Favorite Wears: Summer Athliesure

Warmer temps are not cooling my love for athliesure.  These pants are all mesh in back, so wearing them to work out or just on a hot day still super doable despite the warmer temps.  I layered a dress on over to wear as a top, but you could easily wear as a cocktail dress with heels by night, or as a casual dress with sandals by day.  
This dress - worn as a top - is by Tobi, which new customers can get 50% off their first order!  They have really cute Midi Dresses, Jumpsuits, Skirts, Maxi Dresses, Rompers and more.  I love nothing more than dresses for summer - especially when you can also wear them as a shirt, dress them up and dress them down.
{Outfit Details: Dress - worn as top c/o, Workout Leggings, Gold Sneakers - on sale!, Necklace - old from here, Bag - old from Target (similar), Umbrella}

Photos in this post taken by the uber talented and sweet Elizabeth of Elizabeth Ladean Photography.  She shoots portraits, engagements/weddings and lifestyle sessions all around Kansas City.  You can follow here on Facebook here and on Instagram here.

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Favorite Wears: Feeling Royal

This October has been different than the last 28 before... Royals are still playing baseball. My Kansas City Royals are in the world series... there has been ups, there has been downs, wins and losses, but regardless, I'm getting creative with ways to wear my blue in support! 
Here's one look where I can go to work or where ever and cheer for the Royals, plus, all pieces I can wear beyond this (long) baseball season.  Bonus! This outfit features two local Kansas City artists/designers/products, which is only natural since this baseball season has at least reminded us of one thing... Kansas City is amazing (and everything we have to offer).
{Outfit Details: Hat - via Rally House; KC Ring Necklace & Earrings - c/o Janesko; Bracelet - old from Loft; Blue & White Utility Tote (has yellow pipe lining inside!) - c/o Burgundy Circus Hardgoods; Varsity Jacket - J.Crew (similar, on sale!); White Tee - American Apparel; Skirt (cute A-line version); Sneakers - c/o Off Broadway Shoes}

I'll be rooting for the Royals tonight (obvi) and then, now that we know that there will be a Game 6 - stayed tuned to see what I wear to that game (I get to go!!) via Instagram!  I'm so excited!

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3 ways to wear a white dress right now

I love wearing white all year around, but you definitely have to style your summer white pieces differently come fall and winter.  Make sure you pair your summer items with knits, winter patterns, textures and items that will keep you, well, warm! Here are 3 ways I'm wearing my favorite white, eyelet dress from summer right now:

1. Pair with plaid (and my favorite, buffalo check) and metallics.  This look is a more glamorous version of cozy-chic and could easily go from day to night:

2. Layer with more white! But pick wintery pieces, like a sweater with more texture to make the two pieces look different from one another!  

3.  Go sporty!  This fleece varsity jacket could not be more comfortable - and it's warm! In this case, the feminine details of this dress (as many summer dresses employ) help balance out the athletic-inspired pieces:

{Outfit details: Dress - c/o Boden, Red Lips & Sunglasses - c/o Firmoo worn with... 1. Buffalo Check Jacket (this one would be cute, too!); Necklace; Earrings; Wedges 2. Sweater - Old Navy (last year, similar); Pearl Earrings - old (similar); Boots 3. Varsity Jacket (on sale!); Necklace - Forever 21; Sneakers - J.Crew (sold out; similar & same style}; Red Purse - c/o Fossil}

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Favorite Wears: Styling Athletic Wear

We can't deny that athletic wear is a definitely a trend right now (and what a great one at that), from sneakers, to ball caps, to varsity jackets (I have it and love it all).  But I decided to style my new Athleta real workout wear (and not just inspired) pieces for a day of running errands, meeting a friend for lunch and working on the go. It proved to be both comfortable and stylish for a casual day, plus, I can really work out in these items, so that's a win.

