Cute Splendid Dresses!

I recently bought a few different items from a Splendid sale on Gilt including 3 dresses which I love!  I think Splendid has such cute styles.  Maybe it's because I live in Southern California, but I'm really into this casual luxury thing - "California chic" or whatever you call it.

So first, I got this Knit Tie Sleeve Dress in color called "red multi".  I really like this combination of stripe colors.

The material of this dresses is made of hemp and cotton blend, and it doesn't really wrinkle.  It looks quite a bit longer on me than on the model since I'm sure I'm a few inches shorter.  But it's very comfortable on and a very nice and easy thing to throw on.  The ties on the sleeves and around the waist are functional.  You can dress it up with heels or down with flats.  Here is how it looks on me, I could tie the sleeves into a bow, but it came dangled like this so that is how I left it.  And apparently my Modern Vintage wedges are all that I wear to model things in now.   Seriously love these.  =)

So I really like this dress, but the price is probably still a bit high for what you get - a casual dress.  The Gilt price was $69, down from retail of $128.  Oh well, I like it and I can see myself getting a lot of use out of this dress so I'm keeping it.

I also got this Jersey Knit Shirred Neck dress in 2 colors - gray and white.  I originally wanted to get only one color but could not decide which one.  So I got them both to try.  But when I received them and put them on, it was even harder to decide!  Ahh, it must be a sign that I should just keep both.  =)  These dresses are $59 each, down from $101.  They are made of super comfy pima cotton and modal.  And the gray one has a waist band that is exactly the same pattern as the above stripped dress.

On me

 

On me

So these dresses fit me tighter than the model, especially around the butt/hips.  I actually really like the look of fitted bottom and looser top.  They are super comfortable, and if you eat a little too much at dinner, nobody will be able to tell... LOL!  What I also really like about these dresses is that they are kind of right in the middle as far as dressy-ness goes.  They can be dressed up with heels, and they can also be worn as beach cover up.  The white one is a little bit see-through though, so I have to make sure that I wear nude colored underwear.  But I like white right now since I have a tan still!  I think the contrast colored waistbands really make these dresses stand out.  So they don't look just like normal cotton dresses.

The next 2 items I ordered will be going back.  I got these white linen cargo pants that I thought were very promising, but they are wayyyy see-through, and they keep falling off my butt when I bent over.  Not a good thing, especially at $69.  I also got this jersey knit cowl neck top in nice lavender multi print, but I think it fits me weird.  Like it's too short or something, and definitely not worth $39.

Here is a picture of them on me together:

I think the top looks so much cuter on the model!

These pants also looked so promising.  But oh well..

Well, 3 cute things out of 5 is not too bad, and I get to get some money back and spend on other cute things in the future.  =)

Sunday Funday!

The Olympics started this week!  I am so excited to watch gymnastics.  It is my all time favorite sport to watch, especially at the Olympics.  Although I have every single Olympic coverage set to record, so I'll probably end up watching many different sports!  Very exciting.

I worked out hard this week in the spirit of the Olympics.  I did weight lifting and also started tennis again.  One of my coworkers must really want me to practice with him because he bought me a racket! =D  Well, he said it was for my birthday, which is this coming Wednesday - it is so nice of him!  So now that I'm equipped with a nice racket, I figure I better put in more time to play and practice.  And of course I can't stop weight training.  I'd be pretty happy with 3 days a week of weight training, 1-2 days a week of tennis, and 1 day of a different activities such as boxing or yoga. 

Monday 7/23

What I did:  I went to the gym and worked on weight training for my arms.  I kid you not, by the end of my workout I could barely lift my arms.  It was crazy!

What I wore:  Lululemon No Limit tank in white, and Ebb & Flow crops in dark classic sport gray, and New Balance Minimus Road shoes.

Wednesday 7/24

What I did:  Played tennis.

What I wore:  Lululemon Stuff Your Bra tank in fossil/flash, CW-X Pro tights, and Adidas Adizero Adios 2 shoes.  I didn't think this was possible but I am even more impressed with these Adidas shoes!  They were great for tennis!  Last time I played, I wore my Nike Frees and they were just horrible.  My feet kept falling out on both sides and I got blisters from it.  The adidas shoes, while still minimal, have great support and I didn't feel a thing!  They are seriously the best shoes I've ever owned.

