new faves

(clockwise) I bend so I don’t break performance tank; Leopard fanny pack (other colors available); Metallic striped bikini triangle top and hipster bottoms; Comfort running shoes (other colors available).

Long time, no post. Hope you and yours are healthy and safe in these troublesome times.

If you are in need of an online distraction, I have a few recommendations of items I’ve purchased and loved.

First, let’s talk about this workout tank. It’s great for yoga or anything else that gets you moving. The sizing is really generous due to the large armholes, I bought a size XS. The drape is flattering and I love the message of this graphic tank.

Second, I was initially averse to the idea of a fanny pack. But I recently took my daughter to Disney and I wanted to be hands-free while keeping the essentials handy. This vegan friendly fanny pack is an organizer’s dream with many pockets (seven in total!) of various sizes. It also has a key fob clip. Everything is secured with two zipped closures and magnetic snaps for the front two pockets. It actually holds a lot too. I personally love the leopard print (it has a gorgeous solid red lining which makes it easy to locate items), but other color options are available in solid black, red or dark grey.

Third, this bikini is so retro cool and I think the colors accentuate a golden tan. The cut of both the triangle top and hipster bottoms ran itty bitty, so I sized up to a large in both pieces for more modest coverage.

Lastly, these comfort sneakers are the answer to your foot problem prayers. I had a bad case of plantar fasciitis last summer and based on a recommendation from a teacher, I bought these sneakers in the hopes of relieving my daily foot pain. They did the trick and my feet haven’t been happier. They also helped my husband’s plantar fasciitis too and we are converts to this wonder sneaker. The sizing is the same as your normal sneaker size and they have regular and wide widths available.

Any recent favorites that you’d like to share? xo

new workout wear

I have started working out again for the first time since my pregnancy. It’s been so good to get back to the gym to get my sweat on (cardio) and zen on (yoga). I have put on weight since 2016 and none of my old workout clothes fit me. I went on a search for tops and leggings that would fit and flatter. I especially needed leggings that would not roll down at the waist, which tends to happen on the rowing machine and yoga. Through lots of trial and error, I have happily found a few inexpensive yet clutch workout wear items.

Here’s what I bought and highly recommend for you:

Mesh cutout performance tank in black.

It’s true to size. For workout tops and sports bras, I typically buy one size larger than my normal clothing size. So, I bought this tank in a medium. I like the longer length of this tank and it keeps you cool during vigorous cardio sessions. The mesh cutouts on the front, back and shoulders add a cool touch to the tank.

Long sleeve mesh performance top in red.

This long sleeve top is super lightweight. There’s a cutout in the back and mesh inserts on the sleeves, which makes for key ventilation. The length is somewhat cropped yet the drape is flattering and flows away from the body. Keep in mind that I have a long torso so I usually avoid crop tops but this one is a winner. I ordered a size medium, so true to size. I loved this top so much that I bought it in two colors.

Long sleeve mesh performance top in black.

This long sleeve top is super lightweight. There’s a cutout in the back and mesh inserts on the sleeves, which makes for key ventilation. The length is somewhat cropped yet the drape is flattering and flows away from the body. Keep in mind that I have a long torso so I usually avoid crop tops but this one is a winner. I ordered a size medium, so true to size. I loved this top so much that I bought it in two colors.

7/8 length performance leggings in green.

I actually bought these leggings in black instead of this gorgeous jewel tone green. If they had the green pair in my size, I’d snag them too. The 7/8 length is perfect for my short legs and the high waist doesn’t really roll down. It crept down a little bit once during yoga and once during my rowing machine workout. Both incidents were negligible, especially when you consider that my other leggings were constantly rolled down for nearly the whole time I was exercising. I love the soft feel of the material and the ruched mesh inserts on the bottom of the legs are a feminine touch. I ordered my normal size in leggings, a small.

Reversible printed leggings in leopard and black floral.

I saved the best for last. I was the most impressed with these leggings. I love leopard and black floral as prints so to find them both for one pair of leggings made me happy. Each side has a side pocket to fit your smartphone. I could easily fit my iPhone XS and it did not fall out during my cardio. The compression is insane on these in the best possible way. Everything is smoothed out yet comfortable for all the body bending. What impressed me most was that the waist did not budge one iota during yoga and rowing. The best part? They’re only $27! They are worth double, if not triple, the price. Keep in mind, they are slightly thicker than most other leggings due to the reversible feature, but I wasn’t sweating buckets. Two words: buy these! I took my usual size small and they are true to size.

Are there and workout clothes that you recently purchased and love?

TGIF! xx

dresses lately

Rainbow maxi shirtdress (also here & on sale here!).

Rainbow maxi shirtdress (also here & on sale here!), Espadrille wedge sandal in cognac & Bamboo clutch in small size (similar).

Tulip hem frill dress in rose (also on sale here in limited available sizes & a strapless version here); Caparros bronze heels (left image, very old but similar here) & Modern Vintage beige sandals (right image, very old but similar here).

