Online shopping is getting bigger and bigger. It is convenient, you can usually find deals, and shipping is typically free. Since I do styling on the side, I have tried TONS of sites for my clients and these ones are my go-to's.
We are swinging in to wedding season. Whether you have a bridal shower, wedding, graduation, or any other sort of fancy party this Spring/Summer I know you are wondering what to wear. It's time to think ahead and find the perfect dress to show stop at whichever event you are attending. I have picked out 10 of my absolute faves and I hope you're as obsessed as I am.
This dress is perfect for a warm day. If it get's chilly you can throw a nude shawl over it, don't forget to pick up an amazing strapless bra, and this dress pair with a wedge and you're set!
I am in love with all the fun florals this season. This dress is on the pricier side, but will be one that will be your go-to for years to come! It's a dream.
This dress is perfect for a warm day. If it get's chilly you can throw a nude shawl over it, don't forget to pick up an amazing strapless bra, and this dress pair with a wedge and you're set!
I am in love with all the fun florals this season. This dress is on the pricier side, but will be one that will be your go-to for years to come! It's a dream.
Feeling fun and wanting to try something a bit different? I love love love this long sleeve shift dress. It's always nice to have one in your closet just in case you aren't feeling your most slim. They flow loosely so you can dance and eat without a worry!
This Elizabeth and James dress, I just adore. It's so cute and flirty. All you need is a nude heel and you're all set! It doesn't hurt that this country star rocked it on the red carpet
I am all about bringing the color to weddings, especially in the summer. This dress is SO perfect for dancing the night away. No need to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions in this one. I would wear this with a brown or nude wedge and hit the dance floor HARD!
Lace is always the perfect go-to for weddings. It's cute, and photographs very well. This one is one of my faves this year.
This shift dress is super fun to dance in. It doesn't constrict your legs and it flows nicely. Dress it up and wear it to a wedding or dress it down and wear it with flip flops.
I am OBSESSED with this Stone Cold Fox dress. All you need are some cute espadrilles and you are set to show stop!
There's nothing like a deep olive dress with sunkissed skin. This one would be perfect with a pair of brown or tan wedges and some golden makeup!
This salmon wrap dress is the perfect dress for a vineyard daytime wedding. Wrap dresses are known to give you shape (sinching at the waist) and are simply classic.
Let's chat rompers and jumpsuits. Some people think that they won't work for them, but let me tell you it is ALL about what kind you get. If you have a long torso, finding one that sinches higher up on your waist will be your perfect find. If you have a short torso, you should pick one that sinches lower near your hips. There are so many amazing finds out this season, some are pricey and some are super affordable. Here are my 10 faves this year.
1. This Zimmerman jumpsuit is my favorite for this summer. It is a bit pricey, but I am eager to find it on sale somewhere. I have tried it on, and it is EVERYTHING.
2. Stone cold fox makes this fun and flirty floral romper that I can't get enough of. Dress it up for a night out with your girlfriends, or dress it down to wear to a BBQ.
3. Faithful the brand makes this amazing beachy romper that is light and perfect to wear to a BBQ, fair, or beach party. If you have a larger chest, no worries, you can easily wear a bralette to make this wearable and comfortable for you.
4. I love splendid! Their material is amazing and this romper is super comfy and casual. Wear it with tennies and a ballcap, flip flops and a straw hat, or wedges and a clutch to dress things up a bit!
5. This Nicholas romper is EVERYTHING. I am all about the one shoulder, and the light yet detailed material makes for a super chic oufit. Wear this to a bridal shower, dinner on the water, or to a ladies brunch.
6. If you want to dress things up a bit for a special event (ie. a wedding, cocktail party, or night on the down) I think this jumpsuit is perfect. This cut is one that would flatter almost any body type (curvy, athletic, or slim). Try switching things up and be that girl with the confidence to rock a jumpsuit instead of a dress!
7. This beachy romper is perfect for the casual day out to the farmers market, walk to the beach, or day at the park. Again, if you are busty feel free to wear a bralette underneath!
8. I am SUPER obsessed with Linen and I cant get enough of this quick to throw on linen romper. It is super comfy and perfect to wear on a scotching hot day.
