Pleated Variety

Category: Fashion

  • Yoga Tips for Beginners

    Yoga Tips for Beginners

    With our first ever yoga challenge under way, I thought I would give some quick yoga tips for beginners. Side note, I am not a yoga instructor and don’t claim to be! I’m actually not super experienced in the practice either, but I truly love how I feel physically and mentally when I do yoga. I decided to share this passion with all of you by teaming up with Bulldog Yoga to challenge myself and my readers to do more yoga. I’m pretty sure that if everyone did yoga, the world would be a happier place, but I digress.

    Yoga is truly a practice for all abilities and many of the poses can be modified. If you are a beginner, I thought it might be helpful to point out a few basics tips. I called upon my youngest sister, who is a certified yoga instructor to help me out. She pointed out a few mistakes that she commonly sees with beginners and experts alike.

    High Fives

    When in any plank or downward dog position be sure to spread your fingers and put your palms flat on the floor. Imagine giving the floor a high five!

    Check Yourself

    There is a reason yoga studios have a giant mirror in the classroom. It is to ensure your shoulders, knees and feet are aligned. Don’t be afraid to check yourself out. You you don’t have a mirror in the room where you practice yoga, just do a few alignment checks mentioned below….

    When in “Warrior II”:

    Drop your shoulders down your back by pulling them away from your ears.

    Make sure your front knee is bending at a 90 degree angle and your knee is pointing directly over your big toe. Pretend your body is wedged between two parallel pains of glass.

    Perfect your Posture

    One of my New Year’s resolutions is to slouch less and the perfect place to practice is during yoga! Chins up, shoulders down, chest high. Push those shoulders down your back and open your heart. Can you guess which version is correct?!

    Light as a Feather

    We all remember the game light as a feather, stiff as a board. The latter part comes in hand when lowering your body to the ground. Use your ab muscles to pull your belly in and protect your lower back. In laymen’s terms, tuck that bootie.

    Next week… tips for headstands 🙃.

  • The Sweat Life with lululemon

    The Sweat Life with lululemon

    Currently we are in the middle of a heat wave. It doesn’t take much to achieve “sweat life” status. But there is something different about walking to the mailbox and sweating, and actually going for a run and sweating. I remember years ago when lululemon first launched, their bags said “sweat everyday”. I really believe that is one of the keys to living your healthiest life and it has stuck with me ever since. Confession, I don’t sweat everyday, but I’m working on it. The bags also said something about flossing. Also working on that.

    With all of my kids home in the summer it is hard to find the time to work out (and floss)…. story of my life, even when it’s not summer. I’ve set a goal to run and/or do yoga at least three times per week, and just “be active” on the days when I don’t get an official workout in.

    The heat is a major deterrent for going for a run, but the excuse to wear cute work out gear has the potential to cancel that out. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know that I swear by lululemon running shorts. I just tried out their Tracker V 4 inch short and in true form, feels like wearing nothing, which may sound a bit awkward, but let me remind you about the heat wave we are currently experiencing.

    I also posted this hat on my Facebook feed the other day and so many of you wrote it in that it is your absolute favorite hat. The pony tail opening is extra large so you can wear your hair high or low, and it’s super breathable. It’s also floral, so hard to resist. Comes in solids too!

    Throw on a muscle crop tank (yes, I like that it hits right at my waist band for extra ventilation) and their famous Ignite bra, and 3 miles all of a sudden doesn’t feel so daunting.

    And for the record, I’ve never finished a run and regretted it. Post-run feeling summed up below….

  • Current Vuori Wardrobe + Father’s Day Gift Ideas

    Current Vuori Wardrobe + Father’s Day Gift Ideas

    I have very few routines in my life. No two days ever really look the same. Sometimes I brush my teeth first, sometimes I wash my face first. Sometimes I chug green juice, sometimes I just go straight for the coffee. There is no rhyme or reason to why I choose what to do, it’s just tapping into that intuition of what I think my body needs (or doesn’t). The only constants in my morning are: kissing my boys, putting on my workout clothes, and moving my body. I think if you ask my neighbor she would say that 99% of the time I show up to the bus stop in my Vuori. I get the kids off to school, take the dog for a walk, then go on my morning run. As we enter the warmer months, I’m still layering, but integrating more summer-appropriate pieces into my fitness wardrobe. Here are just a few pieces that make up my current Vuori favorites (plus some great ideas for Father’s Day at the end of this post!)

