When you aren't a runner

When you aren't a runner

Just a random post to let you know how much I hate running. Actually, maybe not hate because  lately it's been kind of enjoyable with the cooler weather but in general, my feelings for running are not very positive. And mostly because it's hard.

Over the past few years, as I started taking more fitness classes and then became a certified instructor for different formats, my classes have always been high intensity/high cardio. And I gravitate towards workouts that are the same. I teach back to back classes and recently over the past few months started cross-training at solidcore. So I figured when I joined the solidcore family to run the Rock n Roll DC marathon (or in my case, half), I thought that I was going to be in good enough condition to start training to run long distance... which I haven't done in exactly 10 years. But I couldn't be more wrong.

Running is miserable. Miserably hard. I'm hitting 3-5 miles and then just can't push any further or can't get mentally enthusiastic to try. So I'm wondering if anyone reading this is a runner and would be willing to offer some tips? Maybe even songs to put on a playlist that gets them going? Running groups/clubs... are they worth it? And good tips for when the weather starts getting colder? I'm definitely an outdoor runner and probably will not get on a treadmill during the winter unless I really have to. Feel free to message me on instagram, FB, email, anywhere! And thanks in advance!

And just because it's September, here I am whipping out the denim jacket and boots as if my heart isn't secretly shattering into a million pieces because the days are getting shorter and I could live with summer all year long.

the time I remembered I had a blog (again)

the time I remembered I had a blog (again)

Dusting off this blog with a fun, playful look from none other than a great company I love representing: Zara.  I know its been radio silence here for over a year but other than the new extra 20lbs I've brought along with me, I've just been doing what seems to be what I'm always doing; untangling myself from the confusion over what I want to do, figuring out what brings me real joy, and navigating living a life that is meaningful. I want to say it's the gemini in me - just constantly being in a state of flux. And truthfully, it's exactly what this past year has looked like. I came home and settled back in DC where I started my fitness career - teaching non-stop and really honing in on other workouts to cross-train. I took up another nursing job after I swore up and down I would never do again. But there I was - opening up an office in Arlington from the ground up, recruiting and hiring nurses, and providing free vaccines to students in the county. It was the best nursing gig I ever had. And just recently, I completed real estate classes in DC. 

So I think it's probably safe to say that I'm most likely going to start branching this blog out into other aspects of my life rather than it being exclusively for fashion (but after fashion week because let's be honest, I live for all of that) For example, maybe it's also because I'm 33 but I feel that it's important, and quite possibly a life skill, that everyone knows a good recipe for chocolate cheesecake muffins or a blueberry lemon cake. Am I right, or am I right? 

Shirt: Metallic Effect Top

Shoes: Slingback Heels w/Studded Bow

Three Ways to Style a Basic Black Sweater

Three Ways to Style a Basic Black Sweater

Whenever I go out to buy winter essentials, a basic black sweater is always on top of my list. It may seem less than exciting but its secret is that it is every stylists dream because of its ability to be infinitely versatile.  I can go from day to night, casual to a little more dressed up all at once. Whenever I think, I have NOTHING to wear!, I talk myself off that ledge and pull out the sweater because actually I do have something to wear... and I can mix and match things already in my closet and look like I'm wearing a new outfit each time. It's genius, to be honest. 

Here I have my favorite basic black sweater (turtleneck too, mind you) and I've gone ahead and styled it three different ways. What I love about each look is that it can be transitioned to day to night easily depending on where you go. This is a major plus for me! If I can wear the same outfit all day, I'm sold.

Look 1: Oversized Pants

It may seem strange to want to pair an oversized sweater with oversized pants but it works. I can't tell you how much I love this look because of the fact that its incredibly comfortable but also makes me feel chic. It's very New York but the pants are kind of LA. Do you know who Tania Sarin is? She lives in wide leg pants and is my favorite fashion blogger on the west coast. I feel like we could be soul sisters in this outfit. Actually, scratch that. We most definitely are soul sisters. 

Look 2: The Mini 

Black sweaters have a  99.999% chance of looking good paired with a mini skirt. Feeling cold? Throw on some tights, wear over-the-knee boots... you really can't go wrong. Again, this outfit makes me feel chic but also sexy at the same time. 