I wore my new Zella Stripey Melange Hoodie as to/from.  I like this one a lot.

Thursday 7/25

What I did:  Weight training - legs day.

What I wore:  Lululemon cool racerback in aruba, and coal Team Spirit crops with New Balance shoes again.  In this picture, Whiskey took my usual spot and pushed me over.  =)

Friday 7/26 - rest day, went out to party instead.  More fun than working out I guess!

Saturday 7/27 

What I did:  Tennis again.

What I wore:  Lululemon currant Energy bra with my white jacquard mesh cool racerback over, and coal Run: Jog skirt and adidas shoes of course.  

Ok, I posted this on my facebook page, but the currant Energy bra is a major bleeder!  Here are the pictures to prove:

Front damage

Back view

I thought currant would be ok because I never had problems with my currant cool racerback from the last batch that was released.  I wore it with my white Flow Y bra all the time and nothing ever happened.  So I just assumed that currant was not a bleeder.  However, this was so bad that it pretty much completely destroyed my tank!  I washed it with stain remover yesterday and it didn't come out completely.  Now it's been soaking in Oxyclean for about 24 hours.  I may try washing it again with stain remover later tonight, and if still no luck, then keep soaking in Oxyclean.  I love this tank, and they have come and gone of course, so I can't even replace it.  I'm very upset about this because this is a sports bra.  Sure it was hot out and I played for about an hour, but isn't that what sports bras are for???  If last batch was ok in this color, what went wrong this time?  It's ridiculous for any sports gear to bleed in heat especially when they cost as much as Lululemon charges.  I've never had issues with their products until recently (maybe in the past 6 months or so), but this is definitely making me think twice.  I don't want to have to think about what color to pair everything with based on whether I think it will bleed or not.  I posted this on their facebook page, but haven't heard anything yet.  Not happy!!!

Sunday 7/28

What I did:  Weight lifting - worked on back today.  I was impressed that I went to the gym after eating a lot with my mom this morning.  She came to visit this weekend, and we've been eating yummy food together!

What I wore:  I tried the new Lululemon Scoop Me Up tank in caspian blue, with deep indigo Ebb & Flow crop, and Nike Frees.  I actually really like this tank.  It's a very flattering cut, and the long length is nice.  It stayed in place well the whole time and did not bother my neck like the old Scoop Neck tanks did.  So that's a winner in my books.  I'm actually still wearing it now as I type this.

My mom wanted to buy me a birthday cake today, but when we were at the bakery, we decided to get some other little desserts too.  Look how cute this Hello Kitty red velvet cup cake is!

Actually it's so cute that I don't even want to eat it!  Hehe.  Alright it's time for me to go watch some more Olympics!  I hope everyone is enjoying your weekend, and looking forward to Monday!  (Ok, just kidding about the last part!)

My Latest Lululemon Purchases

I finally found some stuff I liked from Lululemon on Monday night's upload.  I'm too lazy to go to the store now, so I just shop online.  Haha.  I actually woke up at around 5 am on Tuesday morning, checking my email before getting my butt out of bed.  And I was so surprised to see the Energy bra in currant!  I have this bra in grape seed and really really like it.  It may be my favorite bra from Lululemon ever.  I always regretted not purchasing it in currant last time it came out.  So this time I jumped on it, and now it is mine!

Update:  This bra bleeds!  Check out the photos here.

I just love how the back looks in this bra, and it is super comfortable on.  I do size up in this bra to a size 6, for a more comfortable fit.  Let's be honest, I don't have a very large chest so I really don't need that much support.  I can't wait to wear this bra, it will go with so many of my cool racerbacks!

I also got the Scoop Me Up tank in caspian blue.  I wasn't really drawn to this tank in other colors, but for some reason the caspian blue looks so pretty!  Maybe this photo sold me on it:

I got this tank in a size 4, my normal size.  It is actually really comfortable on.  I thought the neck strap might be too tight, which was my issue with some Lulu halter style tanks like the Scoop Neck.  I loved the look of my Scoop Neck tanks but have sold all of them because of this reason.  But the Scoop Me Up is a nice update in that sense.  The body of it fits similar to the Scoop Neck from what I remember, same material as well (luon).  It is actually a pretty flattering cut.  I also like how the back looks in this tank:

The only thing I'm not crazy about is the pleats on the bust.  I'm not sure how I really feel about them.  I suppose I don't mind them 100%, but they are definitely not my favorite design feature.  Although the bra band is adjustable on the inside like the Inner Strength tank, which is a nice update as well.  Here is what this tank looks like on me:

I actually have it on here without bra cup inserts.  None of my bra and tanks from this order came with any inserts.  Annoying!!!  I think my chest would look slightly more flattering with them.