    Halo Essential Hoodie

    When they take the coveted DreamKnit™ fabric that we know and love from their joggers and turn it into a hoodie, you know I’m sold. The Halo Essential Hoodie is the perfect summer-weight layer. It cuts the morning/evening chill without adding bulk. In terms of length, it is slightly cropped – skims the top of your hips which makes it perfect for running in it as well as just wearing it in daily life.

    Cardiff Shorts

    I was drawn to these shorts for the look, and sold on all of the techy features. First, cute right?! Second, they are made from a combo of recycled materials and moisture-wicking, odor blasting elements. The scalloped leg opening gives a retro vibe which is a detail I always appreciate in running shorts. And before you ask, yes, there are pockets.

    Halo Essential Tank

    Minimalistic, but also exactly what I am looking for in a workout tank. The Halo Essential Tank is made from the DreamKnit™ fabric which means it feels good on your skin – no chafing! It’s moisture wicking and made for movement. It is slightly cropped so it pairs perfectly with the Cardiff shorts and any of their leggings without baring skin.

    And don’t forget the guys… (Father’s Day gifting!):

    Vuori clothing is always at the top of my list when it comes to buying gifts for the men in my life. Here are a few pieces I’ve bought for my husband/son/dad/father-in-law – that all went over very well!

  • Yoga on the Beach with lululemon

    Yoga on the Beach with lululemon

    I recently read an article that working women are working longer hours, sleeping less, and spending less time relaxing. Sounds like something is backwards. I thought we were in an era of #treatyourself?! I guess that wearing eye gels while making dinner doesn’t really count as self-care. Sometimes it feels like there are not enough hours in day, but I can’t stress the importance of the benefits of a few minutes of relaxation. Whether its a morning meditation (a.k.a. hitting the snooze button), walking the dog around the block or in this case a quick yoga session, a few minutes of quiet time can help to reset, refresh and rejuvenate.

    The thing about yoga is that you can literally do it anywhere (it just happens to be extra amazing on the beach). Stretching your limbs, waking up your core, and bringing mindfulness to your body has so many benefits.

    My typical yoga uniform changes a bit in the summer months because while building internal heat plus HEAT in general, wearing long leggings can be too much. lululemon lovers, meet the Align Short – it’s the mini version (4 inches to be exact) of your favorite legging – same great fabric and high waist goodness, but perfect for extra hot summer studios or yoga in the real summer heat. The Free to be Serene High Neck Sports Bra is the perfect combo of fashion meets function. Not only do I wear this to yoga, but under all of those tricky racer back tanks – the straps are just too cool to be hidden! And pre and post workout, just throw on the All Yours Boyfriend Tee – I am obsessed. Once you feel the material you, too, will want one in every color.

  • Best of May

    Best of May

    We bought it, we wore it, styled it, put in in our homes and/or on our bodies…. and we LOVED IT! And then we shared it with you and you loved it too! The best of May awaits……

    Fashion:

  • Road Test: Why I Love the adidas Ultraboost 19 Running Sneaker

    Road Test: Why I Love the adidas Ultraboost 19 Running Sneaker

    Want me to name the reason I went for a run this morning? I kid you not, I walked upstairs this morning to find a roll of toilet paper streaming from the toilet paper holder through the center hallway into my son’s room and wrapped around the top and bottom bunk… and you want to know the kicker? NO ONE knew who did it. Well, kids, MUST have been our 13 year old dog. Some days there aren’t enough miles in my run to fully clear my head from the shenanigans that happen when living with 5 boys.