I first fell in love with Athleta because of these pants.  And now I'm pretty much addicted to their work out and lifestyle clothing. So much so, that I've partnered up with my Kansas City store to throw you all a shopping event that can't be missed (hello discount, good cause and lot of fun twists and surprises...) - you can find out about it all right here (and make sure to RSVP so you will get your discount card).  You will see me there... in a similar version to this outfit right here.
{Outfit details: Faux-Leather Vest; Grey Quilted Pull-Over c/o; Stripe Leggings c/o; Booties; Earrings c/o; Lips}

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You're Invited! Athleta KC Fall Shopping Event with Bar Method & Parlor

Athleta KC is Hot for Hoddy! Join Athleta KC, Bar Method, Parlor and myself for a fun fueled girls night out and shop for a cause!  I'll have some fall styled outfits to give you an idea on how you can transform your workout clothes into your lifestyle clothes (hello versatility). Plus, each person that RSVPs by Friday, October 3rd will get a special coupon for 25% off their entire purchase!  
Make sure to get this on your calendar, forward to your Kansas City friends and make a girls evening out of it all.  I'd love to see/meet you!  Here are all the details of what this event has in store for you:
When: Sunday, October 5th Time: 5pm to 7pm {come for a little of it or the whole time!} Where: Athleta is located on the Country Club Plaza on the main drag, 47th street
The Cause:  10% of that night's purchases will be donated to benefit Leukemia Lymphoma Society & Hoddy of the Bar Method KC.  Hoddy is the owner of both Kansas City Bar Method locations, and despite having non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is also teaching and taking classes regularly!
The Bar Method:  Some of the awesome teachers will be at the event, so if you've every wondered about what the classes are like or if you have a question on your form, this would be a great time to come and talk to them! They are so super nice, you guys!  They will also have some giveaways - so stay tuned for more info on that!
Hair Bar:  Parlor is bringing some amazing stylists to help style your hair in the perfect do that will last from workout and beyond.  Now would be a great time to bring a photo of a style you've been needing some help with or just let the stylists do their magic!  They'll also have some coupons for everyone who comes!
During Event Discount: And of course, a great time to stock up on everything you've been eyeing from Athleta with an event discount of 25% off your entire purchase! BUT, you must RSVP, as each person will have their own discount coupon.  
So, please shoot Katy an email to let her know you're coming by Friday, October 3rd and she'll have your coupon waiting for you!
Let me know if you have any questions - it should be a fun time, great reason to shop & save, and hope to see you all there!

Not able to make the event?  Here are a few of my favorite pieces to wear during a workout and onward with my day:

And stay tuned for some Athleta outfits here, too!

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Back to School, Back to You!

Whether it is you that's headed back to school, your kids or not technically at all... this is the best time of year to revamp your routine and get back on track. Summer can knock us off, wayyyy off in my case, with travel, kid activities, friend gatherings, family visits and just overall summer fun.  I am looking forward to the cooler weather ahead to work on my health and get back to working out (Fall is my FAVORITE for many reasons, including working out since the temps aren't too hot, nor too cold)!
One of my favorite workouts that I'm looking forward to getting back on track with is the Bar Method (you can read the 7 things I love about Bar classes right here).  If you live in the Kansas City area, there are two locations - Leawood (Park Place) and West Plaza (on Kansas side).  If you aren't in the KC area, they have studios in a lot of other cities, too.  See their full location list here.  
Bar Method offers classes at a variety of different times for you to find what's convenient to your schedule - like before work, mid-morning, over lunch or after work, plus on weekends.  And don't fret if your kids haven't gone back to school, or aren't in school at all... they have childcare at both locations!  I have taken Nora a couple of times when she's not had school, and it's been really great (plus it's only $4 per kiddo).  
Right now through August, Bar Method Kansas City is offering a discount on a new member's first month for only $67.50!  So if you've ever wondered about Bar workouts - now is the time to try it! 
Get your workouts restarted at the Bar and with these cute workout clothes and gear:
White Crossover Tank - Black & Blue 'Icy' Pant - Patterned Hair Ties  Grey Tunic - Rev Up Stripe Tank - Grey Twilly Tank - Colorblock Tee Coral Hi/Lo Tee - Orange Classic New Balance Sneakers - Rebel Yoga Tights Glass Water Bottle & Cover - Bella Grip Socks - Push Up Sports Bra 
Thanks to the Bar Method for supporting this blog!  I picked up a few free classes for bringing you this great deal, because I  love it and think you will, too!

