Dot dot dot...

{Top- Loft, Pants- Gap, Shoes- Dolce Vita, Bracelets- (old) J. Crew}

TGIF!  It's been another long chilly week - gotta keep things perked up with a bold polka dot print and a bright lip!

Fashion Fridays - #34 - White Distressed Denim

{Images via}

White denim is always viewed as "classic" - something that should be so simple to incorporate into one's wardrobe.  I have a skinny pair and a hi-rise flare style - and yet - they get very little action in my closet.  I don't know what it is, but maybe they just are too clean that I don't feel like I can make them work?  These ladies are inspiring me with a little distressed finish.  I think this may just be their year!  :)

 

{Gap}

{Old Navy}

 

{Old Navy}

 

{Old Navy}

Wanna Waffle?...

{Top- (old) Kohl's, Pants- (old) J. Crew, Shoes- (old) Gap, Earrings- TJ Maxx}

Feeling like a bit of a broken record this week in more grey, but what can I say?  This is always the point in the season where you start to feel a little stifled with your closet - and comfort really takes over.  Waffle knit sweaters count towards Spring weight - no?!   

Splurge {vs} Save - #34 - Cambridge Satchel Co.

{Left- Cambridge Satchel Co., Right- Forever 21}

A simple crossbody bag is a wonderful thing!  Cambridge Satchel Co.'s bags are frequently found on street style fashionistas everywhere, but at $155 for the the 11" size, it's not always in everyone's budget.  Forever 21 has a dual buckle bag that looks pretty darn close and comes in at $19.80.  What will you do?  Splurge - or save...

Thrifty Thursdays - #34 - 11 Style Tips For The Girl On A Shoestring Budget

 

{Article via}

Just because your bank account statement has more charges from Topshop than Tom Ford, doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to suffer.  Just follow these oh-so sneaky tips.  For example, do you know which type of pumps look the most expensive (but aren’t) or how to upgrade your jackets for a few bucks?  No?  Read on!...

1. Replace cheap plastic buttons on a coat or blazer to make it look more upscale. 

2. It’s hard to do quality embellishment inexpensively, so opt for a simple bag without too much hardware. 

3. Lower-priced pumps look more posh in faux suede than faux leather. 

4. Invest in a steamer—wrinkled clothes are a quick way to look inexpensive.

5. Purchase a slip.  Inexpensive clothing usually isn’t lined, so the addition of a slip will prevent any wardrobe malfunctions and also help your garment fit and flow more elegantly.

6. Keep fabric in mind.  Tweed, cotton, and linen often look expensive, even if they’re not.

7. Two words: fabric shaver.  The inexpensive device will make your pilling knit pieces look like new.

8. See a tailor.  Sure it’s more money up front, but a piece that is custom fit to your body will always look more expensive. 

9. Get it in black.  The dark color will hide the telltale signs of a being a budget piece.

10. Swap out the belt.  Cheap dresses and coats will often come with their own sash that betrays their humble origins.

11. Coddle your footwear.  Even if your heels are inexpensive, take them to a cobbler for a cleaning and to get heel caps replaced.  Nothing looks worse than worn-down shoes.

Spring In My Step!

{Top- (old) Gap, Pants, (old) J. Crew, Shoes- (old) Nine West, Bracelets- (old) J. Crew}

Even though it's freezing outside, my fresh pedi shouldn't have to suffer!  I may walk into work in furry boots, but my toes want to come out and say hello!  It's the little things that help you bide the time before Spring...

Wellness Wednesdays - #34 - Yoga Poses For Digestion

 

{Article via}

It's easy to overindulge, and feel bloated and puffy after a big meal.   The main cause?  Not-so-savory reasons like gas and acid reflux.  Instead of popping a Tums and flopping back on the couch, think about trying a natural cure for stomach troubles.

"Fifteen minutes of yoga will help ease your pain," says Zayna Gold, creator of Healing Through Movement and a Boston-based yoga instructor.  As a long-time sufferer of Crohn's disease, she's created this yoga sequence to beat bloat, flatten your middle, and ease your stomach pains. 

Gold recommends starting from a reclining position.  "This gives you a chance to take a deep breath and feel energized," she says.  Then, she progresses from seated to standing positions.  Some, like the bridge pose, are stretch moves that stimulate your abdominal organs.  Next are twist poses that massage and tone your abdomen—great therapy for gas, bloating, and constipation.  The remaining poses work out your back, neck and spine.  You will feel less stress when your nervous system is relaxed.  The health benefits will spread to the rest of your body and ease your digestion.

