20 x 30 Summer Remix Challenge: Week 3

Posted on July 22, 2014 by vpstyle

Week 3- 20x30 summer remix with coral pencil skirt, black dress

This week, I have 12 more outfits coming at ya for my 20 x 30 summer remix challenge! Out of the 20 pieces I’ve selected, I’ve come up with 27 outfits so far…and I’ve still got two more Mondays to post the other outfits I’ve come up with! Week 1 featured my floral dress as the anchor piece and week 2 featured outfits centered around my pair of white denim jeans.

This week features outfits centered around my coral pencil skirt and my black dress- two super versatile pieces! Below are larger shots of each outfit (note that shopping links can be found in my original “20 pieces” post here.)

Black dress, mustard cardigan, peep toe gladiator wedges

Black dress, black and white striped top layered over the dress, teal blazer, peep toe heels

Black dress, belted cargo vest, leopard heels (one of my favorite looks!)

Black dress, pink statement necklace, pink peep toe wedges

Coral pencil skirt, black v-neck tee, cargo vest, nude heels

Coral pencil skirt, white peplum top, nude heels

Coral pencil skirt, black v-neck tee, peep toe gladiator wedges

Coral pencil skirt, multicolored tank, navy blazer, navy heels

Black dress, white button up, leopard heels

Coral pencil skirt, black and white striped tee, black statement necklace, black peep toe heels

Coral pencil skirt, navy v-neck tee, nude heels, ivory statement necklace

Coral pencil skirt, snakeskin print top, nude heels

Which look from this week is your favorite?

Stay tuned for the rest of the remix challenge!

To recap this far…
My 20 pieces
Week 1: featuring a floral dress as the anchor piece
Week 2: featuring white denim as the anchor piece
Monday, July 28: Week 4 Looks
Monday, August 4: Final looks/challenge recap

Stitch Fix Review #2

Posted on July 18, 2014July 18, 2014 by vpstyle

I was super excited to get my second Stitch Fix, which arrived this week (yes, I stalked the tracking information every step of the way to my doorstep!) You can read more about how it works from my first Stitch Fix review, but otherwise the box does explain it best:

I requested a maxi skirt, jean jacket and a specific tank top I saw from another blogger’s Stitch Fix. My style profile also included that I love wearing dresses.

So what did I get this this month’s fix? Check it out:

Here’s the specifics:

Brentwood Jersey Stripe Tiered Top by Pomelo ($68)

I requested the khaki/cream tank top version of this that I saw on another blogger and Kelsey my stylist let me know in my note that it wasn’t available, so she included this long sleeve version. I really like the layering effect but not sure about the bold colors.

Gabe Striped Maxi Skirt by Renee C. ($58)

I requested a maxi skirt and got a cute one! Great for summer and fall and mixed with blazers, cardigans, denim jacket or just a white tank.

Anusha Sweet Wash Denim Jacket by Kut from the Kloth ($78)

I requested a denim jacket in this fix. I asked my stylist for a classic one with no crazy embellishments, and also asked that it stay within my budget and have a bit of stretch and she delivered! The only reservation I have is that the wash is a little too light for my liking…

Silvie Floral Beaded Detail Dress by Ark n Co ($78)

I LOVE wearing dresses all the time so was happy to see a dress in my fix- and it’s on of my favorite colors! I love belted dresses, but I have two issues with this dress right off the bat: it’s WAY too short on me and the beading is pretty cheap looking.

Brydon Twisted Seams Striped Tank by 41 Hawthorn ($48)

This navy/white striped tank is cute, but there isn’t anything terribly special about it-especially at nearly $50! Plus, I have others that are similar in my closet.

So there you have it! Now comes the hard part- making a decision on what to keep!

What do YOU think I should keep? Help me decide!

And if you want to sign up for try out Stitch Fix, I would recommend trying it out for at least one fix! It’s just $20 for your fix and the $20 will be applied as a credit towards anything you keep!

