The Old Navy Dress Everyone Is Wearing

This dress has been making the rounds on Instagram lately and for good reasons.

It's affordable, it's cute and amazing quality.

It's from my rediscovered favorite, Old Navy.

Side note, it's kind of interesting how Banana Republic, Gap, and Old Navy are all sister brands with similar styles but Old Navy is killing it. They're so quick to deliver on value and trends in recent years that I highly recommend popping into your nearest store or surfing their newest arrivals here. 

However, you should keep in mind you get what you pay for. Namely, the sizing still needs a bit of work as I find most pieces to run big. To be fair, Zara doesn't have the best sizing reputation either so this is where you handy neighborhood tailor comes in handy.

Another summer staple you'll want to use daily... Sunscreen. Not only is it the most powerful skincare product we can use against premature aging and skin cancer, but they're so many different variations and formulas. There's no excuse to not make it a part of your daily routine.

I've been using this one from La Mer religiously, mainly to finish the formula before it expires, but these always make their way back into my skincare routine. This one from Asia, in particular, is my ABSOLUTE favorite.

Dress: Old Navy (similar here)  Necklace: Gold Chain (love this one!)  Sunglasses: Foster Grant  Watch: Capwell + Co (here's an affordable option)  Ring: Old (love this too!)  Boots: Cat Footwear  Lipgloss: 22 via Kylie Cosmetics

I couldn't end this post without mentioning how much I love this photo series by Mark. We connected on Instagram, decided to meet up and shoot around Long Island City. He's honestly so talented so make sure you check out his page here.

We shot two looks so can't wait to share the second look with you soon!

Photos by Mark minsoo Kim.

Shop the look:

Snug & Fitted | How To Pick The Right Sports Bra

I first wrote about the topic here but after a few years, it's time for a refresher as engineers have reinvented the bra since then. (Can I get an AMEN?!). However, 80% of women are still wearing the wrong size. 

Can you imagine feeling suffocated or having the urge to re-adjust a strap during kickboxing or hot yoga? No thank you. With that being said, make it a point this week, or sometime soon, to get measured at your favorite intimates or sports apparel shop. (Nike, Bloomingdales, and Lord & Taylor are only a few of the many that offer this service for free).

Wearing Brooks' Sureshot Racer Bra

With a marathon and a Classpass sponsorship under my belt, I was able to move and sweat in a variety of bras. There were a few standout favorites that aced all my needs with flying colors. 

Now some of you might be thinking, "but you basically have A cups." 

Kind of true, they're actually B cups. I've also made the mistake of heading to a race in a flimsy yoga bralette. My breast felt every single stride that took place during those 4 miles so much so that my hands ended up being my "sports bra". Yep. I ran a race while holding my breasts in place.

Wearing Brooks' Uprise Crossback Bra

But with that experience came knowledge and a few favorites which I'm always happy to share.

1. Sports bras do come in different styles and support, but the two main ones you'll encounter are compression bras and encapsulation bras. Compression bras are better for low-impact activities like yoga, spin, barre, etc. Bust out the encapsulation bras for high-impact activities like kickboxing, running, basketball, etc.

2. Sports bras are naturally tight but if you're having issues breathing correctly - it's too small for you.

Wearing Sweaty Betty's Resistance Workout Bra

3. Say no to the bounce! Try doing a few jumping jacks in the fitting room as your sports bra should keep any bounce at a minimum. If it's there and uncomfortable, you'll need a bra with extra support in the form of wider straps, racerback or "flexi wire".

4. Spillage means you're not fully supported. Try going up a size and to keep it contained for the best support.

5. Keep it fun when you can! Personally, cute gear always makes sweating a bit more fun.

Now go forth and crush those personal bests while with a supportive fit. AND, feel free to leave any of your favorite tips down below!

Wearing Nike's Classic Swoosh Bra

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

Shop my favorite sports bras below:

NYC: Quick and Easy Day Trips to the Countryside!

A few weeks ago, EscapeMaker and Dutchess Tourism invited me into my backyard. So, like the curious little cat that I am, I found myself aboard the 7:53 am train headed towards Wassaic, New York. In case you're wondering, Wassaic is nestled inside of Dutchess Country and was established in 1683 as one of the original counties of New York. It's easily accessible by car, train, bus, air and boat - but for today's sake we're taking the train.

A mere three hours and nap later I arrived ready to taste my way through the quaint little town.

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First order of business was stopping in the Village of Millerton to browse Harney & Sons Teas followed by Irving Farm Coffee. The tea shop (one of two in NY!) offers tastings on all of their 250 teas. And Irving Farm Coffee has the boldest and flavorful coffee I've tried all summer. On that note, there's something for everyone already!

At noon, we made our way to McEnroe Farm for a tour and lunch which incorporated fresh and local ingredients from Hudson Valley. Fun fact, it's one of New York’s oldest and most diverse certified organic farms and stands at over 1,100 acres of fields, pastures, and greenhouses.

Later we made our way down to the Taconic Distillery - probably my favorite stop - for some homegrown bourbon whiskey! Everything here is made in small batches using only the finest ingredients, including natural spring water from Rolling Hills Farm. It was all very good and the views outside of the Distillery could not be beaten!

The final stop on the tour brought us to Crown Maple Estates. I'm actually a HUGE maple candy and water addict so it was really interesting getting to learn how my favorite sweets are made.

In case you were wondering who exactly EscapeMaker were, they've been NYC's guide to local getaways since 2000. Dutchess Tourism has operated the Farm Fresh Tours program for about 10 years by providing bus shuttle service to train passengers arriving at Metro-North Railroad stations at select towns.

Their goal is to encourage car-less travelers to hop on a train from New York City and spend the day exploring local agriculture and way of life in the Hudson Valley. And by local agriculture, they mean apple picking, visiting breweries, learning about cheese making and more.

If you're interested in taking your own tour with EscapeMaker, they will have tours available and on sale to the public on escapemaker.com/farmfreshtours. I also want to note, the Metro-North has deals & getaways all summer long so click here for more information.

Let me know if you have any questions or plan to take a tour soon!