Lace x Denim

Without solid beach plans for this summer (due to adult things like loads of overtime) I might as well relish in my early morning rituals... Like getting dressed.

Last year I partnered up with Gather & Gown (see that post here) to style a bridesmaid dress during the ceremony and after (i.e. IRL events). It was pretty fun to shoot and as a thank you, Gather & Gown sent me this dress as a token of their appreciation. 

To be honest, it's been sitting in my closet for months because it was never the right moment. Until I said fudge it, this summer (on a not-so humid) day I'm going to wear it to work and just blow everyone's mind.

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

The thing is, if I were to constantly wait for the right moment I would be waiting forever. Similar to fashion, we sometimes need to dive right into life and enjoy what we have instead of pondering our what-ifs.

So, for the rest of summer I'm going to experiment and wear things that make me feel good instead of waiting for the right moment (or place). I hope you do too!

Photos by Victor Cerejo.

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Fit for Summer

I decided to try something insane this summer to go along with my fitness plan: positive thinking.

Crazy, right?

Hear me out. After a good long run (and those short sweaty ones) I'm left in a better state of mind. Let's call it good juju. Until life unexpectedly butts her head into my always very busy day throwing all sorts of mishaps and shenanigans at me. And each time without fail, my day goes from great to good to bad - ruining all the previous good juju I had.

Then my ma enlightened me with her mom wisdom.

A little backstory, my ma was diagnosed with a chronic illness a few years back and ever since her diagnosis she's been taking it easy and eliminating the stress from where it starts: her thoughts. Don't worry guys, a chronic illness is not a life sentence - just need to manage your lifestyle differently. She told me maybe I need to change the way I think and stop being negative.

For example, instead of complaining about rent (at an all-time high) instead be thankful for shelter & food (NYC is currently facing its highest levels of homelessness). Embracing this positive thought eventually starts to project itself onto those around me and spreads like wild fire.

Top: Lucy  Shorts: Lucy  Pullover: Lucy  Headphones: c/o Ankit  Sports Bra: Victoria's Secret PINK  Sneakers: Saucony  Lipbalm: EOS Lip Balm  Nail Polish: Essie in For the Twill of It

So far, it's been going great - I feel lighter in a way and worry less. It's also been one of the best supplements I've added to my fitness plan. NOW, I'm going to ask you guys to try this sweat-free supplement out for yourself for a week/month/season/year and let me know how it goes for you!

P.s. This is the same outfit (minus the jacket & sports bra) I wore during the Brooklyn Half. I can say first hand Lucy Activewear can go against the elements when testing your endurance. I even gained a PR (personal record) in this look :).

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

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Fitness: Leg Day

I've been on a YouTube grind lately. It might have everything to do with the classes and people I've been meeting at the YouTube building, or the fact that YouTube has a plethora of information readily available at our disposable.

Here are a few vids worthy of a bookmark (or thumbs up) to help get your sweat on:

A great routine for those with access to a gym.

A 10-minute workout that focuses on toning and tightening the inner thighs. But don't you worry, your entire body will be worked.

For beginners, but don't think for a second this will be easy. Do 3 times a week with 30-60 seconds rest in between sets. Repeat 2-3 times as it gets easier.

The bare basics in an express workout - start here to get a firm grasp on great exercises.

Any videos I should add to my Leg's Day playlist on Youtube? Leave the link or exercises you do down below.