athleisure in my favorite workout pants

athleisure all day evrrrdayyy.

let's face it, we all LOVE athleisure (even men). sometimes it's all about comfort for the to-and-from, ya know?! athleisure is a common term these days, even my brother-in-law knows what it is! living in a city that is considered pretty fit, it's no surprise that this is what you'll find me in on the weekends. actually, if i could just wear this every day i'd be one happy gal! #littlethingsinlife. here's the only thing you need to know about this post: these pants are my FAVE. the compression, the high-rise (insert all the yasssss), the not-so thick, not too thin material, buttery soft (i didn't think i'd ever describe a pair of pants this way), moisture wicking, super soft, the only thing missing is some side pockets, but they just came out with a new pair with pockets and you know i'm gonna get me one! trust me, i won't steer you wrong. 

side ramblings: i wasn't sure of what kind of response i would receive (if any), from my last post on dating tips/tidbits, but WOW. i was blown away from all the comments, texts, messages, and shout outs. thank you so much, it means more than you know. sitting behind a screen writing posts on fashion sometimes i wonder if i'm making that much of an impact when it comes to inspiring women to dress and feel their best to exude all that confidence, but when i can write something that is immediately relate-able and resonates with others, i feel like i've hit gold. because in the end that's all we really want right? just to make a tiny difference in this big world. see y'all. xx

currently on my playlist: sweet dreams by Andra & Mara

laughing at myself & looking the other way because people were laughing at me. what's new?!

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when steven makes you climb some rusted stairs and sit on it... :D

top | Shein space dye flounce tee with peplum hem light in apricot (avail in four colors, wearing size small) -- similar but striped
vest | lululemon fluff off vest (old) -- similar
bottoms | Athleta salutation 7/8 tight in black (wearing size xs regular, fits as a full length tight on a 5'2" person without hemming) -- same but a full length tight // same but capri length // same with pockets (need these!) // same with mesh details
shoes | Nike flyknit unisex racers in oreo (wearing men's) -- similar in women's
bag | Louis Vuitton pouchette metis in damier canvas -- similar by Rebecca Minkoff
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earrings c/o | BaubleBar mini criselda ball drop earrings in pink (currently on sale for $22) -- same but full-size
necklace | etsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain) -- similar by BaubleBar // similar in acrylic
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock all the athleisure,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

athleisure in a convertible tunic

athleisure: (noun) casual, comfortable clothing designed to be suitable both for exercise and everyday wear.

the best part of my weekends besides catching up on sleep and coffee shops is #ATHLEISURE. ah, i love thee. as much as i like to dress up, i also REALLY like to live in athletic clothes. over the years athleisure has become a huge and more acceptable trend. i ain't gonna complain. sometimes, it is all about the comfort. but it doesn't mean you can't make athletic clothes a lil fashionable while running errands or going out to eat. add a nice bag, casual kicks, snazzy tights, edgy earrings and BOOM. 

this tunic was given to me as a gift (thanks BFF!) and it is the SOFTEST thing ever. i loved the versatility of the top, the fact that you can wear it as a cowl neck and an off shoulder. in addition, it is long enough to wear with tights! it also comes in six colors and petite sizing. for size reference, i am wearing a small and only 5'2".

lastly, the tights. oohhhh the tights. now i'm afraid to count how many workout tights i actually own, but i don't feel too bad because i work out quite a bit. my work out tights are the usual boring black, but these.. oh these have the leather panels to make you feel like an extra cool chick. AND they come in a high waisted fit which i am all for #suckseverythingin! now the only downside is the panels can leave lines on your shins, but i mean they are tights.. 

lastly, lastly, these shoes are the bomb. they are actually men's shoes. they were very popular last year and sold on ebay for a very high premium. good thing they are re-released in this popular oreo color. i don't know what it is but every time i wear them i get a TON of compliments on a pair of sneakers?!? lol. go figure but they are VERY lightweight. 

currently on my playlist: i dont wanna live forever by ZAYN & Taylor Swift

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top | Gibson convertible neckline cozy fleece tunic in heather burgundy (avail in five colors and petite sizing!, for size reference, i am wearing a small and only 5'2") -- similar knotted top in same material // similar peplum top in same material
pants | alo high waist moto leggings in black (avail in six colors!! for size reference, i usually wear a 6 in lululemon pants, i purchased a small in these) -- same version but regular rise
bag | Rebecca Minkoff quilted love crossbody bag in burgundy (old) -- similar in blush and a gunmetal hardware!! // similar but smaller // avail in velvet // similar for $48
kicks | Nike flyknit unisex racers in oreo -- same shoe but more color options
earrings | Baublebar firecracker ear jackets -- diggin' these // similar from the Target Sugarfix line for $13
sunglasses | Ray Ban original aviator 58mm RB3025 in black -- pretty cool mirrored ones for $12
rings | Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters (best white-ish nail polish!)

rock the athleisure,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill.

for the guys -- athletic gear

so here it is, my second post #fortheguys

long ago, i did a post for the guys on the pocket square. this is actually one of the top posts on this site. i. have. no. idea why. but i've had requests from guy friends to do another post. so here we go, talking about #athleticgeargame. this is a real thing. trust me. if you're a guy, i hope you read this, if you're a woman trying to help your man with his game, this post is for you. i've reached out to two of my MOST FIT guys (who can literally pass for being body guards) to bring you the best of the best. details after the jump!

