The Gym to Drinks & Everywhere In Between

I have finally come to terms with the fact that I am a soccer mom.  I'm not quite sure when this transformation occurred... however, I guess the car magnet for my daughter's soccer team was a good clue.  Can't be more literal than that, right?!

Over the past few months I have started to embrace this new stage of life.  I stopped fighting the fact that I don't need to get dressed to the nine's on a daily basis.  I love my ballet bootcamp class, and as I sit here typing this I may or may not be still wearing my gym clothes... shhhh.  Most of the time, my schedule revolves around school, and looking good has started to come second to staying warm at pick up.  I have realized that this time is fleeting, and I am happy to be able to spend so much of it with my girls.

With that being said, that does not mean that I don't care about how I look.  Rather, it has started me on a quest to find the best gym clothes that can crossover into my daily life.  I have been through some trial and error - I tend to buy a lot of things on sale (hello, neon pink leggings), and now I can share a couple secrets with you...

First up, the Runder Under Pant from Lululemon.  This purchase came about due to the fact that I needed something warm to wear under my ski pants, and something to excercise in on cold days (they are brushed on the inside, so a bit warmer than your typical legging).  I had starting venturing into the Lulu world and love their stuff.  They quality really is worth the price (especially if you are living in your workout gear).  Anywho, this is one of my best purchases to date.

I literally live in these pants.  I can wear them for running, as a casual legging on a daily basis or with boots on a night out (just did that one last night).  They are so versatile, it is a-mah-zing!  When thinking about what to pack for an upcoming ski weekend, I don't need any other pants... just a couple of pairs of runder unders and I will be all set.

Then there comes the perfect cami.  I ended my search after I found the Sweaty Betty Ballerina Yoga Cami.  It is ruched and stretchy and oh-so-cute!  This tank is longer and yes, it looks great at the gym, but is perfect for layering.  I like to wear mine with everything, seriously.  I think I might need a few more...

Together, these two pieces make a perfect pair.  A fab base layer to stay warm and chic this winter.

As a final thought, I love the promotional shots from Sweaty Betty.  They are such great inspirations for a casual cool look. And, who doesn't secretly want to look like a ballerina.

What is your casual "go to"?

                                                                                                                - Allison

*Images courtesy of lululemon.com and sweatybetty.com.

It's a Party... a Peplum Party

If you didn't get a chance to rock a peplum last year, have no fear!  Peplums are back and bigger than ever this Spring.  Whether you pair them with a pencil skirt, your favorite skinnies or keep it simple  with a dress - a peplum adds instant polish to any ensemble (and it is the perfect disguise for a bloated tummy!).

If, however, you have been working that peplum and are looking for a fresh idea - my favorite look is the peplum with a classic trouser, wide leg pant or a straight leg.  Once the warmer weather kicks in, the peplum paired with a pair of shorts (nothing too tight or too short) is a super cute look as well.

Some looks that I love from Spring 2013 Fashion Week...

Zac Posen Spring '13

Calvin Klein Spring '13

Calvin Klein Spring '13

Rebecca Taylor Spring '13

Rebecca Taylor Spring'13

Worried about finding the right one?  Fear not, the selection is amazing this year - long sleeve, tanks, lace, patterns... a peplum for every personality.  Plus, there are peplum's for every budget.  Check it out - this is just a small sample...

Pim + Larkin at Piperlime

Anthropologie

Torn by Ronny Kobo at Shopbop

How will you rock your peplum???

                                            - Allison

*Images courtesy of style.com, piperlime.com, anthropologie.com & shopbop.com.

Treat Yourself and Save... with Shu Uemura

As Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals finally come to a close, I have a last minute one for you.  This one could be for you or a friend, but either way it is one to take advantage of asap.

As we get busy with the holidays, we don't spend much time on the beauty aspect of our ensembles (or, at least I don't).  I am always worried about what I will wear to an event, and then I run out of time when it comes to trying new makeup or replacing brushes, etc.  Which is why it is so important to take a minute to think about your eye shadow, lipstick, blush and even mascara.  This might be the perfect time to update with a new color or a little shimmer.  You might not even need a new dress - a change in your beauty products might be all that you need to shake things up this season.

You may have already guessed... I have the perfect brand for you to try this season.  Shu Uemura Cosmetics.  Shu Uemura was a Japanese makeup artist who gained worldwide fame after transforming Shirley MacLaine into a Japanese woman in 1962 film, My Geisha.  Eventually he started a makeup boutique in Japan and really became an international player in the eighties.

“Creating something that is universally beautiful. That is art.”

-Mr. Shu Uemura

I love that his philosophy was that the health of the customer's skin was the most important aspect of cosmetics.  He also promoted enhancing natural beauty as opposed to creating a false face with his cosmetics products.  If there is one brand to try this season, this just might be the one...

You must first start with a beautiful face.  Uemura's first product was his cleansing oil.  Not only does it leave your skin cleaner than soap, it moisturizes too.

High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil - Advanced Formula

Tis the season for red lips...

Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine

A brown shimmery eye shadow, might be just what the doctor ordered...

Pressed Eye Shadow - Pearl Golden Brown

Or, maybe a curl of the lashes is all you need.

The Famous Shu Uemura Eye Lash Curler

Even more exciting, Karl Lagerfeld has recently collaborated with Shu Uemura on a Holiday Collection.  He has said that "the entire collection is a touching homage to Shu Uemura with color selection and package design entirely directed by Karl Lagerfeld."  Lagerfeld even photographed the visual campaign, and sketched the mon shu girl himself.  A very special collection indeed.  

“I design with Shu Uemura make-up because other manufacturers do not offer such beautiful colors.”

-Karl Lagerfeld

 A little taste of the Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura products available now...

Now, for the great news - use promotion code WISH2012 for 20% off your entire purchase.  And, there is free shipping on any order over $50.  Do not delay.  This offer expires on Tuesday, November 27th.

For a complete product selection, check out the Shu Uemura website.

Happy Shopping!!

                                                                                                                         - Allison