Fall Fashion Finds

Good morning!  I love having Monday off.  After one workday, we are half way through the week!

As I was thinking about some ideas last night for my blog, a style post came to mind.  Since I had a day off from running yesterday and I didn't really make a meal last night...it seemed like a fun idea to change things up a bit.  As the summer winds down to an end, I am thinking ahead to fall, i.e my fall wardrobe.  I already own some major key pieces that I love and wear all of the time when the temperatures dip...starting with my riding boots.  I bought these last year in brown, and a similar pair in black.
  

In addition to the boots, which are perfect for school, I am also loving the cowboy-style ankle boots seen on the racks.  Rather than going southern, I opted for a more modern, lace-up pair of suede boots with a rubber heel...similar to these...

I've also been seeing a lot of burgundy and maroon.  Anywhere from shoes to sweaters to lips...this rich hue seems to be the color of the season.  I recently purchased this fun sweater {from Target, of all places} to mix in with my current pieces.  I love it because it is comfortable, yet stylish.  It can be paired with jeans or a simple black skirt.   

As if denim ever went out of style, I love the short, cropped old-school jackets that are in with a vengeance.  My purchase looks very similar to this one and I've found that its already been with me on several recent cool evenings and trips to the grocery store.    

At first I wasn't sure what I thought of colored denim.  That is, until I found the perfect pair of red, ankle length jeans.  I'm thinking that colored denim may not be the most flattering...but the proper cut can make all of the difference.  

Finally, my frivolous purchase for fall...these tan, ankle-strap heels.  I recently eyed them at DSW and didn't purchase them because, after all, they are not practical for teaching fourth graders.  I went back about a few days later...and they sold my size.  I was bummed.  But this past weekend, as I made my way through the DSW isles once again, not only did they have my size...were they 40% off!  It was meant to be.

 

I usually don't do well with heels because the back of my foot doesn't stay put.  The strap will hold my foot in place and I love them.  Plus...they are comfortable!

As for fall fashion in terms of running clothes, I can't wait to try Oiselle's Lesley Knicker.  Capri tights are perfect for making the transition into winter running.  

What are your style picks for fall?  Have you picked up any recent additions to add to your existing wardrobe?  

As for running, my plan is 5 -6 miles after school today and a progression run tomorrow.  Enjoy your day!




 

Must Wear Shoes.

TGIF!  

Yesterday's easy five mile run with Lauretta on the tow path was {as always} delightful. 

The weather was perfect, the sun was shining, and there weren't too many crazies on the path.  Bonus!  We chatted away about food, running, her moving adventures, blogging, etc, and before we knew it...we were done.  I also have this really horrible, debilitating fear of snakes and someone I know {I'm not mentioning any names} was teasing me about recently spotting a rattlesnake down there.  Still worried, I kept my eyes peeled for any visible trace of a creepy crawler.  Ugh...I hate this phobia! 

Lauretta and I are gearing up for our 6:30 am, eleven miler on Sunday.  Only she would meet me that early and I personally think it's a great way to begin my Mother's Day.  Thanks for the run today! 



On to the post...I've learned over the past few weeks that wearing either heels or flat soled ballet shoes to school or around the house isn't cutting it with my tendonitis.  The other day, I wore a pair of flats to school and by the end of the day, my Achilles was throbbing.  I decided at that moment that those types of shoes will be put on the back burner for a bit and I will wear "good for my feet" shoes until my tendonitis subsides.

When I'm not wearing running shoes, my choice of footwear are these fun {but not so attractive} pair of Dansko clogs.  

I did get them a few years ago, but they still are ultra-comfy and make my heel feel better when I wear them throughout the day.  I also wear them around the house at night since {Bodi, the trainer} told me not to walk around without shoes.  Being the good patient I am, I listen.  That, and I just want to run without pain!

Well then, I'm off to school now.  Have a great Friday!

Tracy

Flower Power

My friend, Katie, makes these adorable paper flowers out of recycled book pages and colored paper.  She initially made them as decorations for her sister’s bridal shower back in the fall, as well as embellishments for the wedding in January.  What started out as a little project for those celebrations led to a small side business on the side...and she now sells her creations on Etsy. 

Check them out:  Lille Syster 

Katie made me this vibrant yellow flower to wear in my hair by using a  hot-glue gun to attach the bud to a bobby pin.  Voila…an adorable {and fashionable} hair accessory.  

Can you believe it's made of paper??  

That day I wore my hair in a low, side ponytail and attached the flower above the band.  The golden hue added a bright burst of color to my otherwise, dull outfit.  That’s what is great about any accessory…they make the ordinary, extraordinary!

Have a great day!

Tracy

The Perfect Running Short for Women.

If you’re like me, running on hot and sticky days can be a challenge.  Not only does the body have to adapt to the steamy temperatures, we often have to worry about the proper fitting clothing we wear.  Sometimes ill-fitting running shorts can create rashes and chaffing in places that are less then pleasurable, but I think I have finally found the perfect pair.  

As you know, I am an Ambassador and Racing Team Member for Oiselle, a women’s clothing line for runners that is based out of Seattle, Washington.  Several months ago, they sent me a pair of their Lori Short and I have to say, they are amazing.  

I wore them a few days ago to brave Monday’s heat {you know…Boston Marathon day}.  I ran six miles easily, and I came home with not a single rash or red mark.  Nothing.  Any woman with a tad bit of inner thigh muscle may suffer from this problem {like I do} but I feel that I have finally found a short that is right for me.

The other beautiful qualities about this short are that it comes in four great colors and it is “poof-less.”  Plus, the wider waistband and the slimmer silhouette is flattering on everyone.

Just yesterday, I ordered another pair in alder green {see below} and I look forward to receiving them in the very near future.

