My Nordstrom Anniversary Picks #NSale

Wow...
My stint at Nordstrom went by so fast. If you have been reading my blog for awhile you will know that I worked for Nordstrom for 8 years. I had a very significant and fulfilling career there. I held various positions, followed my heart and made my dreams a reality. As I grew up, learned who I was and where I wanted my life to go; I decided that it was time to leave to pursue different dreams about two years ago. I look back on my time at Nordstrom with so much love. I made incredible connections, lasting relationships and know that I have a "home" there. So going back to help my mentor out for five weeks was an opportunity that I could not pass up. I did a job that was brand new, I didn't know what to expect and I learned SO much. It was fun but I am ready to settle back into my normal, regular life.

Since I was the guru and manager of all things Anniversary Early Access (this is a special offering to Nordstrom Card Holders to shop the Anniversary sale before the sale is open to the public) I thought that I would share my picks from the sale. I have truly honed in on my style, what looks good on me. I tend to favor basic pieces that I can sass up. If you like my style or gravitate to similar pieces that I wear, you will like this list!

I am a huge fan of this blouse. It is so easy to dress up or down. It looks amazing with everything!

Pleione Mixed Media Roll Sleeve Top 

I would wear plaid 24/7 if I wouldn't look like I was always wearing the same thing. Haha. This dress is a fun and different way to wear plaid. Paired with boties it is the perfect fall look.

Rubbish Plaid Shirtdress

Wildfox is one of my favorite "trend" brands. I love their outlandish and cheeky prints and sayings. This is a great top to throw on with distressed skinny denim.

Wildfox 'Diamonds are forever' raglan sleeve top

I am NOT super girly and I don't LOVE bows BUT I am in love with this sweater. This color combo is perfect without being too girly. I would wear this with oversized BF jeans and a chunky, neutral platform shoe.

Hinge Bow Back Sweater

This sweater stood out to me because I loved the small speckles of color that is interspersed throughout the sweater (hard to see in the pic). Plus I loved the added glam of the jeweled collar.

Hinge Jewel Embellished Sweater

YOU GUYS... You ALL know that this is my most favorite work out piece that I own (in three colors). When I saw that it went on sale I may or may jot have bought all four! OOPSIE! Buy it! You will not be disappointed. It is work out attire perfection.

Nike 'Critical Epic' Top

I know that I recently converted to Lululemon pants but I have been a Zella fan for years. Plus they are on sale for a GREAT price. I wear these to yoga and in my every day attire. They are thick and stay up! PLUS I just bought a MEDIUM. What What!! My previous pair(s) was a XL. I am so stoked!

Zella 'Live In' Leggings

I am still in SUPER love with the pointed toe stiletto. This is a fun and sassy update for any girl! I love the straps and studs. Classy, rocker chic!

Sam Edelman 'Darla' Pump

Everyone needs a nude peep toe pump in their closet. It literally goes with everything. This pair is gorgeous and at such a great price!  

Enzo Angiolini 'Atina' Pump

This bangle is a bit on the pricier side so it is great to pick it up when it is on sale. I own it in a few colors and it is always the perfect piece to add to any arm party.

Alexis Bittar 'Lucite Skinny Tapered' Bangle

While I did not personally buy everything on this list (I do have SOME self control) I do have very similar pieces in my closet that I go to and wear all of the time. I didn't include denim because I am still exploring what designer brands look best on me. I did pick up a pair of J Brands that were on clearance that I love. I also bought a RAD sweater that sold out so I couldn't share it with you. AND I bought some white leopard Nike Free 5.0's that also sold out (super similar to this pair I pinned months ago). I will be instagramming what I bought through out the week so make sure that you follow along (@FashionistaMMC)

Tell me...
Did you shop the Anniversary Sale?
What did you buy?
What items are you lusting after?

Coffee Date/Hang Out Sesh

TGIF lovelies!

I hope that you will join me for coffee today! I am loving this series and the opportunity to share with you all. I am linking up with my friend Alissa, so if you are joining me on this hang out sesh I suggest you go link up and see what other women are sharing!

