Adjusting Expectations

Doesn't August feel like the Sunday of summer? I have yet to hit the beach which kind of makes me sad and only acts as a reminder that I've been working entirely too hard all summer (le sigh).

black_white_workout_outfit.jpg

On the bright side my airline tickets have been booked and in four short weeks I'll be halfway around the world with my seester. Last time we traveled was 10 years to Australia AKA we're long overdue for this trip. 

I haven't said much about the trip before (didn't want to jinx myself) but we'll be in Lebanon for two weeks and then Paris for a weekend. This might be a good time to start following me on Snapchat if you haven't already - I'm predicting lots of Middle East adventures (search: thestyleboro). Until then let's put the vacation talk on hold - way too early to get excited.

curly_hair_styles_workouts.jpg
flint_and_tinder_10_year_hoodie.jpg

Instead let's talk about staying fit when abroad. I'm going to be completely honest and tell you that my intentions when I pack my sneakers are in good faith but once I touch down - the jet lag and vacation vibes set in and "exercise" becomes a foreign word. Am I the only one? 

have_fun_working_out.jpg
summer_fall_work_out_look.jpg
prospect_park_workouts.jpg

LipbalmEOS  Tank: c/o Lucy  Yoga Pants: c/o Lucy  Sweater: Flint & Tinder  Sneakers: Saucony

Instead of packing sneakers and feeling like a loser for not working out, I've decided to simply do what I can now (while in the States) and plan ahead for fall. The next season (my favorite for running) tends to be a mix of chilly mornings and warm afternoons so I picked up this incredibly soft 10-Year Hoodie to layer over my Lucy workout gear. It's meant to last a full ten years so this won't be its first appearance on the blog. I also hate sweating in my makeup so I've stocked up on Dickinson's Cleansing Cloths - it's really gentle on my skin and the Witch Hazel soothes and depuffs.

dickinsons_cleansing_cloths_revew.jpg

P.s. If you haven't caught on by now I am absolutely obsessed with Lucy's line and can't wait for their fall collection!

Photos by Victor Cerejo.
Shop the look:

TSB: July Rack Up

WHOA, for the first time ever (since doing these rack ups) I haven't really had a consistent theme my style leaned to. I basically went from sporty to boho to glam all throughout the month. It was actually pretty fun to experiment now that I'm looking back.

floral_skirt_outfit_ideas.jpg

TopAsos (on sale!)  SkirtGentle Fawn  Heels: Joie (similiar)  ClutchOra Delphine  BraceletKenneth Jay Lane  Earringsthepearlsource.com  Lipgloss: Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Megan

dumbo_rainbow_wall.jpg

TopSimiliar  SkirtGentle Fawn  HeelsFunkis  SunglassesSimiliar  BraceletLulu Dharma  Bralette: Victoria Secret  Lipgloss: Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Megan

burning_hearts_mural.jpg

Dress: c/o Gentle Fawn  Heels: Joie  EarringsJewels of June  BraceletNashelle (plate of food donated for every piece sold)  RingsZoetik  Purse: Tory Burch  LipbalmEOS Lip Balm

lucy_running_workout_clothes_summer.jpg

TopLucy  ShortsLucy  PulloverLucy  Headphones: c/o Ankit  Sports BraVictoria's Secret PINK  SneakersSaucony  LipbalmEOS Lip Balm  Nail Polish: Essie in For the Twill of It

lace_dress.jpg

Sunglasses: Asos (similar here)  RingsJewels of June  Jacket: Asos (similar here)  Dress: c/o Gather & Gown  DuffelShana Luther  Shoes: Chinese Laundry (similar style)  Lipgloss: Maybelline's Color Elixir Lip Color in Captivating Coral

how_to_wear_overalls.jpg

SunglassesRay-Ban  BraceletLulu Dhrama  NecklaceNashelle  OverallsPaige  ShirtMarine Layer  Bucket BagOra Delphine  Sandals: c/o Bearpaw  Lipgloss: Maybelline's Color Elixir Lip Color in Captivating Coral  Blush: theBalm How 'Bout Them Apples? Cheek & Lip Cream

See! I was all over the place and even tried my hand at styling overalls (how do you think I did by the way?). My favorite looks had to be the floral skirt and the lace dress for sure - both a bit out my element but both made me feel super elegant which I loved.

Which were you favorites?

Photos by Lydia Hudgens & Victor Cerejo.

Introducing the New Body by Victoria

Six months after the end of January I tend to go on the hunt for new bras. Not any bras in particular, but one that fits perfectly and wont make this summer hotter than it is. Being the daredevil that I am, I took the Body by Victoria Challenge before stocking up on my mid-summer basics (nude, white, black) and a few fun pieces.

victoria_secret_bras_white_equipment_shirt_review.jpg

It's a lot easier than it sounds (trust) and you don't even a measuring tape. The Body by Victoria Challenge will make assessments about the current bra you're wearing and it's fit. This risk-free challenge offers free shipping and returns if you purchase the recommended bra size as well.

For me, I wore one of my regular bras (the no-frills basic kind) and went through the questions. I clicked on my current size, whether my straps fall off or stay on (they tend to fall), how the band feels and how the cups fit. After a few questions the quiz gave me my right size and I had the option of building my boutique or going straight to the shop. Obviously I went for the shop.

body_by_victoria_secret_review.jpg

In the end I received the perfect shape, demi, and lounge bra - all of them were spot on, smooth (no lines) and incredibly soft. One of them had a lace detail and it was pretty close to a no-show underneath my top as well. You'll be impressed with their array of colors and styles - something for everyone.

I will admit my favorite addition to V.S.'s collection is their Lounge Collection. I legit bought a few (read: a lot) more of these incredibly soft bras in nearly every color. They are being marketed as bras to chill in but I think you can wear them under anything.

victoria_secret_lounge_collection.jpg

Sidenote: earlier this year I learned its not good to wear one single bra daily and instead let it breathe for a full day after being worn... Mind blown right? For that reason alone, it's good to bookmark Victoria's Secret next sale (August 8th thru 11th) in which you'll get a $25 gift card with every three bras purchased from their new line. Even better, when you shop Victoria Secret through ShopAtHome.com you get 2% cash back until the 31st and then 1% after that.

While you're on the site taking the challenge don't forget to enter the Body by Victoria Sweeps. With the purchase of any Body by Victoria bra you are automatically entered to win a Jaguar - click over to enter here.

victoria_secret_lounge_collection_review.jpg

Have you taken the Body by Victoria Challenge yet? Let me know how it goes in the comments!

Today's post is sponsored by ShopAtHome.com + Victoria Secret - thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible! And as always, all opinions are my own.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.