NORDSTROM HALF YEARLY SALE FAVORITES

The best sale of the year is here! I LOVE the Nordstrom half yearly, there are SO many good finds for up to 40% off! If you’ve had your eye on anything now is your time to pick up the goods as its most likely on sale! Nordstrom has always been my go-to retailer so when this sale comes up I tend to go a little crazaay. 🙂

This leather jacket that I’m wearing above is the best purchase I’ve made (maybe ever)! I wear it at least 3 days a week (kind of scary to admit) but this jacket is such a good investment and UNDER $60!! We wear jackets all year round here in SF and this is my favorite jacket I own. Even if it’s hot where you live, I would swoop this one up anyways. Also these Nike leggings are similar to the ones above for UNDER $30!

I’ve also definitely been wearing this cropped sweatshirt to death and its on sale for $40!

This open back tank, this crop top and these super cute lace up leggings are all in my cart! If you are on the hunt for a good sports bra, there are plenty of options. I have this, this and this one and they are all in heavy rotation and great quality!

How pretty is this black maxi?! I’m also loving this white dress ($40!) and this chambray off the shoulder. As for tops I’m all about one shoulder, off the shoulder,  frills, you name it! I definitely have this one ($23) in my cart and have been eyeing this and this one forever and going to snag them both! They are all under $30! Such a steal.  These classic heels and so comfortable, I may snag in this olive color. I also love this and this bag.

Below are a few more of my favorites for you girls! Hope this helps, as I know its hard to sift through all the goods on the site. Also be sure to act quick, I’ve noticed a lot of styles and sizes out of stock pretty quick!

EVERYDAY WEAR FAVORITES (ON SALE):

 

ACTIVEWEAR FAVORITES (ON SALE):

Happy shopping! xo

5 WAYS TO HELP REDUCE STRESS

OUTFIT DETAILS: TOP // JEANS 

Torrey Fox Photography

We all live such crazy lives these days, I feel like there’s no time to relax anymore! We seem to always be running from one thing to the next with no time to sit back and reflect. I’ve been making it a goal to reflect at the end of each day and try to de-stress and relax as much as possible. I’ve found some really great tips to help me do so which I’m sharing with you all today in hopes these help you as well!

MY TOP 5 WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

Exercise: my #1 way to de-stress after a long day! Exercise helps boost endorphins and reduce stress. Research shows that only 20 mins a day is all you need. I like to use my workout each day as a time for me to leave my outside worries at the door. Whatever crazy day I’ve had at work, the second I step outside for a run or inside a gym my stressful life instantly disappears for the next hour or so. I truly believe this is one of the reasons why I continue and look forward to exercising on a daily basis. To exercise is to reduce stress and create a balanced lifestyle. I dont know what I would do without this part of my day! It is truly a lifesaver and am so grateful for this time.

Meditate: spending a part of my day reflecting has been super helpful to wind down and relax. Meditation lowers heart rate a blood pressure and improves overall awareness. I like to spend at least 10 minutes a day sitting in a quiet place, closing my eyes, relaxing my muscles and focus on my breathing. I usually focus on one thing and dont let other distractions cross my mind. It’s hard to do, but I immediately feel more relaxed!

Yoga: Similar to meditation, yoga takes things a step further. When in a yoga class, I like to block out any other distractions and focus on my breathing and the way my body is moving. This not only helps build strength, but relaxes my mind and helps reduce stress. My goal is to incorporate yoga in my routine at least once a week in hopes that I will be a much less stressful person! (We’ll see!)

Unplug: aka shut down all computers and cell phones. I am constantly on email and social media, but it is SO nice to turn it all off and relax. I could definitely use more of this! I love unplugging, lighting a candle and turning on some soft music. I know, sounds kind of romantic but I like to do this alone if I need to get out of a stressful mood.

Get a massage: treat yo self! I get monthly massages to help relax and work my tight muscles. Although I always get a deep tissue massage, I still find them relaxing. I also like to request aromatherapy oils specifically lavender. Lavender aromatherapy is also great before bed to help you relax and fall into a deep sleep. I have lavender in my nightstand if I find it hard to relax at night and it almost always works!

Thanks for reading loves! Have a great week. xo

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ROMPER SEASON

Its that time of year…the sun is out (sort of) and its time to bring the summer dresses and rompers to the front of the closet. I la la love jumpsuits and rompers, they are just too easy! I love just throwing them on and not having to think about styling a top and bottom. Also, almost every romper I’ve come across is just so dang cute! Today I’m sharing a few of my favorites including this one by Ale by Alessandra.

ROMPER // CLUTCH // HEELS (also love these and these)

Torrey Fox Photography

(how gorgeous are these blooms here in the city?!)

