Feel as Good as you Look!

Submitted by on May 21, 2011 - 5:41 pm

All my life I’ve been an athlete. It started with tee-ball and grew into softball. I tried soccer (not so good) and basketball (still love, but was much better at defense!). I ran track and cross country and even tried the high jump. Apparently, this white woman CAN’T jump. But, I’m OK with that. I like to try new things. In high school, I used to go for a rollerblade instead of a run. I liked it because I could go farther (and faster!).

Ultimately, I fell in love with Lacrosse. And I was really good at it! Somehow, my poor depth perception wasn’t a hindrance. And the fact that I good endurance and could kick it up into a sprint was really helpful on offense whereas for track and cross country, I couldn’t find my home.

Since I was allowed to join my parents gym (you had to be 16), I worked out at least 5-6 days a week up until just over a year ago. I didn’t feel my best unless I worked out. It was my stress relief. As a type-A personality, that’s important! I loved weight lifting and I was often the only girl. It was incredibly empowering to work out on my own amongst the men … and sometimes show them up! I’d even impressed my fair share of personal trainers with my dedication and stamina.

I’ve even run two marathons.

Yet, somehow, I practically completely stopped working out aside from a bit of pilates or a random hike.

Life happened.

Can you relate?

The last couple of months I’ve been working to get myself back into a routine. While I’m happy with my body (which is a first, and I still have my moments of regressing back to NOT being happy with my body!), I do miss the ability to run for 45 minutes and have it feel like nothing. Or, bench press 40 lbs. like no big deal. And, while I’ve NEVER liked running uphill, I missed being able to hike the tough 90-minute Griffith hike without taking a break.

Slowly, but surely, I started upping my consistency. The key is to start small. If you’re not doing anything, start by taking the stairs or getting in as much walking as possible. (Full disclosure: I walk a LOT for work. Shopping IS exercise, but it’s NOT strength or interval training) Start with 1 x per week and increase to 2 x per week, etc.

5 Quick & Easy Ways to Work out:

1) Grab a Girlfriend
Instead of a coffee or lunch date, why not schedule a power walk, a gym date or a hike? If you’re going to spend an hour or an hour and a half, it’s a MUCH more productive use of your time. As a busy woman, don’t you LOVE killing the hypothetical two birds with one stone? I do! In the beginning, this was the only way I’d get my butt out the door for a good workout.

2) Intervals
Whether cardio or weight lifting, you don’t need more than 20 minutes to get in a really good workout. The key is intensity and productive rests. So, if you jog for three minutes and sprint for 1 minute, the jog is your rest. If you’re lifting one muscle group use your break for that group to work a complimentary muscle group. Check out Body for Life for Women: A Woman’s Plan for Physical and Mental Transformation.I think the title says it all, but the book includes a variety of 20 minute interval workouts to get you started. Seriously, it just takes 20 minutes and some dumbbells or running shoes!

3) Mix it UP!
Don’t do the same thing every day. Keep your body guessing and really work your muscles. Plus, you don’t get bored! Run, then yoga, then BOX, then weight lift, then run, etc. I personally LOVE boxing (not that I could actually ever really hit anybody) and would go once a week in the prime of my corporate stress levels. Again, it only takes 20 minutes a day! And by trying new things, you can actually make fitness a fun and empowering challenge.

4) All she wants to do is dance, dance, DANCE!
Grab your girlfriends (and maybe your guy) and go OUT to dance. You get to hang out with your friends and, again, get in some exercise. Now, in this scenario you’ll have to mind how many drinks you have, but it’s SO much fun. Even if you’re not good. My friends used to call me Catherine ‘I just wanna dance’ Cassidy … and I’ve definitely had no formal training past my 4th grade tap class!

5) Sneak it in
When you’re cooking and waiting at the stove, sneak in a few sets of squats. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Any excuse to walk, take it! Dance all out when your favorite song comes on your iTunes. You get the picture! My freshman year of college I lived on the 5th floor of the dorm and I took the stairs pretty much every time I came home. I also never gained weight (until I graduated college, but that’s a different story!). Are there opportunities like that for you? Seize them!

Above all else, have FUN with fitness. It’s about seeing how strong and capable you are. It’s an opportunity to love your body even more. And even if you’re not at your ‘ideal weight,’ stop worrying about it. You are exactly where you need to be right now. Embrace where you are, who you are and just savor every moment. I promise you’ll be loving every ounce of your body. And that’s a bold promise!

What IS Style?

Submitted by on May 11, 2011 - 1:32 am

Is it an essence? Is it innate? Is it learned???
All of the above!

Your essence relates to your ‘inner style’ … your preferences, how you wear something and the confidence you radiate as you enter a room.

It’s innate because you know exactly what works for you, what goes with what and the colors that will make you stand out in the best possible way.

And it’s learned because we’re continually evolving in our bodies, in our lives and, of course, in our style. As my dad always told my brother’s and I: ‘you’re not finished with your own project.’ I may have been a teenager at the time, but it still seems true.

As we grow into our bodies and confidence, our style evolves. It becomes a more true representation of ourselves. Not just what we think it should be or what the trends dictate.

Not to mention that even those who seem to be BORN stylish really had to learn somewhere. And that may just have been a very stylish mom they were lucky to have! Of course, even if your mom wasn’t the Jackie O of the neighborhood, she still had valuable lessons to share with you.

