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!

Fresh New Fit: A Little Advice from Dr. Oz

By: LL
The other afternoon, I was relaxing out on our patio with a glass of sweet tea (or the Table Wine of the South) and a stack of magazines that I had fallen behind on reading. As I paged through back issues of InStyle and O Magazine, I felt inspired. One article that had a particular impact on me was Dr. Oz's Special in the May 2012 issue of O. This was an article about simple ways to gain energy and burn fat throughout the day. Whereas not everything was great, there were a few activities that I felt were so easy to integrate into a daily routine, which I share with you below.

First thing in the morning, go through a few sets of Sun Salutations (A or B). If you are not familiar with yoga flows, a good version of Sun Salutation B can be found here. This exercises are not meant to be a workout, rather a good way to stretch, awaken your body, and turn up your metabolism for the day.

{www.jailhodeep.blogspot.com} 

After completing 1-2 sets of these yoga poses, drink a large glass of water (16-18 oz). Even though you did not do any intense work with your muscles, it is good to re-hydrate. Plus, if you drink a colder glass of water, your body will burn some energy to warm it up.

For breakfast, make sure to eat protein. Yes, a lot of us do not have time to put together more than cereal and a banana for breakfast, but this article recommended buying a dozen eggs and hard-boiling them on Sunday, then eating 1-2 hard-boiled eggs with your cereal each weekday morning. Adding protein to your morning meal will give you more energy and help fill you up quicker. Also, have a cup of coffee. All coffee drinkers know it kicks your metabolism into high gear, but it also gives you energy and makes you mentally more alert.

Around lunch time, get up and go for a brisk walk for 10-15 minutes. Whether it be around the office, out in the parking lot, or if you have a nice walking area nearby. Just get up a move in the middle of the day.

Also, get outside in the sun for a least 10 minutes 3x per week. In so doing, you sufficiently metabolize the vitamin D that your body so dearly needs.

Do you need an afternoon caffeine fix? Instead of more coffee or a can of soda, opt for a cup of green tea. Not only does green tea have caffeine, it also boosts your metabolism and has plenty of antioxidants. Thinking that it might be too hot during the summer? Many coffee shops now offer iced versions of the tea, and even offered in grocery stores.

When you are getting to leave work and head off to your workout, Dr. Oz recommends working your muscles mentally. He explains that this entails going through your workout in your head. This helps begin the warm up process and allows you to begin burning fat. Seriously! And, then, of course, following this mental workout with a physical one (at least 30 minutes/day, 3 times/week).

Finally, make sure to be consistent about sleep patterns and try (as much as you can) to consistently get 7-8 hours of sleep.

These things, which might already be intuitive to some, are simple add-ons to your daily routine to help you gain energy and burn fat. Just some healthy food for thought before the weekend.

Throwing a Fit: Attaché

By: LL
As I prepare to start down a new career path, with a new job in a new city, I find myself fantasizing about "looking the part." The wardrobe is definitely not the issue. In fact, I have been dressing in business professional attire for the last 4 years and have accumulated quite the collection of pencil skirts, blouses, pumps, and blazers. I'm all set in the wardrobe department (for now...)

However, in my past roles, I have not needed to carry a briefcase (dispatch case, satchel, or attaché, if you will). I have a few laptop bags lying around from my college days when I had to lug my laptop with me everywhere. And, I definitely have my fair share of large handbags, which probably could pass as a work tote. Either way, I have found myself throwing a fit over some of these great attachés (fancy name accounts for the fancy price). If only...

1. Gucci Bella Tote
2. Cole Haan Vintage Valise Kendra
3. Tumi Voyageur Cortina Boarding Tota
4. Kate Spade Dama Striped Patent Leather Tote
5. Fendi Lucca Linen Tote
6. Yves Saint Laurent Cabas ChYc Satchel (Large)

I won't even go into the prices on these, as they definitely do not fit the bill. But a girl can dream, right?

Finding Your Fits: Maintaining Your Fitness Routine in a New City

By: LL
As I stated here and here, my husband and I are relocating to Kansas City in a few weeks, and we have been working to ensure that it will be a smooth transition. After two months of preparations, everything appears to be in order, except for my fitness plan, which is definitely going to require some work as I head to a new city.

Since I am a very organized person, even this slight bit of "unknown" is driving me crazy and screaming for my attention. I am sure that any fitness buff who has moved more than 30 miles has had a similar experience - how do you make your fitness routine work for you in a new city? Here are some tips that I have compiled for my reference and yours.

Finding the Right Gym

1. Make a list of the things that you want in a gym. Do you prefer to run on a track as opposed to a treadmill when running inside? Do you need access to a pool to train for a triathlon? Do you like to take group fitness classes? Do you want a flexible membership (i.e., only during the winter months)?
2. Do research of what gym chains are available in your new area. Most cities will have a YMCA and some sort of 24-hour fitness facility. I also encourage you to look into local fitness venues and studios (especially if you only take yoga or spin classes).
3. Map out where the gyms are located in relation to your home and work. It is important to find a convenient gym. If it is close to work, make sure that they have good shower facilities so that you can go straight to work from a morning workout. It will be a plus if you find a gym that has multiple locations that you can use - one located near work and another by your home.
4. Visit the gyms to get the feel of the facility and verify whether you vibe with the crowd. Whereas you might not be looking to romantically meet someone at the gym, it is always good to make gym friends - individuals that will hold you accountable to your workouts and make the experience social.
5. Find out the hours of operation, and make sure to ask about peak workout times to see if you will be battling crowds every day.
6. If you think that the gym might be for you, look into a trial period and ask whether they have new member incentives (i.e., one week of personal training). Also, make sure that there are not any hidden costs. If you have to pay extra to attend classes, you will want to factor that into the bottom line on the front end.