I am wearing this camo hoody. Again. And these sunnies. I am DYING to get them with the Green Flash lens too.

If we were having coffee today (or tea since that is what I am drinking) I would start off by sharing that I am missing my family this week! Getting to spend a couple days with them is like a tease. Seeing my nephew and niece makes my heart SO happy. I tell you that I was so excited to have my nephew sleep in my room both nights that they were here. And that on the second night he woke up and wanted to sleep in bed with me. WHile I didn't get much sleep that night (how do you moms do it???) I loved the extra cuddles, running my fingers through his curls and watching him sleep. There is nothing more special than those little moments. I would ask you about your fam (if you had one) or to have you share a special moment you had in the past couple of weeks.

 Don't pay any attention to me. Sneak attack! How I slept most of Sunday night.

If I was having coffee with you I would share that I had an interview this week and that I have been applying for new jobs. I would share what a nerve wrecking process it is but even through the nerves I am SUPER excited to start a new chapter in my life. I would ask you to keep me in your thoughts and prayers that the perfect position comes available. I would ask you about your job and where your passion lies. 

Dating and my Work Outs are always a hot topic. I would share that I saw my "future husband" in a Yoga class last week. I would tell you that I have not been that physically attracted to someone like that in YEARS. Now I just have to see him again so that I can get the balls to talk to him. I would tell you how my family saw what I looked like after a hot yoga class and jokingly (well, not really. They were serious) told me that I should only try to talk to him BEFORE class. LOL. I am a hot, disgusting, sweaty, smelly and red faced mess after a work out. There is nothing cute about me. At all. I know that and I am ok with that. I would ask you if you read my most recent Flirty Thirty posts about my dating diary the last few months and get your thoughts on what I shared. I would ask how your love life is and if you have been focused on a diet and fitness regimen.

If we were hanging out I would talk a little bit about the blog and social media. I would share that my blog readership continues to grow and that I am a little overwhelmed by my Inbox. I have so many emails to respond to that I don't know where to begin. Haha. I would share that I am beginning to accomplish some of the goals that I set for 2013. AND I would tell you how excited I am that I hit 500 followers on Instagram! Pretty cool milestone. 

I always have to share what I am dying to buy. So I would tell you that I am in DIRE need of a new pair of running shoes and that I am thinking about buying these in the BRIGHT blue combo. I am also dying to buy these booties after stalking Laura of Ascot Friday's blog and IG feed. Plus my friend Jess has them and I am in love. I still need to buy some pants that fit. I am loving these because of the zippers and my obsession with distressed denim is out of control so these skinnies obviously need to come home with me. And lastly I am dying to buy the Naked Basic palette. I need some matte, neutral shadows in my life. I need to reel my shopping in until I secure a new job. I am hoping you will hold me accountable ;)

I am pretty positive that we would talk about upcoming plans for the weekend and that we cannot believe that it is February already! I have a 30th birthday party to attend and I have NO plans for Super Bowl (yet). I still haven't seen some of the Best Picture nominees and I am DYING to go to a concert. Luckily I will be seeing Pink in a couple weeks. I have started making plans to go to AZ fro Spring Training, I have some Country concerts that I will be attending and a couple weddings coming up. The next few months will be very busy! I would hope that you are planning some fun things too!

Now that I have talked your ear off, what else would you tell me? I love hearing about your life too! Let's chat!

Thanks for hanging out with me today! I hope that you have an incredible weekend! 

Since none of my favorite teams are playing in the Super Bowl I am going to root for the California team....GOOOOO NINERS!!!

Fashionista Fitness and What I Wore

If you are a new reader, back in January 2012, I decided to write a monthly post chronicling my goals, trials and triumphs. You can catch up on my older posts here. I am so excited to share my journey with you!

Holy Bananas!

It has been one whole year since I started this journey and series. I cannot believe I survived! Lol. This has been a year of struggle, challenges, hurdles and TRIUMPH. It is not the end of the journey. Let me tell you. This is a true lifestyle change and I have another big goal to accomplish this year.