I also got the Run: Catch Me tank in power purple, in size 4 as well.  I'm glad all these older great colors from Lululemon are coming back.  I loved power purple, but for some reason I don't own a single tank in this color.  So I bought the Catch Me tank to try on.  This tank actually fits rather loosely in the body, which I did not realize when I bought it.  It's still figure hugging, but it doesn't fit against the skin.  It's kind of nice actually.  There is also a plastic gripper at the hem so it will stay onto your pants better.  

I think this is also a nice tank, and it makes your boobs look bigger.  But it does have a slight armpit fat issue, as you can see in my photo.  It reminds me a lot of my Light Up tank.  Both are made of luxtreme, with the same fit and look in the bust, and body skimming look with gripper at the hem.  But the back of this tank has cross over straps that are adjustable, as well as a center band that is also adjustable. 

You can see from the side view on the model, that it is looser fitting and yet does not make you look preggers.  Oh yes, there is also a little pocket on the inside of the bra that I guess you can stuff something very little in, like keys or (maybe) some cash.  But it would be tricky getting anything out, and people might look at you weird in the process.  Not very functional to me.

Lastly, I got another No Limit tank, in caspian blue.  I also got this in size 4.  I would have jumped on the pow pink one if I didn't already have the Practice Freely tank in paris pink.  I really like caspian blue.  It is a very light blue that for once doesn't have any green tone to it.  I may trade my aruba No Limit tank in for this one.  I already have 3 No Limit tanks (this one makes the 4th), and 2 Practice Freely tanks which are also similar blousey style, so I really don't need this at all.  But I do like it a lot!  Ahhh... time for another ebay sale soon, me thinks!  There needs to be more room in my drawer for new tanks.  =)

And here are the web shots:

Under Armour Twisty Tank

I've been eying this Under Armour Twisty Tank ever since I saw it at a Nordstrom store about a month ago.  But they didn't have my size, so I went online which didn't have my size either.  In a moment of frustration, I posted on my Facebook page that I was looking for this tank and couldn't find it.  Well, what do you know, a super helpful reader Sara who lives very close to me happened to see it in a size XS at a local Nordstrom, and put it on hold for me!  I couldn't believe it!  It's such a sweet thing to do!  Of course I got it the next day and I love this tank!  I'm wearing it with my Lululemon deep indigo Ebb & Flow crops here.

The color is called "Tobago", but it is exactly the same as Lululemon's angel blue from a couple years ago.  Angel blue was one of my favorite colors, but I don't know why I never bought a cool racerback in it.  This is probably even better than a cool racerback though, since it is different!  I love the twisty back, and I love that it's loose fitting even in size XS, and yet still flattering and not baggy looking.  I don't want to have only tight fitting racerback style tanks anyway.  The material of this tank is of course different from luon.  It is more like a thin cotton tank that kind of has the burn out look.  I love it!

I'm wearing it with my Lululemon Arise bra in camo (which I totally forgot I had!), and it's nearly perfect.  Even a Flow Y bra works though, or any other bras I suppose, if you don't mind straps showing.  Sometimes when the strap designs are really pretty, like in the Energy bra or the Centered Energy bra, you probably want to show off the straps anyway!

So happy about this tank!  It's awesome to finally get something that I've been wanting for a while, so yay!

Zella Stripey Mèlange Hoodie

I bought this super cute Zella Stripey Melange Hoodie from Nordstrom's anniversary sale.  Just received it today, and I love it!  Kind of wish I had bought it in another color too, but now all the size S are sold out.

It is a pretty thin material (polyester and spandex) and a nice lightweight hoodie, though not as soft as I thought it might be.  It's got thumb holes that look eerily reminiscent of Lululemon running tops, with a kind of bunched look.  The length is nice and long with a wide band on the bottom.  Cute little kangaroo pocket, and a large drapey hood.  As soon as I put it on, I knew it was a winner.  Even my husband passed by and said "that's really cute".  

