Trending 8.1.16

I am so excited about this week's #trending report!  I have some good leads on "first day of school" outfits for all you teachers out there (trust me, as a teacher, it's as exciting to pick out your first day outfit as when you were a student!). J. Crew, Banana Republic and Loft are all kicking butt and taking names right now. Also, I found you some sunnies that you will want immediately for the remainder of summer! Check out what's trending in my world:

[1.0]  This pineapple dress and this oranges and lemons dress!
When browsing Asos, I found the coolest designer ever! I had never heard of it-- Horrockses. The style of the prints is very pop-art. I can't even get over that bow on the back of the pineapple dress-- it's soooo cute!  Total #wishlist items!

[2.0]  This blazer for back to school wearing in the fall.
And, it's on sale for under $65! It is hard to come by a quality blazer at such a reasonable price point. Remember, the Nordies Anniversary Sale ends August 8, so act fast! But that blazer is so great for work in any different line of work which you may be involved. 


[3.0] This mug, for all my peeps from home!
It is the cutest mug ever for all my Boardman/Youngstown friends. Home is where your mom is! So true. Ivory and Birch is so darling! I know it's not wearable, per se, but isn't it so flippin awesome? Y-towners: this might be something good to put away for Christmas or Mother's Day for mom! 

[4.0]  These Illesteva sunglasses.
Every blogger I follow is losing her mind over these sunnies. I have to admit, I didn't originally love them, but now I am obsessed. They totally grew on me! Plus, the sale price is making me smile. Here is a pair that is less expensive and equally adorbs. You have many months of sun ahead, why not pick up a new pair of sunglasses? 

[5.0] These Goddess Leggings by Alo. 
I am not kidding you or exaggerating when I say Alo leggings lift your ledge and flatten your tummy! They're incredible! I own a pair of Goddess Leggings with a pink pattern on top. I also just bought these black ones at Pure Barre Geneva after class the other morning (oops-- a reward for going to a 6 am class before 9 hours of work? Yes. I'll go with that). They're true to size-- I wear a small. If you're comparing by Lululemon sizes, I am typically a 4 in Wunder Under tights. I swear, getting out of bed this morning for 7:10 am Pure Barre was so much easier in my new tights-- haha! Placebo effect? Maybe. But, I'll take it!

[6.0] This Alo Bralette.
You're going to need this in yellow to match your new leggings, obvi! Real talk: this is the most comfortable and well-fitting sports bra, ever. It is longer, with a mesh layer underneath. It's so flattering and looks fantastic under all tanks. The back has a great design, too. Perfect for your open-back tanks! I own it in blush, and I would love to pick it up in ALL colors!

[7.0] This work-appropriate, show-stopper lace dress.

This dress has it all: it's bright, collared and lace. I can definitely foresee this as my first day of school dress! (Of course it will be longer on me than this beautifully leggy model). I just got a 50% in the mail for Banana, so I will tuck it away to spend on this beaut!  If you prefer a more subtle hue for your wardrobe, it also comes in navy-- score!

[8.0] This ruffled shirt for work.
The bright emerald color is really breathtakingly gorgeous. This can be paired with a high-waisted skirt, tucked in, or with khaki chinos and Sperrys. It's just such a fun spin on a classy top. The white version would be extremely practical, too! 

[9.0] This flare-sleeve tee.
It is 40% off $44 currently! I drooled over a striped version of this from J.Crew for months, but I never pulled the trigger, and thus lost my opportunity to own it. SO, now I can get my flare-sleeved fix! Also, that price! Loft just sent me a $10 off card. Can't wait to do some back-to-school shopping. Teachers and students-- don't forget that both Loft and J. Crew offer 20% off to teachers and students with a valid ID! 

[10.0] This floral skirt and this faux leather pleated skirt.
You need this two skirts for your fall/winter wardrobe. Last year I hemmed and hawed about purchasing this pleated faux leather skirt, and, of course missed my window of opportunity. BUT! Fear not! It's baaaaack! And with an additional color! The beauty of this faux leather skirt is you could tuck a crisp collared shirt into it or wear it with a cozy sweater. All you'll need for your floral skirt is a plain shirt (any of the colors in the skirt will do!). Actually, pair it with [8.0] and get an even bigger discount at J. Crew! 

And... a bonus! These shoes are quite possibly the most beautiful shoes I've laid eyes on. I know my girl Jules will love them, too! Out of my price range, but they are definitely a shoe I will watch like a hawk until they go on sale as low as my J. Crew sparkly wedding shoes did. I'm such a wimp about a heel, too, so this chunky, low heel really appeals to me. 

What's on your wish list right now? I hope you have a wonderful start to your month! Can you even believe it's August?! I can't! Where is the summer going! Sllooowwww downnnnnn, sweet summer! 
xxoo
Mary

Gym Chic - Fabulous Workout Clothes to Make you Excited to Sweat

At Pure Barre Geneva, some of the teachers and other clients were talking to me about Gym Chic. They said I'd love it! I had to check it out. Fun, stylish workout capris and tanks? I was intrigued! Gym Chic just opened in downtown St. Charles, and they have so many fun pieces! I really do feel more motivated to exercise when I wear something I love. I also feel more confident and stronger, but that could definitely be the placebo effect. Haha! I love to support small businesses and to shop local, so it makes much more sense to me to get my Alo from nearby as opposed to ordering it online.

I chose two pieces. First up is this blush Alo Yoga Bralette in shell. It's slightly sheen-y, and I love how it's longer than a typical sports bra. It will go so nicely under all my workout tops! 

And this Onzie (one size fits all-- very cool concept!) tank with a white t-back. It is super luxe; the material is amazing!  It was ideal for Pure Barre Platform because of how airy and flowy it was. I always need extra air-conditioning for those hardcore classes! I tried a similar tank on in a beautiful magenta, too!

I love how loose-fitting this tank is! It will show off all your spunky, strappy sports bras!

I am a diehard supporter of the Lululemon Wunder Under Crops! They fit so perfectly, and they last for years. I typically buy the practical solid black ones, but with fun waistbands for a peek of "party"!

I'm also a huge fan of the Nike Frees (these are on sale!). The fabulous colors of the Free Fly Knits are also to die for. They're sooo incredibly light- you feel like you're barefoot! I bought mine on sale last year in the sale room at Von Maur, but watch the Nordstrom's sale that begins July 22-- they're always on sale during that time. I bought mine for $60, down from the original $100 price tag. TBH, they're worth every penny! I wear them constantly.

These non-slip Lululemon headbands are incredible! I have collected them in various colors since I first discovered Lululemon in 2009 when I moved to Chicago. They wash wonderfully, and they are the only headband you'll ever need. They keep your bangs out of your face and your sweat from dripping in your eyes. The perfect addition to any workout look! Bonus: they come in adorable colors, too!

Do you feel like me about working out when you have a fun new outfit? I swear, it is like an intrinsic motivator! Oh, wait, that would actually be extrinsic. HAHA!
xxoo
Mary