Sign up here <—please note, this is my affiliate link.
I will get a credit if you use it! Stitch Fix might just be my new favorite way to add to my wardrobe :-)

Read my other reviews:
Stitch Fix #1

Third Thursday Threads Co-Host: Shorts

Posted on July 17, 2014July 17, 2014 by vpstyle

Shop the look-
Shorts: Old Navy (tons of colors, on sale from $12 to $20!)
Shoes: Target last year (current option, option, option)
Tee: Target (another great option from Everlane)
Watch: Kate Spade (got mine on eBay using these tips!)
Necklace: Lia Sophia (option)

So this month, I am co-hosting with Bri for her Third Thursday Threads link up! (Apparently my post from last month’s link up featuring “Summer Must-Haves” was the most clicked so I get to co-host! VERY cool!)

The theme this time around is…SHORTS! I love wearing athletic shorts during the summer but I doubted that anyone wanted to see an outfit post with that, so I put together a look featuring one of my favorite color combos: coral and navy.

The coral shorts from Old Navy are made of linen and are super breathable for summer. I paired it with a plain v-neck cotton tee and some cute wedges and a statement necklaces for a fun (hopefully somewhat fashionable) summer look that keeps me cool!

So link up today (via my blog or Bri’s) with your shorts look!

In case you’re new here, here’s how this works:

1. Follow Work Clothes I Suppose, and The Style Files!
2. Link to a specific post, not your general blog URL, and please be wearing or talking about shorts.
3. Visit the other bloggers who have linked up!

Can’t wait to see all of your awesome outfits! Remember, the most-clicked link will get the opportunity to co-host with Bri next month!

Follow me!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Bloglovin’

Linking up with Vodka Infused Lemonade | Mix and Match Fashion

Link up here:

An InLinkz Link-up

What to Wear to Pure Barre Class

Posted on July 16, 2014July 16, 2014 by vpstyle

Instead of a “typical” outfit post, I wanted to share with you another kind of outfit post. I’ve been taking Pure Barre since April and now have 23 classes under my belt. I LOVE this workout and try to take it twice a week to compliment my running and round out my workout routine each week.

So today I wanted to provide some tips on what to wear at Pure Barre class. Talk about a different “outfit of the day!” (Ahh, if only I could wear this attire all day long!)

Sidenote: Above all else, wear what makes you feel comfortable during class! The last thing you want is to be self-conscious where you are focusing on your outfit in the mirror rather than the exercises. There is no need to “dress to impress” in head-to-toe Lululemon, which I’m sure some do, but that’s not me. I’m not into paying a pretty penny for stretchy pants that I can find at Target or Fabletics for a fraction of the cost!

What to wear to Pure Barre class:

1. Capris or yoga pants
During class, you’ll do a lot of stretching, small pulses of movements and tons of various lifts. Hence, shorts are out- you don’t want to give anyone a show! Loose, baggy pants aren’t ideal either because you want to check your form in the mirror and it’s easier to see if your leg is straight/at the right angle if you have form fitting bottoms on. I love the options offered at Target, Old Navy and Fabletics, Kate Hudson’s workout line. Fabletics’ capris/leggings are a very nice quality and are oh so comfortable! (FYI- the Fabletics link is my affiliate link. If you want to try it out, you get an entire outfit for $25, and I get $10. Woo hoo!) All of these options are very affordable, too!

2. Sticky socks
Pure Barre studios sell sticky socks for around $12 which the vast majority of people wear to classes. Socks (any kind) are required, but whether or not you wear sticky socks is up to you. These are super helpful in gripping the floor while you are doing exercises- I can’t stress enough how much of a difference these bad boys make!

3. Headband
I love wearing headbands to keep the wispy pieces of hair off my face and wear them for all my workouts…and around the house, running errands, etc. The options from Sparkly Soul and Sweaty Bands are my favorite because they have a crushed velvet that prevents the headband from slipping! (And Sweaty Bands are sold in my local studio so you can see all kinds of cool designs in person!)

4. Sports Bra
This one is pretty obvious. Although Pure Barre is a low-impact workout, having the proper support is key. I like to wear sports bras that are a little less supportive that the bras I would wear for running so I can move comfortably.

5. Tank top or t-shirt
I prefer sweat-wicking tanks that are slim fitting so I can check my form/posture in the mirror and don’t fall on my face during certain exercises or stretches. Again, Target, Old Navy and Fabletics have great options. I just picked up this top from Target and love the fun detail on the back!

