anniedaystyle

Needing A Little Workout Motivation?

Ever since Christmas break, I’ve been on a roll with my workouts: cardio, lifting, stretching, the works. But this last weekend I hit a wall. So, I’m putting on my new workout gear and motivating myself to get back into it! I just spoiled myself with these 7/8 black leggings from LuLu. They were pricey, but the quality is totally worth it. They are thick, high waisted, and they hit in a super flattering spot just above the ankle. I also just got this shirt on sale at Old Navy. I bought it to try something different and wasn’t sure I’d like it, but after wearing it a bit, I really like the way it fits and shows off your sports bra. You can go strappy and fun or simple and sleek. The tie and ruched part pull the bottom of the shirt up so it doesn’t hit straight across your hips and thighs and draw attention to the widest part of your body. It also reminds me of a half tuck, so you know I like it! LOL

Workout tip: Have you jump roped lately? It’s a great way to get cardio in if you don’t have a lot of time and it’s fun!

OUTFIT DETAILS: SHIRT – OLD NAVY // SPORTS BRA – VICTORIA SECRET // LEGGINGS – LULULEMON // SHOES – ADIDAS

LULU TRAIN TIMES 7/8 PANT (similar) ~ click picture to purchase

OLD NAVY GO DRY CROSS-BACK TOP FOR WOMEN (similar) ~ click picture to purchase

A casual way to wear leather leggings

I’ve seen leather leggings all over fashion sites, but I’ve been a little intimidated by them. I bought these last year and this is the FIRST time I’ve actually put them on. I tried to pair them with things most people have in their closets….a black sweater, white scarf, and some kind of sneaker. You may already be wearing this look with black jeans; to mix it up just swap out the jeans and throw on some leather leggings or moto leggings! If you aren’t comfortable showing your derriere, just make sure your sweater comes down long enough. And, if all black is too boring for you, try throwing on a scarf or sweater with a subtle print. This will give the outfit some contrast and dimension. Since the leggings are tight on the bottom half, I would stick to looser or chunkier fabrics on the top portion. And, if you want to dress it up, grab a simple black pump or sandal.

Here are some links to leather leggings that are similar to mine and some moto leggings that are also super popular!

EXPRESS // $49.90

LEGGINGS HM

H&M // $7.99 sale

NORDSTROM LEGGING

NORDSTROM ALO HIGH WAIST MOTO LEGGING // $118

OUTFIT DETAILS: JACKET – ELLEN TRACY (similar here) // SWEATER – MADEWELL (last year, but more sweater options here) // LEGGINGS – CATO FASHIONS // SCARF – TARGET (similar here) // SHOES – ADIDAS // PURSE – ANYA HINDMARCH (similar here) // SUNGLASSES – TARGET (similar here)

Leopard Love

BRRRRRR! Y’all it is cold outside! Since we were stuck at home for this snow day, I decided to take advantage of having a photographer and snap this AMAZING leopard coat (similar here). Some people may feel limited by the print, but it’s more versatile than you think as long as you treat it like a neutral. I layered mine with this deep green, bell-sleeved, velvety sweater from my last post. I’ve also been wearing these jeans and shoes on repeat (links to all 3 here).

Here you can really see the texture of the coat and the sweater. They are both so COZY! Thank goodness because it is BELOW FREEZING outside…in Houston! Mixing metals is kind of my thing so I wanted to explain how I do it. I paired these gold earrings and necklace (link here) with with this silver ring ( link here). The trick to mixing metals successfully is to wear a piece of jewelry that has both gold and silver in it to tie it all together. Lots of earrings, bracelets, and watches are two toned and they make it easy to wear both silver and gold in your other accessories. My go to is my gold and silver David Yurman bracelet, unfortunately it is not pictured here…sorry!

Happy snow day cuties! Stay warm and safe!

OUTFIT DETAILS: SWEATER – ZARA // JEANS – OLD NAVY // SHOES – 1 STATE SOLE SOCIETY // COAT – JCPENNEY // RING – NORDSTROM RACK // NECKLACE – ANTHROPOLOGIE // EARRINGS – KENDRA SCOTT

**Special shout out to my husband, Mitch, for taking these pics in the freezing temps!

Sweater Weather

As I look in my closet, I think I should have named my blog addicted to neutrals because I swear that’s all I wear! Today, when I ran through ZARA I decided to jump out of my comfort zone…just a little. Instead of my typical beige, white, black, I found some tops/sweaters that were different than things I already own. I went for different colors, shapes, and textures.

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I know, I know…right now you’re thinking, “Stripes? How is that different?” The truth is, I do own a lot of stripes, but this shirt is longer (more like a tunic) than I usually wear. I won’t be able to sport my usual half tuck with it, so I’ll have to style it differently. I’m thinking cover the rear and wear some tall boots. And for this frigid weather that just blew in, I can add my cute new pompom beanie!

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Next to style the green, velvety sweater. This thing is SO soft! Its cut boxier so I can leave it out or slightly half tuck it. It also has bell sleeves, something I’ve never really worn, but excited to try.

