Styled Yoga Gear? Yes Please!

All right. I’ll admit. I don’t have style…

I mean… I know what I like, but when I go shopping, the stuff I pick out looks exactly like everything I already own. It's like I'm stuck in a fashion loop. I just don’t really know how to shop. However, I can look at another girl's outfit and think, "YES", I want that look! But putting it together, that’s not my thing. I have lots of stylish friends, and trust me when I hang out with my girls in Beverly Hills, Clair and Jules, I love how they dress me up in their clothes. It makes me feel more confident, and like I actually belong in LA.

With that being said, I decided to take a leap of faith and let a stranger pick clothes out for me, and I must say it rocked. I’m a girl who lives in workout clothes, "stop drop and yoga" is my daily motto. Sometimes you just need a stretch, so why wear anything but yoga pants? But really, I’m super active and I love having the freedom to stretch and bend anyway I want in order to get comfy or flexy in any moment. Anyway, I found this Yoga Box… I received three items. A long-sleeved shirt, which is perfect for winter time. A sports bra, which I am so in love with, and have actually been searching for one like it! And also, a pair of yoga pants that have a look I’ve always admired. The outfit fits together perfectly, and matches everything else I own! The fact that the outfit was hand selected by a stylist gives me so much more confidence that when I leave my house, I look gooooood!  

Why I Love Each Piece

The long-sleeved shirt

I would have never bought this at a store or online. "It’s not my thing," in my eyes at least, and my eyes aren’t very stylish so… they don’t know much. Especially because I love this shirt! In first week of opening the box, this shirt was worn six out of the seven days. I loved it. I wore it wine tasting, as a quick cover up for work, on hikes, and for workouts. I love how versatile it is! This shirt is casual and laid back while also being a great active piece.

The Sports Bra

Ok so I’ve been searching for a bra that has a cool back like this forever! They never fit. I’ve got a pretty small bust size, but also kind of a large cup size. So, when I find a sport bra that fits the bust, it usually leaves me hanging out in unflattering ways. Not gym friendly… Needless to say I was psyched on this bra!

The Leggings

I love mesh cut leggings! Whenever I come across them they are always either super expensive or they seem like they will rip open if I have to pull on them at all when getting them on, aka they’re cheap. With this pair though, you can tell that these are high quality leggings, and living in Santa Barbara the mesh is perfect for hot days that turn cold in a moment’s notice.

They Match Everything

Those are the three items they sent, but like I said, it matches so well with the rest of my closet making cute outfits with the selected pieces is easy!  The pieces are all really versatile. The sports bra goes great with open backed shirts! The legging are a great color that match everything super well. The cool thing about the Yoga Club Box is that they don't just send you a random box without getting a sense of your style first. You take a short little quiz so that they get a feel for your vibe. This is how they were able to send me three items that totally match everything else in my closet! 

 

Time to be a stylish Yogi!!! 

If you want to become a Yoga Box Member like me click here!

For 25% OFF Use Code:

"NIKKI20"

Keep Your Closet Stocked With This....

Hi readers,

Dropping a short blog just to give you my opinion on why you should keep your closet stocked with active clothes that you love! I'm not talking about raggedy old t-shirts and spandex that you used to wear for high school volleyball. Unless you are on a serious budget, splurge a little on yourself so you can feel great in workout clothes that will inspire you to get your sweat on!

Why Buy Active Gear?

Pushing your mind and body is extremely beneficial. Challenging both the physical and mental aspects of yourself will aid in longevity of mind, body and spirit. exercise daily can give you great discipline and self worth. Along with keeping you looking good, it keeps you feeling good! And you don't need to do a crazy workout daily. I think switching from meditation, yoga, swimming, hikes, running, lifting, and H.I.T. classes is a great mix. Somedays we have a lack of motivation to get out and be active. However, when you have a wardrobe stocked full of active outfits that you feel good in, it can enable to get out there, and you'll be doing so with confidence! Being active can help you break out of your mundane daily routine, whether it’s going for a hike, attending a yoga class, or going for a run it’s always great to get your body moving!

Get What Fits Your Life.

