As I’m going through my closet and going through the process of slowly decluttering, I’m taking inventory of all of the pieces I have. I’ve also made a list of closet “staples” – foundational pieces that are versatile and can be worn over and over. Denim is an obvious closet essential. I could fill half of my closet with denim and I would still want more. However, there are some key pieces you absolutely need in your closet. These are pieces that are worth spending a little more on and finding the absolute perfect fit. If you do so, you’ll find that you can wear these for years and years (if not forever!) because it’s so sturdy. Also, on a side note – it’s not very environmentally sustainable, so being vintage OR buying fewer pieces and keeping them forever is your best bet for leaving a minimal footprint.
5 Must Have Denim Pieces You Need:
1. Black jeans – fit is everything here. Black denim is obviously more slimming and very flattering on all body types. Experiment with different cuts – skinny jeans are best for elevating your outfit beyond yoga pants (generally a no-no), but boot cut or boyfriend fits may be more your style. Try different brands and cuts until you find your perfect pair. Some of my favorite brands: Frame, Paige, and Current/Elliott.
2. Denim jacket – everyone’s favorite spring/summer outerwear. A denim jacket is beyond classic and an absolute must have in your closet. Go for a slightly distressed, oversized fit or scour your local vintage stores/flea market for a piece that’s worn in and one of a kind. This one from BLANKNYC is $100 and sure to be something you’ll wear over and over again.
3. Denim shorts – you cannot have too many pairs of denim shorts in your closet, especially come summertime! Go for something more contemporary from One Teaspoon or opt for a vintage look from Re/Done (or even better, make your own!).
4. Classic wear-with-everything denim – I for one am so happy “mom jeans” have been back in style. Re/Done makes the best repurposed Levi’s but again, I think searching for your favorite pair at the flea market (I love Melrose Trading Post in Los Angeles on Sundays) is more fun, rewarding, and cost effective.
5. Denim skirt – a childhood staple brought back today. I bought this denim skirt from GRLFRND a year and a half ago and cannot stop wearing it.
Florals aren’t just for spring. This feminine and romantic print is actually easy to incorporate into your wardrobe year around. Even as I’m shifting to neutrals and more classic pieces as I get older, I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for floral prints. For spring, I’ve got my eye on something from Zimmermann. How swoon-worthy are these prints and dresses?! When it comes to winter, you can still incorporate florals into your outfit without looking completely out of place.
How to wear winter florals
Of course, in Southern California, winter can often mean 80 degrees outside – yes, we’re extremely lucky! – so we can get away with wearing off the shoulder maxi dresses like this one from Flynn Skye that I’m wearing. I know this isn’t the case everywhere! For colder climates, I would totally wear this print in the form of a blazer, jumpsuit, pants, or top for the winter. Having lived in the Midwest for the majority of my life, I can speak from first hand experience on how to transition some of your warmer weather pieces and prints through the fall and winter.
+ Choose a darker color palette. Black, gray, navy tones create more muted floral prints that don’t scream “SPRING!” as loudly. Florals don’t always have to be girly or super feminine – sometimes a darker floral palette can make for a grungier look.
+ Pick a heavier fabric – velvet and silk are always safe bets for colder months. Avoid fabrics such as linen or chiffon – anything too summer-y or meant to be worn on a vacation.
+ Make sure the rest of your outfit is seasonally appropriate. If you want to rock a floral skirt in the middle of winter, make sure to wear (ideally fleece lined) tights! In general, try to avoid too much exposed skin.
“Athletlic” is not a word I would use to describe myself. I didn’t grow up playing sports, was not always super active, and relied mostly on my genetics and fast metabolism throughout my teenage years to get by and stay thin. It wasn’t until a few years ago, when I began investing in myself and trying out different boutique fitness classes, that I learned what the best workout is (for me) and found tactics that motivate me to stay motivated and consistent. It’s been a long journey, one filled with periods of giving up and not always having the healthiest relationship with food and my body, but I feel like I have finally made significant strides. Fitness has become a huge part of my life night – over time, I came to actually enjoy working out – and now I seriously cannot imagine my week without exercise.