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01 | Nike flyknit racer in black and white -- apparently, these shoes were all the rage upon the first release, after seeing them i went and bought myself a pair (ever try to order in men's sizes? the conversion is whack!). these are really comfortable, extremely lightweight to-and-from shoes. not to mention they look pretty dang sleek. they are made for running but i prefer my Mizunos for that. they have been restocked in this color and i am fairly certain they will be sold out soon! 
02 | adidas adipower weightlifting shoes -- these are great shoes for squatting in terms of support and stability. the heel lift angles you in a way that will help you achieve lower squat depth. and we're all about that #squatlife.
03 | INZER forever lever belt -- forget the belt they offer you at the gym. not to mention gross! the best thing about this sturdy belt is the lever mechanism which is easily tightened and loosened. 
04 | Bower and Wilkins C5 S2 in-ear headphones -- great in ear headphones for the gym for moving around and achieving good quality audio at the same time. anything is a step-up from the standard Apple earphones. 
05 | Versa Gripps PRO -- these are a lot pricier than your typical lifting straps. but they are really convenient to use because it eliminates the need to wrap straps around any kind of bar. it allows to you to have a better "grip strength" so that you are able to lift more weight. 
06 | Nike tech fleece pants -- a good pair of slim fitting sweatpants are a must for the winter, not only for the gym, but also for lounging/errand running! #doubleduty. these have a drawstring waistband, cuffed bottoms, and a long zipper pocket on one side to secure your belongings (with another pocket inside!). in addition, the knees are reinforced if you decide to squat in them. or whatever else it is you do. they also come in a ton of color options. 
07 | SynTrax nectar whey protein isolate -- this powder mixes easily with water and tastes pretty good for a protein powder. it also has zero carbs, zero fat, and 23 grams of protein per scoop. 
08 | lululemon metal vent tech short sleeve 2.0 -- this is lululemon's best selling item. it's super soft, sweat wicking, and has anti-stink technology to it, seamless construction to prevent chafing, did i mention how soft it is?! downside, snags pretty easily. guys are usually apprehensive to wearing lululemon. but ALL guys who are are this way haven't tried their clothes. i've convinced these two guys to try out their clothes, and they are hooked. it's about performance wear. if there is a first item to buy from lululemon or introduce your man to, this is it. also comes in a long sleeve. 
09 | Scivation XTEND intra-workout catalyst -- i actually use this myself for the intense workouts that take more time to recover from. it mixes easily with water and comes in a variety of flavors (i have watermelon). it also contains ingredients to give you energy and keep you going through your workout, and helps with the post-recovery.

Nordstrom anniversary sale

have you heard? the Nordstrom anniversary sale is going on!

in my opinion, this is a unique sale because you are buying items at a discount to wear for the upcoming season. with other sales, this is usually not the case. after this sale is over, everything goes back to regular price. and suddenly, you might regret not making that purchase while it was on sale! don't let it happen to you! Nordstrom is very strategic as it only grants early access to this sale to their cardholders--online and in-store. this is GENIUS. makes you wanna sign up for their credit card before all the goodies are gone! as the early access comes to an end, i have gathered my picks based on what is left from the sale. 

tips on shopping the sale:

  • if you are debating it, get it now while it is at a discount then decide later. my BFF always tells me "buy now, decide later." LOL. 
  • unsure of size while trying to buy online? buy both. then return the other. 
  • shop smart. don't buy it JUST BECAUSE IT IS ON SALE! 

who | Nordstrom
what | major discounts off fall items and always FREE shipping on Nordstrom.com!
when | 07/09/15 - 07/16/15 (early access for Nordstrom cardholders); 07/17/15 - 08/02/15 (for everyone else)
where | shop.nordstrom.com or in store

my picks for the LADIES:

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01 | Rebecca Minkoff chevron quilted love crossbody bag in port -- wow, this bag is gorgeous. it screams fall. (and my name...hmm.. somehow it is making it's way to my house... not sure how that happened... lol.) i love the fact that is very similar to a CHANEL boy bag--from the chevron leather to the gold chain. this is a must. also available in a clutch in this beautiful blush/latte color.
02 | Clarisonic Mia 2 cleansing system -- i've already raved enough about the Clarisonic in my review here. this is a great time to pick one up if i haven't already convinced you to! in addition, the pack of brush heads are also on sale here. 
03 | Steve Madden staarz ankle fringe sandal in taupe suede -- now this isn't normally my style, but it's good to branch out and try new things. i really like the taupe suede and the fringe.. oh, the fringe!
04 | Paige skyline skinny jeans -- mid-rise skinny jeans? yes please. 
05 | Zella live in-out of bounds leggings in black -- a spin on regular black workout tights with mesh cut-outs. too bad it is already sold out in my size! 
06 | Kendra Scott hazel stud earrings in gold & iridescent slate -- i am a total stud girl. studs over anything dangly any day. also love the rose gold & navy.
07 | Marc by Marc Jacobs take your marc hobo in bright tangelo -- this color is great to wear year around. it's similar to my Foley + Corinna that i get a ton of compliments on styled here.

my picks for the GUYS:

01 | Cole Haan cambridge wingtip dress shoes in british tan leather -- wingtips are a MUST for men. a well dressed man will always have a pair of wingtips. this color is excellent for formal and casual wear.
02 | Nike fly 2.0 dri fit knit training shorts -- Nike makes some nice dri fit material, these have pockets too!
03 | North Face apex bionic softshell jacket -- available in a variety of colors. also windproof and waterproof. i can see this as a good gift that will come in handy.
04 | Anthony Logistics face saver kit -- great brand of skincare for guys. not many guys take care of their skin and what better way to do so with a starter kit?!
05 | Skagen hald multifunction mesh strap watch in silver & grey (Nordstrom exclusive) -- wow. this watch. i love wearing men's watches. especially my dad's watches. this Skagen is beautiful, the neutral against silver and the blue dial is icing on cake. 
06 | Ted Baker London cotton pocket square in green -- we've talked about pocket squares and i am liking the subtle print on this one with the hint of green. i can see this going with many different colored suits.