Functional Fit: Moving Day

By: LL
I know what has been running through your minds...where has LL been? We haven't seen any posts from her in awhile, right? Just kidding, but, for those few who might have noticed my absence from the Right Fits as of late, I am in the midst of my big move to KCMO. Well, actually we moved at the end of last week, but are still in the process of unpacking boxes and organizing our disorganization. And then, both my husband and I started new jobs today, which makes unpacking that much more difficult.

But, one great thing about moving this past week was the physical activity of lugging boxes down (3 flights of stairs) and back up (2 flights of stairs). All the lifting and bending and stairs - I definitely got quite the workout from such a functional activity. I was able to get multiple benefits out of something that I did not want to do.

For two straight days, I carried boxes and furniture out of one apartment and into another. With a little detective work (or visiting two of my favorite Websites: Spark People and Shape Magazine) I learned that a general apartment/home move can burn, on average, 7 calories a minute! And that does not include the strength workout that you will get from lifting and carrying. Moving, however painful and stressful it may be, is a very functional fit that can integrate easily into a weekly workout routine.

So, the next time that one of your friends asks you to lend them a hand with a move, so make up an excuse to avoid assisting a friend in need, rather embrace the favor as an opportunity to work your muscles in a different way and shake up your workout. Trust me, you will not be needing an additional workout after a day of heavy lifting!

Failed Fit: Thong Under Bikini

By Cool J

I wasn't sure that anything could top LL's post on the failed fit that was Bikini Jeans - yikes.

But if the Bikini Jeans  could be topped, it would only happen in one place:  

Las Vegas, baby!

Yes, this past weekend was the much anticipated bachelorette party in Vegas, and the abundance of failed fits was remarkable.  One particular failed fit occured at the Palms Hotel pool party. 

Now, my girlfriends and I would not normally be hanging out at the Palms pool...Jersey Shore anyone?

The pictures don't quite capture the d-baggery of this party. You had to be there.
However,  the people-watching was phenomenal.
Though the party was not our usual "scene," the 8 of us ladies tried our best to embrace the experience.

But did we fit in? Not so much...
Had we worn thongs, we might have looked like locals. 
Thongs were the norm at the Palms.

But let's be honest- a thong alone is not enough. 
A Palms Pool Party Patron (PPPP) needs to make a statement.
And the best way to make a statement?

A thong UNDER your bikini....

Yes, look closely. That's a thong UNDER the bikini. 

Epic. Failed. Fit. 

Now I'll admit. This post could be interpreted as a little mean. 
(Perhaps a tad "superficial" old FB friend?)

Perhaps I just don't understand Las Vegas style. I'll let you decide...

Finalize My Fit: Final Farewell

By: LL
As a follow up to yesterday's post, I ended up going in a completely different route, but still incorporating elements from my original two outfits. Here is a peak (mind the self-portraits...I had no one to photograph me since my husband in already working in KC).

Finalized Fit: 
{Chambray Top }Levi's (sold out, but similar)
{Skirt} Marshall's (in stores now...and with pockets!) (similar concept)
{Necklace} J. Crew Bubble Necklace (sold out in red, but more colors here)
{Watch} Bulova (New Old Stock borrowed from my husband)
{Pumps (not pictured, but discussed yesterday with Outfit #2)} Aldo (available here)

Since today's farewell activities will include a relaxed lunch, and most everyone else is wearing jeans for casual Friday, I went with a more relaxed look and found a way to incorporate denim (and pieces of yesterday's options)! I love chambray and I think that it makes a business skirt more fun! I also styled this with a fish-tail side braid and my favorite green Coach bag (seen here).

Finalize My Fit: Fitting for a Farewell

By: LL
Tomorrow is my last day at my position with the University of Tennessee. It will be a sad day as I bid farewell to all the wonderful individuals that I have been working with over the last few years. And, it will also be a day to make one final impression, so, of course, I need to plan out the right outfit. I want to retain my professionalism, but this will be a more laid-back day than others. These are the two outfits that I am tossing back and forth. One is appropriate for a good-bye lunch and the other for after-work cocktails.

Option #1: 

Old Navy Dress; Ralph Lauren Cardigan; Cole Haan Pumps; J. Crew Necklace; Forever21 Bangles

{A little more laid-back and perfect for lunch at an outdoor café. Great for this time of year in Memphis}

Option #2:

Deletta Blouse (Anthropologie); Forever 21 Skirt; New York & Co. Blazer; Aldo Pumps, Forever 21 Necklace & Bracelets

{The dressier option. Perfect if we meet after work for a cocktail}

Both of these looks will work and do not stray from my normal business style - which I think it key to that final impression. It is important to have that final image be a good summary of yourself - to reinforce who you have been during your time at a company/institution. I wouldn't recommend trying something completely different. For instance, if you didn't ever wear jeans or sandals to work before, don't plan to wear them on your last day.

Fits Do Fitness Class Reviews: Pure Barre

By Jessie

Back in October, I posted a short post to share my excitement with regards to a rumor that a Pure Barre was opening soon in Minneapolis (read about it here).

And, the time for that opening finally came. The studio had their "soft" opening this week and they offered free classes all week!

I signed up with a few run club girls for a 6 am class this past Friday. After my okay experience at Barre Bliss (read about it here), I was ready for a good butt-kicking. Did I get it?

Well, Pure Barre follows a very different format than Align or Barre Bliss. There is no cardio portion, and the moves are even more concentrated. You do use a small fitness ball and very light weights:

{Type of Fitness Ball Used}

My first clue that this class was different than the ones at Align/Barre Bliss was the carpeted floors. A few other clues came when I called ahead to see if the studio had showers, which they don't. The instructor informed me that you don't really get that sweaty, and also reminded me to wear socks. Definitely different than the other classes I mentioned.