I am definitely planning on continuing this series and sharing more of my journey, cute work out outfits and thought process along the way. 

2012 Recap

Lost 40 Pounds

Worked out 5x a week for 50 weeks

Changed my diet numerous times 

Went Gluten Free

Found true HAPPINESS, like the happiest I have ever been

2013 Goals

Lose 20 more pounds

Consistently work out 4x a week

Hone in on my sugar intake and conquer that addiction

Continue a Gluten Free lifestyle

Make this year more INCREDIBLE than the last

I thought I would start this year off with a work out attire outfit post. This is me in all my glory before yesterday's work out. No make up, I seriously wash my face before any work out because I have acne prone skin. I always wear my hair piled on top of my head so that I don't have to worry about it falling in my face. The headband helps with sweat and keeping my baby hairs under control. I always wear layers and I dress like this even in the Summer. If it is SUPER hot I wear shorts, longer shorts to prevent chub rub, but I will wear a light weight sweatshirt or dri-fit long sleeved tee. I sweat so much and hate being slick. Wearing long sleeves and pants helps keep me dry. I also have on a sports bra and a fitted tank with a built in bra. I like to wear two sports bras for extra support even though they make me look flat as a pancake. ;) Another feature I want to point out is the thumb holes. At first I didn't get them but now I LOVE them. They help keep the machine dry when I have to hold on. Plus it helps keep dry and warm when working out outside.

 I picked up this outfit for $30 bucks from Old Navy. They have GREAT active wear and it is all on sale right now!

 Work Out Uniform

 What I Wore:

Top: Old Navy Stretch Pullover (I LOVE this top, I sized up so that it literally doesn't touch my mid section. You can see that it is looser than how it fits on the model. It feels SO GOOD on too!) I bought this style too!

Leggings: Old Navy 'Compression' (These SUCK everything in and are thick! I can bend over and not feel uncomfortable)

Shoes: Nike Free 4.0 (Free's are SO light weight and great for running)

Headband: Lululemon (Cheaper version from Nordstrom's brand, Zella)

What I Want Wednesday

Every New Year a majority of the population makes some kind of resolution to "lose weight or get healthy". I have spent the last year focused on doing that exact thing. I lost a considerable amount of weight (you can read about my Fitness Journey here) and have another goal set for 2013. One thing that really helped motivate me to work out and get my butt to the gym was fun, cute and flattering work out clothes. Since I run and do a combo of Yoga and Pilates I have to have different looks that are appropriate to each practice. I am looking forward to picking up a couple new outfits in the next month or so to help jump start my motivation in 2013. 

I am currently wanting these pieces...

Outfit 1: When I run I wear looks very similar to this. I ALWAYS wear a jacket or sweatshirt (even in the summer) because I sweat a lot and like to have a layer that soaks it up. I am loving the mock turtleneck on this jacket. This jacket also has mesh vents and wicks moisture away. I cannot think of better qualities of a jacket to wear while on a run. I also need a change in my bottoms and I love that these are solid but have details in the print that makes them a little different. I swear by the Nike Free's for running and working out. This look is a must have in my book.

Zella 'Fresh Take Z' Tank // Zella 'Victory' Jacket // Zella 'Live In' Leggings // Nike Free 4.0 Running Shoes

Zella 'Dance it Out' Tank: I am a huge fan of tanks that don't touch my mid section. They are perfect for Yoga and for working out in warmer temperatures. This one reminds me of the Lululemon 'No Limits Tank' but for a cheaper price. I will definitely be adding this tank to my work out wardrobe.

 Zella 'Dance it Out' Tank

Outfit 2: The girls in Orange County definitely take style in Yoga class to a new level. I need to step it up. I love the color and print in this look. I really love that the top is loose and drapy. Cropped leggings are a fun and sassy way to look different. This is a look that I may have to try when I hit the mat.