Some people might want cotton workout clothes, which I love for laying around, but not when I actually want to get out and sweat. One brand that makes great moisture controlled gear is ZYIA. Their clothes are made by using a 4-way stretch fabric. The fabrics are breathable which is great for hot and cold days alike. The material has strategic ventilation to allow moisture to flow. They also have a compression aspect which can help with muscle support.  The high waisted leggings are great for yoga classes because they fit your form, you can bend and twist anyway you’d like, AND you don’t have to worry about undies popping out! 

Let me know what your favorite activities are in the comments below! Or hit me up on Instagram!

Love,

Nikki

The Must Have Fall Sweater to Feel Sexy & Cozy!

Hello readers,

I’ve found my Sexy Cozy Sweater for the winter, and as the tempter drops, I am practically living in it already.

What Makes a Sweater Cozy?

To be cozy, is to be your authentic self! You’ll be totally comfortable and relaxed mentally and physically in the right sweater! When you know you’re looking sexy and cozy… You’re not concerned with your own body image, and you’re not focused on your possible after dinner food baby bump! You feel totally covered, and totally engulfed in warmth and confidence. Your sweater almost acts as a safety blanket.

Cozy Sweaters are easy to fall in love with! You know you’ve found one when you notice yourself wearing it more than 3 days a week. It quickly becomes part of your Netflix attire, your after yoga cover up, your casual dinner wear, and so much more, which leads it to becoming a staple in your life!

What Makes a Sweater Sexy?

It’s got to flatter your body. Adding shape to the curves you want enhanced, but also giving you a little extra belly space to allow you to eat at all the family gatherings over the next few months. Sexy isn’t just about the appearance others see, it’s what you project. A sweater is sexy when it gives you confidence! If you feel great in your sweater others will pick up on it. So even if your winter bod is starting to fill out a little, if you have certainty in your own sexiness, that is exactly what the world will see!

Here is what I look for in a sweater that has dual properties of Sexy and Cozy:

The Feel

The most important aspect of a Sexy Cozy Sweater is the material! It’s got to be soft and feel good against the skin.  My Sexy Cozy Sweater is made with soft yarn. When I move slightly, I can feel the fabric travel across my skin and it feels as if a loving hand is coming in for an embrace, causing a warming sensation.

The Sleeves

A cozy sweater hugs your body, so it has got to have longer sleeves. You don’t want your wrist showing at all! You want to feel totally engulfed by your new best friend! You also want the sweater’s sleeves to hug your wrist so that when you lift your arms or move quickly, it stays in place, and doesn’t expose your arm's skin. You’ll want to avoid super wide sleeves. You can see on my Winslett Chunk Raglan Cotton Sweater that the sleeves are chunky and hug my wrists perfectly.  This keeps them in place through all my crazy daily activities.

The Neckline

If you want a sweater that’s also going to make you feel sexy, you’re going to want to show off a little skin without being left cold. My Sexy Cozy Sweater has a crewneck that is wide and shows off my collar bones. Depending on how I position the sweater, it also shows off a little bit of my shoulder(s). This is perfect for allowing someone to feel sexy for all occasions, while also being totally cozy!

The Booty Hug

Your sweater should embrace your booty, not totally cover it! You don’t want to look boxy, or maybe you do, in that case, go for it. Otherwise, allow your sweater to sit right above your booty to add shape to your body. My sweater lays over my booty perfectly so that my shapes are enhanced, not hidden. Another plus, is that if I am feeling super confident in the moment, I can lift my arms up and show off a little midriff for a split second. This is an aesthetic I personally love to play with, it’s fun and lighthearted.

Low Maintenance

Because you’re most likely going to be living in this sweater it’s important that it is machine wash! You don’t want to have to dry clean your favorite sweater every time it gets a little stinky! 

It’s also important to note, these are my guidelines for a Sexy Cozy Sweater, but you may have your own!

Check out Wooden Ships by Paola Buendia to find your perfect Sexy Cozy Sweater for this winter! 

This has been a great gift that I will always love! Thank you Paola! 

Stay Cozy this Fall.

Love,

Nikki

Embellishing Your Wrist

How wearing reminders can benefit you.