Look 3: Jeans 

The most obvious pairing! The trustworthy jeans! My usual go-to for sweaters are almost always jeans (sometimes with yoga pants too, if we're honest) Since I was planning to go from day to evening out, I brought along a leather jacket and wore some nice warm Gucci loafers for some pizzaz. 

minister marie and jumpsuits too

minister marie and jumpsuits too

Random story:

Last night, my friend and I were discussing his wedding. There isn't a date set yet and he's not really religious. Long story short, I started researching alternative officiants for him and shortly after, I somehow ended up becoming ordained online (non-denominational) and am now legally able to officiate weddings... and funerals and house blessings too, among other things. I, myself, was raised Catholic but somehow through my adult years, I guess you can say I've become more of just a spiritual individual. And now it looks like I'll be officially officiating his wedding which is an honor but also quite hilarious. At least for me. But to be honest, after giving it some thought, I actually think I might want a close friend or family member to officiate my wedding one day. You know, if I actually get married and settle down one day faaaarrrrrrrr in the future. But hopefully not too far where my ovaries have completely expired but far enough. 

By the way, I can totally see my twenty-three year old self shaking her head at me regarding marriage. We have opposing views. 

Wearing: 

Jumpsuit: Forever21 Floral Wide Leg Jumpsuit

on being 31

on being 31

Over the weekend, I celebrated my thirty-first birthday. I spent the day with my parents who drove up to New York. When they asked what I wanted to do to celebrate, there was really only one thing on my mind: Smorgasburg. Because it's my birthday and I'll eat what I want. 

Smorgasburg in Brooklyn on a sunny weekend day is what my dreams are made of, especially when all you want to do is wear stretchy shorts and sit out in the grass to bask in the glory of all the food you've managed to carry with two hands. My favorites that I would definitely want to eat again would probably be the ramen burger and the mango flower with chili. It's exactly what it sounds like...  a mango cut into the shape of a flower, topped with chili. And it's pure magic. In leu of a birthday cake, I ate an ice cream cone wrapped in a cloud of cotton candy the size of my head. You absolutely must visit Wu Kong in NYC to experience this because it's freakin WORTH IT. 

And since I'm 31 and as old as moldy cheese, I did what any old person would do on their birthday. I put  in an application for an apartment in the East Village.  I know, its a mission I've been on for quite some time now. Well, you guys, I'm here to tell you that this is most likely not the end of the road as many others applied for the same apartment at the same time I did. If I could roll my eyes any harder... 

I'm still so very thankful for the past year as I've had so many great opportunities in this crazy world of fashion and can't believe I'll be heading to London next month to design athletic wear! And the greatest birthday gift of all is booking a project in the Bahamas! I'll have more information on it soon but it's safe to say in the words of Jessie Spano: I'M SO EXCITED!!! 

Wearing: 

Crop Top & Pants: Papaya Clothing Striped Palazzo Set

ootd + friday night tea talk

ootd + friday night tea talk

I don't know how this always happens but it just seems like every time I want to write about something more personal, it conveniently is around the time my birthday is coming up. Is this supposed to mean something?

I, like so many others, have a list of things I'd like to accomplish in this lifetime. But what I wanted to write on here is a goal that I've been trying to want to do more but I don't usually pursue it. In fact, I think as years go by, I progressively get worse at it. And that thing that I'm not good at doing is... being more social. I know. Really reaching for the big things in life.

You can ask any of the people that know me well. I've always been a homebody. Getting me to go out can be a quite a task. Things I can do at home on any given night... thats my jam. Museums, going to the ballet, a book talk... thats how I roll if I'm not hiding indoors. I know there's nothing wrong with that but I do feel like I'm missing out in life in many other ways and I know it's because I like being a hermit.

So I'm just putting it in writing right here. I'm going to try to be more social this birthday year. I'm going to remind myself to go on girl, get out there!

(But if I'm not out there, just know I'll be at home basking in the glory of a cup of tea hot off the kettle)

i've got 99 problems and tying a shirt is one

i've got 99 problems and tying a shirt is one

Here's me being a ding dong. When I was first sent this shirt, I tried it on and loved it. I liked the way the sleeves were scrunchy and how the back and tie looked. Then when I actually had to go out and wear it, I grew frustrated with the tie and why the heck no matter what I did, the blouse looked terribly disheveled. Turns out, I had worn it backwards this time around. And I didn't even realize it until much later... as in after all the photos were already taken. We were able to take one photo of the shirt worn correctly before it started to pour. At least there's evidence of me knowing how to wear a shirt properly.