Soul, Mind, Breathe, Life Tie Dye Capris // Soul, Mind, Breathe, Life Knot Hem V-Neck Top

What do you wear while working out? Do you feel work out harder when wearing cute clothes? Would you wear these looks?

#StayFitandHealthy2013

Fashionista Fitness

If you are a new reader I decided to write a monthly post about my fitness goals, trials and triumphs. I also throw some cute work out clothes into the post every now and then. You can read my older Fashionista Fitness posts here. I am so excited to share my journey with you.

Wearing a Zella top (similar color, similar shape)

Are you all still interested in this journey? Haha.
I completely skipped writing this post in July due to an insane schedule AND lack of motivation. I have really struggled the last couple of months of this journey. I am still working out 4-5x a week but my mind has not been in it. At all. I feel like I have lost sight of the goal. I keep looking big picture instead of the day by day. I feel like I need to train for something or find a new way to motivate myself through smaller goals. Not sure how or what to do...so any suggestions are welcomed! 

 Wearing Nike 'Critical Epic' sweatshirt and Old Navy Compression leggings

Last post I mentioned that I was about to run my first 5K. Well I did it, and I did pretty awesome. I talked about it in this post. The funny thing is that I have not been able to run like that since. I need to get to training again since I really liked the feeling of being a "runner". I have been really LOVING my Yoga/Pilates fusion class and make sure to go at least once a week. I also started seeing my trainer again every couple of weeks to get in a real kick ass work out. I have found that I don't need him to tell me how and what to do in a work out, I need his motivation, smart ass comments and support. It really helps give me the edge and push the competitor in me. If I am not at Yoga or working out at J's personal gym you will find me at my local 24 Hour Fitness. Luckily they just built a brand new Super Sport that opens this weekend and I am SO excited to work out in a new environment with all brand new equipment. It even has a pool. I think that will definitely help with my motivation!

 My routine ALWAYS includes Cardio on the Elliptical AND the treadmill along with the inner and outer thigh weight machines. Wearing Nike Free 3 running shoes.

My diet has been good...not amazing. I can definitely still make some changes and tighten up on some foods, like less carbs. I have had French fries a  couple of times which is a huge no no. I still struggle with my sugar cravings and probably give in more often than I should. I still rely on my meal supplement shakes. They really are a life saver. The past two weeks I have had them for breakfast AND dinner. A lot of you have asked what I take. I buy the Lean 1 shakes from Amazon or Drugstore.com. Each tub gives me about 12 shakes which lasts me about two weeks. My favorite flavor is Chocolate. I switch it up and have either Vanilla or Banana Cream on hand as well. The Blender Bottle is my favorite thing and I use it on my drive to work and to work outs. I just pretend it's my morning coffee ;) The shakes taste great and YES they do fill me up for about 3 hours. If you decide to try them then I want you to know the following... The shakes taste better really cold. I put water in the Blender Bottle the place it in the freezer for about a half an hour before I drink it. I use 8 ounces of water when I take the Vanilla or Banana shakes. It makes it a thicker shake which tastes better to me. It is like I am having a treat. The chocolate is richer so I use 12-14 ounces of water when I drink that flavor. 

I was lucky enough to have the team at Marika send me a Marika Tek Tee to wear during my work outs. I was really excited to try this brand because they are known for their breathable, super soft, high tech wicking fabric and finish (Dry-Wik®) for the ultimate in cool dry comfort. I sweat A TON (sorry for the TMI) and I need and buy clothing that specializes in getting the sweat away from your skin to keep you dryer. This top lived up to it's description. My only complaint is that the sizing was a little off. I had them send me an XL because I like my tops to be on the looser side. I think I have mentioned before that I hate shirts that hug my mid section. This top was like a second skin on. I threw on a jacket for my work out to help with my self consciousness. If you decide to purchase a top I would suggest sizing up one size for comfort. But overall it is a great product. In fact, they offering my readers TWENTY PERCENT off their purchase! I hope that you will check out their website and their products! Everything is made to mix and match at affordable prices!

