Monthly Archives: January 2016

Finding Your Gym Motivation

Affordable Workout Clothes | Lady in Violet

Finding Your Gym Motivation | Lady in Violet

Boohoo black mesh workout hoodie | Lady in Violet

Affordable Gym Clothes for women | Lady in Violet

Black hoodie for working out and rayban aviators | Lady in Violet

Purple gym tank and Nike sports bra | Lady in Violet

Tips for Workout Motivation | Lady in Violet

Boohoo Mesh Panel Sport Leggings | Lady in Violet

Keyhole Workout Tank and boohoo black leggings | Lady in Violet

Purple Workout Tank for Women | Lady in Violet

How to Stay motivated to workout | Lady in Violet

Affordable Workout Clothes by Boohoo Fit Line | Lady in Violet

| DETAILS |

BOOHOO c/o Madison Mesh Hooded Sports Jacket (US8), c/o Lena Twist Back Sports Vest (US6),  c/o Mesh Panel Leggings (US8) | NIKE Pro Classic Sports Bra  | NIKE Training Free XT Sneakers (SIMILAR | SIMILAR)  | RAYBAN Blue Mirror Aviators  | MAC Lipstick in Faux

New Year, New You.  You have heard it probably a thousand times in the past few weeks.   A new year is a great time to kick start or revive a fit and healthy lifestyle.  Living a fit and healthy lifestyle is probably my second passion after clothes, shoes, and all other things fashion. I have always loved working out.  Through the years my workouts have greatly changed, but I have always loved hitting the gym.  I find the atmosphere to be extremely motivating.  I hit the gym almost every weekday morning at 5am.  Yep, you read that right.  5am!  I will say I slowly eased my way in to this early wake up call over several years.  I started by waking up 15 minutes here and a few months later another 15 minutes.  Now my alarm goes off at 430am, so I can be at the gym by 5.  Yes, I do occasionally miss or run late because sometimes I stay out late the night before or I just don’t want to get out of my warm and cozy bed when it’s 30 degrees outside.  Over the years I have learned a few motivating tricks to keep me from hitting the snooze button. I wanted to share a few to help you out this new year to keep up the workout motivation.

One – New Music.  Whenever I am in a rut, I download some new music to my iPhone.  I have a rule that I cannot listen to my new gym music until I am at the gym.  I also constantly change up my playlist to keep things different.  My current favorite workout song is Elle King’s America’s Sweetheart.  Christina Aguilera’s Fighter and Britney Spears’ Circus are two songs that are almost always on my workout playlist.

Two – New Workout Routine.  If you do the same workout everyday, you will get bored.  I do something different everyday.  I typically start with a minimum of 15 minutes cardio (this is also when I get my news and weather for the day 🙂 ) and then strength training for the remainder of the time.  I try to do around 6-8 different strength moves.  One day a week I do only cardio with a little bit of abs.  For my strength workouts, I rotate between arm and leg days.  I love the workouts by Lauren Gleisberg.  For starters, they are mostly free and her picture demos are easy to follow.  I usually check her site out once a week to get new ideas for my strength workouts to keep them fresh.

Three – New Workout Clothes.   I wear the same basic items to the gym everyday, so when I get something new it is kind of exciting.  I am really big on affordable workout clothes too.  I mean I sweat for an hour in these, and they will be washed on a weekly basis.  I want them to be good quality, but I just hate spending lots of money on something I sweat in.  I was excited to learn about the Boohoo fit line.  I already knew they had cute affordable clothes, so I was pumped to try out their workout clothes.  My go-to for gym clothes in winter is leggings, tank or tee, and a hoodie.  I have seen mesh leggings and was unsure about them, but my bestie likes here pair so I went for it.  I like that they are different and fun.  The non-mesh material is thick which is nice, so you don’t have to worry about any see-through action on leg day.  I love the open back of the tank top too and the color of course.  I like the cut of this top to be able to watch my muscle movement while I do arm workouts.  I love being able to observe how my muscles and arms are changing over time.  When I get to the gym, I tend to start with my hoodie on because I’m cold.  This one is thin, so it breathes a little more and I can wear it a little longer.  I also like that it’s thin so when I take it off and tie it around my waist, it won’t get in the way of my workout.  All the clothes are lightweight and easy to move in. I do recommend ordering up on the sizing.  The company is based in the UK, so the sizes run small compared to US sizing.  I included my sizes up top in the detail section for your reference.