Here are some detailed shots from Nordstrom's website.  The back and close ups are only in the green color, which looks lovely as well.

So other than white and green, it also comes in a nice sky blue, violet, orange, and black.  I debated long and hard which color to get.  Eventually went with white because 1) I have a the teal zeal Lululemon Inspire Pullover which is kind of the same shade of green, 2) the snorkel blue Ambition pullover in the same shade of blue, 3) the very violet Post Run Pullover in the same shade of violet, 4) I'm not an orange person, and 5) black is too... black... for me.  I know those 3 pullovers are different styles, but they pretty much all serve the same purpose to me - mostly as to/from the gym kind of tops (with the occasional exception of using them as running tops but it is usually too hot in So Cal for them).  I can definitely wear the white one to throw over stuff and it is nice and versatile, albeit may be a little boring.  But can't really go wrong either.  

Anyway, so this top is now on sale for only $37, down from $58.  $58 is actually not a bad price (compared to Lululemon prices) but of course $37 is better!  I think size S in this fits nicely - not too loose or tight.  I probably could also wear size XS for a more fitted look like how they fit the models, but I prefer it this way.  I really like Zella stuff, if their ebay resale value was as good as Lululemon, I would be buying a lot more from them.  But I like buying Lulu knowing that if I get tired of it, I can re-sell and recoup a nice chunk of cash back to invest in new pieces.  I'd say the recycling aspect is a large part of why I spend a lot of money on Lulu.  But lately I've been not so inspired by their product designs or quality, so I'm looking elsewhere.  

Sunday Funday!

Wow time flies!  This week went by super fast.  I spent most of this week being sore from one workout or another.  I lifted 4 times, each time focusing on one particular muscle group.  I pretty much do 3 supersets each time, with 2 workouts (3 reps each) in each superset.  So the whole workout only takes about 30 minutes, unless I tag on a few sprints at the end.  But I still get so sore!  I don't mind, it reminds me that my hard work is paying off somehow.

Tuesday 7/17
What I did:  I was still sore from my hard boxing session last Saturday, even after taking both Sunday and Monday off!  By Tuesday I was better, so I did my leg workout.  I did tons of weighted squads, lunges, and the like.  It actually didn't feel like that hard of a workout, but my butt and quads were super sore for a few days afterwards.

What I wore:  Lululemon Practice Freely tank in lavender dusk, with my CW-X pro tights and Adidas adizero adios 2 shoes.

And here is my lone work outfit this week, not that I didn't wear anything to work the rest of the week, but it is the only outfit I took a picture of.  =)  Here I am wearing this semi-see-through white button down shirt that I got in Greece, with my old Express skirt with a slit up the leg that I feel is rather risque sometimes for work but whatever.  And my Nine West Ambitious pumps.

Wednesday 7/18 - Took it off.  I was going to workout but decided to rest my sore legs!

Thursday 7/19

What I did: Weights - chest

What I wore:  Lululemon cool racerback in pow pink which is such a bright color!  I wore my white Flow Y bra underneath and was half expecting the pow color to bleed on it.  But it didn't!  Surprise, surprise.  Well I only did weights, not cardio, so I really wasn't that sweaty.  I wore my Power Vinyasa crops with the outfit, and New Balance Minimus Road shoes.

Friday 7/20

What I did:  Weights again - back today.

What I wore:  Lululemon Run Energy SL in potion purple, and Run Fast shorts - it's been SUPER hot here lately.  And my Adidas shoes again.

Saturday 7/21 - Sigh... I was supposed to go workout, but I got lazy and went to the pool to keep up on tanning instead.  Then I went to dinner with a friend, and after I got home, I picked up my hubby and we went bar hopping in Hollywood until like 2 am.  Just the two of us.  I guess we were really bored!  So I really should have worked out yesterday to counter all the calorie splurge!  Grrrrr....

Sunday 7/22

What I did:  Weights again - shoulders today.

What I wore:  Lululemon Dance Strap tank in aquamarine, with coal Team Spirit crops, and New Balance shoes.

After all this lifting, I feel so ripped.. LOL!  But seriously, my arms feel very tight right now and I can see better muscle definitions when I flex.  When I am not flexing though, it still looks the same as before.  Wtf?  Guess I need to keep working on it!  And I realize that bar hopping is definitely not helping my cause...