9. I am always so obsessed when I see a girl in a button up jumpsuit like this. I thought that you could only find them "vintage" or at a thrift store. I am so excited to see reformation bringing them back.
10. Last, but definitely not least is this hot, bright, and AFFORDABLE romper by Amanda Uprichard. Wear this to date night or out to the clubs this works on many occasions.
You may have seen over the last few weeks that I've "checked in" to SoulCycle & while it's a bit out of my normal routine, I want to chat in a bit more detail about my experience.
Let's first address the elephant in the room. $30 for a spin class is ridiculous, like really ridiculous. Now that that's been addressed we can get to the nitty gritty.
I have found over the last 8 years of being engrossed in fitness that many people who are in to fitness are the most picky and judgmental people around in regards to what kind of training is best. The people who don't love to workout hard love barre, the hippie vegans love their flow classes, skinny people who used to play sports love to run, people who hate lifting love to cycle, and gym rats love to lift. Well all these assumptions are quite close minded, and in my opinion BS. All types of people like different types of exercise for different reasons. Most people have a bit of crossover and like a few different types of workouts, but what I've come to find is that most people find that one activity they love and they do a lot of it.
I think people love to hate SoulCycle, they love to hate Crossfit, and the list goes on.
1. Paying for workouts
I luckily don't lack the motivation to workout, but many do. Paying for a class likely ensures your commitment to showing up. Once your there, having guidance and an instructor guarantees you get more bang for your buck than just showing up to a gym and hopping on an elliptical. It's also nice to do something nice for yourself every once in a while giving back to your body. From a budget perspective, I don't mind spending the money on fitness. Fitness is the one non-negotiable for me, did you read about my musties or listen to my musties?
2. From an exercise physiology perspective
Many people in fitness are up in arms over the fact that SoulCycle is more choreographed and less about the actual cycle. People say it's a bit "dancey" and also way too "fake" for them. In every single class I've taken the instructors focus on proper set up, form, and let you know modifications. I also love the dancey feel, it makes the class more fun!
3. Dark rooms, loud music, too hot
Yes. The rooms are dark, loud, and warm. I don't mind it. I think that's my favorite part. I am 100% in the zone & the music is so loud I don't have the distractions of my own head saying "I can't". It is quite warm, but this is to ensure you get warm fast and stay warm, remember the class is only 45 minutes.
4. Not that different from other spin classes
Well, it actually is a whole lot different. I honestly don't enjoy spin nearly as much when I go to a class at Crunch or 24 hour fitness. I love the dark rooms, loud music, motivating instructors, and riding to the beat. That doesn't exist at many other spin studios. I leave here seriously pumped on life.
5. Not something you can do everyday
True. I don't go to SoulCycle everyday. Lately, I have been going more often due to being away from home & the gym I belong to. To ensure I get my workouts in while not staying at home I have been running, doing home workouts, and going to SoulCycle.
Not sure if this will inspire you to try a class, but I'm hoping this will open your mind to why people might take SoulCycle. If you put down your guard for a second, you mind discover something you really enjoy!
Let's face it, we ALL have a routine. Some may spend less & others spend more, but everyone spends on maintenance. It's usually fun, we enjoy the pampering, and we love to feel great about ourselves. However, it can get super pricey.
San Francisco has so many cute cafe's, restaurants, and local shops to try out it can be tough to choose where to go. Last weekend I checked out Chantal Guillon, the perfect place for coffee and a sweet snack.
Living in San Francisco, sometimes all you need to do to get inspired is walk outsite for a few minutes. I was out and about with a friend and we came upon this awesome wall art. The Mission District never ceases to amaze me with all the talent and creativity splattered all over the wall.
The honest truth is all those things are super fun to talk about, but I can't wait to open a forum to discuss so much more than just that. My podcast will be posted weekly and I will be chatting about my thoughts as well as answering your questions. Don't forget to post your questions in the comment section of my blog, instagram, or Youtube.
Do you find that the more caught up in life you, the less
you have the chance to work on yourself? Maybe you haven’t thought about it
much. Perhaps you are someone who plans out the logistics of your day and as
the day goes on check things off the list. You go to meetings or work, you
respond to emails, go to the gym, and catch up with an old friend. If you think
of it these things are work (or to you a task). You are expending energy
planning, coordinating, and doing. Now it’s time to ask yourself; What are you
doing to recharge yourself or fill up that energy tank?