Use PROMO Code TEK20 on the Marika Website until the end of September 2012. Here is the direct link to the shirt I am wearing.

RESULTS:

I am now down about 35 pounds. It is still slow going but I am still pushing for my final goal of 60 pounds in one year! 25 more to go by 12/31/12.

GOALS:
- To get my MOJO back!
- Run consistently each week
- At least one Yoga/Pilates class a week
- Spend more time with Jonathan to get my head in the right place!


I hope that you are all working hard towards your goals. I am here for support and motivation if you need a buddy, I know I always do!!

I leave you with some exercise humor...

 I am sure I say this at least 3x a week! Ha!

This is SO my life right now! EEK!


HAPPY, HAPPY Friday!
Have a GREAT weekend!!
XXOO

Through my iPhone lens

I have had a love affair with my iPhone for years.

Yes, I said it. 

It may sound sad, it has definitely been an issue in a relationship in the past BUT my phone keeps me connected to everything and everyone important in my life. Social Media has heightened my phone use. For the good and the bad. I love having my phone for pictures. And Instagram. Obviously.

I LOVE seeing a glimpse into people's lives. I am nosy and inquisitive. Some of my favorite posts from blogger's have been their Insta Weekend, What's in my phone rundowns. I posted some of my Weekend Wonders last week. I think you will see more of these posts when I am busier. I take a lot of pics that I don't Instagram and that I don't always share on the blog. 

So here are some pics from the last week...

 L. I am OBSESSED with this hat and wore it four times last week. Yup!

R. I also spent four days at the pool last week. My tan is proof!

 L. Fun color combo on a gloomy day last week. Mossimo cropped Skinnies and Steve Madden 'Gretta' (on sale NOW)

R. Oh these eCards! They just make me laugh and laugh.

 My time for my first 5K...I was on the first of 8 boards. :)

 After the race. I got this cool, too small shirt and a medal. SCORE!

I am wearing the Old Navy shorts that I am in love with!

 L. Spending time with my sissy. Hats are from Target.

R. She made me a high protein breakfast before the race. That meant a lot to me because we have different communication styles and this was her way of showing her support.

 Pool Time. LOTS and lots of relaxation and reading! Needed for a stress free, happy life

 Spending LOTS of time with the little man who has my heart.

SEE...wearing the hat again ;)

 My Summer work out uniform (only with longer shorts when I run. Chub rub is not cute!). And YES...I am pimping out this amazing work out top. Again. I bought THREE colors, people!

 My Stationary from Amy at The Pink of Perfection! I won a set and bought a set because I am in love! The colors are incredible and the fact that it is glitter makes me so happy. They are simple and blank on the inside. So I can pour my heart out. The styles are so 'ME". Peacock feathers and the beach. <3

I wanted to remind you to check back on old posts for my replies to your comments! I really appreciate them. If you ever want to know where I bought something in these posts and I haven't linked them just shoot me an email!

Happy HUMP day!

Only two days to the weekend!

WAHOO!!!!

Fashionista Fitness

If you are a new reader, I decided to write about my fitness goals, trials and triumphs. I also throw some cute work out clothes in, every now and then. You can read my older Fashionista Fitness Posts here. I am so excited to share my journey with you.

                                              Source: Uploaded by user via Mandy on Pinterest

I have officially reached the 6 month mark. 
It is absolutely crazy to me that I not only hit my thirty pound weight loss goal (a week AFTER my Birthday) BUT I am actually enjoying my new lifestyle. While working out has become habit and part of my routine, I still have a love/hate relationship with it. I am continually talking myself through things, cheering myself on and often times YELLING at myself to push through. Now that I have hit the half way mark...I am determined to lose Thirty MORE pounds by the end of 2012. 