6. Pullover/layering top
A lightweight pullover or loose flowy layering top isn’t a necessity, but it’s a nice addition to wear during warm ups in case the studio is cold, and then to throw on after class as you leave the studio.

Pure Barre fans: What do you always wear during a Pure Barre workout?

Check out my other Pure Barre posts:
- 5 tips for Pure Barre Newbies
- 5 ways Pure Barre helps runners

Linking up with:
Because Shanna Said So | The Pleated Poppy | Get Your Pretty On | Tucker Up

Disclosure: Pure Barre Deerfield provides me with classes in exchange for posts. All opinions are my own. I write about it because I love this workout—it’s legit stuff and I love my studio and the instructors!

Weekend Recap from Up North

Posted on July 15, 2014July 15, 2014 by vpstyle

This past weekend, the hubs and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary and headed up north to the cabin in Wisconsin for some R&R! So nice to take an extended weekend to relax with my love!

Lots of outdoor time with plenty of fresh air! We took Izzy out on the dock and needless to say, she isn’t much of a water doggy. More princess genes than adventurous ones I suppose!

Ate some delicious meals, including pancakes with real maple syrup collected from the trees outside, steak kabobs and a broccoli bacon quiche!

IMG_20140712_102354

Lots of fun things to observe out in nature (behind glass of course, according to Izzy).

Plenty of outdoor time! (And it was so nice not wearing makeup and letting my hair air dry these few days- like a skin/hair detox!)

I ran two days while we were up there- each day I did a different 5 mile course, with lots of hills!

Saturday it rained buckets. Like massive downpour the whole day. That meant lots of napping and movie watching!

Even Izzy got in on the napping!

But now it’s time to get back into the groove of things…hoping it’s a smooth transition!

How was your weekend?

Linking up with Olives n’ Wine.

20 x 30 Summer Remix Challenge: Week 2

Posted on July 14, 2014July 10, 2014 by vpstyle

So far, I am two weeks into the 20 x 30 summer remix challenge and it’s going well! Two weeks ago, I showed you the 20 pieces I selected, and last week I focused on my floral dress as the anchor piece. This week, I’ve got my white denim jeans as the anchor. I feel like these are a great summer staple that can be dressed up or down (and rolled up as capris and down for even more options!)

Here’s each outfit (and please note that all shopping links can be found here.)

Black and white striped tee (option, option), white denim (option, option), pink peep toe wedges and bubble statement necklace

Mustard cardigan (option), black and white striped tee (option, option), white denim (option, option), black peep toe heels

Black v-neck tee, cargo vest, white denim (option, option), leopard heels (option), watch

Pink lace blouse (option, option, option, option), cargo vest, white denim (option, option), nude heels, watch

Pink lace top (option, option, option, option), white denim (option, option), nude heels, watch

Snakeskin print top (option, option, option, option), white denim (option, option), peep toe buckle wedges

Navy v-neck tee, white denim (option, option), navy print flats (option)

Which look from this week is your favorite?

Stay tuned for the rest of the remix challenge!

And FYI…
My 20 pieces
Monday, July 21: Week 3 Looks
Monday, July 28: Week 4 Looks
Monday, August 4: Final looks/challenge recap

And once again (for your pinning pleasure) here are this week’s outfits in one image:

2014 Race Discounts and Running Schedule

Posted on July 13, 2014July 14, 2014 by vpstyle

Source

This year, I decided to run one race a month during what I consider to be the decent weather months, so not including Dec through March due to the snow-pocalypse in Chicago. So far, I’ve stuck to it.

I’ve also been complementing my running with Pure Barre classes and a group fitness class like Tabata or Body Pump at work here and there and I feel like it’s been a great mix for me…I’m very pleased with my times from my 2014 running schedule thus far!