I love the tie on the front and sleeves of this romper and the cute little tassles at the bottom! Also, I’ve found that some rompers run really short (too short sometimes) but this one fits just right. Below are a few of my favorite rompers at the moment. I LOVE this white off the shoulder number as well as this black on shoulder romper for evening.

Thanks for stopping by! xo

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APRIL FAVORITES

Hope you guys are having a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mamas! I have had this post ready for awhile but haven’t had a chance to finish it until now. So I’m a wee bit late but still wanted to share some goodies that I have been loving in the month of April. Below are a few of my favorite things at the moment…

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13 // 14

  1. RX Bar: These are the best bars on the market (in my opinion)! I have an RX Bar in my bag at all times, and when traveling I have multiple in my bag. There are few ingredients in these bars which are listed on the front of the package and they all taste so good. They dont taste like your average protein bar, but like actual un-processed ingredients. My favorite flavor is the chocoloate sea salt and coffee chocolate. So glad I’ve found these!
  2. Kopari Coconut Melt: I recently picked this up from Sephora just for the sole fact that there are soooo many uses for coconut oil. You can always buy coconut oil from a grocery store which serves the same purpose without the fancy packaging but I’ve fallen in love with this Kopari Coconut Melt. I love the smell of coconut and I also am very dry (skin, hair etc) and this product is life changing. Its a solid coconut oil that melts in your hands and I’ve used it both on my face for added moisture, skin as an all over moisturizer and in my hair. I apply to my hair at night, sleep on it then wash it out in the morning. After a wash, my hair is silky smooth and no longer dry. I highly recommend coconut oil for multiple uses!
  3. Nike Pro Sports Bra: I love this sports bra for almost all activity. It is light to medium support, super comfortable and the quality of all Nike sports bras is the best in my opinion. You can read my last post about how to find the perfect sports bra here.
  4. Nike Air Max Thea Ultra Flyknit Sneakers: I picked up these sneaks a few weeks ago and they are so dang comfortable that I haven’t been wearing any other pair! I don’t necessarily like these for running as I need more support, but I love for cross training, gym, and everyday wear. Nike keeps getting better and better at their sneaker game.
  5. Vans Sk8 Hi Slim Sneaker: I recently picked up a pair of these high top vans and fell in love. I’ve been wearing them this month a lot more then I thought I would. When I wear sneakers I almost always go for my Nikes, but these are so cute and go with everything. Highly recommend picking up a pair of these high tops!
  6. Lilybod Zoe Legging: I just came across this brand and love their products. I was sent a pair of leggings and have been wearing them nonstop. Full post to come regarding these bad boys, but I wanted to get them on your radar sooner then later. They are that good!
  7. Alo Yoga Airbrush Camo Capris: These are perfect for spring althleisure fashion. Camo is a no brainer for me, and love the white and grey for a light and airy look for spring. I wear these to yoga, gym and out and about. They are super comfortable and love the crop. Alo Yoga is another one of my favorite brands at the moment and always find myself attracted to their style.
  8. Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick: I love this product! I use it every single day. It is such a great luminizer for a beautiful dewy glow. I like to warm the product up in my hands and pat on the high points of my face. I also have been using all over the body and think its such a beautiful shade of silver and gold. My favorite luminizer on the market!
  9. Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Gloss: These glosses are the best (and I’ve tried quite a few). They come in such beautiful shades, are not sticky and and have a nice minty scent. I love a glossy lip and always have a few shades of the Marc Jacobs gloss in each purse. My favorite shades are sugar sugar, pretty thing, skin deep and allow me.
  10. Marysia Swimsuit: I have been on the hunt for a new swimsuit for quite some time and when this one came in the mail I fell in love! The scallop detail, the one shoulder and the color was the perfect combo for me. Now I just need to book a tropical vacation!
  11. Schutz Enida Heel: I bought these last year and have proved to be a great purchase. They are perfect for spring and summer, comfortable and will be wearing these bad boys for many seasons to come.
  12. Calvin Klein Modern Cotton Bralette: These are the most comfortable sports bras I own. I also love the bottoms that come with these as a set. I just went to Nordstroms and bought a more colors and cant get enough.
  13. Halo Top: My brother introduced me to Halo Top this past month and ever since my first taste I always find the need to pick some up at the grocery store. The main selling point for me is the nutrition. Most flavors are close to 280 calories for the whole pint. They also taste delicious! I try not to eat the entire pint in one sitting, but you know how that is…
  14. American Needle Washed Cotton Baseball hat: I love throwing a baseball hat on when having a dirty hair day (which is often)! This simple black hat has been my go to on runs, to the gym and running errands on the weekends. Definitely a staple for me.