It is through the evolution and process of learning about yourself and your style that your style becomes innate and an essence.

And it all starts with mom!

Some of the most valuable style lessons I learned from my mom (and grandma):

Don’t leave the house without your earrings. Though I had to provide a compelling argument to convince my mom to get my ears pierced before I was 13 (the first attempt at age 5 didn’t go so well) and I so desperately wanted them, I still wouldn’t wear earrings regularly. Now, of course, I see the value in always wearing earrings – even if it’s the only accessory you wear. They add color and sparkle right next to your face to enhance your complexion and complete your outfit.

Black and Brown worn together is very sophisticated. When I was younger, I was SO adamant that you couldn’t wear black and brown together. To the point that if I was wearing brown shoes and didn’t have a brown bag, I would carry a brown makeup bag as a purse!! Eventually, I started playing with this combination and now I love it! It IS sophisticated. Another supposed ‘no-no’ color combo that I love is Black and Navy. Tres Chic (and slimming!).

Silver and Gold mixed is very French. If you know me, I’m quite the francophile, so when my Grandma (also a francophile) shared this with me it didn’t take much convincing! And of course it makes sense. Leave it to the French to toss aside ‘rules’ and mix silver and gold because, really, who cares? If you like it, do it!

Pull it together. Both my mom and my grandma have always been very particular about their appearance and it definitely rubbed off. Even my workout clothes coordinate! I just can’t help it. But what it comes down to is that when I put in the effort to pull together a look (including accessories), no matter how simple or the occasion, I feel more confident and poised.

Have a Signature. My grandma is always in stylish separates, her good walking shoes (even her walking shoes are stylish!) and some statement accessories. She has the best collection of costume jewelry! My mom loves red which is so appropriate for her personality, so she wears a lot of it. Not a lot of people can get away with red and even I don’t wear it that often. I do, however, adore a bright blue.

Confidence is Key. Who hasn’t felt awkward from time to time? I’ve definitely had my moments. And when that happens, I just slap a smile on my face and stand a bit taller. A little confidence goes a long way in having a memorable presence. Maybe that’s why Mom was always telling you to strand up straight?? ;)

These are just a few of the things I’ve learned and carry forward with me. What about you? What has your mom taught you that has helped shape your style? I would love to know… and so would the rest of the U*styled community … so, please share your lessons with the rest of us!

U*Styled’s Top 5 Gift Ideas for Mom

Submitted by on - 1:24 am

For the Cook: A Stylish Apron

I especially love this for new mom’s who can then pass their aprons down to their daughters. I remember always borrowing my mom’s aprons when I was ‘helping’ her in the kitchen. Who say’s you can’t be stylish when you’re cooking? If your mom loves to cook and entertain, this is a fabulous gift! Click here for the Anthropologie apron to the right (and browse even more!).

For the Traveler: St. Barth’s

And by St. Barth’s I mean the new Calypso St. Barth’s collection that is now at Target. I mean, check outthe colors! How can that not make you happy and immediately transport you to that exotic locale? A little taste of St. Barth’s can add a lot of HAPPY to a busy mom’s day. Even if she just takes a moment to herself, you’ve succeeded!

For the Time-Starved: Her Own In-Home Spa Experience

If anyone deserves some time to indulge, it’s mom! Balancing it all gracefully and in style … how does she do it? This Burberry Cashmere robe is the ultimate indulgence, but anything comfy and cozy will do (I like Barefoot Dreams and my own robe is Lacoste). If you want to take it a step further, candles such as this ‘Inspire’ by Lollia. Voluspa is another of my favorites for candles. One step further, and if she has the space, create a vanity space for her to indulge in getting ready and feeling fabulous every day. You can either shop vintage at flea markets (much more time consuming) or check out Pottery Barn. Even Target has a great selection of vanities! Of course, along with creating her own in-home spa experience, you have to give mom the gift of TIME!

For the Out of Town Mom: A Visit

Mom probably doesn’t need anymore things in her closets and pantries, but one thing she can’t get enough of is YOU! Even if it’s an IOU for a plane ticket home or bringing her out to visit you while you keep a look out for fares to drop, what better gift? And, in the meantime, why not create a photo gift … whether it’s of you and your siblings, family memories or her grandkids … photo’s bring back memories and can make you feel nearby. If all your photos are digital, you can even simply upload them online, choose your gift, the layout and when you want to have it ready by and go pick it up. It’s that simple. And you can even have it shipped out to you if you want. I use Walgreens, but Rite Aid, CVS, etc. all have these services. Amazingly easy, thoughtful and time efficient. I love it!

For the ‘Lucky’ Mom: The Gift of Style

I may be a bit biased to this one, I admit, but I’ve seen first hand what the gift of style can do … not only for someone’s wardrobe and style, but for their confidence, their morning routine and their wallet! It’s knowing exactly what works for you so you don’t waste money on those ‘maybe’ pieces. Whether it’s a subscription to Vogue to inspire her style or to Lucky to show her ‘how to’ over the course of the year. Or, even the gift of U*styled! Conveniently, 21 Days of Style starts May 9th – just after Mother’s day. I promise I didn’t plan that! If you think mom needs a bit more one-on-one guidance, then an in-person style session may be the ticket. I bet you’ll be the new favorite child! Oh, right, mom doesn’t have a favorite. ;)

Happy Shopping!!