April
Ringing in Spring 10k (Valparaiso, IN)
Time: 49:49 (current PR)

May
Wisconsin Half Marathon (Kenosha, WI)
Time: 1:53:11 (current PR)

June
Rockin’ Tomahawk 5k (Tomahawk, WI)- June 14, 2014
Time: 25:37

July
Run for Freedom 5k (Antioch, IL)- July 4, 2014
Time: 23:56 (current PR)

Looking ahead, I’ve got the following races on the books…and a few 2014 race discount codes to share with you too!

August 24, 2014
Fort2Base (Fort Sheridan to Great Lakes Naval Station, IL)

I’m still undecided on 3NM or 10 NM option. (I did the 10NM option last year and had a blast!) I am also a Fort2Base race ambassador this year! If you want to sign up, use code 2014F2BPETERSEN10 for 20% off either race distance!

September 13-14, 2014
The North Face Endurance Challenge (Kettle Moraine State Park, WI)

This will be my first time running in The North Face Endurance Challenge series…I’ve heard great things! I plan to do the 10k, but they offer a 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, 50k and GORE-TEX 50 mile. Use my discount code D30VPWI for 15% off any distance!

October 19, 2014
Hero Half and 10k (Indiana Dunes State Park, IN)

I ran the 10k last year and plan to do it again. It was a smaller race with awesome views along Lake Michigan and on some great trails in the fall weather. Plus, you can dress like a super hero and no one will judge you. Use code IMANORIGINAL for $5 off (and another $5 will go to the race charity partners!)

November 27, 2014
Turkey Trot 5k & 10k (Valparaiso, IN)

I’ve run the 5k a few times and love starting off my day burning calories before I consume them all again. If the weather is decent and I don’t feel like I’m about to freeze, I’d love to opt for the 10k version! Great race with over 3,600 runners, and proceeds benefit mental health and wellness programs and resources in Northwest Indiana. Win win!

What races do you plan to run this year?

Do you try to stick to a budget for races, or do a certain amount per month?

5 Year Wedding Anniversary!

Posted on July 11, 2014July 10, 2014 by vpstyle

I can’t believe it’s been 5 years to the day since I married my best friend!

It seems like just yesterday we were posing for these photos, exchanging vows and celebrating with our friends and family…

7-11-09

Looking forward to celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary this weekend!

Mizuno Wave Hayate Review #BlazeNewTrails

Posted on July 10, 2014July 9, 2014 by vpstyle

Disclaimer: The following post is sponsored by FitFLuential on behalf of Mizuno. Product was provided in exchange for a Mizuno Wave Hayate Review. All opinions are always my own.

I admit it. I run in the same pair of shoes regardless of the surface…whether it’s roads or trails. But apparently there are shoes specifically designed for trails that grip the rugged terrain! So, when I was given the opportunity to review the Mizuno Wave Hayate shoes as a Fitfluential Ambassador, I was stoked!

These shoes are super stylish, lightweight and have that cool “graffiti effect” on them. But how did they run? I was anxious to try them out and see if they truly made a difference for me versus my regular, pavement-based running shoe.

Mizuno Wave Hayate (retails for $109.99):

-Part of the new trail shoe line-up from Mizuno, along with Wave Kazan

-Lightweight (just 7.2 ounces for women and 8.8 for men) but with the protection and stability needed for trails

-Light, low and adaptable for fast off-road training or racing

-X-lug outsole grips in all directions as the midsole plants securely on any terrain, working in harmony so you feel the trail and not the shoe

I loved running in these shoes- they’re lightweight and responsive. I did run on some trails during a 6 mile fun run to promote the upcoming Fort2Base race and also hit the pavement at the Run for Freedom 5k. The light mesh uppers breathe really well in the humid Chicago summers and the bottom grips gave me a TON of traction on the trails and super traction on the pavement! I definitely felt like I had a grip on the surfaces where I ran but also felt light on my feet too.

Fun fact: the word “Hayate” means “swift, like a whirlwind”, which is exactly how I felt when I put these on. In fact, I got my new 5k PR in these bad boys! Not only are these some good-lookin’ shoes, the Mizuno Wave Hayate has a great design with functionality to boot.

Have you tried the Mizuno Wave Hayate? What did you think?

#BlazeNewTrails

Navy Printed Pants with Yellow

Posted on July 9, 2014July 9, 2014 by vpstyle

I got these navy printed pants last July and wore them a ton last year…so much so that I got another print at that time too. Does anyone else buy multiples of an item when you really love it?