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Last, this jeweled, navy number (similar option here). The texture of this sweater sort of reminds me of carpet LOL I really like the details in the applique and I think it will be a fun piece to transition into the spring.

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oh! I forgot to mention that EVERYTHING in ZARA was on sale. I got 3 sweaters (one not pictured), 1 long sleeve shirt, a ridiculous t-shirt (also not pictured), and this adorable beanie for less than $70!

OUTFIT DETAILS: ALL TOPS ZARA // BLACK LEGGINGS – HUE // BLACK JEANS – H&M // RIPPED JEANS – OLD NAVY ROCKSTAR // OTK BOOTS – UNISA // LIGHT BOOTIES – CATO FASHIONS // DARK BROWN BOOTIES – 1 STATE //

How to Shop H&M

All right…my new years resolution is to share more with you here and over on my Instagram. I wanted to start out with a post about shopping at H&M. If you’ve seen the clothes I tag, you’ll notice a lot of them come from H&M. I fell in love with H&M’s low prices and broad variety when I lived in France in 2009. Now, we have one just down the street and I have to admit I buzz through quite often.

During my visits I have learned a few tricks that I’d like to share.

TIPS FOR SHOPPING H&M

Go in with an item in mind. This can minimize the stress of aimlessly looking through the many racks of clothes and give you a focus. If you are looking for a certain trend (velvet, pleats, floral, peplum, leather, etc.), you can keep an eye out for your particular need.
Go up a size (or 2) in the pants especially. I wear a 6 in most pants, but I usually have to buy a 10 at H&M. They also tend to run a little long, so you may need them hemmed or if you are tall…lucky you! Most of their tops fit fairly true to size or slightly small. If you are busty or have larger arms stay away from fabrics without stretch and go up a size.
Look at the materials used to make the item. Certain materials like rayon are difficult to clean and wrinkle easily so think about when you will wear it and if you want to spend the money to dry clean it or hand wash it. Also check for cotton because it may shrink if you plan to wash and dry your garment.
Browse the outer racks or racks you can tell clearly have been organized to show just a few garments. If you have time, you can peruse the $10-$20 racks or the racks that have little organization, but don’t be surprised if its difficult to sort through and find an exact item in your size.
Look for basics. H&M has an entire section of their store called basics! They have inexpensive pieces that you can easily mix and match into your wardrobe.
Don’t forget to look at accessories. They have lots of jewelry, shoes, scarves, and purses that look designer. However, if you are allergic to nickel, stay away from the jewelry.

Most of these tips can be applied at any store, especially ones where there is discounted clothing. I hope you find them helpful!

Here are some links to things on sale right now! Happy shopping!

blue sweater

knit

Black OTK Boots

I have been eyeing these bad boys for a little over a year now, and I finally decided to try them out. These are my second pair of OTK boots and I’m loving trying new looks with them. The most important thing to remember when wearing a statement piece like these boots is to keep the rest of your outfit simple. Here are a few ways I’ve tried styling them.

These boots are on sale today 25% off at DSW with the promo code HOLIDAY2017. Regularly priced they are $69.99, but they are on sale today for $52! Get ready to see these A LOT this fall/winter!

OUTFIT DETAILS:// BOOTS – UNISA AT DSW // JEANS – BANANA REPUBLIC // GREY PURSE – H&M // LEATHER JACKET – BCBGENERATION//

T-Shirt Dilemma

teachers dressing

It’s true teachers wear t-shirts to school a lot! At my school, we wear them every Tuesday and Friday, some Wednesdays and special weeks all week. Even though it seems easy to wake up in the morning and throw on a t-shirt and jeans, I get tired of wearing the same thing all the time. So, I thought I’d write a post about some different ways to wear a t-shirt that shake up the t-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes look.

Well you all already know my leather obsession this season. And, I love when I get a photobomb! Matching the Adidas with the skirt and t-shirt gave the leather skirt a more casual vibe.

Adding a jacket always pulls a look together and gives it that completer piece. It also spices things up when you add a fun shoe.

Adding a flare and tying this shirt up totally changes the look.

Fancy your t-shirt up a little with a simple heel and a shiny texture or flirty skirt.

I call this my lumberjack look LOL! It makes me want to go chop fire wood or get a Christmas tree.

We all know there will always be those days when you just have to throw on a t-shirt and jeans. I know, I know…tennis shoes are comfortable, but with such a big sneaker trend right now, you can find a pair that are comfy and cute (like these fun pom-pom ones I just picked up at JCPenney) to keep your look on trend.

OUTFIT DETAILS://JEANS – TARGET (FLARE), H&M (MOM), OLD NAVY (DARK SKINNY), NORDSTROM (RIPPED) // LEATHER LEGGINGS – CATO FASHIONS // BLACK LEATHER SKIRT – ELIE TAHARI // BLACK PLEATED SKIRT – TJMAXX // POM POM SNEAKERS – JCPENNEY // MULES – 14TH & UNION // BLACK SPIKED – BCBG // BOOTS – TARGET // LEOPARD – J. CREW