Working on yourself is the most important thing you can do
to better your life. What would you do if you had zero responsibility for a
day. I like to think of this as “free time”. The free time we had in preschool
where we got to do whatever we wanted for 30 minutes. You could play house,
read, color, listen to music, take a nap, etc. It’s super important for you to plan
out “free time” in your busy schedule. This time can be 20 minutes to 6 hours.
It’s totally your call, but just be in tune with yourself to know how much you
need to allot for yourself. You can go on a walk and listen to music, sit in a
bath drinking wine, watch a movie, go get a mani/pedi, or whatever else you
feel like doing. Be sure during this free time you aren’t working on anything.
No instagram posts, no emailing, no taking calls, no texting friends; this is
YOUR time. Once you take this time for yourself recharge, you will be full of energy to do the things you love doing all week/weekend long.
I encourage you to plan out some interruption-free free time
in to your weekly plans. Tell me what you plan on doing, and how you felt
afterwards. It’s truly a great way to reset and recharge.
Cheers to the weekend.
I killed myself in the gym yesterday and thought I'd share what I did. Who is ready for a challenge?
Warm up: Cardio on treadmill
0 incline
1 min 4.0 side shuffle
1 min 6.0 run
1 min 4.0 side shuffle
1 min 7.0 run
1 min 4.0 side shuffle
1 min 8.0 run
1 min 4.0 side shuffle
1 min 9.0 run
1 min 4.0 side shuffle
1 min 10.0 run
1 min 4.0 side shuffle
1 min 11.0 run
1 min 4.0 side shuffle
1 min 12.0 run
Workout:
CIRCUIT 1- complete 3 exercises then rest 60-90 seconds after all 3, then repeat 2 more times
15 Sumo squats
15 Leg or Hamstring curls
30 Pop squats (good video demo here)
CIRCUIT 2- complete 3 exercises then rest 60-90 seconds after all 3, then repeat 2 more times
15 Leg press (1 leg)
15 Leg press (other leg)
15 reverse lunges (1 leg)
15 reverse lunges (other leg)
30 ice skaters
CIRCUIT 3- complete 3 exercises then rest 60-90 seconds after all 3, then repeat 2 more times
15 Dumbbell deadlifts
15 glute kickbacks (1 leg)
15 glute kickbacks (other leg)
15 squat jumps
CIRCUIT 4- complete 3 exercises then rest 60-90 seconds after all 3, then repeat 2 more times
15 Leg extensions
15 Air squats (squats without weight)
30 jump lunges
Cardio finisher: Cardio on treadmill
0 incline
1 min 5.0
1 min 6.0 run
1 min 5.0
1 min 7.0 run
1 min 5.0
1 min 8.0 run
1 min 5.0
1 min 9.0 run
1 min 5.0
1 min 10.0 run
1 min 5.0
1 min 11.0 run
1 min 5.0
1 min 12.0 run
I've been meaning to write about this topic for a while, and it's taken me longer than expected to finish. A lot goes in to finding a personal trainer. There are a few super important factors that go in to choosing the right fit, so before you get one make sure you read through these.
1. Availability
You would think it's weird that I put this as #1. The most important thing when it comes to finding a trainer is finding someone who can train you at the times you're available (choose a realistic time where you aren't cutting it too close). You might fall in love with a trainer, but if your schedules don't match up it won't be a good fit,
2. Personality
This person isn't only your trainer/coach, this is someone who you are comfortable talking candidly about insecurities, goals, sometimes work stress or relationship issues. They may become your friend, so pick a trainer who seems "cool" and someone you truly vibe with off the bat.
3. Training style
Before finding a trainer, try to make a list of what you're looking for. Do they have a degree in exercise science? What about specific certifications (TRX, CrossFit, Olympic Lifting, HIIT). What's the trainers background (bodybuilder, college basketball player, or lost a lot of weight in their past). Do you have an old injury and need someone with a physical therapy background? Be ready to ask these questions.
You need to also chat with them about what type of coach they are. Are you someone who wants a drill Sargent, someone completely focused on form and movement, someone bubbly and fun, or someone who is more calm and understanding after you've had a long day. These are all things to think about.
