Let’s Get Fit 2019

Let’s Get Fit 2019

by | Mar 10, 2019 | Let's Get Fit | 0 comments

Exactly four years ago, I started the very popular “Let’s Get Fit” series of posts about getting in shape. I remember it was March 10th, I was way heavier than I wanted, there was snow on the ground and something in me just “snapped.” In a good way. I decided I was going to get in shape no matter what. And I did. By Memorial Day (the unofficial get-in-shape-for-summer deadline here in the US) I was down to my goal weight and felt amazing! I did it by working out regularly, cross training, eating as healthy as I could and it really paid off.

Doing regular posts about fitness really helped to motivate me and I’m looking forward to sharing ideas and motivation with you. This time around I don’t think I want to focus on losing weight. My goal weight used to be 130 lbs, which became an unhealthy obsession over time. Last year I changed it to a range: 130-135 lbs with the expectation that winter would put me a little over 135. For reference I’m 5’5″ and a healthy weight for me is 114-144 lbs. I’ll still weigh myself but I’m going to focus on muscle tone, energy level, and mood as measurements of fitness.

If you’re looking for a little inspiration this time of year, I hope you’ll follow my posts. I’m going to compile all the things I do that work for me: cardio-vascular conditioning, weight training, drinking enough water, getting a workout buddy, eating real food, not eating when you’re not hungry, reducing sugar, stretching, taking vitamins, promoting good gut bacteria, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, adding “hidden exercise”, setting accomplishable goals, getting outside (even in bad weather) and lots more so by the time the pool is open we’ll be feeling great!

Check out the original Let’s Get Fit posts if you’re curious:

Let’s Get Fit

Let’s Get Fit: Arms, Abs & A**

Let’s Get Fit: Start Slow and Taper Off

Let’s Get Fit: BODY, MIND, SPIRIT

Let’s Get Fit: Spin to Win

Let’s Get Fit: The Treadmill: A Necessary Evil

Let’s Get Fit: Why Should Women Lift Weights?

Let’s Get Fit: How to Avoid Injury

Let’s Get Fit: Jazzercise! Seriously, Jazzercise.

Let’s Get Fit: How to Break through a Weight-Loss Plateau

Let’s Get Fit: How to make the number on the scale go down

What to do when you have an injury

Let’s Get Fit: The Final Reveal

 

Obsession: The Just-Right T-Shirt

by | Mar 8, 2019 | I Feel Pretty | 0 comments

 

Once upon a time, a girl went out into the big bad world looking for the perfect white t-shirt. The first one she tried was too sheer, the next one too thick. One was too loose, and another too fitted. Some were too cropped, too boxy or had a rounded hem. Others had ruffles and twist ties! A few were too drape-y — modal or linen. Why were some tees distressed or marled? Why?! But finally, she found a simple 100% cotton tee that was soft and comfy and flattering: The Gap Vintage Wash Short Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt. The End.

madewell

everlane

uniqlo

j.crew

gap

Old Navy Try Ons

by | Mar 1, 2019 | I Feel Pretty | 0 comments

I went to Old Navy the other day to get tank tops. I have a black ribbed tank top and decided it was the best workout top and I should probably have it in a few more colors, or maybe all the colors. The next thing I knew, I was trying on a bunch of stuff and came home with a bagful of clothes just for me. Here’s what I got:

Wide Leg Chinos

Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Utility Chinos in Ochre to You

I’ve been considering this look forever. Everyone seems to be rocking’ the wide leg crop trend. The original is from Jesse Kamm, but you can get them at Everlane or Madewell. Their popularity doesn’t seem to be declining any time soon. My concern has always been that my ass would look enormous in them. And/or they would make my legs look short. (I’m 5’5″  and 135 lbs.) But, I thought I’d give it a go. I rarely ever buy pants at Old Navy and I wasn’t very happy to go from my usual 8 to a 10, but they feel really good and are fairly flattering. Okay, and god help me, here’s what they look like from the back:

The tee is Madewell and the heels are too, via Poshmark.

Next, I tried them with on with a sweatshirt and boots.

Pink Sweatshirt

Relaxed French Terry Sweatshirt in Blush on You

This might seem weird/ugly, but I’m loving it. I recently became obsessed with the combination of pink and mustard. I originally went looking for a pixie pant in yellow or pink but couldn’t find one that looked good on me. Also, I think I decided that the yellow has to be on the bottom and the pink on the top. Pink is better next to my face and not on my legs. The wrong pink pants can look like no pants!

 

Stripped Sheath Dress

Ponte-Knit Sheath Dress in Black White Stripe

This looked pretty good in the dressing room, but here it looks so matronly. What was I thinking? Maybe it would work if it were a little more fitted? I ended up returning it. Oh, and I should mention, it smelled horrible. I’m not sure why. Here’s the back:

Lastly, the whole reason I went…

Tank Top

First Layer Fitted Tank in Hunter Pines

I tried every color and I really only liked this olive green color. Sad since they were discounted if you bought three. They’re supposed to be fitted but I went up a size because I don’t need to emphasize my not-flat abs. I will wear it as a workout shirt but I styled it here with my new vintage-y jeans from H&M and those same ankle strap heels from Madewell.

