Category Archives: Style

stronger-10 fun sports bras for your next workout

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Hi guys! I know I’ve been completely terrible about connecting on this blog, and I’m really going to try and show up at least once a week. #goals

Speaking of goals, I’m trying to get my fitness in order this spring/summer. I’ve been keeping up with my trainer about 2 times a week, and really want to try and add a few more morning cardio sessions in the mix. I am just NOT a morning person. In this vein, I headed out to a SoulCycle class 2 weeks ago with one of my besties, Hannah. We’ve been to SoulCycle together before, but the real draw here was it was a PSPCA fundraiser (sadly, there were no puppies in attendance).

About halfway through the workout, I realize that I am dripping buckets of sweat. It was SO hot in there and I was working my butt off. So, I decided to do something that I’ve never done while working out before. I took my shirt off.

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I wasn’t the only one in the class who was pedaling in just a sports bra, so I didn’t feel too uncomfortable in the dimly lit room. However, as soon as our instructor turned up the lights for a song, my instant reaction was to critique my body in the mirror. Were my hips, more pronounced due to my leggings, offending people? Were people judging me thinking, “there is no way that girl should be taking her shirt off”? Can I pull my leggings up a little higher to suck my belly in?

All these thoughts are running through my head, but SoulCycle has a calming effect on me (it must be something about all of those positive affirmations the instructors yell out). So, I decided to just let all of those negative thoughts go. I decided, if I was comfortable enough to sweat it out in a sports bra in the dark, then I’m confident enough to sweat it out in a sports bra in the light.

In honor of this revelation, I’ve rounded up 10 fun (although maybe not functional), cool, and strappy as all hell sports bras for you to flaunt during your next workout.

Sports Bra3Clockwise from top left: Forever 21, Under Armour, Forever 21, Forever 21, Old Navy, Lululemon, Fabletics, SoulCycle, SoulCycle, Fabletics

Do you guys have any workouts that you swear by? Or any gym clothes that make you crush your workout? I’d love to hear about them, let me know in the comments!

 

 

summer girls-10 one piece bathing suits under $100

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I took a quick break from blogging after The Bachelor wrapped up, but I’m back and have some fun things in store. My life has been pretty crazy as I get ready to move apartments, but I’m planning some fun decorating posts! I’m even hoping to add in a few recipe posts here and there as I take full advantage of a kitchen for once. Today, I’m easing back into blogging with a fun bathing suit roundup!

I have a ton of trips planned this summer, most of which are Bachelorette party related. I’ve loved the recent trend of one-piece swim suits coming back into style so I rounded up 10 of my favorite options, each that come in under $100!

10 One Pieces Under 100Clockwise from top left: The Bikini Lab, Billabong, H&M, Private Party, Forever 21, Target, MiYang, Out From Under, Asos, MINKPINK

I honestly can’t decide which one is my favorite! There are just too many unique things about each of them. I think the Private Party ‘Poppin’ Bottles’ suit would be SO fun for a bachelorette party and The Bikini Lab suit is actually reversible. That is two suits for the price of one. If I had to choose, I think I’d go with the Out From Under suit – it comes in a bunch of different patterns and the back is to die for! Crazy tan lines be damned!

Are you guys loving the one piece trend, or do you like to stick to bikinis? Any cute suits that you’ve come across that I’ve missed? Share them in the comments!

xo Em

casetify – a roundup

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I don’t know about you, but phone cases have always been a weak spot for me. I just really love them.  I don’t know if its the level of customization that you can apply to them, or the fact that you can purchase one as a relatively inexpensive pick-me-up on a bad day but, there’s something about them

I’ve semi-recently stumbled upon Casetify, and its my new phone case obsession. The coolest part about their product is their cases come as separate pieces. So, the bumper, outer case, and design backplate are all separate. What this allows (after you have purchased a whole case) is for you to just buy the designed backplate by itself, and have an inexpensive update to your phone! I think its such a great idea, and makes a $40 pick-me-up, a $15 one!

Besides loving the structure of their cases, the Casetify designs are so cute! I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites below:

cute-phone-cases_casetifyClockwise from top left: Coral Reef Marble, Corgi Pizza Slices, Cultivate Kindness, Leopard, Sporty Spice, Have Courage and Be Kind

Have you guys ever ordered from Casetify? Check out their site and let me know your favorite designs! I’m always looking for new ones!

xo
Em

J.Crew x New Balance Activewear

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Have you guys seen the new J.Crew and New Balance collaboration? In case you haven’t, I wanted to share some of the items because I am legit obsessed! I’ve only been able to find a range of price points ($15-$200) and no item specific pricing but I’m praying that the $15 isn’t just for socks or a headband.