Finding the Right "Club"

If you are into sports clubs - run clubs, tennis clubs, biking clubs - most national club websites will have links to local clubs (for example: RRCA Find a Running Club). Depending on how large the city, you will normally have a few options to try out. From my experience, and that of others affiliated with this blog, not every club is the same. Make sure that the club has the right dynamic for you and that you get the opportunities that you are looking for in a club. Do not pay to join a club until you have the chance to feel them out. And, ask around for recommendations.

Finding the Right Outdoor Spaces

Many fitness activities require the right outdoor space, so it is important to take that into consideration even prior to choosing a place to live. My husband and I choose our new place due to the proximity to good and safe walking/biking paths. For us, we could judge this simply by observing and by asking our rental agent. However, if you are looking for outdoor space that might be a bit harder to assess, I recommend stopping into a local sporting goods/outdoorsman store. Most (not all) individuals who work at these stores are pretty knowledgeable about the surrounding areas and can point you in the right direction.

Since fitness is such an important part of my life, I am approaching its place in our relocation very thoroughly, which you definitely might not want to do. However, I just hope that some of these tips might help you if you ever have to relocate and move your fitness routine to a new city.

Featured Fit: Wet vs. Dry

By: LL
After living in Memphis for over two years, my husband and I definitely have come to know some great BBQ. And, like any Memphian, we have our favorite spots for ribs, pulled pork plates, and pulled pork sandwiches (no brisket here).

So, when announcing the news of our relocation to Kansas City, we were not really surprised that the most common response was, "Well, you will still have BBQ, but you'll have to settle with wet." I know, right? Probably not the first thought that comes to mind for anyone living oustide of the city that hosts the annual World Championship BBQ Competition each spring. But, this response directed our food selection when we were in KCMO last week. We wanted to do a comparison and see whether wet (or with BBQ sauce) was worse than dry (or with rub). Our first stop: Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque, which is located in the historic Freight House in the downtown Crossroads Art District.

Now, this BBQ restaurant was not a dive like most of the places we frequent for BBQ in Memphis. Instead, everyone is a bit more polished, and the prices a bit more expensive. We were lucky that we had been at a meeting prior to dinner, so we were both moderately dressed.

Outfit Details:
Tank: Old Navy (last season, but similar here)
Maxi Skirt: Forever 21 (this season, but sold out. Similar here)
Belt: J.Crew (as seen here and here)
Sandals: Steve Madden (available here)
Necklace: LL Original (inspired by Anthropologie)
Watch: Pulsar (gifted)
Purse: Brooks Brothers (previously seen here)

And, my husband and I both agreed that the BBQ at Jack Stack was good, but not quite as good as our favorite BBQ shop (which is Central BBQ, in case you were wondering). 

Fits on the Road: KCMO

By: LL
My husband and I spent the last week in KCMO (Kansas City, Missouri) - a city that, whether living in the North or South, has always been within driving distance, but which I have never visited. Even though we were there for business, I was excited to get a chance to check out what I had heard was a fabulous, fun city for young professionals (and, a great place for thrifting, according to Katy at Kansas Couture).

For any style hunter in KC, the first stop should be the Country Club Plaza. Located downtown, off of Broadway, the Plaza has a plethora of shops ranging from high end to budget-friendly. There is an H&M and XXI (one of the largest I have seen), but there is also a Brooks Brothers and Burberry. (Full List of Retailers). It worked out nicely that one of our free days happened to be beautiful, so we spent an afternoon wandering around the Broadway-Nichols- Wyandotte area.

{The Country Club Plaza}

Another smaller area to shop in KCMO is in the Power and Light District ("Get Turned on in KC"). Yes, this area is primarily known for restaurants and nightlife, but there are also some cute boutiques along Main Street, such as Envolve Boutique and The Garment District.

{Main Street}

Another great spot that one visiting KCMO must go to is the Westport area. This neighborhood has a few great vintage shops (Re-Runs and Arizona Trading Co. to name a few) and is also a great place to hang out and have dinner and drinks! We would recommend Beer Kitchen and McCoy's!

{Westport}

As for fitness on the road in KCMO, the town is definitely runner-friendly. We stayed at a hotel on the North side of downtown, and there was ample space to run on the sidewalks and the cars were good to yield to runners (of which I was one of many). And, even though I did not get out to run in any of the parks, as we commuted around the city, I saw so many runners out in the parks, which is always a good sign. 

I wish that we would have had more time to explore the surrounding areas of the city...which we definitely will with time as we prepare to relocate to this wonderful area! Yes, the Southern half of the Right Fits is moving North...to KC this spring!!