Knees hugged to chest or "Apanasana"

You'll want to do this simple stretch—also known as the wind-relieving pose—to gain relief from bloating and gas pains.

How to do it: Lie down, relax and inhale, placing your hands on your knees.  Exhale, and hug your knees to your chest.  Rock your knees from side to side to maximize the stretch.  Stay for five to ten breaths, and release your knees.  Repeat this move a few more times.

Modification: Bring up your knees as far as it is comfortable.  To vary the stretch, you can do one side at a time.  Leaving your left leg extended, bring up your right knee and hold it for five or more breaths.  Then, switch to the other side. 

Spinal twist

Use this twist pose to soothe and tone your abdomen.

How to do it: Lie down, hug your knees and inhale.  As you exhale, drop your knees to the left, using your left hand to push them down gently.  Then, turn your head and stretch your arm out to the right.  Stay for five to ten breaths.  Inhale, and return your hands and knees to center.  Repeat on the other side.

Bridge Pose or "Setu Bandha Sarvangasana"

This mild inversion helps your blood flow, making you feel more energized.

How to do it: Lie on the floor and bend your knees.  Keep your arms beside your body and your feet flat on the floor.  Move your hips up to give your chest a good stretch.  To better aid your digestion, try this variation.  Press one hip up and hold the pose.  Take five breaths, then switch to the other side.

Modification: Keep your hands under you as you arch your back and open your chest.  You can also clasp your hands and interlace your fingers under your back.

One-legged seated spinal twist

Since you're doing this twist pose from a seated position, you have more control over your stretch.

How to do it: Sit with your legs extended.  Bend your right knee and place your heel close to your body.  Reach your right arm behind you and place your palm on the floor.  Your left elbow goes on the outside of the right knee to help you twist.  Stay for five or more breaths, deepening the stretch every time you exhale.  Then release the twist and repeat on the other side. 

Seated Forward Bend Pose or "Paschimottanasana"

This simple stretch helps you relax, and relieve some of the stress that's affecting your digestion.

How to do it: Sit on the floor with your legs in front of you.  Keeping your back straight, slowly hinge forward at the hips and lower your torso.  Stay there for five to ten deep breaths.

Modification: Lower yourself as far as you can, but keep it comfortable and feel the stretch. 

Seated Heart Opener

Use this move when you've eaten too much.  It will stretch out your belly and ease stomach cramps.

How to do it: Sit down on your heels and lean back, placing your palms about eight inches behind you, with your fingertips pointing away from you.  Press your hands into the ground, lift your chest and arch your back.  You should feel your hips pushing into your heels.  Increase the stretch by lowering your head behind you.  Feel the stretch in your throat and chest.  Hold for five breaths, and then sit up.

Modification: You can do this pose while sitting in a chair.  Lift your chest, arch your back and feel the stretch. 

Cat and Cow or "Marjaryasana and Bitilasana"

Transition between these two poses to warm up your spine and relieve the tension in your back and neck.

How to do it: Get on your hands and knees on the floor.  Inhale, making sure your back is flat and your abs engaged.  Exhale, drop your head and round up your spine for cat pose.  On an inhale, arch your back, lifting your head and butt for cow pose.  Switch back and forth between the two poses, connecting your inhale with cow pose and exhale with cat pose.  Repeat several times. 

Child's Pose or "Balasana"

Also known as the resting pose, this is a basic move you can use for a relaxing stretch.  Stay in this position for five breaths or more.

How to do it: Sit on your knees and feet with your legs spaced wide apart.  Lean forward, stretching your arms in front of you.  Then, keeping your back straight, place your forehead on the floor.

Modification: To make it easier to hold the pose, rest your head on a block or a pillow. 

Downward Facing Dog or "Adho Mukha Savanasana"

Do this all-over stretch to energize your mind and body.

How to do it: Stand with your feet hip-width apart.   Keeping your back straight, hinge forward and press your palms to the ground.  Hold the pose for five to ten breaths.  Alternate with child's pose.

Modification: Place your feet further back, and bend your knees to make it easier to keep your back straight. 

Standing Forward Bend or "Uttanasana"

Hold this pose to strengthen your spine and relieve tension in your neck and back.

How to do it: Stand with your legs apart, and bend forward from the waist.  Keeping your back straight, place your hands on the floor.