I hope ya’ll enjoyed a small peek into my fit and healthy lifestyle.  I loved putting this post together, so I may do a few more throughout the year.  I also shared a few more of my personal favorite fit and healthy items below from my favorite cookbooks to items I use in my at-home workouts, and the most amazing headband for workouts.  I love mine and have been using it for years!  Now who is ready to hit the gym!

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PERSONAL FAVORITE FIT & HEALTHY ITEMS

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Layering a Cropped Sweater

Winter outfit - sweater, jeans and heels | Lady in Violet

Layering a cropped sweater | Lady in Violet

AG Jeans, Elaine Turner Bella Clutch and Steve Madden Heels | Lady in Violet

Winter Casual Weekend Outfit | Lady in Violet

Gold Jewelry - Gorjana Pendant Necklace, Baublebar bracelets and Lisi Lerch Tassel Earrings | Lady in Violet

Layering for Winter with sweaters | Lady in Violet

casual weekend outfit idea | Lady in Violet

AG Stilt Cigarette Jeans with Steve Madden proto heels | Lady in Violet

Ways to Wear a cropped sweater | Lady in Violet

Outfit Ideas for Winter | Lady in Violet

Baublebar Gold Bracelets and Gorjana Alejo Necklace | Lady in Violet

Casual Outfit Idea for winter | Lady in Violet

What to wear in Winter - Sweater and Heels | Lady in Violet

| DETAILS |

TOPSHOP Hi/Lo Sweater (SIMILAR) | PLEIONE Sleeveless Blouse (SIMILAR)  | AG Skinny Jeans  | STEVE MADDEN Proto Heels  | ELAINE TURNER Bella Clutch (SIMILAR)  | LISI LERCH c/o Tassel Earrings  | GORJANA Alejo Pendant Necklace (*ON SALE)  | BAUBLEBAR Ladder Cuff,  Cuban Links Cuff  | RAYBAN Aviator Sunglasses  | CHINA GLAZE Nails in Black Diamond  | MAC Lipstick in Craving

I have mentioned my love for layering in the cold winter months in previous posts.  One of my top ways is layering a cropped sweater with a longer top.  In summer months, a long sleeveless tunic or blouse is my go to with skinny jeans and wedges.  In winter, I give these tops new life by layering them under a cropped or high low sweater.  I look for sweaters that hit at about the waistline of my jeans to allow a few inches of the blouse to peak through the bottom.  You may have noticed I tend to buy these types of sweaters in solid colors, so they will match with a large variety of my prints.  I started doing this a couple years ago with black sweaters and now have these short sweaters in about 6 or so different colors.  This layering combo also works to pair with skinny work pants or skirts for the office.

I wanted to show off how cute these new fave jeans of mine look with heels.  Yes these are the same jeans seen HERE with booties and HERE with riding boots.    I still need to have them hemmed a bit and plan on taking them in next time I go to Nordstrom.  (BTW, if you are a Nordstrom cardholder they hem jeans you buy from them for free. )  The only reason I have not taken them yet is because the last two times I have been I was wearing them. 🙂

I hope ya’ll had a great weekend!  I spent mine catching up with friends, watching football, and running just a couple errands.  I am off today, so I decided to save all my blog work, weekly meal prep, and laundry for today and just relax during the weekend.  I’m working on a fun post for later this week sharing a little about how I stay fit and healthy.  So stay tuned for that one, and I hope you have a fabulous week ahead!