That’s it. Not really a “bagful”, but I’m surprised how many good basics I’ve been finding at Old Navy.

New Wardrobe Additions: February

by | Feb 28, 2019 | I Feel Pretty | 0 comments

I finally bought a long black puffer coat. I have been contemplating this forever. I never seemed to notice that literally everyone owns the standard Northface puffer in black until I did. I think it was my cousin Rachel who made me want one. She has such good taste — perfectly simple elegance. Uniqlo is not Northface, but was a much less expensive way to try it out. And if the number of times you wear an item is an indication of it’s worth, this coat is priceless!

Another try-it-without-spending-a-fortune pick was these H&M “vintage” jeans that I cut off. They fit a lot like Levi’s but are stretchy and comfy. Me like.

Then there’s the 3 things I picked up at Old Navy, 2 of which really surprised me. The wide leg jeans also fall into the inexpensive version test run category. I still think they make me look wide but I love the color and how they feel and I’ve worn them a bunch. The pink sweatshirt isn’t the kind of thing I’d normally pick but I love it. The olive tank top is super good too.

FEBRUARY $180

UNIQLO Women Ultra Light Down Hooded Coat in Black $90

H&M Vintage Fit High Waist Jeans (Similar) $30

Old Navy Wide Leg Chinos in Ochre $35

Old Navy Crewneck Sweatshirt in Pink $15

Old Navy Fitted Tank in Olive $10

Shopping My Closet: Creating Outfits with What I Own

Shopping My Closet: Creating Outfits with What I Own

by | Feb 16, 2019 | Slow Fashion | 0 comments

long sleeve tee (similar)  |  jeans (similar)  |  leather jacket (similar)  |  suede heels (similar)

I love this leather jacket… so why don’t I ever wear it? I have so many pins on my Pinterest style board reminding me of how cool I’ll look if I wear a black leather jacket, yet it sits in my closet. I tried it on to see if I could figure out how to wear it. I’m liking it. The jeans are ok. They’re soft and loose fitting. And the heels are probably my favorites. (They have cute like tassels on the backs.)

long sleeve tee (similar)  |  jeans (similar)  |  suede heels (similar)

The outfit sans jacket.

floral blouse (similar)  |  pants (similar)  |  flats (similar)

I’ve had this floral top from LOFT forever. It’s a winner. The much-worn chino/jeans from the Gap are very comfy and flattering. The shoes (and, again, every blog seemed to demand I own them) never get picked. I think they look good here. I liked this outfit so much, I wore it to a speaking engagement later that night.

button down  | pants (similar) |  clogs

The white button down! Everyone says you need one. I don’t think I really do need one, let alone two. It looks rumbled here. I can’t figure it out. The clogs probably aren’t helping. I think a black heel might be better. And a trench coat over top!

short sleeve sweatshirt (similar)  |  jeans  |  ankle strap heels (similar)

I love this Joie tee but haven’t found a reason to wear it. The jeans are new and I LOVE them! I bought them on a trip to the Gap when I had the kids with me and they said, “Those look SO good on you, Mommy” so obviously I bought them. The shoes are Madewell from Poshmark. I think they’ve been waiting for these jeans. This outfit feels very “me” and I feel Très Française in it.

tee shirt  |  jeans  |  ankle strap heels (similar)

The same but with my new favorite white tee!

striped tee (similar)  |  jeans (similar)  |  jean jacket (similar)  |  sandals (similar)

I somehow switched over to summer. Or maybe spring. This is an imitation of an old outfit from Sincerely Jules. Only she wore it with nude flats and I didn’t like how mine looked on me. I do like this J. Crew/St. James t-shirt. But, these white jeans usually get passed over. I have another pair of white pants I like better. I obviously cut them too short. The sandals (Steve Madden, $5 at Famous Footwear!) are my favorite although they’re quite platform-y. And, the jean jacket… I’m supposed to love a jean jacket. This one is flattering but I think I’d wear it more if it were more oversized, you know? It’s not comfy or cozy (and that’s what I look for in a second layer).

striped tee (similar)  |  jeans (similar)  |  sandals (similar)

This is how I’d probably go — jacketless. I tried tying it around my waist and that was a definite no. Maybe this post should be titled, “Why I Don’t Wear a Jacket” or “Layering—I’m Clueless”

tee shirt  |  trousers (similar)  |  heels

Okay, the black trousers. Essential, right? I’m feeling better about them with the plain white tee and of course, these black heels from Banana Republic. Maybe I’ll actually wear them out of the house.

sweater (similar)  |  trousers (similar)  |  sneakers

This look. All. Over. Pinterest. Just add a long menswear coat and crossbody bag. How I wish I liked these sneakers. I think they’re too clunky. I don’t know. The sweater is good. Very good. A black turtleneck truly is a must-have, for me.

sweater (similar)  |  trousers (similar)  |  heels (similar)

I’m liking this much more. All black and one other color. A heel looks way better to me, makes my legs seem longer.

sweater (similar)  |  trousers (similar)  |  boots (similar)

This is good too. I stole this look from Style This Life. I call it, “Black-Black-Brown.”

That’s it! I had a lot of fun putting together outfits. And enjoyed reconnecting with and appreciating my clothes more. Every time I do this I get a little closer to knowing what I like and being okay with just being me. It’s nice.