These cropped pants fit well and have a fun print with pops of periwinkle, navy and yellow. I picked up a bright yellow tee as part of my budget last month and paired it with the top and voila! A fun, summer outfit!

Shop the look-
Printed pants: Gap (option, option, option)
Tee: Target- on sale for $6!
Heels: Payless (option, peep toe option)

And in other news, I’ve been listening to Gone Girl on my commute to work. I’m on disc 11 of 15 and WOW is it good! Is it bad that I am looking for errands to run simply so I can listen to the book some more?! And I just saw the trailer for the movie with Ben Affleck- looks amazing! Glad I am reading the book first though…I always prefer imagining the characters in my head before I see a movie- what about you?

Linking up with:
Because Shanna Said So | The Pleated Poppy | Get Your Pretty On | Tucker Up

How to Wear a Skirted Dress From Cubicle to Cocktails!

Posted on July 8, 2014July 8, 2014 by vpstyle

Recently, the eco-friendly folks at LA-based shop Kika sent over this adorable skirted dress made of organic cotton & spandex jersey (aka super comfortable!). It’s perfect to dress up or down, going from cubicle to cocktails! And bonus…it has pockets!

Here are my tips to make the transition:

1) Go with a blazer or cardigan for the office, then ditch it for the evening.
2) Transition your accessories and go for a fun statement necklace for a cocktail look. Or add a fun belt (this dress came with a matching sash!)
3) Switch up the shoes from practical and conservative to fun and edgy (here, I just went with an open-toed option).
4) Go with a bold lipstick or dramatic smokey eye for the evening.

Ta da!

Ignore the wrinkles…I didn’t get a chance to iron before taking these photos!

Shop the look-
Dress: c/o Kika (same)
Shoes: cubicle | cocktails
Necklace: cubicle (option) | cocktails (option, option)
Blazer: Target

What other tips do you have for transitioning your look from day to night?

Disclosure: Kika provided this dress in exchange for being featured on my blog. All opinions are my own.

20×30 Summer Remix Challenge: Week 1

Posted on July 7, 2014July 7, 2014 by vpstyle

Last week I shared the 20 pieces I plan to use for my first ever 20×30 summer remix. This week, I’ve got the first batch of outfits for you!

All of these outfits include the floral print dress (option, option) as the anchor for the outfits. Here’s a close up of each one (and FYI- shopping links for the 20×30 pieces can be found here.)

White peplum top over the dress

Cream pencil skirt over the floral dress with teal blazer

Cream pencil skirt over floral dress, belted

White peplum top and cargo vest over floral dress, belted

White peplum top and teal blazer over floral dress, belted

Teal blazer over floral dress, belted

Floral dress, belted

White button up under floral dress, belted

Which look is your favorite?

Stay tuned for the rest of the remix outfits I come up with!
Coming up:

Last week: My 20 pieces
Monday, July 14: Week 2 Looks
Monday, July 21: Week 3 Looks
Monday, July 28: Week 4 Looks
Monday, August 4: Final looks/challenge recap

And once again (for your pinning pleasure) here are this week’s outfits in one image:

Antioch Run for Freedom 5k Recap

Posted on July 6, 2014July 5, 2014 by vpstyle

This was my third year doing the Antioch Run for Freedom 5k on the 4th of July. This time, however, my Mom and husband joined me! It was so nice to be able to participate with them and cheer them on…so proud!

This was the 20th anniversary of the race, and it seemed to be much more crowded than the past two years I participated. Luckily, I was able to pick up our packets a week or so ahead of time at the local bank that runs the race, so all we had to do was park and walk to the start, which proved to be a nice warm up. There is a parade through downtown Antioch a couple hours after the race, and we walked past a lot of chairs/tents/blankets for those who were saving space, but luckily it wasn’t part of the course.