4. Price
Trainers aren't cheap. 9 times out of 10 what you are paying the trainer is no where near what the gym pays them. That being said, make sure you budget for a trainer and if you want a specific number of sessions to let the trainer know/prep so they know how to program workouts accordingly. In SF Bay Area anywhere between $80-$120/hour is normal.
5. Goals
After chatting with your trainer about your goals, make sure they understand them. A great trainer will know what you need to do to get there. A lot of time homework is given out. It's on the client to make sure they are doing what's asked of them to achieve this goal. For example, if you're a basketball player, but you never practice your shot on your own time then a lot of your time that would be used to progress you to new things will be wasted since your shot is so off.
To be honest, the real reason I wasn't using these products before was the price. They are on the higher range of price on the hair product spectrum. However, I feel like if you don't spend he money you will be spending a lot more down the line.
Now that I use great product I only have to cut my hair every 5-6 months, when before I had to every 6-7 weeks. It's saving me money on haircuts, and also is allowing me to grow my hair out.
oribe : Beautiful color shampoo (here)
oribe : Gold lust transformitive masque (here)
oribe : Gold lust hair oil (here)
oribe : Split end sealer (here)
thedrybar : 1" curling wand (here)
Step 1: Wash your hair with oribe beautiful color shampoo & rinse.
Step 2: Use a small amount of gold lust conditioner (mostly on ends of hair) and let it sit for 2-5 minutes. Rinse out with cold water as this will help seal in moisture.
Step 3: Pump some hair oil and split end seal in to the Palm of your hand. Run these products through on damp or wet hair.
Step 4: Blowdry your hair.
Step 5: For a little bit of texture use the R&co dry shampoo throughout hair.
Step 6: Starting with the bottom section of your hair use your hair wand to curl. Move your way up (I like to curl away from the face).
Step 7: Set your curls with money maker.
This is the routine that works best for me. I'm loving my hair and how healthy it is. Try these products out and see if they work as well you as they do me!
What a week. Do you ever look back on your week and realize it went by too fast, you're totally exhausted, or you wish some things panned out differently? Well, you aren't alone. It's totally normal to have so much to do and think about, that it's almost debilitating. Whether it be looking at a calendar full of commitments, an inbox full of emails, or getting screwed over by a significant other or friend. All of these things are somewhat out of our control. They are what they are. They are things you can't fully control. I am not telling you they don't happen to me, but what I am telling you is I've gotten a lot better at dealing with these things in a more calm manner to where they don't stress me out as much.
The nature of my work often has me listening to people complain about their job, relationships, or schedule. I used to be overwhelmed by hearing all this information, but now I totally know how to deal with it. In fact, I feel like I can help people with it. When you become stressed or perceive something as stressful, you typically put a negative label on whatever that stressor is. If it's work you then start to rant about not just that one thing stressing you out, but continue on to talk about the people at work who stress you out & all the little tasks at work that add to your stress. What I've learned is to do a little "exercise" to help my clients and myself perceive that stress for what it is before it escalates. I have them write down everything they are stressed about on a piece of paper and then we chat about it for no more than 5 minutes. Once you write all those things down you then look at them and come up with a plan of attack. For example, one thing that has stressed me out before is a lack of communication with my boss. Once I read it out loud (after telling numerous people) I decided to attack it and stop talking about it. What did I do? I drafted an email to my boss asking for a meeting and vocalized my needs. Right after that email was sent, I became much less stressed. I became at ease, because this was now no longer in my control. I did what I needed to do. Once you do everything in your control to fix a messy situation, you have to release it. You have to move on. Worrying about every little thing you can't control will eat you up inside. It will negatively effect your mood for days; is it really worth it?
Next time you are sad, stressed, or upset make sure to write it down and work through it ASAP. It just takes a bit of reflection before you can stop feeling sorry for yourself and move on. Don't let it eat you up for weeks and ruin all the positive times you could be experiencing.
Try this exercise. We all have something we haven't released. It's an amazing feeling.
The précis of me writing this post is so that maybe just a few people can step away from reading this with a different mindset of what it takes to be a personal trainer. If you're a trainer you already know...
One of my clients I do styling for was having similar experiences at SF salons, so I suggested she go to LA to get her hair done by one of the best. We ended up going together and she insisted I try them out. We went to Ramirez|Tran Salon in Beverly Hills while on a girls trip. Ever since we went there and got the best haircut and color of my life, I am hooked.