Here are some of my favorite looks:

jcrew_polka-dot_legging

The polka dot panels on these leggings are so fun! The non-solid print adds an unexpected dimension, and the lines look really flattering.

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The navy and white stripe is classic J.Crew.

jcrew_terry-stripe_tank

I’m unsure what I love so much about this tank top. It might be the pure after workout glow of the model or how comfy it looks. Either way, this tank is super cute, and could definitely be worn from spin class to brunch.

The collection launches tomorrow(!), and a bunch of stores across the country are holding launch parties. You can see if there is a store near you here. If you make a purchase, you receive a pass to a workout!

Are you guys planning on checking out this line? And crossing your fingers that the prices are reasonable? Let me know!

xo
Em

source (you can check out the rest of the collection at this link too!)

fireball-dwts: week 2

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As the saying goes, better late than never, right? The week was capped off by a bit of flu, but I’m feeling on the mend and ready to post my thoughts on Week 2 of Dancing With the Stars.

Jodie Week 2 Dance

Favorite Dances

1. Jodie Sweetin kicked the night off right with this sexy number.  Much like Stephanie Tanner in Fuller House, Jodie owns her sexiness and isn’t afraid to put it out there.  It paid off with this sizzling samba.


2. I thought Paige VanZant’s salsa was amazing, especially considering the circumstances.  Partner Mark Ballas went down in rehearsals with a slipped disk in his back, giving her only two hours to practice with fill-in partner Alan Bersten. As host Tom Bergeron said, it’s truly a testament to the talent of the professional dancers to be able to substitute in on these complicated routines at a minute’s notice.


3. Although not the most technically proficient celebrity in the group, I really enjoyed Doug Flutie’s performance on Monday.  He appeared strong and in control during his Paso Doble with partner, Karina Smirnoff. I was also moved by the analogy he made between the fight in this dance and the fight against autism, a diagnosis his son received at the age of two.

Did Ya Catch That?Cody Linley1. They say Dancing With the Stars is a family, and I guess that’s true because they invite EVERYONE back to the ballroom.  This week in the front row, former Disney Star and Season 7 contestant, Cody Linley.

Noah Turn Around2. I loved this little moment between Sharna Burgess and her partner from last season, Noah Galloway.  I’m not quite sure if Noah was supposed to still be up in the SkyBox when they came back from commercial, but either way, Sharna had to tap him and remind him to turn around.  That is Dancing With the Stars etiquette!

Thumbs Up3. This guy, who claps when no one else does, and thumbs up when everyone claps. Love him.

Dressing With the Stars

Witney Week 2 OutfitThis week I was a fan of Witney’s coordinating two piece, which I learned in my research is called a Co-Ord.  If you can pull off as much skin and jewels as Witney, more power to you. However, if you’re like me and don’t think you could do it, I’ve rounded up a few similar options.

Asos Outfit Week 21. This outfit, from Asos gives you the jewel factor, without looking like a costume. You can buy the top here, and the skirt here.

Asos Week 2 OUtfit
2. If the first outfit is still a bit much for you (and for me it probably would be), a second option is this Co-ord.  Although not a floral, as Witney’s appears to be, this pink polka dotted number has the same retro vibe. You can buy the top here, and the skirt here.

Accessories Week 1
3. To finish off the look, add a pair of high top wedges, and a denim jacket!

What are your thoughts on Week 2? Sad to see Geraldo go? Hope Mischa finally finds her mojo? Let me know in the comments!

xo
Em

the man.

Posted in Sports, Style by

Thank goodness its the weekend, this week really seemed to drag on! This weekend, I’m ready for some relaxation: reading, cooking, (hopefully) FINALLY finishing Making a Murderer, and topping it all off with the Super Bowl! Today, I’ve got a little sports and a lot of cuteness for you!

Women & the NFL
There has been a lot of ugliness regarding the NFL and women this season (I’m looking at you Greg Hardy & Johnny Manziel).  Luckily, there are still plenty of stories about the NFL and its players respecting and honoring women, even if they aren’t the salacious click bait that has become a favorite of ESPN.

  1. The Rooney Rule
    At the NFL Women’s Summit this week, Roger Goodell announced that the league was working on formalizing the institution of the Rooney Rule as it applies to women in executive positions within both  individual organizations and the league. The Rooney Rule, as it stands, requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate for a head coaching vacancy. The new rule would require both teams and the NFL itself to interview a woman for any front office or executive position that opens, in hopes to diversify leadership of teams. Who knows, maybe with more women in the league, I won’t have to hear about the Johnny Manziels and Greg Hardys of the world.