    As a runner I tend to put a lot of wear and tear on my sneakers, which means I usually go through running shoes pretty quickly. When I got the opportunity to partner with adidas for their new Ultraboost 19 running sneakers it’s safe to say I was really excited. Before writing this and taking any photos I took them for a test run (literally) to make sure they lived up to the hype, and let me just tell you…oh yes they did.

    I love that the Ultraboost 19 running shoes are lightweight but still have tons of cushion, support, and bounce (hello, “torsion spring”) for those long (and much-needed) runs. And for my fellow wide-footed friends out there, these fit like a glove and have just enough room in the toe box. The fabric is a 360 primeknit material which feels like second skin and hugs your feet during your runs. And with all of this cool technology, they couldn’t possibly be cute, could they? Think again….

    Wearing…

    Fellow runners and/or lovers of cool sneaks… these come in a cool NINE colors.

  • Lazy Girl’s Guide to Beauty + The Ulta Spring Haul Event

    Lazy Girl’s Guide to Beauty + The Ulta Spring Haul Event

    MOM! Let’s go! Mom, hurry up. Mom! You. Always. Make. Us. LATE!!!!!

    Every time we are leaving to go somewhere as a family, these are the words my boys yell into my room as I quickly try to get ready. This is life living with 5 boys. They just don’t get it. When packing my beauty must-haves for our recent trip to South Africa, I knew I had to keep it minimal for a few reasons: One, I could only bring one bag, and two, I don’t think the lions would care if I had on a full face of make up. That being said, I knew we would be taking lots of photos and going out to dinner so I crammed as many of my favorites in my ba

    And because this wasn’t an all-out-glam type of vacation, I perfected my lazy girl’s guide to beauty and since I’ve been home, it has stuck! All of the products I’m sharing I bought at Ulta Beauty and now through April 15th you can save up to 40% off hair care, skin care, bath care and makeup across various brand during their Spring Haul Event. If you need a spring beauty refresh or are looking for some new products to test out while they are on sale, it is the time to stock up.

    No Brushes Required Make Up

    This was the make up HERO on my trip. Early morning wake up calls meant VERY little time to do make up so a swipe of the pixi On-the-Glow Blush stick was my savior. A little swipe on each cheek blended in with my fingers gave me a rosy, dewy glow with minimal effort.

    Ok technically you are supposed to use eye brushes when putting on eye make up, but I rarely do. I love this Ulta Beauty eye palette for travel because it is small, but still has a variety of colors to choose from. I use my ring finger and apply one of the lighter colors all over my lids from lash to brow. I use a darker color in the outer crease and blend. Finally, I use the white on my brow bone for a lifting effect.

    Hair + Skincare Hacks

    Why apply cream sunscreen when you can spray it AND set your make up at the same time?! Highly recommend this Coola Makeup Setting Sunscreen Spray. It’s great to keep in your bag when you already have makeup on and then catch yourself in full on rays.

    I am not the most well-traveled person and I wasn’t sure if I could pack aerosol dry shampoo? I feel like there is a thing about that so I played it safe and packed my Kristin Ess Dry Shampoo powder. It works so well and this little bottle lasts! Plus it seems safer than aerosol, but what do I know?!

    During our trip I think I used a hair dryer one time. As summer approaches I dry my hair less frequently because I can go outside without it turning into icicles. I swear by the Kristen Ess Air Dry Creme to cut frizz boost shine. I packed a travel size in my bag for this trip.

    Long flights can be crazy drying so I kept the it cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray + in my carry on bag. It’s full of hyaluronic acid, coconut water and aloe vera. Bonus points for keeping shine at bay.

  • My Favorite Denim Shorts

    My Favorite Denim Shorts

    It’s finally here….. shorts season. As a self-proclaimed jeans and tee kinda girl, you know I have some opinions on this topic. The rise, the wash, the distressing (or lack thereof), the stretch-factor, the length (no denim underwear, mmm k thanks)… there are so many factors that need to be just right in order for shorts to work. When you find that perfect pair, they can be dressed up, dressed down, worn to the beach and chilling poolside. Denim shorts are a classic piece to have in your spring and summer wardrobe and I am happy to share a few of my favorites…..

