TSB: January Rack Up

This past month was full of functional and warm styles, and one teeny weeny bikini. Here's what I wore throughout the month:

Necklace: The Sak  Turtleneck: J. Crew  Jacket: Free Country (and it's reversible!)  Jeans: GAP (similar)  Bucket Bag: The Sak  Shoes: Shoes Like Pottery  Lipstick: Heatwave by Nars

Coat: Planet London  Chambray Shirt: Madewell (similar style)  Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch (similar style)  Sweater: Charles Henry (similar style)  Watch: c/o RumbaTime  Bracelet: c/o Lulu Dharma  Purse: Miu Miu  Shoes: Aerosoles  Lipstick: Heatwave by Nars

Vest: Zara (similar)  Sweater: All Saints (similar style)  Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch (similar style)  Bracelet: Etienne Aigner  Boots: c/o BEARPAW  Purse: c/o Elliot Lucca  Lipstick: Audrey by NARS

Blazer: Theory (affordable version)  Shirt: J. Crew  Jeans: Vigoss  Necklace: c/o Nashelle  Earrings: The Sak  Boots: Wanted (similar style)  Purse: c/o Ora Delphine  Foundation: Ready Set Gorgeous by Covergirl

Coat: Planet London  Dress: borrowed via Lafayette 148 (up to size 18)  Over the Knee Boots: Zara (similar style) Necklace: c/o Capwell+Co  Earrings: c/o Capwell+Co  Purse: Rebecca Minkoff  Foundation: Ready Set Gorgeous by Covergirl Lipstick: Audrey by NARS

Sunglasses: Asos (similar here)  Kimono: PilyQ (borrowed)  Bikini: c/o Triangl  Shorts: Old Navy  Shoes: Funkis  SPF: Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen via Neutrogena

Although I hate freezing to death, I really do enjoy my knits (with a closet to prove it). My favorite look from the month had to be the one shot outside during the snow with very inappropriate shoes - definitely wore that again sans snow. 

For those of you wondering how I've been doing as a conscious shopper, the answer is amazing. Have yet to buy anything frivolous, only necessities such as socks. Also, visited my local Beacon's and uploaded more pieces to Postmark in an effort to unload my closet. 

What were you wearing on repeat this past month?

Photos were snapped by Victor Cerejo, Lydia Hudgens, and Anna Rosh.

Living proof. Curl

Curly hair is gorgeous, but it's also a lot of work. Any lady with a head full of ringlets can attest to that!

Sometimes, I think about how easy life would be, scratch that, how much time I would save if my hair was straight. Can you imagine me with straight hair? Weird, right. Thankfully, more than ever, companies are starting to recognize (they betta recognize) that we curly headed ladies are out here and willing to try anything that makes our lives easier and glamorous. 

Over the next few months, you'll be pleased to see a few honest reviews on what works and doesn't work. I have quite the haul and am ready to put all these brands to the test. This month, Living proof is up to bat with their latest Curl line which has been perfected in their labs for the past seven years.

Their end goal was to invent a solution to provide a manageable routine and longer-lasting results (yasss). Their entire line is powered by their Extended Curl Memory technology which is a powerful, exclusive formula of their patented Healthy Hair Molecule (OFPMA), optimized emollient and polymer blend, and time-released marine extracts. If you like to learn more about the science behind the line watch their videos here.

Now the breakdown on the line and my opinions:

Curl Conditioning Wash

- Think of it as a shampoo for curly hair but without the sulphate and suds. This wash provides the perfect balance of cleansing and conditioning in one bottle. After using, I noticed my hair felt more hydrated, softer and manageable. A little goes a long way and my scalp didn't feel tight - a good sign during the winter season.

Curl Detangling Rinse

- A little tricky to use in the beginning since I avoid water when detangling, so my first sessions with this ended up causing more tangles (D'oh). After brain-farting and reading the directions carefully I realized water is my friend and had an easier time detangling curls with my fingers. The formula feels like gel and helps in defining curls.

Curl Defining Styling Cream

- Other than the co-wash, this is my favorite product from the line. My curls were slept, sweated, and weathered in and still looked great throughout the week. Frizz was minimal and ringlets were pretty close to perfection. My only issue is that product was hard to get out of the bottle.

Curl Enhancing Styling Mousse

-  It's been a while since I used mousse out of a can. Generally, mousse makes my hair feel as crunchy as a Cheeto but I said "what the heck" and gave it a try. This mousse added no crunch to my curls which was shockingly awesome. It also gave a stronger hold to help maintain curls. I foresee this being a great product during the summer when we're battling humidity and frizz at the same time.

Overall, I love the line and appreciate the time and effort Living proof put into creating something to make our lives easier and beauty probs non-existent. If the price is a little much, I suggest trying their travel kit (includes all of the products minus the mousse) before getting a full size product.

Learn more about Living proof here. 

*This is not a sponsored post. Product was gifted but all honest opinions are my own and always will be.*

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

Shop their new line of products below:

Finding Confidence + Strength

A few months ago I ran into an good childhood friend, or better said I made an appointment to see my physical therapist. Eek! That's right ladies, not even I am immune to desk injuries - yes, you read that correctly. Turns out having a weak core and spending the majority of a week behind a desktop can wreck havoc on your body. Of course I could've prevented this. Live and learn right?

Well if you remember this post, then you already know that 2015 is all about treating myself right and getting stronger. In particular, getting my core strong enough to prevent another injury while training for my half marathon (and apparently working desk-side).

My physical therapist recommended pilates and out yoga classes for this. And, to be honest I'd do it all if it weren't for the insane per class rate.

Then I heard about Classpass... You guys, it's life-changing. 

Classpass is a network of boutique fitness classes and by becoming a member you're able to take unlimited classes (three from the same studio). The range and variety of classes is fantastic, there's almost a 100% guarantee you'll come across something you'll fall in love. Every week I find myself trying something new, different, and growing stronger. Luckily for me I was able to do a trial period, and you guys, after falling in love with the process I stayed on as a monthly member. Don't worry, this isn't limited to NYC - Classpass is rapidly expanding and probably headed to a city near you. The only con I can think of is the hefty cancellation fee of $20 if you're unable to cancel prior to 24 hours. 

All images via Nike Women

Mixing up my routine and challenging myself in new ways outside of running has definitely left me feeling beyond fit and more confident. For instance, wearing this on the internet and feeling no regrets. Ahh, the power of sweat my friends.

As for the core-centric classes I'll definitely recommend for those of you in NYC:

Kettlebell Kickboxing

- This kickboxing class is geared towards women and taught in a martial arts studio (pretty cool). The workout is intense, but the instructor is attentive and push you (in a good way) to reach your fitness goals.

R.U.S.H. Total Body Training

- WHOA, take a few of these classes a month and you'll basically have six-pack before summer rears her head! The guys that run this space are attentive and will show modifications if the exercises are a bit too much. Classes are small which is always great.

BFX Barre

- I've never been a fan of Barre because well it's tough. Then I took a class here and loved the all-over body training + studio space. I've definitely become a regular and enjoy sweating it out.

Bikram Yoga SoHo

- My favorite Bikram studio out of all of Manhattan. The classes for once don't feel overcrowded, the space is clean, and the heated room is close to odorless. They even started a 60 minute session for those looking for a quicker practice.

Flex

- Have yet to try, but heard amazing things about the small and attentive classes. Will follow up with a review soon!

For all of these classes you'll definitely feel sore after! If these monthly fitness check-ins are helpful, let me know and I'll be sure to do them consistently going forward. Learn more about Classpass here.