The process took about 7 hours, and no I am not exaggerating. They really put in work, and make sure your hair is the perfect color. Johnny Ramirez is the hair color god and Anh Co Tran is the hair cutting god. Both guys are super awesome, and the best of the best. Their clientele include Jessica Alba, Faith Hill, Anne Hathaway, Ginnifer Goodwin, Alessandra Ambrosia, Gwenyth Paltrow, Selma Blair, Whitney Port, and Victoria Beckham (to name a few). This is the most expensive haircut and color I've ever gotten, which totaled to about $600. The thing is you only need to go every 6 months. When you add up the total of this celebrity cut and color, it actually is CHEAPER than getting my hair done in SF every 6 weeks. It also looks 300x better. The best part about the whole thing, is they now come to SF every few months!
If you have been wanting a change in your hair cut or color I couldn't recommend Ramirez|Tran more highly. You will LOVE your hair. Hurry & book this week, because they still have openings in SF!
Success is defined as "the fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect, or fame." It's a funny definition, because I totally disagree that success is defined by just those things.
In my opinion each persons idea of success is much different. Wealth to me may mean $75,000 and wealth to another person might mean $500,000. I've thought a lot about what success means to me over the last few weeks and I've decided it's totally subjective.
Personally, success isn't just financially driven. It means I am able to live a comfortable life making enough money to
- have spending cash to do the simple things I love like buying coffee in the morning, eating out every now and then, affording a gym membership.
- travel to a new place twice a year (and splurge while I'm there)
- pay for rent and bills
- have a growing savings, and retirement account
- enjoy my free time after work and am able to workout, not take my workload home or stress home
- have time to take up new hobbies
- don't resent going to work every day
I don't personally think being rich would necessarily make me that much happier than making enough to just do what I love and enjoy life.
I don't think success is working 80 hours a week with no time to see your friends and family. Yes, you may have a great job title; are you truly living if you don't have the time or energy to enjoy? A happy balanced life doesn't mean making X amount of dollars or having a certain car. Once you find what success looks like to you and what your goals are I think you'll change the way you approach life. Now I ask you, what does a successful life look like to you? What does your day look like? I'm curious! Please share.
The reason I am posting this to social media, is because I think women need to hear this. We have become so caught up with what the media thinks is beautiful (myself included). Most girls I know either don't eat gluten, or don't eat carbs, are on a meal plan, count their calories, or are trying some new diet. I am not here to bash any diet or tell you what is right or wrong for your personal lifestyle. I am, however, here to tell you that being healthy doesn't always mean being skinny or having defined muscles. Even a lot of the fitness models you follow on Instagram have disordered eating habits (I know because I used to be one of them). It's time to spend some time on learning to find what works for you. Find a workout, diet, and lifestyle that is balanced and manageable for YOU. Not for your girlfriend or your sisters mom, find a routine that works for you and fond one you like! There is no one size fits all to anything in life. Find your own happy, healthy, & balanced life.
Support Healthy is the new Skinny& Katie H. Willcox Healthy is the New Skinny Founder by empowering yourself and the women around you to find their health and happiness.
Yesterday we got a crew together to raise money for the ALC LifeCycle Ride. Here was our amazing workout.
1. Cardio
12 min AMRAP (as many rounds as possible)
10 squats
10 pushups
10 sit-ups
1 hill sprint (~75 meters)
2. Strength (complete all 3 for 45 sec, next round for 35 sec, the last round for 25 sec)
A)
Pike pushup
Plank walk out with shoulder tap
Half burpee
B)
Reverse crunch
Bicycle crunch
Toe touches (legs in air)
C)
Reverse lunges
Sumo squat
Pop squats
3. Challenge
One partner works while the other rests
3 rounds 30 seconds each partner
A) 3 Side shuffle each direction with a full burpee
B) plank jack with knee tuck
Have fun! 
Sunglasses: quay Australia
Sunglasses: quay Australia
Ring: Free people
Necklace: Revolve clothing
Tats: Flashtats
Nose ring: Vidakush
Bracelets: Samantha Willis
Blanket: Bohemian spirit collective
Arm band: Free people