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(click images to shop)

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Cocoon Cardigan

Winter Outfit - Cocoon Cardigan and Jeans | Lady in Violet

Street Level Reversible Tote and Cocoon Cardigan | Lady in Violet

Weekend Outfit - Cardigan, Jeans and Riding Boots | Lady in Violet

Fall Outfit Idea - Cardigan White Tee and boots | Lady in Violet

Lucky Brand Heloisse Riding Boots and Big Tote Bag | Lady in Violet

Navy Cocoon Cardigan and Stem Tee | Lady in Violet

Weekend Casual Outfit Idea | Lady in Violet

AG Stilt Cigarette Jeans and Riding Boots | Lady in Violet

Cocoon Cardigan and White Tshirt | Lady in Violet

What to Wear on Weekends | Lady in Violet

Outfit Ideas for the weekends | Lady in Violet

| DETAILS |

ZARA Cocoon Cardigan (SIMILAR 40% OFF | SIMILAR UNDER $25)  | STEM Long Sleeve Tee  | AG Cigarette Jeans (40% off)  | LUCKY BRAND Heloisse Riding Boots (On Sale for $80!)  | STREET LEVEL  Reversible Tote  | KENDRA SCOTT Skylar Earrings  | GORJANA Alejo Necklace  (Also Here),  Taner Pave Necklace  | BAUBLEBAR Ladder Cuff  | RAYBAN Aviator Sunglasses  | MAC Lipstick in Craving

If you love long cardigans, I definitely recommend a cocoon cardigan.  They kind of remind me of a blanket with sleeves which is why I love them.  I picked this one up last year from Zara, but I linked a few similar ones that are on sale and have multiple color options.  These cardigans are great for casual looks, but also work to throw on with a dress or a blouse and work pants.   I wear this one ALOT in the winter months both out and about and around the house.

 I also wanted to share about my new AG jeans.  I have been wearing them for just over a month now, and I am in love!  These jeans have the tiniest bit of stretch to make them comfy, but they don’t over stretch and turn baggy.  I wear my jeans a couple times before washing, so I need them to hold their shape.  The color was that perfect neutral jean shade that I was searching for to be able to really wear year round with a wide variety of colors.    I have worn these with booties, riding boots, and heels. You have probably seen them all over my Instagram feed.  I’m so excited to have found this brand on sale, so I could try them out.  I will definitely be heading back to this brand for another pair.

I am so ready for this long weekend! I have some fun plans with friends that I cannot wait for and a relaxing Sunday Funday at home scheduled too!  I hope ya’ll have a great weekend too! Thanks for stopping by!

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Lady in Violet

Winter Work Outfit

Winter Work Outfit | Lady in Violet

Tie Neck Blouse and VNeck Sweater | Lady in Violet

winter office outfit | Lady in Violet

Henri Bendel West 57th satchel and Old navy sweater | Lady in Violet

Winter Work outfit - sweater and flared pants | Lady in Violet

Layered Work Outfit - V-Neck Sweater and tie neck blouse | Lady in Violet

Loft Trouser Pants and Henri Bendel satchel | Lady in Violet

What to wear to work | Lady in Violet

Purple Sweater with tie neck blouse for work | Lady in Violet

Winter Work Outfit Idea | Lady in Violet

| DETAILS |

ELLISON Tie Neck Blouse  | OLD NAVY Pullover Sweater  | LOFT Trouser Pants  | ELAINE TURNER Gillian Heels (SIMILAR) | HENRI BENDEL c/o West 57th Satchel  | SWELL CAROLINE c/o Signature Bracelet  | GORJANA Chloe Studs  | RAYBAN Aviator Sunglasses  | MAC Lipstick in Craving

I definitely think I am more creative with my layering in winter.   Warm but still cute, that’s my goal.  I also like to mix and match my sweaters with pieces I wear from other seasons.  Winter in Texas only lasts a couple months, so I don’t necessarily like to buy loads of sweaters.  Instead I try to buy more solid color sweaters that I can mix in with my wardrobe and wear layered with other tops over and over again.  The v-neckline on this sweater was perfect to pair with this tie neck blouse.   I also love the stark contrast in color from the purple and the ivory.   If you follow my instagram or saw my roundup on Monday, you know I love my skinny work pants, but I also love to pull out this flared pair.  I think flared work pants are perfect when wearing a more slim fit top like with this fitted sweater or with a button down top. This is definitely a winter work outfit that has  me excited to change out of my warm and cozy pajamas and head into the office. Well that and coffee, lots of coffee! 🙂

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Lady in Violet