The race started right at 8am. The race was chipped time so I started about half way through the crowd of people. Since it was super crowded, I spent my first mile weaving in and out of runners, walkers and strollers. (Pet peeve of mine, by the way: I really wish walkers and strollers would stick to the back for EVERYONE’s safety…or since people aren’t good at following directions, perhaps the race should indicate an 8:05 start for walkers/strollers or even a start line/rope several yards behind? But then again, I suppose I should have started further up if I didn’t want to dodge around people but I STILL know there would have been walkers at the front of the pack. ERRGH. Ok off my soap box.)

After the first mile, my Garmin said I did an 7:57 mile. What?! I was so surprised, given that I felt I was going slower by weaving in and out of people and had some stomach issues in the morning before we left for the race. But I feel like the first mile always gives me a good feeling as to how I plan to run the rest of the 5k. Since I felt great and new the crowd would thin out as the race went on, I decided to keep up the pace and see how I could do! Unfortunately, my watch didn’t want to keep up with me. It ran out of battery at exactly the 1.05 mile mark. Wa waaa.

I continued on and felt really good. Lots of turns and a few hills through rural roads and in subdivisions, which had the homeowners at their driveways with their sprinklers pointed out onto the street to cool off the runners. Nice touch! Before I knew it, I saw the 3rd mile marker and decided to push it to the end and see where it would get me, knowing that my latest 5k PR was 24:14 at the Iron Girl Tri.

I kicked it to the end and was anxious to see the final results since I crossed the timing pad at least a minute after the race started. I grabbed a water and banana and cheered on my husband and Mom and before I knew it- the race results were posted…

Results:
Run for Freedom 5k (Antioch, IL)
Time: 23:56 (PR!) 7:43 pace
Place: 150 out of 1036 participants, 23rd female overall, 2nd place F25-29

SUPER happy with my new 5k PR!

Super cute shirts, by the way but they are notoriously sized really big! Order down a size!
(I cut the sleeves off mine and repurposed it!)

My husband even beat his time and set himself a new PR!

My #RunOOTD:
Tank and capris: Fabletics (seriously LOVE their capris!)
Shoes: c/o Mizuno Hayate via Fitfluential
Headband: SparklySoul

Check out my other race recaps here.

Next races for me?
August 24- Fort2Base: use my code 2014F2BPETERSEN10 for 10% off either race distance!
September- North Face Endurance Challenge: use my code D30VPWI for 15% off any distance!
October- Hero Half and 10k: use code IMANORIGINAL for $5 off (and another $5 will go to the race charities)

Linking up with Chicago Running Bloggers

Orange and Navy Maxi Dress & Life Lately

Posted on July 5, 2014July 5, 2014 by vpstyle

Orange and Navy Maxi Dress (option 1, 2, 3, 4) | Earrings c/o Wantable (read my review here)

All I’ve been wearing this long 4th of July weekend (besides workout clothes) seems to be maxi dresses. So comfortable, but still makes you look put together whether it’s out and about doing errands, or for a more formal event or party (I wore this to a wedding) rehearsal dinner. I picked up this orange and navy maxi dress at the Banana Republic Outlet…their maxi dresses are so flattering and roomy without making you look…err, bloated!

Speaking of maxi dresses…I wore a more casual one on Thursday when my parents came to visit and we went on a cruise of Lake Geneva. So much fun! AND…I got my favorite summer treat: Hawaiian shaved ice. Life is good.

What are you up to this weekend?
What is your go-to store for maxi dresses?
Favorite summer treat?

Red Rugby Dress

Posted on July 2, 2014July 2, 2014 by vpstyle

So I’ve been on a bit of a red kick lately, but luckily it’s around the 4th of July so it makes sense! (See other recent red looks here and here.)

I decided to wear this red rugby dress with a tie waist to work. It’s super comfortable…almost as comfortable as PJs. Since I felt so laid back in it, I decided to add the blazer for work to step it up a notch. I feel like our dress code definitely gets to be more relaxed during the summer months…and especially during short work weeks when the company shuts down for the holiday so I’m going to embrace it! Anyone else feel the same?

Shop the look:
-Dress: Target (option, option)
-Blazer: Target
-Earrings: Wantable (read my review here)
-Watch: Kate Spade (although I got mine on eBay using a few of my bargaining tips)
-Wedges: Naturalizer via Saver’s