I mentioned last month that I was having a REALLY hard time seeing the results. I have not felt as happy as I should about the achievements I have made thus far. As I write this I am still trying to tell myself that I have done what a lot of people have not or are scared to do. I think when I look at the big picture I still see all that needs to be done to accomplish the next thirty that I have forgotten to celebrate along the way. SO I decided to pull some pics from last year. All of these pictures are from September 2011. I was smack dab in the middle of the break up, in a job that was not the right fit and starting a remodel on my home. I was unhappy and miserable. The pictures I chose were of outfits that I remember feeling really good in at the time. Now that I look back I want to cry that I was so misguided! I then put on each outfit and took pics of where I am at today. So this is the first set of Before and Afters that I have done.


THIRTY pounds weight loss

 I think that this picture shows the differences the most. The shorts are loose and longer. The top drapes so much more. You cannot see fat rolls in the tank. You can see that I actually have a neck. And my face is a lot slimmer, especially in the chin area.


Original Outfit post HERE

 This picture shows the changes the least. This top has always been too big and just hangs. I couldn't remember how I posed so its hard to see that these shorts are super loose in the legs now. You can tell the my midsection is quite a bit smaller if you look really closely!


Original Outfit post HERE

I see SO many differences in this picture. I think my face looks completely different. My face is angled the same in both pics and you can really see where I carry my weight. The top is a lot 'tighter' and actually skimmed my body originally. Now it actually drapes. You cannot even see my stomach protruding in the new pics. I see a large difference in my arms as well. Although they are a work in progress.


Original Outfit post HERE

I am excited to share these with you all. I am also really anxious too! It is NEVER easy showcasing yourself at your worst. The biggest thing that I am still learning is how to deal with the changes internally. I can change the outside but if I don't work on the issues, insecurities and self esteem process then I will never fully be whole. Let me tell you, dealing with the mental is 100 million times harder than dealing with the physical!

                                            Source: kaftanbikini.wordpress.com via Mandy on Pinterest

I also mentioned last month that I was on the hunt for some running shorts and tops that I can wear as the weather heats up. I found a pair of shorts at Old Navy that I am very pleased with. And on Sunday I found the most perfect, somewhat sheer layering 'sweatshirt' that I can wear all Summer long. I have found that I do NOT like to wear sleeveless clothing when I work out. I sweat too much and like have sleeves to hide that. Since these tops are loose and over sized I can wear them with just a sports bra and bottoms. It doesn't cling to my mid section. YAY!!! I am still really self conscious of tight tops around my belly. The top is made of a Dri Fit fabric so it wicks the sweat away. It is also mesh at the neckline which lets the air flow. I originally bought it in the lime color and then headed to the Nike store and bought the white and ordered the black. I will warn you that it isn't cheap! BUT since I work out so frequently I justified the expense. I am thinking about cost per wear!

 Top: Nike 'Critical Epic' Sweatshirt
(I am linking to Nordstrom but the Nike Store and Nike.com carry it as well in more colors)
Leggings:  Under Armour (old but HERE is a fun option)
Shoes: Nike Free 3.0 (LOVE this color) 


I don't know how much I have shared with you about my running BUT I started the Ease to 5K running program four weeks ago. It is an 8 week program but I decided to join some girlfriends and sign up for a 5K that goes through Knott's Berry Farm and ends at Knott's Soak City. It's tomorrow! EEEKKKK! I think I am going to be fine since I have been running since March and have built up my stamina. BUT I am not going to lie...I am SCARED! My only goal is to finish. I am not worried about my time. I just don't want to be last :p

So this is what I will be telling myself through the run...

                                   Source: believe-toachieve.tumblr.com via Mandy on Pinterest

AND I know that someone/thing will be cheering me on...

                                            Source: someecards.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Results:
I am down about 32 pounds! Woohoo!
28 more to go!!

Goals:
- Complete the 5K
- MAKE SURE that I am going to AT LEAST one Yoga/Pilates class a week
- Finish the Ease into 5K program so I can run 30 minutes straight without walking!
- Tighten up the diet as I have been a little lax the last couple of weeks

HAPPY FRIDAY, friends!
Have a FABULOUS weekend!



***THANKS for reading this EXTREMELY long post***