Work it Out

Wearing: Sweaty Betty top, The Reformation sweatshirt, Nike leggings, Nike sneakers (under $100)

I've you been following me on the Insta-land or its chatty cousin, Twitter, you've seen that I've stepped up my fitness game. To spread my knowledge when it comes to workin' that body, why not head to the age old Interweb? 

I tend to workout 5-6 times a week for an 1-1 1/2 hour (riveting, right?). To be honest, my new found "gym-bunniesness" lifestyle is only a little over a month old, but I've fallen hard. Plus, Laser Midwinters regatta- the reason I'm down South at the moment- is a big enough reason to get my sorry ass into shape. Three times per week, I focus on cardio- my preference, you may be wondering? I run intervals on the treadmill for 20 mins, then row 2000-5000 meters on the rowing machine. Following that, I either do the stairmaster for 20 mins or an ab workout. The other days? I use the Nike Training app (hashtag there's an app for that). or the Kayla Itsines workout plan, which oh boy, my wobbly walking the day after is proof that those workouts, for the matter of the fact, work. 

As my self proclaimed title of gym rat/gym bunny/fitness aficionado/you get my point, looking the part is another half of it. Oh c'mon, don't deny the fact that those old t-shirts and worn in shorts don't exactly motivate you to run a mile a minute. Plus, with athletic gear ranging from Net-A-Porter to the originals like Nike (these are my favorite sneaks), Lululemon, and Adidas, workout apparel is a crucial part of one's wardrobe now a days. 

Quoting my new home away from home (Equinox gym), it's not fitness, it's life.

Shop my go-to gear:

Photos by Alexandra Gibbs | shot a few weeks ago, hence the lack of snow. 

Filed Under...

Wearing: Reformation turtleneck (last worn here), Zara leather pants, Reformation denim jacket 

(another way to wear it), Shoemint shoes (old, similar), Madewell ring, Asos ring 

The calendar might say Monday, but I'm still in a weekend mindset and so is my wardrobe. During January, my efforts of dressing are lowered to kitten heel level, so you can only imagine that I've created a uniform for winter. Similar to last year's go to, but a little more diverse in that. 

Turtleneck sweaters, black jeans, and boots.

But after wearing the same variation of a look for over a month, it is nice to shake things up a little that department. That's where textures come to play. Leather legs, denim jacket, suede shoes (not the most practical with snow in the picture) become the magic potion when in an all-black rut. 

So, if next Monday morning (or tomorrow), you happen to face the hardships of the forever lingering question "what to wear", make sure you file away this post.

Photos by Alexandra Gibbs

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Florals | Winter

Wearing: The Reformation dress (last worn here), Zara turtleneck, Zara leather jacket, 

Stuart Weitzman boots (under $200 option) Urban Outfitters fleece tights (on sale)

Last time I wore this dress, it was hot and humid and I can report to you from cocooned blankets that I would trade that for anything- slightly an exaggerated statement, but you get my gist. Like always, the art of layering is a work in progress. Because hey, we all can't wake up one day and a create a masterpiece like Da Vinci. 

Part of my resolutions was to only buy pieces that I love, which implies that shopping my closet will become a more regular occurrence under my roof. Instead of pushing those summertime dresses and skirts to the back of the closet, pop on a popover (#punnyfunny), amongst other layering essentials, and hit the concrete. The somewhat annoying and eye-roll inducing phrase, a bang for your buck, has become a reality. 

Photos by Alexandra Gibbs

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The Golden Three

Wearing: Ralph Lauren flannel (similar options here), Mango blazer (last worn here), The Reformation jeans, Converse sneakers, Madewell ring, Asha by Adm ring

There is some sort of running joke between my family, friends, and I that either dress like a) I'm on my way to Paris Fashion Week, b) that I'm a surf bum or c) that I am a mix of Ralph Lauren ad meets hippie. 

Hey, it's how I roll. This weekend was especially prominent in my sartorial decisions as I wore the latter of the three styles. Along with that, my high top converse have replaced my black Nikes, but note to all, ice + converse equals bruised back. 

Photos by Reid Secondo

Week in Stowe, VT

Wearing: The Reformation sweater (old, other styles here), Urban Outfitters sweats, J.Crew socks

Vermont is best taken in small doses and preferably when it is not below zero.  I've been visiting there forever as the skiing is always the best on the east coast. 

Alas, when there is not much snow... skiing becomes quite, um, interesting? To sum that up: ice, cold, and ski boots. As I like to say, never a dull day in my world. 

As you can tell from my gist, not much slope time occurred during my trip. So, I can only assume you are thinking... "what does one do in Vermont when it's too cold to ski"? 

Here's your answer. Eat- lots of food, which wasn't #vegan #healthy-, spend some sweet time on Netflix- hay Criminal Minds, go to the Ben & Jerry's factory (see statement above), and when you are feeling ambitious, go to the gym. 

Some of the highlights of Ve(brrr)mont? 

Lunch at Simon Pierce on the way up to Stowe, and finally nailing the "ski" selfie. 

Dress Code

Wearing: The Reformation dress- in store, J.Crew sweater- on sale w/ JINGLE, Stuart Weitzman boots, Kacey K choker c/o, Sloane Ranger bracelet c/o, Wanderlust & Co bracelet

Let's face the facts here. Sequins dazzle on the dance floor and can be a conversation starter, but the real shining star? Neutrals. 

Yep, you heard me right. Over the next few weeks of holiday swaying and sashaying, the masses will be sporting their shiniest duds, and if your game plan is to be the life of the party, go the counter-example of preferred sartorial holiday choices. Break the dress code and dress down to dress up. Similar to what I said a few weeks ago, wear simplistic pieces- this sweater/t-shirt mash up dress is a great example- pop on some great bling, or slip on some wicked shoes, and you, my friend are good to go.

If you aren't feeling the camel, try some velvet or lamé in a monochromatic shade. You'll still get the glitz and the glam, but sans the dancing disco ball. 

Party rules 101. 

Photos by Emily Malan

On the Wild Side

Wearing: Rachel Zoe booties, The Reformation sweater- in store (similar), Current & Elliott jeans, Urban Outfitters ear cuff, Larsson & Jennings watch

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!! I haven't been this excited for a pair of shoes since these Lanvin snakeskin loafers. Um, sensing a cohesive theme of jungle does designer here. 

As I am not one to reach for animal print at first glance- except for a leopard cardigan circa 2006... wore the life out of the poor sweater. Yet I can handle the wild world of animal print in small doses- similar to my liking of pop music, for instance.

Around my birthday, I bookmarked these Miu Miu booties (on sale now) that are accompanied by a hefty price tag and for this chick, "All I see is $$$", isn't the correct way to describe my bank account (meh blame the holidays). Instead, I found these Rachel Zoe pair that do the trick just as well. You know that you've aced an animal print piece when The Real Housewives' wardrobes isn't the first thing you think of. Plus, at last another pair of booties that is not black. Is my black cat persona finally changing into a leopard? Not really sure how I feel about that.

Alas, don't forget the golden rule about animal prints: One. At. A. Time.

Please. For everyone's eyes and sanity (including your own).

Photos by Emily Malan

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