Tulip hem frill dress in rose (also on sale here in limited available sizes & a strapless version here); Caparros bronze heels (very old but similar here).

Here are two recently acquired dresses that I really adore and highly recommend. The rainbow dress was love at first sight for me, it is such a happy dress. I am wearing a size Small in this dress. I forgot to take a proper photo of the dress before heading out to a bachelorette party but you can see the length and the back of the dress, which did not have any embroidery (unlike the online stock photo). This dress will be in heavy rotation this summer.

The second dress is for a wedding and it’s the best cocktail dress ever. Forgiving, flattering and it feels like a sexy throwback to those disco divas of the 70’s (Bianca Jagger could have easily worn this dress). The sizing runs small, I ended up with a size 6 in this Australian brand dress (I couldn’t zip up my usual size 4 when I tried it on). The drape is everything, and no bra is needed for this dress since it has the top overlay. Get this sultry little number if you’re attending a wedding or for your next big date night.

Have a great night! xx

new Target faves

Striped tiered midi dress & Espadrille wedge sandal in cognac.

I love this striped midi dress because it’s summer in a dress. The 100% cotton material feels and drapes like linen and the straps are adjustable in the back of the dress. I ordered a size small and medium in this dress but I kept the medium. The small size fit but the top neckline of the dress was a bit tight on me. It’s unlined yet the material is thick and opaque. It’s a winner.

These espadrille wedge sandals are fantastic, they are my favorite items if my Target order. They are comfortable and flattering and they are faux leather (yay for cruelty free). I ordered the sandals in both colors—cognac and black. Keeping both for sure. They are true to size (I’m wearing a size 8).

Striped tee mini dress & Espadrille wedge sandal in cognac.

Loved the dark yellow mustard stripe on this tee mini dress but the length was too short for my liking. I’m wearing a size medium in the image above. I ordered a size small as well but the length was even shorter. I’m passing on this but if you’re petite, this dress would look so sporty.

Mini shirtdress in black & Espadrille wedge sandal in black.

This shirtdress reads French chic to me, so simple in design but the trapeze shape somehow works. I’m wearing a size small on the left and a size medium on the right. Both sizes fit me well but I felt the size small was more streamlined or sophisticated (see the larger image below). The black version of this dress is unlined and the cotton fabric is crisp.

I’m loving the wedge sandals in black faux leather as much as the cognac.

Mini shirtdress in cream & Espadrille wedge sandal in cognac.

Again, the shirtdress in cream is shown in a size small on the left and a size medium on the right. I’ve kept the size small for this color too. The cream version is fully lined. A larger image of the size small dress is shown below.

6/26/19 update: I’ve returned the two shirtdresses because I didn’t wear them right away, largely due to my fear of them being too short. So, back to the store they went. I did keep the striped mididress because I’ve worn it at least once a week since it arrived. I’m obsessed with this mididress!

Mini shirtdress in black & Espadrille wedge sandal in black.

Mini shirtdress in cream & Espadrille wedge sandal in cognac.

I hope my review was helpful. You can’t go wrong with either of the two dresses and wedge sandals as they are easy, comfortable and stylish additions to your summer outfits. Thanks Target! ♥️🎯

right on, target

Striped tiered midi dress & Striped tee mini dress.

Mini shirtdress in black and cream.

Espadrille wedge sandal in cognac.

Espadrille wedge sandal in black.

With the recent summer like temps, I just ordered these dresses and sandals from Target’s website. I hope there are some keepers in the bunch.

Have a great week, xx!

accessories lately

Coin necklace set (sold out, similar here & here).

Star hair clip (sold out, similar here & here).

Hope you are enjoying some spring weather! xo

a ‘Tale’ of two boots

Plaid fringe wrap in ivory; Bronze metallic blouse; Current/Elliott Stiletto skinny jeans (old, similar); VANELi ‘Tale’ boot in black velvet; here); Mirrored aviator sunglasses (also here).

Plaid fringe wrap in ivory; Current/Elliott Stiletto skinny jeans (old, similar); VANELi ‘Tale’ boot in black velvet.

Plaid fringe wrap in ivory; Bronze metallic blouse; Current/Elliott Stiletto skinny jeans (old, similar); VANELi ‘Tale’ boot in black velvet; here); Mirrored aviator sunglasses (also here).

I’m beyond excited to tell you all about my new boots today! I was thrilled to reconnect with one of my favorite boot/shoe brands, VANELi Shoes, and retailers, Marmi Shoes because first and foremost, they make the best boots. I had the privilege to review two pair of boots in the past (see here and here) and their classic style and well-made construction have stood the test of time (and many wears!). But what especially endears me now about VANELi Shoes is the fact that they make 100% vegan shoes and boots that are stylish, well-made and affordable! This made my heart sing and my feet happy. Let me tell you, it is not easy to find fashionable and high quality vegan shoes for winter. It’s a sea of leather and shearling, both of which I avoid purchasing lately.

