My Own Oscar Night

If you know be personally, you know that 'Awards Season' is my thing.  I love seeing who wins, who wear's what, and discussing who got dissed.

I thought I'd go onto Rent the Runway and do a little fun 'what would I wear' segment to hopefully get you pumped up for Sunday night (and a Leo win!!).

I did some filtering and only looks at gowns that ACTUALLY came in my size (12, if you must know).  Here's what drew me in:

Since I've been working really hard on my upper body and back, I loved this first choice.  It's quite simple in the front, a higher neckline with no sleeves, but the back is where the action is at.  I imagine a sparkly Judith Lieber purse and some fabulous statement chandelier earrings would make this a wow!  Now, to work on my reverse over the shoulder pose......

Again, for this second look I was drawn to the back, but also the deep navy color.  The front plunge is risque without being vulgar.  I've come to terms with the fact that I am conservative when it comes to my dressing, looking sexy doesn't necessarily mean showing skin.  I imagine this with a delicate diamond bracelet and either earrings or a strand of diamonds that hit the collar bones.

The third pick is definitely the most modest pick, but the lace overlay on the top is trendy currently.  I'm on the fence if I'd put a thin belt to contrast the top portion and the skirt.  Similarly to the above selection I would only put a bracelet, maybe a chunkier one, and some delicate earrings, if any.  This would be my last pick since I think I'd get really washed out since I'm so fair and the dress is a LOT of white.

I was looking for a colorful dress for the last selection and I think this was on the last page....it's a definite stretch for me, but again I've been feeling my back recently.  This color will POP again my skin and the minimal detailing allows for a great statement necklace!

I know it's been a while since I've blogged, but I've got a lot of ideas and I really want to update the format and make it more my style!

Thanks for being a reader, whether you're new or a loyal follower!  And I'll see you later, back here in my closet!!

David Kind review

I finally got myself to the optometrist for the first time in over a year and I learned two things:

1) Wearing your contacts longer than their recommended apparently has HORRIBLE consequences
2) I have such bad astigmatism that no readily available (read: not custom) soft contact can correct to get my at 20/20.

So I purchased some contacts that can get me as close as they can, and I started looking into getting a new pair of glasses that are full strength.

I had heard of David Kind through my favorite blog right now, The Small Things Blog.  Kate is just so down to earth...with enviable hair

Anyway....I thought I'd give them a try.  The premise behind David Kind is that you select three frames and a stylist selects three frames.  They send you them (with no corrective lenses) and you have 6 days to test all the frames out and review them for purchase.  Of my 6, 2 were front runners and after wearing one pair all day over my contacts, it quickly became my favorite.

Here are some shots Rob took of the packaging (which is pretty slick) and me wearing the frames.

The first three frames below are the ones I selected for myself

I took a risk on this clear pair, but I thought it might look like I'm not wearing glasses.  I was wrong.

This pair was a pretty conservative style, but I picked it in a sage green to change it up.  Nothing was really wrong with this pair, just didn't love it compared to others.

 Favorite pair from my selections.  It's a tortoise shell color, which makes it less severe on my fair skin.

The next three frames are ones my stylist picked from some questions I answered and a photo I sent in.

 Wasn't loving these frames, the gradual change in color was something I couldn't get over.

 I felt like Noah Bennett from 'Heroes' wearing these frames.  I little too round also for my taste.

 These were my favorite from her selections, again a tortoise shell color with a more square frame.

I took a few selfies and posted on my facebook page to gauge people's opinions:

  The winner was the pair on the right, which is what I eventually choose.

Now the process includes shipping all the glasses back, with comments on each frame.  Sending my stylist a photo of me wearing the frame so they can gauge lens fit and emailing my prescription in so they can create my set!

Once I get it in I'll post some more pics on Facebook!

Sports Bra Review #2

Part #2 of my series on Sports Bras (see the 1st blog here) is more my opinion on fit, comfort, price and style.  I wanted Jessica's perspective because we could not be more different body types.  Pre-pregnancy I was a 36DD, and since then I've nursed for a full year and lost more than 40 lbs....so now I'm like a 34D.  So for me it's about keeping what I've got in place and not moving....plus looking stylish.

One thing I will say, is that no matter your size, the individual molded cup seems to be the new trend for any shape/size.  It gets rid of uni-boob and provides more stability.

My review is going to be a bit different from the last, I'll break down the styles I have (range in prices) and what I like/dislike and what exercised I use them for....so here we go.

Victoria's Secret Knockout & Incredible bra - I picked these up during the semi-annual sale, because I didn't want to pay $60 for a bra I might not love.  I love one and dislike the other.  Both bras have molded cups and comfortable straps.  The Knockout zips in the front and the Incredible is a pull over with a snap band in the back.  On days where I do heavy cardio (kickboxing) I reach for the Incredible first, I've found that over time the snap back allows me to correct for any 'give' the spandex has relaxed and still keep a tight band.  The Knockout is a perfectly find sports bra for days will less movement, weight lifting, walking, etc.  The band has relaxed and I've felt over time the support has decreased...plus I've reduced my natural band sizing...so I should probably size down.

Overall - Knockout - meh, Incredible - worth it (when on sale)

 
Knockout

 
Incredible

C9 Champion High Support Sports bra - Jesi and I agree on this one!  It's the bra I reach for the most, and will probably buy again.  The style is similar to the Incredible, with a pull over and snap band back.  I use this for kickboxing as well as running and never feel like I'm bouncing.

Overall - FABULOUS!

FILA Sport Core Essentials High Impact Sports Bra - I was looking for another affordable sports bra options, so I started scouring the internet and all my go to sites.  I found this one at Kohls.....which, who has ever paid full price at Kohls....no one....ever.  I used a 30% promo code I found online and ordered two colors in XL....when they came, they were a little large.  So I took them back to my local store for Larges, and they work awesome!  Sizing down give you a snug fit around the band which is what you need, and will allow for eventual give since there are no adjustable straps.  I have two colors, and I love that they have a wide range.  I pull for these on both cardio and weight training days, if my C9 isn't available.

Overall - Great for the money, but not my go to.

Those really cover my most worn sports bras....I have some from Old Navy that I use for weight training only days, and some really old ones I need to rotate out.  I've heard that sports bras shouldn't see a birthday...meaning you shouldn't have them for over a year.  While that's great in theory, if you've got a large bust and shelled out nearly $50 per bra for a set of 3-5, you don't really want to do that every year.  I recommend just keeping tabs on the band fit as it wears over time...and DON'T throw them in the dryer....AIR DRY!!!!

I've got a great fall fashion inspired posts coming, get excited!  Thanks for your continued support in reading, and I'll see you back here, in my closet!