  2. Demaryius Thomas & His Mother
    Demaryius Thomas is a standout wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, and up until a few weeks ago, his mom, Katina Smith, and never seen him play professional football.  She had been incarcerated, and on July 13th was pardoned by the President, who was becoming fed up with the overcrowding of America’s prisons with many inmates who were jailed on non-violdent drug related crimes.  ESPN published a great piece on Katina’s jubilation at being able to see her son play football for the first time, but also details how difficult the transition is from incarcerated life to freedom. Imagine how different the world would look if you hadn’t been able to go outside of prison grounds since the late 90’s. Internet, iPhones, DVD players, all of these things would be new.  Demaryius treats his mother with patience, kindness, and grace as she adjusts to life outside of prison and is an up-and-coming NFL player to look up to.  To learn more about Demaryius’s story, E:6o had a great video feature about a year ago, that you can find here.

  3. Dad-dos
    So those last two were kind of heavy, so I’m here for some serious NFL daddy/daughter cuteness. As part of their “Strong is Beautiful” campaign, Pantene has created ads that features NFL superstars spending quality time with their young daughters, while doing their hair. The videos are so enjoyable, featuring adorable little girls and big burly football players struggling to do something that many parents can do with their eyes closed. A common complaint among the football players – their hands are too big for this!  To watch all of the videos, you can visit Pantene’s YouTube page (DeAngelo Williams’s videos are my favorite) or watch the 30 second ad below.

Cutest Instagram Dogs
I’ve been having awesome luck lately with seeing cute dogs on the street. In the morning, I get to see Foxy, a tiny pomeranian who is always down to say good morning. On the way to kickboxing I normally see a golden retriever puppy, going on his afternoon walk. In case you guys aren’t as lucky in the dog department as I have been the past few weeks, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite dogs on Instagram, so you can get your daily dose of cute.

  1. Samson the Goldendoodle
    This cutie can frequently be seen in some killer outfits.

  2. Bess the Wheaten
    Full disclosure: I am a sucker for Wheaten Terriers, my parents have two of them, and I treat them like my children. Case and point, everytime I talk to my parents the call ends with, “Love you guys! Tell the dogs I love them too!”. How can you not love pups with a face like this though?

  3. Brinks the Pit Bull
    This little guy always looks like he’s smiling, and whenever I scroll past him on my feed, I can’t help but smile too.

Statement Studs at Baublebar
I’ve always been a fan of the statement earring trend, but as someone who considers throwing her hair up in a top knot as “doing it”, I’ve always thought it a bit too much to wear a dangly, bejeweled earring. Enter, the statement stud. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite from one of the best affordable jewelry websites around, Baublebar.earrings

  1. Babushka Studs
  2. Crystal Ballerina Studs
  3. Ice Stud Duo
    (I’m partial to the mint pair)

I hope you all have a great end to your weekend! Who do you have in the Super Bowl? Are you #teamsheriff or #teamsuperman? I’m partial to Team Sheriff, Go Broncos!

Thanks for reading!
xxEm

sweater weather.

Posted in Sports, Style, Television by

I hope all of you on the East Coast are staying safe and warm during Jonas.  Here in Philadelphia we got about 22 inches, so it seemed like a perfect time to hunker down and write a post.

Awesome Things in the Sports World this Week

fitzsource

1. The Buffalo Bills hired Kathryn Smith, the first female full-time assistant coach in the NFL.  There has been a lot of traction regarding females in a male dominated sports world, with the hiring of Becky Hammon by the San Antonio Spurs and Sarah Thomas being hired by the NFL as the first full-time female referee. Bravo to Rex Ryan on this hiring, and congratulations Kathryn!

2. Larry Fitzgerald seems to be an incredible human. When brainstorming this section, I planned on writing about him taking time to thank an elderly veteran for his service on game-day. Then, after scoring the game winning touchdown to get his team into the NFC championship game, he spends his post game interview time sending best wishes to ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen, who had announced he was undergoing treatment for throat cancer.  Its hard to root against a guy like that.

3. After saving a woman from her car during a potentially dangerous car crash, linebacker for the New England Patriots Darius Fleming didn’t go around and brag about his heroics. He simply went to the hospital to get 22 stitches in his leg from kicking in her car window to get her out, and then played in a football game against the Kansas City Chiefs that weekend.  Just a guy, doing the right thing, and putting other people before himself.