I don't really know how to describe the moves we did on the mat, but there was a ton of core work and my legs were definitely burning during the work at the barre. But, I didn't get too sweaty. However, I was pretty sore on Saturday (probably not the best idea before a 10 mile race).

Here's how Pure Barre explains their technique:
Pure Barre is a total body workout that lifts your seat, tones your thighs and burns fat in record-breaking time. Utilizing the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements set to fantastic music, Pure Barre is the fastest, most effective, yet safest way to change your body. Students see results in just 10 classes. Pure Barre is intelligent exercise. The technique protects your joints as it does not involve any bouncing or jumping. Each strength section of the workout is followed by a stretching section in order to create long, lean muscle without bulk. The workout launches a full blown attack on the areas of the body all women struggle with: abs, hips, seat and arms. It defies gravity by tapering everything in and lifting it up. The workout requires such focus that you block "life" out for the hour allowing you to obtain the mental benefits achieved in yoga or meditation. A transformed body and a clear head in just one hour- it doesn't get much better than this.

A few friends have mentioned that they liked the class too, but thought the instructor didn't really guide or explain the moves very well.  Sometimes I felt as though I was doing the moves incorrectly, but there wasn't a ton of feedback or adjustments offered.

I definitely am interested in doing more of these classes, however, the caveat is that the studio is quite pricey. A single class is $22. They offer a month unlimited for new students for $99, but after that an unlimited membership is over $200. A hefty price to pay in my mind!

Another option that might "fit the bill" is to purchase the DVD's that they offer online. No equipment necessary!

Fits Do Race Reviews: Goldy's 10 Mile

By Jessie

Goldy's 10 Mile, a.k.a "Goldy's Run" was held on Saturday, April 14, 2012, at 8 am. This was only the second year of the race, but as a participant, I felt that it was a great success!

The race starts and finishes near the TCF Bank stadium on the University of Minnesota campus. The finish actually is a "spectacular finish" on the football field at TCF Bank Stadium where you can witness your own finish on one of the biggest screens in college football. Goldy's Run 10 Mile is the USATF Minnesota 10 Mile Individual Championship and part of the USATF MN Individual Ultimate Runner Series.  

In addition to the 10 mile run, there is a 5k Run or Walk and a Goldy's Gallop kids run.

Packet pickup was held on Friday the 13th at the TCF Bank Stadium from 11-7 pm.

Parking
Parking was a hassle. There is a lot of construction right now on campus for the new lightrail, and parking was limited and expensive. The packet pick-up was very slow- we waited in line for an hour and a half! A coworker and I had run out over lunch, thinking we would be in-and-out for packet pickup, but it took much longer than expected.

Goldy the Gopher!
Goldy! As a University of Minnesota alum, I enjoyed all the Goldy the Gopher gear. The techinical shirts were very nice.

And don't you love these bibs?

Weather
The weather was perfect- 45 degrees at the start, and about 65 degrees at the finish.

{Nike Top, Lululemon Skirt}

Course:
The course weaved through campus and along the river. I really enjoyed it, EXCEPT for all those killer hills. I did not remember the campus being so hilly when I was a student!

Finish line:
The finish was straight into the TCF Bank Stadium. It was a great finish line.

{With the D-Man at the finish}

Overall, I would give this race an 8.5/10. The hills made it challenging and the packet pick-up could use some work, but overall it was a fun race, and I would definitely do it again!

Fit the Bill: Fashion Swap

By Cool J
This Saturday was the official Fashion Swap, (preview here). It was a fun event, and I hope everyone thought it was a success.


Preparation:
To prepare, I purchased a few standalone wardrobes from Ikea:
(only $14.99!)

I also picked up some tags from Target to mark everyone's items with their initials. This was the most time-consuming part in the preparation. A few participants dropped off their items earlier in the week, which helped a lot with the organization. Next time, I would give each person the tags to mark their items themselves before they came over. Even though the tags weren't entirely necessary, a lot of the girls said they enjoyed knowing whose clothes they were trying on :)

 Originally, I had set up some rules for the swap- for every item you brought, you'd get a card to swap for another item.

However, after everyone arrived, we decided it would be more fun to have a free-for-all. I knew this was risky, as people might end up giving more than they received or vice versa, but all the girls came with an open mind, and they seemed okay with this plan.

These pictures are from when only a few people had dropped off their items. We had a LOT of clothes to choose from...

 

Snacks and wine were important for the success of this event. Since I ran the Goldy's 10 mile early in the day, I didn't have a ton of time to cook up some appetizers, so I decided to order a few appetizers from Broder's Cucina (such as these tasty caprese skewers, the Fulton flat breads, and a cheese tray)

 

 I also offered a "signature cocktail" made with Cake vodka and ginger ale.

 Personally, I obtained some killer items in the swap that I am really excited about:

such as the below fun Rachel Roy one shoulder dress that will be PERFECT in Vegas, and a short little BCBG number!

Skirts, tanks, workout tops, plenty of Lulu gear (my top and crops are both a swap from my friend Anne!)

The feedback I received was positive. I think the swap was a successful way for my group of friends to switch up their wardrobes for free. And another unexpected part of the fun was seeing your clothes work for someone else. A lot of the girls mentioned how nice it was to see a friend find a new item that wasn't quite right for the original owner, yet looked amazing on the friend!

Clean-up was easy, as the D-man helped me bag up all the leftover clothes for donation to Goodwill later this week.

A fashion swap is good for your closet, good for the pocketbook, and good for the community!

I highly recommend the fashion swap to others. I hope to make this a yearly event!