Stylish Thought

The sun is coming out of hiding and with it’s emergence the colors are coming out of my closet. Cue Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out”. While this beautiful weather may only last for a few days, I thought I’d celebrate with an injection of purples, greens and pinks.

And I guess the brightness seeped into my psyche and a bit of silliness came out as well.

Details:
Purple Pants: H&M
Sheer Blouse: Joyce Leslie
Beaded Sweater: Thrifted
Spectator Booties: Baker’s
Gloves: Joyce Leslie
Flower Headband: Forever 21

What colors are you waiting to wear come Spring?

After several trips to Ikea, I’ve finally put the finishing touches on my “closet/ dressing room”. We’ve (I say we, because the boo encourages- read tolerates- my creative antics) converted our second bedroom into my Dressing room/ D.I.Y. studio and I’m pleased as punch to unveil it and to start creating in it. Being in a place with all of my cherished belongings, I hope to have many impromptu photo shoots (with the recent purchase of a tripod) and some great creations come out of it. It feels really great to have a place to get away and do things that I love.

Do you have a special place at home that’s your sanctuary?

Preface: I am in no means an expert (just a writer) and you should clearly consult a physician before beginning any workout regime. Whew, now that that’s out of the way, let’s carry on and get our bodies right.

It’s February, freezing and the dead of winter. Thoughts of exotic sand, crystal clear water and blazing sun are illuminating your mind, but then the picture of your not-so-bikini-ready physique comes crashing the fantasy around you. Well, maybe that’s how it happens in my mind. If you’re dreading shredding the layers of winter, literally and figuratively, it may be time to kick your butt in high gear with a new workout routine.

Back in my “single party girl days” I was an avid gym goer. Spinning, boot camp, ab class, hell I even had a trainer. But with work, interning and a new boo, the gym got pushed by the wayside (as it does with women sometimes). Now 10 extra pounds later, I’ve realized that in order to stay in shape mentally I must also stay in shape physically. To be honest, I too have vanity issues and want six pack abs like Jessica Biel and a booty like Beyonce (who doesn’t). Whatever your motivation for working out and eating healthy, starting a new fitness program should be approached with enthusiasm and knowledge.

Today I enter the gym for the first time in nearly 6 months (eek!) and will be taking the right steps to ensure that I get the most out of exercising, while not injuring myself.

How Fit are You?: This is a question you MUST ask yourself before beginning a new regime. This can be gauged by doing a few at home tests. Knowing your fitness level will determine the types of workouts you do and the intensity. Also knowing where you begin will let you know how much progress you have attained.

What was that, You want to be Bootylicious: Being vain is a perfect reason to workout, but be honest about why you want to exercise. Healthy body, killer abs, Heart health; whatever the reason, having a motivator is a huge deal because it has to be important enough to you to keep you working out (even though the dreaded “monthly” days and Gossip Girl marathons)

Prep the Area: I ‘m used to a gym, but in this economic downturn, that may not be doable for all. It’s cool. Whether you’re at a gym or in your living room, getting all your equipment together is key. Nothing worse than following a video or instructor and realizing that you can’t do bicep curls without barbells.

Get Going!: Now that everything is out of the way… WORKOUT! EXERCISE! DO THE DAMN THING! Pace yourself and shake things up. Vary your routine as to avoid boredom. Have fun and sweat it out!

Know where you’re Going: It’s ok to check in on your progress. If your goal is to lose weight, periodically weigh yourself to see what you’ve done and how far you have to go to reach your goal. I find that measurable goals are easier to keep track off; like how many inches you’ve lost off your bust or how many pounds you’ve dropped in a two week period.

Source: Mayo Clinic

So what are my goals? Currently I’m at 155 pounds (a healthy weight by all standards) but would love to be at 135. And also lose a few inches off of certain “areas”. I’ve been on a health kick so stayed tuned for a Diet & Nutrition post to follow.

Here’s a workout playlist to keep the motivation and endorphins up.

Work Out!!

What are your fitness goals for 2009?

We’re having strange weather at the moment and dressing is becoming cumbersome and I long for days of endless sunshine. Building off of these heavy feelings, I decided that I instead of fighting I would go along with the blues, browns and grays that surround me. Trust me, it wasn’t easy. I fought the urge to add a bright red pin or bow anywhere and I’m actually glad I did.

I’m also glad I decided to shoot in this alley by where I work. It was the perfect backdrop; full of slate concrete, graffiti and grittiness. On a lighter note, I think it’s funny when I inadvertently wear one thing from head toe. Pulling this outfit together it happened that every piece was from H &M. Ha!

Details:
Blazer, Fringe Shirt, Parachute Skirt: H&M
Tights: LP
Boots: Penny Loves Kenny

Is your mood affected by the weather? How about what you wear?

It ain’t over until Marc Jacobs sings and the Disco-cum color guard queen hath spoken. For Fall 2009 Jacobs took us to a brighter day, literally and figuratively. With the current onslaught of black, Marc Jacobs is the pick up that fashion needed (a $75 billion dollar bailout wouldn’t hurt either). Fashion needs cheer and this show delivered it.  Strong shoulders, primary colors and more teased hair and eyeliner than Grace Jones and Bianca Jagger combined. It seems that it was these too, among others that he was referencing here. While some of the makeup looks are “highly saturated” the color was blindingly good.

Photos from Style.com

What are your thoughts about Marc Jacobs’ color-rich show?

No, I’m not in New York at fashion week, alas it is a dream of mine. Don’t cry for me Argentina. Someday. Anyway, that doesn’t mean I can’t cover it here. (Stalking Style.com and Elle.com)  New York Fashion Week has been scaled back big time, with the dreaded “R” word, and many designers’ hosting showroom presentations in lieu of major runway productions. However, one monkey don’t stop the show and the “Chic must go on”… (that’s this year’s creed thanks to Mercedes-Benz) Here are some of the shows that I’m loving so far. (Note: I am a fashion outsider outsider, and these are only my lowly opinions as is everything else on this blog I guess)

Karen Walker: I love how she brings her whimsical style to tailored, simple silhouettes. There always something intrinsically quirky about Karen Walker that you can’t put your finger on, but love anyway.

Alexander Wang: Say what you will about Wang-ettes, this boy deserves the massive following he has. Alexander Wang came on the scene with an indelible look complete with shredded tee shirts, all black palette, body con dresses and grunge boots. He designs for the girl that every girl has imagined being (at one point and time) She’s cool and effortless and in control (at least until a couple of drinks). While this look is nothing new for Wang or fashion at the moment, it seems that Wang’s mark isn’t fading anytime soon.

Erin Fetherston: If Wang is the Prince of Darkness, then Fetherston is the Princess of the Lightness. There is always something romantic and light about her collections with just the right tinge of saccharine sweet. This collection has obvious Russian princess implications and a Circus/clown theme. The stripper-esque heels take the edge off of what could be sweet over-kill. I’m particularly fond of the Peter Pan collar, I have been scouring Ebay for a version, the bow belts, striped tights and ruffled collars. Hands down, my favorite thus far.

Catherine Holstein: She manages to work color into her collections and this season’s regal hue has threads throughout Holstein’s picture of Fall. The shots of purple are jolting and welcomed. The casual taste of the separates is great. There’s something in this collection to wear every day of the week from work to cocktails and there is something real and grounded about it while still being effervescently cool. The leopard-print dress is a must-have.

Whew! There is plenty more that I’m excited about at the moment, but seeing this post has not only gotten too wordy (that’s just me), I’ll save it for another post.

Are you following Fashion Week coverage? What shows or designers are you loving at the moment?