My Favorite Text-Focused Sweatshirts

sweatshirt collage

Graphic text sweatshirts seem to be having a moment and I’m all in on the trend.  I already own numbers one and two, and am looking to add three to my closet soon.

Interesting Cast Members on the Upcoming Season of Survivor

ab
1.The only person who might be more fun than Aubry Bracco is her grandma who seems like a total bad ass and didn’t eat chicken because “their legs were too close to their butts”. She seems to have a great knowledge of the game, name dropping Shambo and Greg Buis in her interview — two players who weren’t on the past 3 seasons.  Plus, if Survivor doesn’t work out for her, I’m first in line to buy her children’s book about manatees.

cr
2.Although Caleb Reynolds’s bio does not seem particularly interesting, I can’t help but get excited to see someone who has spent a summer in the chaos also known as the Big Brother house attempt to spend 39 days on an island in Cambodia. If that isn’t enough to get you excited, he chose to refer to himself as “Beast Mode Cowboy” throughout the summer.  Still not enough? Check out this gif:
bmc karate
I can only hope that we get more of this on the island.
dw

3. Support for Debbie Wanner being the most eccentric person on that beach: she used the word Spartan to describe herself, mentions the lead of Pit Bulls and Parolees as her inspiration in life and is a card carrying member of a juggling club.  Oh, and she compares herself to Hannibal Lecter.  I’m not positive that I’ll be rooting for Debbie, but I find it hard to believe that she won’t bring some entertainment.  Girl has got style though, 17 year-old competitive swimmer Emily would love that bathing suit (who am I kidding, I would still love to rock that suit).
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Anyone else obsessed with a show that many people don’t know is still on? How about your thoughts on the games this weekend? I’d love to hear from you!

xxEmily

Love Yourself

Posted in Sports, Style, Television by

Hey there!  I hope everyone had a great weekend, and is fully charged for the upcoming week! I’m getting ready to bundle up, as we’re supposed to get some frigid weather this week, a big departure from the 60 (SIXTY, SIX-ZERO! It’s January people!) degree weather that we had yesterday.  I’m about to start cooking some game day snacks for the Clemson vs. Alabama game tonight. But first, a blog post!

Vines That Have Made Me Laugh This Week.

  1. I really enjoy LeBron. I think he’s a great athlete and he was my favorite part of Trainwreck. I love that he’s back in Cleveland, and really respect him.  That does not make this not funny.

2. I caught this sequence live.  Unfortunately, I could only relive it once as I was watching the Globes on a TV from the dark ages (aka no DVR).  Luckily Vine was there to save the day.

3. An oldie, but a goodie.

Sports Thoughts.

  1. I’m going to preface this by saying that I’m not a Steelers fan, which I’m sure is not surprising considering my extreme homer-ism for Philadelphia teams. However, as unbiasedly as I can, I think the end of the Steelers/Bengals game this weekend was atrocious. I’ll give the penalty for the Burfict hit, even though I think there was nothing he could do about it.  The real travesty of the last few minutes was the nail-in-the-coffin penalty from Adam Jones for hitting an official, which should have been offset by a penalty on Joey Porter from the Steelers.  There is absolutely no reason for a linebacker coach to be on the field when an offensive player is hurt.  Porter has been known to enjoy stirring things up, as evidenced by his inclusion on this list of top Super Bowl trash talkers.
  2. The Eagles should not hire Tom Coughlin.  I believe that he is a fantastic man and leader, as evidenced by his players’ reaction after his “resignation”, which is starting to feel more like a firing. However, the Eagles have been playing in a progressive system, and I think going from Chip Kelly’s kale smoothies and wearable technology to a more traditional system is a big change; one that might be a little too much for an already thin roster.
  3. Robert Griffin III cleaned out his locker at the Washington Redskins facility today.  He left this behind: rg3source

Best Dresses at the Golden Globes

  1. Alicia Vikander: Possibly the most critically acclaimed up-and-comer of this awards season, didn’t disappoint on the red carpet.

     

  2. Lily James: The star of one of my favorite movies of last year (Cinderella, no shame), looked gorgeous at the Golden Globes.

lilyjames

3. Jenna Dewan-Tatum: I like the more traditional ball gown cut of this dress, and a little sparkle never hurt anyone.

jdtimages

I hope everyone has a great week! And definitely check out the namesake of this post, my current jam “Love Yourself” by JBiebs.

xxEmily