Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Mad for Monograms

Nothing says classicly chic quite like a monogrammed item. A gal can never have too many swirly initials in my book. I am lucky enough to live across the street from the cutest little monogram shop ever and I am seriously coveting (more) monograms in my life. I am currently lusting over items such as these...
































xxA

Monday, June 18, 2012

Pinteresting: Summer Hair Inspiration

The official Summer Solstice is Wednesday, but today the weather is a tad bit on the cooler side with cloudy skies. Doesn't feel much like the Eve of Summer. However, weatherman is calling for record breaking highs possible towards the end of the week. The mark of the new season and threat of sweat inducing heat has me thinking about some easy hair styles to fight the heat all while looking effortlessly chic. Here are some ideas via Pinterest.

A gorgeous fishtail to keep long hair at bay

A summery touch to the ole' sock bun: braids

Wavy locks with pretty pinning to keep hair out
of your face

A braided messy bun is perfect for the beach

Wind tousled and salty hair don't care

Side braids are always chic

Blake is the Queen of beach hair

Great for car rides, lounging pool side or the gym.

Summer evening out hair

Add a flower. Hey, its summer!


xxA

Friday, June 15, 2012

Friday Five: Workout Essentials

Happy Friday Lovelies! Cheers to an amazing weekend for you all. I have recently fallen back in love with fitness. Whether I am hitting the pavement training for a Half, spinning through the hits, being tortured by my personal trainer or chillen out with some Yoga or Pilates, I have a new found appreciation for a healthy lifestyle. However, in order to workout with the best, one must always be prepared. Here are five items I cannot possibly live without when working up a sweat.

1. A good pair of shoes. Obviously a great base for your feet is a necessity but when it comes to choosing the right pair, things tend to get a bit overwhelming. While I do love the sleek look of Nike's I have learned that they don't like to go the distance with me. Before my last shoe purchase I hit up the local running shop which actually tests your running style, foot stance, arch etc to provide you with the perfect shoe. And whaddya know...Nike wasn't even on their list. However, these bomb ass Asics were. They have held up great and are super comfy. I can wear them while running miles after miles, spinning, hiking, running errands and yes, even while zumba-ing (is that even a word?).


2. Clothing. I love Under Armour and LuLuLemon just as much as the next WASPy gal but sometimes one just can't spend a trillion dollars on workout gear. Especially when I work out every day and sometimes twice a day. Its an expensive hobby, what can I say? So there are some inexpensive items I have come to love. Plain white T's, the V-neck kind from Hanes or Fruit of the Loom are fabulous! They keep you cool, look nice and cost a fraction of what UA's wicking tee's cost. I also tend to hit up Marshalls or TJ Maxx, they have all the best brands marked down super low. I recently purchased a bunch of Under Armour running shorts for $15.00 a pop! When it comes to workout pants, I have a wide array of colors and styles but usually go back to my tight fitting crops. I find that comfort is key, but also if you look good you perform well!





3. Water Bottle. Yeah yeah yeah, I know the obvious one. But finding the perfect water bottle isn't always easy. I have tried Nalgene, and I have spilled 50ml's of water all over myself and the treadmill. I have tried the squirt kind and splashed my face. I have tried the kind with the straw, and never seem to get the last drop. I was at a loss until I found Contigo water bottles. These puppies are wonderful! Absolutely leak and spill proof these BPA free water bottles have Autoseal technology. However, with just the push of your finger, you are free to drink like a camel to your hearts desire. Let go, and voila, no spills.




4. Watch. How many times have you been at the gym and lost track of time? Or how often do you not know your mile splits when pounding the pavement? If you answered often...you NEED a watch. Now, I'm not saying to go all Olympiad on me and buy a $400.00 watch that has a GPS and heart rate monitor. While that would be awesome, the everyday gal does not need one of those. I rely on my Timex Ironman edition ladies watch. It has everything I need, including a lap indicator and its waterproof so it doubles as my dive watch. Its small, comfortable and rather cute if I may say so myself.



5. Nike Fitness App. Whether you use an iPod, iPhone or Fuel band, you gotta have this app. The Nike Fitness App times and tracks your run while updating you on your distance and speed along the way. It syncs up with your Soccer Hooligan worthy workout mix and takes your workout to the next level. It gets even better, every time you plug in to your computer your workout is uploaded onto Nike's website. The website keeps tabs of your individual runs, goals, all time records and even has famous athletes giving you advice. The coolest part in my opinion, is that it tracks EVRY mile you have ever run with the App. Don't mean to brag, but I have logged over 350 miles since joining in January! I'll drink (water) to that!



What are your favorite workout essentials?

xxA

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Savvy Shopping Finds

Hello lovelies and happy almost Friday! I recently hit up the mall and picked up some fantastic finds including...

Some goodies at Vickie's...bronzer for $3.99, Simply Gorgeous Hand Lotion for $7.99 and a Camoflage Face Palette for $9.00!




A gorgeous necklace from J Crew. I have been searching high and low for a pearl necklace like this one but found that the less expensive necklaces looked super cheap. This one was originally $69.50 marked down to $49.50. They were an additional 40% off and I got a student discount. The end total: $31.00. Perfect!



I hit up Old Navy and I didn't realize they sold work out attire. I scooped up some of these awesome tanks for only $7.00 each! Did I mentiont the colors are amazing and the fabric is oh so comfortable!


 I have been on the search for some boho chic wedges and found the perfect pair to my surprise at Charlotte Russe. I rarely have any luck there but I guess the shopping God's were smiling upon me on that day. They were exactly what I was looking for! Did I mention they were only $27.50?



xxA

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Fabric Crush: Lace

I have been seeing lots of lace lately and I must say my eyes are impressed. Lace is one of the more comfortable fabrics with mucho breathability, great for the summer! However, lace does walk a fine line. One wrong move and you end up looking like an 80's Prom dress. Here are some fabulously chic lace looks.



































xxA