currently crushing it: old navy

I considered adding DOWNSIZE to my words of resolution I shared on Tuesday. For me, downsizing means a few different things. It means downsizing my closet to be more streamlined; it means downsizing the number of work commitments so I can better my work/life balance; and it also means downsize that waistline.

Last winter, I started running pretty regularly and, surprisingly, loved it. Running was an outlet for anxiety (while probably not the healthiest advice, stress running is the best) and my waistline reaped the benefits. Since moving in with Aaron, I’ve gained a bit of relationship pudge. You know… just a little extra squish from sharing meals with a meat and potato boy with the metabolism of a 4 year old. I’m not bitter or anything.

It’s cliché but the best way, for me, to get back into the routine at the gym is to feel great in new workout clothes which can be an expensive motivational habit to form. Enter: OLD NAVY. They are crushing the activewear game this season and right now, it is all 40% off. 

And while you’re in there.... pick up this sweater too. Isn’t it great?

brand spotlight: uniqlo

jacket | sweater | skirt 

blazer | skirt | blouse

pants | blouse

dress | dress | dress

blouse | skirt | blouse

My mom and aunt have been raving about the ultra light down from Uniqlo (pronounced "YOU-nee-klo") for quite some time and I’m not sure why I never jumped on board. But when I was back home in August, we popped in the brick and mortar shop and I was wildly impressed. Think American Apparel and Wayf had a minimalist baby—that’s Uniqlo. It is affordable, its classic and modem at the same time and it’s easy to wear. I went through a major closet purge as I packed for my upcoming move (tomorrow!) and held onto the neutrals with the intention of only adding pieces that match and are easy to mix and match. Uniqlo is going to make that easy AND affordable. Silk for less than $60? Cashmere for less than $80? Sign.me.up.

Similar to Target and H&M, Uniqlo collaborates with designers for a fast fashion designer collab. Keep an eye out this fall as they're bringing back their +J brand -- a collaboration with Jill Saunders -- that was one of their most popular collations when it debuted a few years ago.

What do you think? Have you shopped at Uniqlo yet?

Note: I’m always a bit hesitant to shop at a retailer online if I’m not close enough to a brick and mortar shop to make returns in person which was my initial fear with Uniqlo.  But know that the line fits true to size so you should be safe shopping online if you’re not near any of their stores.

brand spotlight: lou & grey

Towards the end of every season, I start a closet purge to get rid of the things I didn't wear that season and to make room for all the new clothes I’ll inevitably be buying as the season changes. I started that process last week and found the donate pile to be full of color. I’m gravitating more and more towards neutrals and simple pieces that can be worn year round. I’m not sure if it’s my age or DC is finally rubbing off on me but I’m working towards a closet full of neutrals. So it makes sense that I’m currently obsessing over Lou & Grey at Loft. The line is comfy, cozy, well structured, and can easily be dressed up or dressed down. AKA everything my little heart desires right now.

If you're interested in getting your feet wet, Loft is having a sale right now (big surprise) offering 50% off all sale items which includes a few Lou & Grey pieces. I bought this romper during a sale a few weeks ago and absolutely love it. Just a heads up-- it runs a bit big!