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A break from the Remix: Triathlon Clothing

In between my remix challenge outfits, I'm wearing this t-shirt non-stop.

I completed my first triathlon this past weekend!  It was the "short" course length comprised of a 500 meter open water swim in Longview lake, 12 mile crazy hilly bike (where I was one of only a few on a mountain bike = newbie) and 3 mile run in the blazin' sun!  It was intensely hard, but so great at the same time!  I was so glad to have done it, and can't wait to do another!

We were given the above t-shirt, and I'm wearing it the rest of the week while lounging around as my badge of honor. :)

Being my first tri, I took some suggestions and a leap of faith on what to wear.  I was super happy with my selections without spending $150+ for a tri suit!  Here are the pieces I used, and that I'll easily wear again:

All by Athleta: 

Tri Spin Shorts - have slight padding in the rear to get your through the bike, but not enough to soak up water and make me feel like swamp-ass.  I wore these shorts over the swim suit for a faster transition between swim and bike (pulling on tight shorts over a wet suit and body is hard). They didn't budge and felt great through all 3 sports! I'm wearing these shorts in the top photo.

Tarpon One Piece Suit - This suit has a full bottom to avoid a wedge while running and a sports bra on top for better support and to keep you in place.  The open back makes this suit feel like a two piece.
Zipper Daybreak Top - Once you get out of the water, you want something easy to slip on and that will wick away water and upcoming sweat.  I got this sleeveless top that had a 3/4 of the way zipper.  I laid it on my bike at my transition area unzipped 1/2 way down.  This allowed me to easily slip it on and zip it up on my bike.

Now that I have the clothes down, for my next tri, I hope to have an easier bike...I got whizzed by tons of road bikes.  While I love my mountain bike and it's a good one - a hilly triathlon course is no place for it!

Shoe of the Day; Reeboks (seriously)

I got a belated Christmas gift this past weekend from my mama. She had tried to get me the popular new Reebok athletic shoes in December, but they were sold out everywhere! Finally a new shipment, of a grand total of EIGHT pairs, came to the near by sporting store and she snatched up my size!

Reebok Easytones aren't just your typical running shoes. They're supposed to tone your legs with the air pocket-like patented sole technology, which emulates walking on sand.

I got the lime green ones!

So, I took my new tennies on a test run this weekend when I went for a walk with the pup. Not only did my legs (hamstrings and butt) feel more engaged, but they are wonderful on the joints! The technology in the sole make each step more cushioned. I love them!

The only hard part is getting them. They go fast!

Shoe(s) of the Day - ZUMBA!

Ok, so I've been doing Zumba for some time now, and really enjoying it. Something I'm going to stick with. However, my feet are starting to ache. I've been wearing my general running shoes, that are a bit too clunky for this dance aerobic class, not to mention make squeaky sounds all too often (no need to draw more attention to me and my attempt at the moves). So, I need help.

Does anyone else out there do Zumba? Have any shoes you recommend?

With a little guidance from the web and Google - I found this helpful site. Here are some options that seem like good fits and that are cute too...

PUMA Women's Cabana Racer II Sneaker
Nike Women's Zoom Quick Sister+ Training Shoe
Ryka Studio Flex Low Shoe
Nike Musique IV Sneaker

What shoes do you wear for aerobics, Zumba, Dance?

Want to try Zumba from the safety and privacy of your own home? Check out these videos to get a taste: 1, 2, 3