HIIT Classes
It took me a long time to realize that the “best workout” is the one you actually like. Gyms were never for me – I was intimidated by all of the machines and free weights, and thought the only way to get in shape was to spend hours slaving over the cardio machines. Not only was it tremendously boring and tedious, it did nothing for my body and I dreaded working out.
Then, I was introduced to barre classes – and I was instantly hooked. I loved the classes and everything about them – the instructors, the music, the community, feeling sore the next day. That was the first time in my life I ever really consistently worked out. It felt great, but I still was not getting the results I wanted. Over the years I tried every class imaginable – spin, boxing, pilates, yoga, etc. I finally found my groove and have been going to HIIT classes 3-4x a week for the past year and it has been the best thing for me.
Whatever your goal are, whether you’re looking to lose weight or get in shape, they will take time. Your body won’t change overnight, and any “plan” or “cleanse” that promises to do so is a LIE. The only thing that will change your body is if you change your lifestyle and remain committed to those changes. With that said, there are a few tricks I picked up over the years that have made working out and staying motivated so much easier.
Gym Motivation to Reach Your Fitness Goals:
+ Have a clear goal in mind.
Maybe you have an event coming up you want to look your best for, or maybe you want to be able to do 10 push-ups. Whatever it is, setting a goal and having something to strive for helps to keep your eyes on the prize.
+ Find an exercise you actually love.
If yoga or pilates isn’t your thing, try something else! There’s no “best” or “perfect” workout. It’s whatever you like the most and will actually WANT to do multiple times a week. What do you actually look forward to? Maybe instead of a gym or class, you prefer rock climbing, hiking, or running outside. There are SO many options for whatever your fitness goals are. Try something new!
+ Make friends!
This has been such a game changer for me. Meeting like minded individuals in my bootcamp class has been the best thing for keeping me accountable and motivated. On my own, I’m more likely to cancel a class last minute or half ass it if I’m not feeling it. But making friends has not only made the class more fun (they push me to run faster, use heavier weights, and SHOW UP), I also WANT to go to class because even if the workout is rough, I get to see them! It’s really a win-win.
+ Schedule your workouts.
I plan mine out a week in advance so I know I’ve set time aside for myself and can plan around it. This makes my workout time non-negotiable, just like any other meeting I have planned during the week.
+ Look cute while you sweat.
When in doubt, dress the part. If you’re not so sure about this whole exercise thing, start with your workout clothes. I swear having a couple cute outfits is actually motivating because it makes you want to wear them (and not just to run errands in) and you feel more comfortable and confident in your own skin. Try it out! I’ll do a post on my favorite workout clothes and brands soon.
What’s your workout routine and how do you stay motivated?? xx
Some weekends are for catching up on reality tv re-runs (The Bachelor and Real Housewives, anyone?) and eating froyo… this being one of them. We’re almost done with Dry January, and to be honest it’s been the best way to reset and start off the year. I’m not one for crazy cleanses or detoxes, so cutting out booze and getting some extra zzz’s is the easiest and healthiest (IMO) opinion for me to feel and look better quickly.
Inadvertently, the theme of January has been detoxing – in multiple ways. I talked last week about cleaning out my closet and being more thoughtful in my clothing purchases. With that said, many of my favorite looks this year have incorporated pants. Wide-legged, metallic, cropped – you name it, I am loving all types of party pants at the moment. The best part about different types of pants is, you can wear them to work, brunch, even out for dinner or drinks. They’re super versatile and a fun way to mix up your outfits. Shop some of my favorites below with some easy styling tips for any occasion.
Although I’m no stranger to aromatherapy and using essential oils in my daily routine, it wasn’t until recently that I began to regularly diffuse essential oils in my home. It’s kind of silly to even admit this, but properly diffusing essential oils is SO much better than using any old air freshener. I love my essential oil diffuser and incorporating it has become part of my routine. It’s so calming and relaxing – it totally sets the mood right.