    FREE PEOPLE MAKAI CUT OFF SHORTS

    Ok, so I try not to play favorites but the Free People Makai shorts are definitely a favorite. They are high waisted, but not sky high. They are a soft distressed denim, with a 3.5 inch inseam and designed with a little bit of edge for summer days and nights. Available in a few washes too.

    Liverpool Los Angeles Vickie Frayed Denim Shorts

    For those looking for a denim that isn’t too distressed and has a longer inseam, these are for you! The Liverpool Vickie frayed denim shorts have great stretch and slightly darker wash makes them feel a little less casual and perfect for dressing up!

    Kut From The Kloth Gidget Raw Hem White Denim Shorts

    White denim is a summer staple. They always look crisp and classic now matter how you style them! Kut From The Kloth’s Gidget raw hem white denim shorts are a mid-rise fit, a 4 inch inseam (unrolled) and offer great stretch. They are the “live in all summer” shorts!

    Abercrombie & Fitch Mom Shorts

    I am not sure why they call these mom shorts because I don’t recall seeing my mom wear shorts like these, but I am a mom and I love these shorts so they are onto something! These have the highest waist of my favorites with just the right amount of distressing and fray. Made in Abercrombie’s vintage stretch denim, the 4inch inseam feels TTS for me

  • The Best White Jeans

    The Best White Jeans

    After many years of testing out white denim I have found my top 3 favorites. I found these white jeans to have the most substantial fabric with just the right amount of stretch. From a classic skinny to a girlfriend friend fit there is a perfect pair for everyone.

    The first – a classic skinny – from Levis is a high rise fit that skims right to the ankle. This is the most “rigid” pair, but over time will fit perfectly to your shape. The second – a skinny with a twist – from Madewell is a button fly fit. My pair is a bit older and has a raw hem, which can easily be done to any pair of denim, just check this post. But Madewell still offers a similar pair of white denim that has the same fabric. This fabric has a slimmer fit but is not see through. Lastly, the third – a girlfriend fit – by the Gap is the perfect slouchy pair. I find myself going for these more often for that relaxed/casual feel.

    I found all these jeans to be true to size (tts) and wear a 25 regular length. Some readers find the Madewell to run a tad big, so size down if you are in between. For reference I am 5’4″ and am normally a 0/25 in pants and XS in tops.

    Left Levis | Middle Madewell | Right Gap

  • My Favorite Denim Shorts

    My Favorite Denim Shorts

    As the temps start to rise, my go-to jeans and long sleeves are replaced by denim shorts and cool tanks and tees! And just like jeans, there are so many denim short styles to choose from! Distressed, frayed, colored and cuffed, there is literally a pair for every style. And if short shorts aren’t your thing, no worries! Longer inseam denim shorts are trending this spring and summer. A great pair of denim shorts are a must have for your spring and summer wardrobe. Denim shorts are clutch when putting together an effortlessly, chic outfit for a day at the beach or a backyard BBQ! Check out a few of my personal favorite denim shorts and how I like to style them!

    The Reader Favorite Denim Shorts

    High Rise, perfect inseam (4″), right amount of distressing, subtle stretch = the best selling denim short. Comes in regular denim, light wash, green and white! Wearing size 25 for reference.

    The Save Pair

    To be honest, the picture does not look like the pair I received. But I was pleasantly surprised – these Amazon denim shorts have great stretch, subtle distressing and are under $30. Wearing size small in sky blue for reference.

    The Splurge Pair

    If you are looking for a longer length (4+ inches) of denim shorts and a looser fit – the Agolde Parker Long Shorts are for you. They are on the more expensive side, but are definitely worth the wear!

    The Short Short

    These Kut from Kloth Jane shorts feature a 3″ inseam which is the shortest I like to go! The super frayed hem adds for a little extra length – and these have a nice leg opening for ease of wear. Wearing size 0 for reference.

    The White Denim Short

    These Kut from Kloth Gidget shorts sports a 4″ inseam (unrolled) and a slimmer fit. I like the mid rise fit and the bit of stretch in these denim shorts.