Modification: Can't reach the floor?  Place your hands on a yoga block or your furniture to help you hold the pose.

Open Triangle Pose or "Trikonasana"

Tone your belly, and get a good stretch and twist with this pose.

How to do it: Stand and take a big step back with your right foot, turning it towards the side of the mat.  Spread out your arms.  Keep your spine long as you hinge forward at the hip.  Float your left hand down to the floor.  Raise your right arm, keeping your arms spread out.  Look up to your right hand.  To exit the pose, look down to your left foot before you straighten up.  Repeat on the other side.

Modification: Float your forward hand down to your shin, or a yoga block placed beside your foot. 

Chair Pose or "Utkatasana"

This pose opens up your chest, and helps strengthen and tone your legs.

How to do it: Stand with your feet together.  Bend your knees like you're sitting in a chair. At the same time, raise your arms up beside your ears.  To exit the pose, straighten your arms on an exhale.  Then, rise to a standing position, and bring your arms down to your sides.  For more dynamic action, you can move out of the pose and into a standing position on alternating breaths.

Modification: Leaning against a wall will help you hold the pose.  If you're stiff, you can separate your feet so that they're hip-width apart. 

Breathe in and out or "Pranayama"

As you end the exercise, take a moment to breathe deeply for up to five minutes.  This is the best way to wind up your yoga practice for a final healing to the digestive system.

How to do it: Exhale deeply through your nose.  Then, inhale slowly through both nostrils. Repeat five to ten times, each time focusing intently on your breath. 

Sweaters & Scarves...

{Top- (old) Ann Taylor, Pants- (old) J. Crew, Shoes- (old) J. Crew, 

Bracelet- (old) J. Crew, Scarf- (old) Nordstrom}

Apparently polar vortex #3 is coming this week - seriously?  Never been happier to turn over a new calendar page this weekend - let's March into Spring!

Tasty Tuesdays - #34 - Pistachio Muffins

{Recipe via}

My favorite treat these days has been pistachio muffins.  Even though I know they're naughty, something about not being chocolate makes me feel like they're the healthier choice...I wish!  Well either way - they make for a festive treat with St. Patty's Day around the corner.  Enjoy...

Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 1/2 teaspoon butter rum flavor or brown sugar flavor 
• Electric Green Food Color Gel 
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  Prepare the muffin tins by greasing them well.

1. Combine the dry ingredients including the zest and finely chopped pistachios in a large bowl.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixer with the paddle attachment.  Beat the eggs, one at a time, into the creamed mixture until light and fluffy.  Add the vanilla and desired flavor.  Add green food color as desired.
3. Starting with about 1/4 of the dry mixture, alternately add part of the dry ingredients and the milk, briefly mixing after each addition.  Do not over-mix the batter.
4. Scoop the batter into the prepared tins.  Sprinkle the tops with the coarsely chopped pistachios.  Place the muffins in the oven and immediately turn the temperature down to 375 degrees.  Bake for 15 minutes or until the muffins test done.  After the muffins have cooled for five minutes, remove them from the tins to cool on a wire rack.

Makes ten large muffins.

J. Crew, I Love You... - #34 - Collection Everly Cross-Stitch Pumps

{Available here}

The craftsmanship on these heels is a-mazing!  Classic pump silhouette with incredible color and gorgeous embroidery - these will add a bit of oomph to any outfit!

Music Mondays - #34 - The Fray

{Available here}

I've loved these guys since their very first album - and now they're dropping a new one tomorrow.  In celebration of their new release, let's take it back to 2005 with The Fray's "Over My Head (Cable Car)"...

Blouse It Up!

{Top- (old) Forever 21, Pants- (old) Kohl's, Shoes- Donald J. Pliner, Bracelets- (old) J. Crew}

This top was listed as a dress when I bought it, but with a sheerness to the fabric, I just haven't been brave enough to rock it that way.  With the tie belt feature, I simply blouse it a bit and pair it with skinny jeans - just as cute!

Fashion Fridays - #33 - 15 Signs You Have A Serious Shopping Habit :)

 

{Article via}

Do you count shopping as your cardio, therapy, and stress-relief?  Have you ever forgone food for Fendi?  If you’re anything like me, you answered affirmatively to these telltale indicators of a serious retail habit.  For anyone still in denial, check out the 15 signs that you have a full-blown shopping obsession...guilty as charged!  :)