Get the blouse so that you, too, can wear it backwards ;)

Wearing:

Shirt: Zara Striped Blouse with Pleated Sleeves and Bow Belt 

Pants: Zara Asymmetric Flare Trousers

Shoes: Celine

a little friday lesson

a little friday lesson

I love clothes. That's no secret. But dressing up and styling outfits doesn't equate to excessive spending and investing in big brand names that most people cannot afford. Or at least on a regular basis. And in my own humble opinion, just because someone only wears brand names doesn't mean they look good or are stylish. It's not what you wear, it's how you wear it. And personal style comes a long way. I love seeing street style fashion whenever I'm just walking around New York City. So much creativity and personality! 

If you're on a budget, don't be afraid to look at those stores that you may think wouldn't have anything good. One of my favorite places to go to when I'm home is Ross. Seriously, it's such a gold mine if you're willing to sift through racks of what can initially be perceived as junk. Take this yellow bodysuit for example. I knew instantly that I would want to pair it with fringed jeans and some funky, furry sandals from Zara. Mix those highs and lows, financially speaking. The outfit is pretty simple but with the furry sandals, its personality and statement enough (plus it reminds me of my favorite 90s movie... Clueless! The epitome of 90s fashion!) 

So to summarize: you can be stylish wearing clothes from anywhere, I'm wearing a bodysuit again so I'm rethinking my feelings and conclude that they're not so bad, furry sandals are the ish so if you want to re-live your 90s fashion dream, it's pretty much the way to go.

ootd

ootd

When I put this dress on, I thought two things: firstly, yes to the ruffled and puffed up sleeves that the 80s would be jealous of, and secondly, heyyyyy Maleficent! Just to be clear, I'm an angel. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. But I can't deny that I was feeling this dress and I knew I had to have it. Kind of like when I'm innocently passing by a Shake Shack and can't say no to their fries... at the very least.  I know you're with me on this. Shake Shack is never a bad idea. And since this dress is basically equivalent to a Shake Shack burger and/or fries, it was kind of a no brainer that the dress could never be a bad idea either. 

And so here we are. Maybe you'll find yourself being featured in a street style collage in an issue of  Vogue Mexico y Latinoamerica. 

Definitely not a bad idea.

Get the dress! 

Dress: Zara v-neck denim dress  

Fur The Moment

Fur The Moment

Just five more sleeps until Christmas! Without a doubt, this is my most favorite holiday ever. I love spending time with family, all the Christmas movies, the baking,  sending cards, the decorations... I could just wrap myself in obnoxious Christmas spirit for the rest of my life and be ok with it.

Another thing I could wrap myself in for the rest of my life is this coat! Look at it! It's perfection in all of its pink, faux furry glory! As part of a project showcasing and styling coats this winter season, I'm happy to choose this beauty as my first choice.

This coat is an exclusive from Story of Lola, which recently went on a huge sale! Unfortunately, because of said sale, it is now sold out. But luckily, I found one for you that is similar and because I like to find a good bargain, this one from Choies  is also on sale.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. Don't forget to hug the ones you love extra close and tell them you love them. That always seems to be the best gift of all :)

#ootd

#ootd

What's better than finding the perfect sweater? Designing your own. Here is my  first sweater, designed and styled by me. Who knows, maybe one day I'll come out with a small clothing line of my own... there's quite a bit of brainstorming, mood boarding, and sketching over here ;) 

Can we talk about frayed jeans for a second? There are so many of these kinds of jeans trending right now, whether you want a heavy fray or just want to flirt with some uneven hems. If you want to invest in a nice pair, its gonna cost you. If you're feeling creative, there is a fun alternative. I had an old pair of jeans I was willing to experiment on and a simple DIY search on youtube got me this as my final product and I'm pretty pleased with it. The best part about uneven hems is that you can't really screw it up. It can be as crooked as your heart desires and you can flash a big smile afterwards because hey, you meant for that to happen. Right? Right. 

Wearing: Revolve Denim old but similar here  | Gucci loafers | Sweater (Marie)