Essential oils have long been touted for their benefits and ability to boost our mood. The science behind this is that our brain closely links different scents to feelings and moods. Who knew our nose and brain were so closely connected?
Why I’m all about diffusing essential oils:
Many people just take essential oils and apply them onto their skin, like a perfume or for an essential oil massage. This is completely fine! You’ll totally get the benefits of aromatherapy when you apply oils topically – but breathing in the essential oils will allow you to experience their full benefits. When you diffuse the oil (using a tool to push and send essential oils into the air around you), it changes the entire room.
Diffusing essential oils not only creates a natural air freshener (that smells amazing!) but it also triggers feelings and emotions when you smell the scent. Different essential oils can trigger different moods in the mind – so depending on the mood you’re in (or want to be in!), diffusing a particular essential oil can take your mind there.
Some popular essential oils and their benefits:
Lavender & bergamot – relaxation & stress reduction (these are my favorites for unwinding at night).
Citrus (orange, lemon, grapefruit) – uplifting, mood-boosting. I often start my day with a citrus essential oil.
Ylang-ylang & jasmine – sensual
Peppermint – energy & focus (think: chewing gum before an exam)
Eucalyptus – immunity boosting, helps with breathing.
My go-to essential oils at home? Lavender, grapefruit, and orange. I really love setting the mood for a relaxing night in or bringing positive energy for the day ahead. You can also mix and combine different essential oils for a different scent or a variety of benefits.
Breathe Well – lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary
Depending on the time of day and mood I’m in, I’ll whip up one of these or try experimenting with something new!
How to diffuse essential oils:
The Process:
Take your diffuser and fill it up with water (there’s usually a line that shows how much water to add). Add ~5-10 drops of essential oil (you can use one oil, or try mixing and matching different ones!). Start with fewer drops and add more as you go – you definitely don’t need to start with more than 5 or 10 drops! Turn on your diffuser and set a timer (some diffusers come with interval timers!) and enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy.
Safety:
As much as I love to diffuse essential oils, after doing some research I learned that there is a right way to diffuse oils SAFELY. Yes, safety is important when you are diffusing essential oils!
A Common Misconception:
First, a common misconception is that you can just keep your diffuser running all day long, like an air freshener. That is actually wrong! You should only diffuse essential oils for short periods of time – think 5-15 minutes (30 minutes max!). Why? Because after diffusing for that amount of time, you’re no longer receiving the benefits of the scent because you have effectively overloaded yourself with it and there is no longer any therapeutic value left.
Never Heat Your Oils:
Another important thing to note is to never heat the oil! Proper diffusers never use heat to disperse the essential oil (they use air). On that note, you should never warm your essential oils over a candle or warmer to diffuse the oil.
How To Clean Your Diffuser:
You don’t have to clean your diffuser often (even if you use different scents), but if you’d like to clean your diffuser, just make sure to dump out the water and clean the inside with a soft cloth or brush.
The Best Essential Oils Diffuser:
I LOVE this stone diffuser from Vitruvi. Not only is it absolutely beautiful (handcrafted from porcelain!), the ultrasonic technology it uses to diffuse the oils keeps them pure and fresh. The diffuser uses ultrasonic waves and water to disperse the essential oil into the air. I’m a total sucker for packaging, and this diffuser looks absolutely beautiful in my home. It’s also functional and getting a lot of use, especially now in the winter!
I’m off to mix up a little nighttime essential oil concoction to help me get to sleep! Thinking lavender and bergamot with a drop of eucalyptus tonight.
1. Black jeans – fit is everything here. Black denim is obviously more slimming and very flattering on all body types. Experiment with different cuts – skinny jeans are best for elevating your outfit beyond yoga pants (generally a no-no), but boot cut or boyfriend fits may be more your style. Try different brands and cuts until you find your perfect pair. Some of my favorite brands: Frame, Paige, and Current/Elliott.