Hey folks,

In todays’ world life can be hectic and overwhelming. And while I am not a materialistic person, sometime possessing items to remind you to check in with yourself and be mindful can be advantageous. When I pick out jewelry, I usually look for the symbolic meanings it possesses. This could perhaps be in a stone, icon, sign, or some type of representation of an important symbol.

Benefits of Embellishing Your Daily Attire with Jewelry

1.     Elevate Your Mood

Feeling down? When you form a connection with an item that you wear daily, sometimes, on a bad day, all you need to do is look down at the piece and be reminded today will pass.

2.     It Has the Potential to Sway Your Attitude

Did you know that your entire wardrobe can sway your mood? There have been studies done that show people can be influenced by their wardrobe. One example of this is when people want to feel more enlightened, or positive they will often wear white or light colors. I once heard a story of man that started dressing in all white robes, he found himself being more positive and having a better outlook on life on a daily basis.

3.     People May Treat You Friendlier  

When people recognize your symbol(s) and they also hold special value to them, it opens a gateway for them to connect with you. They automatically will feel a sense of belonging in your presence and be more open with you.  For example, almost every day for the last 7 years I have worn a fire agate ring. People who recognize stones, or fire agates in particularly, will usually say something about it minutes within meeting me and we instantly form a bond. I have actually made a few lifelong friends that started with the compliment of that ring.

4.     You Carry the Intent of the Object with You

The constant reminder of what your jewelry symbolizes will be with you throughout your day.  It can remind you of your goals, perhaps how far you’ve come, and so much more.  

Symbolism in my Bracelets

First of all, it should be noted that the Lotus symbol is found on every bracelet that Luv & Bart creates. Why do they use this symbol? Because the Lotus Flower symbolizes new beginnings and adventures!

Louisa Bracelet – Olive Pyrite

This piece contains gold plated pieces in the center and pyrite stone surrounding the rest. Something I really love about this piece, is its unique draw string that are made of a gold chain. Pyrite is known to enhance one’s ability to generate self-wealth. It resonates with the Earth and Fire elements and is masculine in nature. It is a stone of action, willpower, achieving your true potential and enhancing the flow of ideas! Sound like a stone you need in your life?

Claudia Bracelet

This is a must have for me because I have always been gravitated towards feathers ever since I was a child. Feathers symbolize spiritual evolution. Feathers come from birds, who soar high, and free, just think of the song Free bird, “I’m as free as a bird…”. So, we associate feathers and birds with freedom, inspiration, and travel. Feathers have been used by many cultures in sacred ceremonies. Different bird feathers have different meanings in most cultures. For example, in Viking culture, raven feathers were specifically associated with memory, while hawk feathers are thought to bring magical powers.

Siena Bracelet – Grey

As we mentioned above, lighter colors can make you more approachable by others, and elevate your own mood. While this bracelet is classified as grey it is on the lighter side. Lighter colors, especially ones very close to the shade od white, can help vanish feelings of disappointment that you may be holding onto. Light colors represent the opportunity to start a new.

Margaux Bracelet

This bracelet is made with gold and light blue beads which are accompanied with a gold-plated lotus flower. Light blue is often associated with stability and symbolizes loyalty, wisdom, trust, confidence, intellect, and faith.  We also have the icon of the brand, the Lotus Flower, which really represents so many things to people. It is known as a symbol of pure speech, mind and body. This is because a Lotus Flower is rooted in the mud, yet the bud rises above all the muck and reaches the clear surface in order to bloom into something truly breathtaking. In Buddhism, this process is related to the human life cycle. The bud’s journey to the surface is related to the path of enlightenment. It is a divine symbol that also represents rebirth.  In Hinduism, it’s also a symbol of pure beauty.

These bracelets are great for layering or wearing separately and I love how they go with every outfit whether it’s casual, classy, chic, or totally bohemian.

Luv & Bart makes affordable jewelry to aid you along your journey. What I love most about their pieces is that they are chic yet perfect to wear in a yoga class. For me, I’m always on the go and need to wear jewelry that can look amazing but also keep up with my life.

I will always treasure these gifts.

Love,

Nikki