Thanks for stopping by! xo

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HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT SPORTS BRA

Alright ladies, we’re getting semi personal today and talking sports bras. I’ve recently been running a bit more then usual and have had some really great experiences and some not so great experiences lately with sports bras. The not so great, is that when I get home from a long run I have experienced a think red cut/chafing right under my boob where the band cinches. (Super painful!) I’ve experienced this 3 times now with different sports bras and have been eager to find the right fit. I also find it important to protect from sagging and make sure they are secured nicely and ready to take on any activity. 🙂

OUTFIT DETAILS: Sports Bra // Leggings // Denim Jacket // Sneakers

Torrey Fox Photography

After the good and bad experiences I’ve had with sports bras lately I went to the Nike store on Union Street (San Francisco) to get a bra fitting after having done extensive research since then to find the right bra for me. I should have researched this years ago, but better late then never! Wanted to share my learnings with you all in hopes that this can help find the perfect sports bra for you!

So the basics… To start, if a sports bra is too tight, it can result in chafing and prevent proper breathing. A sports bra that is too loose won’t provide the right amount of support. Unsupported, the average A cup moves about an inch and half and D bounces 2-3 inches with exercise. A sports bra can cut that movement in half (key to reduce sagging!!) Also, a proper-fitting sports bra helps to keep the Cooper’s ligament (connective tissue that supports the breasts) strong. Because women start to wear bras at such a young age, the ligament loses its strength and doesn’t have the ability to support the breasts as much as nature intended.

I asked the associate what the number 1 mistake people are making when choosing a sports bra. Her answer: wearing a smaller cup and larger band then you need. 80% of women wear the wrong size bra! This doesn’t surprise me, because I am a culprit of this as well.

SPORTS BRAS ABOVE (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): Nike Dri Fit Jersey // Carbon 38 High Neck Speed Elastic // Nike Pro Classic Medium Support 

Here are a few things to take into consideration when choosing a sports bra:

Choose between a compression or encapsulation style sports bra

Compression bras minimize movement by pressing flat against your chest. Shelf bra styles (no cups just material) work for smaller cup sizes (A and B) or for lower impact workouts. Encapsulation style sports bras have individual cups (usually better for larger-breasted women).

Its important to note that your boobs should be fully covered and should not be pouring out of the top. The fabric should also be smooth with no wrinkles.

Choose between racerback or wide straps
Racerback bras cinch in the back so the straps anchor the bra closer to the body, providing more support. Wide straps (or shoulder straps) help distribute weight better than T-backs (key for bigger cups) and are more likely to be adjustable and padded.
Regardless of what type of straps, they shouldn’t be too tight or dig into your shoulders. If the straps are providing a majority of the support, the sports bra isn’t the right fit.
Choose between a pullover bra or back clasp

Pullover bras (or tank styles) typically cover the back more than clasps, but those with all over stretch lack  adjustability, and support to anchor large chests. Clasps let you tighten the band, from which 70 percent of the bra’s support comes. This is especially important for larger breasts, which place more demand on the band.

Band: As the foundation of the bra, the band should fit flat against your ribcage and fit more snugly than a lingerie bra. I like to take a deep breath which helps me gauge if the bra fits comfortably. Look for a wide band with strong elastic to provide necessary support. If it rides up in the back, the band is either too loose or the straps need to be adjusted. The number one thing I look for right now considering my chaffing problem is a wide band.

Other things I look for while bra shopping:

  • I always look for moisture-wicking material such as polyester that dries quickly. I love Nike dry fit everything as well!
  • For cycling, yoga or any low impact activity I prefer to wear pullover soft wicking bras
  • For running I prefer both compression and encapsulation. I definitely like to make sure I’m getting the support I need, and make sure the band is not too tight
  • Usually after a year (depending on how many times I wear) I like to throw away and repurchase sports bras. The fabric wears out over time and with washes, so I typically throw away once the elastic or overall fit becomes loose.

After searching high and low for the perfect sports bra for every occasion I feel like I have finally found whats best for me. While on the hunt, I usually like to start with Nike due to great quality and variety of options. My favorite high/medium support bra is the Classic Pro  which I wear running. I just picked up this Dri Fit Jersey Stretch bra a few weeks ago and think this is my favorite bra of all time (I know this is a big statement!) It is just SO comfortable, the fabric is so soft and the band is pretty wide which I always look for. I also love the Classic Pro Indy Bra for low impact as well. Then of course for style (talking pilates or yoga) I love this, this and this cute one. Here are some additional favorites:

A perfect-fitting sports bra makes all the difference. Comfort is key during my workouts and I will always go comfort over style. I hope this mini guide helps you girls find the perfect fit! xo

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