now:

What I’m Reading

Sadie Dishes: August is the Best Month

I only seem to find time to read during the summer when I’m sitting by the pool or the ocean. So far I’ve finished an interesting biography of Jackie O; read the latest memoir from one of my faves- Jen Lancaster; and now I’m working on an interesting book about hosting meetings and events. The Art of Gathering goes through the various steps of planning a get together and preaches grounding every decision (invite list, venue, activities, etc.) to align with the true purpose of the gathering. So often we rely on convenience, defer to precedent, or focus on logistics when planning meetings and events when it should be about encouraging interaction and human connection to get the intended result. My favorite part so far is “don’t be a chill host.”

What I’m Watching

Sadie Dishes: August is the best Month

TV has been pretty good this summer. My TV life is basically Bravo, plus a couple other shows. I just finished the latest season of Younger. I enjoyed the latest season of Southern Charm a lot, and now I’m all in on Southern Charm Savannah. I’m keeping up with the some Housewives. The only Bravo show that didn’t do it for me this summer was Below Deck Med. I didn’t really like the cast at all. And I wasn’t going to watch it, but I just got sucked into Very Cavallari. I only really watch stupid TV. Sue me.

What I’m Wearing

Sadie Dishes: August is the Best Month

I’m wearing anything that keeps me cool in this heat and humidity. At work that means lightweight, washable dresses. At the gym it’s breezy Adidas tanks, and on the trail, it’s my latest running sneaks. On the weekend, I’m loving the last couple things I’ve gotten from Lou & Grey. The fabric is like butta. I’ve totally lost interest in all the huge sales going on right now. I’m waiting for the new fall stuff!

How is August treating you so far?

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?

Hits and Misses

President’s Day Weekend sales got me, but I’ve been pinching pennies lately so if I don’t love something then I return it. Here’s what made the cut and what didn’t.

Hits

Sadie Dishes- Hits and Misses

I’m a big fan of open weave sweaters, and I loved the silhouette of this one from Athleta. I went with green because the other options are blue and white, and I have those bases covered pretty well. I think it will be a great spring/summer/fall weekend option with jeans or shorts.

Sadie Dishes- Hits and Misses

I don’t think this needs that much explanation. They’re pretty.

Sadie Dishes: Hits and Misses

I’m so obsessed with these jeans from the Gap that I’ve been wearing them as my “house pants” everyday when I get home from work. Who wears jeans as their house pants? I think the above three items are going to be my weekend uniform this Spring.

Misses

Sadie Dishes- Hits and Misses

I thought this was a cute suit from VS, but apparently not for me. I think this style works better for a leaner, longer frame. No harm, no foul, I’ll try something else. The sizing was correct on the top though, so there’s hope for another style.

Sadie Dishes- Hits and Misses

I was excited to wear this blazer from Banana over my plain dresses and skirts to add some detail to work outfits. The main problem is that the blazer is really thick and bulky. It would be really hard to layer, and to wear in the warmer weather. I also got the “fat guy in a little coat” sensation when I moved my arms- zero give. My shoulders won’t quit.

Sadie Dishes- Hits and Misses

It seems like all the athletic apparel companies are trying their best to bring some new ideas to the sports bra game. I tried this newer model from Nike, but I found it really awkward. The fit was ok, but the shape was bizarre. I felt like I was wearing a Madonna cone bra. I would not show my face at the gym wearing it.