I was delighted to pick the VANELi ‘Tale’ boot in black velvet! I have been wanting a kitten heel boot for over a year but didn’t want to buy leather. I’m a mom of a toddler that is constantly on the move so the low 2 inch heel allows me to keep pace. They are 100% vegan and made with the most luxe velvet material that seems to resist dust and dog hair (a miracle if you ask me). They are true to size (I’m wearing a size 8, medium width) and there’s no break-in period (instant comfort right out of the box). The best part? ON. SALE. You need these kitten heel boots, so comfortable and versatile. You will be reaching for these all winter long—-I know I will.

Lastly, if you’re in the market for a 100% vegan loafer style shoe, VANELi’s got you covered with the ‘Ebba’ loafer in crushed velvet (also on mega sale!).

Disclosure: The VANELi ‘Tale’ boots were given to me by VANELi Shoes for my review. All opinions expressed herein are my own. Thank you very much, VANELi Shoes!

pawj, my new cruelty free shoe love 🐾

Pawj short boots in chestnut, tan, black, grey & brown; Pawj slippers in black (also in tan); Pawj polar fleece boot in light grey (also in black or light chestnut); Pawj arctic fleece men’s shoe in chestnut.

Happy New Year! Hope 2019 has been kind to you thus far. I wanted to feature a great company that makes only 100% cruelty free footwear that is PETA approved. They have a limited selection of style boots, shoes and slippers but they are executed so very well.

For Christmas, my husband gave me a pair of slippers (in black) and two pairs of short boots (in chestnut and in black). From the moment I took the boots and slippers out of their boxes, I could tell that only top quality materials and fabrics went into the construction. The soles are durable for both the boots and the slippers. The boots will remind you of Uggs but without any of the needless animal cruelty and harm to humans and our environment. The leather industry is notorious for using toxic chemicals that harm the health of the people handling the animal hides as well as leeching into the surrounding ground and water. Not to mention the slaughter of so many innocent animals simply for their skins.

The sizing is similar to that of Uggs where Pawj runs large if you plan to wear the boots and slippers barefoot or with thin socks or stockings. Normally, I’m a size 8 shoe but I have the boots and slippers in size 7. I’ve worn all three pairs of footwear barefoot so the fit is spot on for my feet. However, if you plan to wear thick socks, you may opt for purchasing your normal shoe size. They are so warm and cozy, I really enjoy wearing them everywhere. They are totally worth the full price, but Pawj does offer a rare discount promo code on Instagram or Facebook. I’d definitely follow them on social media, I love seeing their new styles. I totally have my eye on their polar fleece lace up boot, especially in light grey. Don’t forget about Valentine’s Day! I’d consider getting the men’s arctic fleece shoes so your special guy could share in the cozy warmth too.

What do you think of Pawj? Do you have a favorite brand of cruelty free fashion or accessories? I’d be thrilled to hear about it. Have a great week and stay warm and safe in the upcoming polar vortex! ❄️❄️

resorting

Pink shift dress (50% off now); Black coverup dress; Midi-dress coverup; Jeweled clutch (53% off); Black espadrilles (other colors available); Tassle earrings(63% off).

Christmas is just around the corner and if you’re lucky, so is a trip to somewhere warm and inviting. I’ve got you covered with some flattering post-holiday dresses and a few key accessories.

The hot pink dress is a solid tunic shape that will be comfortable and chic for dinner and dancing. I can see this black sundress with a big straw hat strolling along a beach. The online description for this printed midi-dress says it can also be converted to a maxi skirt, so versatile and the slits will keep you cool.

The clutch also has a chain strap that can used or tucked inside, love the colors and texture of this clutch. I swear by these water friendly espadrilles, I have three pairs (in navy, silver and blue gingham) and I always wear them on every vacation, whether it’s a beach or city destination. They are comfortable and extremely versatile. I wear them out to dinner with my dresses or for the beach/pool with my bathing suit and a coverup. They are made of neoprene with a rubber sole so you can swim with these on your feet and they will literally dry in the sun in minutes. Lastly, how fun are these tassel earrings? Love the striking turquoise color too.

Hope you’re having a great week! xx

fair isle style

Fair isle top (also in ivory or burgundy); Current/Elliott Stiletto high waist skinny jeans in Yucca wash (old, similar here & here); High top slip-on sneakers in grey flannel (old, similar).

Happy Wednesday to you! The above was my outfit on Monday and I wanted to provide a review of the fair isle top. It’s a recent purchase (discussed here) and I am very pleased with this top. The fair isle yoke is wool free while the rest of the top is a thick and warm thermal cotton material. The overall top looks like your typical fair isle sweater, yet it has the unexpected texture and comfortable feel of a thermal top. This may be a good option if you’re allergic to wool or simply want a cruelty free fair isle option. It’s true to size, I’m wearing a size Small.

Also, I highly recommend this top in black. I also ordered this same top in ivory but it wasn’t as striking in ivory as it was in black. The ivory also seemed to have a smaller fit despite ordering the same size, but I didn’t measure them to actually compare. In the end, I was definite feeling the black since it has such a flattering fit.

Have a great day! xx