For more information on Oiselle products, or these shorts in particular, go to:

OISELLE

Do you have any running clothing/brands that help you beat the heat?   I would love to hear any comments or suggestions...

Have a great Friday!

Tracy

Recipe Recaps and Stylin Stillettos.

Hello Friends,


Before I head out to do some wine tasting at local vineyards, I have two quick recipe reviews.


Last night our friends Jolene and Sib were over for dinner and I decided to try two of the recipes from Food Network that I talked about yesterday.  


First up...the Apple and Brie Quesadillas from the magazine.  They consisted of grilled apples and brie folded in a flour tortilla and then they were grilled in a pan.  The quesadillas were topped with a mustard/maple syrup sauce and crumbled bacon.  

My husband gave them an 8/9 out of 10 because he thought the taste was as close as I could get to his grandmother's apple fritters.  Jolene decided the sauce should have been a tad sweeter so she thought a 6 was a better score for her.  Sib thought they were good and didn't really give me a specific number...he just liked them!  Me?  I have to agree with Jolene.  The next time I make them, I will add a little more syrup to the sauce (or maybe even honey). 


Next up...Giada's Sweet Peach Cake.

This cake is very dense to begin with and the designated 1 hour and 10 minute bake time seemed a little long.  Therefore, I decided to lessen my bake time to about 55 minutes and regretfully, it was still a little dry.


On the flip side, the icing was absolutely amazing and it helped to make up for the tad bit of dryness in cake.  Next time -- I will bake this cake for 45 minutes to start and then go from there.  Then, I think it may be a keeper.   


I love trying new recipes and asking people to rate them on a scale of 1 to 10.  This helps me to decide which recipes I would make again, which I would pitch, and which I would make adaptations to make them better.  That's what cooking and baking is all about, right?  




On another note, I visited Kohl's yesterday for a brief minute...just to check and see what I missed the other day and I came out with these beauties...

Now, I don't usually buy shoes at Kohl's (not that they don't have a nice selection), but I just don't find shoes that fit.  Not only are these Jennifer Lopez specials super high, they are super stylish and they have that little strap around the ankle to help them stay on my foot.  That is KEY for me.  

The brushed gold color is a perfect neutral.  Plus, they actually are quite comfortable as far as heels are concerned.  They're not my running shoes, mind you, but they will be perfect for events and dinners.  

So in the end, Saturday was a good day!  

All right...I am off to the vineyards..


Enjoy your Sunday!

Tracy

Capturing the Ideal Capri

My gosh...who knew it would be so hard to find pants or capris that actually fit?  For you runners out there...is it me, or is it hard to find pants that aren’t too loose in the waist or too tight in the thighs? 

On Saturday afternoon, I went to the mall with my mom to help her choose new eyeglasses.  While I was waiting for her to finish, I had the opportunity to browse the mall.  Mind you, this is a rare occasion to 1.) actually be AT the mall, and 2.) to be kid-less there as well.  

As I was browsing the outside area, I went in a few stores with the mission of finding the perfect capri/ankle length pant for me.  After stops at Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, White House/Black Market and J. Crew…nada!  No luck. 

Since my mom was almost finished, I had time for one more store so I chose to browse The Gap.  As I walked in, I saw the perfect pair of roll-up “Broken In Straight” khakis staring me down.  Bingo!  They looked perfect.  

After trying on a few sizes, I found the one for me.  Here is a little pic taken from their website in the color I purchased (winter ochre).  

Cute, right?  Now I usually don’t pay full-price for clothing, but these fit so nicely that I couldn’t resist!  Here are the product specs:

Next step?  My plan is to wait for them to go on sale and then purchase a few of the other colors because they are a great addition to my spring wardrobe.

Lauretta and I had the “pant buying” conversation on one of our runs last week.  Runners naturally have muscular legs and smaller waists and this can be a tricky combination when browsing through the racks of skinny jeans and straight cut styles.  Oh well, I guess it’s the trade-off we must make… 

What do you think?  As a runner, do you have this problem?  What cuts and brands do you find to be perfect for you?

Enjoy the day!

Tracy

Spring Forward Fashion Trends.

Hello!  

Today I’m taking a little break from running and recipes by posting about the  fashion trends for this spring season.  Since the 60+ degree weather brings the best out in everyone, let’s have a look at what’s in store for us as the weather gets even warmer…

Tango with Tangerine…

There is no better color to say “hot” than to wear a fresh shade of orange.  From tangerine to melon, you take your pick.  This color is great on it's own, or paired with another color.

Come on, Camo!

This is a trend that would make my husband proud.  The season’s camo prints are scaled down from browns and olives to soft and subtle pastels.  I’m not sure if this trend is for me, but I can certainly envision a feminine camo jacket paired with a cute pair of skinny jeans.  

Pretty Pastels.

If bright tangerine hues aren’t for you, pastels may do just the trick.  These sweet sorbet shades range from mint green to sherbet orange, and they send out a sophisticated vibe without calling attention your way.  My suggestion – a pretty pastel dress with neutral shoes would be look amazing against tanned skin.

Must-have Metallics.

Anything from skirts to pants to shoes…metallics are glowing this season.  Gold, silver or bronze…these metallics even work as a neutral to your wardrobe.  I love a strappy gold wedge or a silver flip-flop to wear with every outfit.    

Rockin’ Color Block.

As seen on runways in New York, the color block patterns are still in style.  Large, brazen blocks of color spread across a dress or jacket can really make a statement, but this style isn’t for everyone.  I think a cute color block tunic paired with simple black capri leggings would be a perfect choice for me.  

Speaking of tangerine...Check out these spikes that Lauretta gave me for my track meet next month.  

If they don't "scream" orange, I don't know what does.  Thank you, Lauretta! 

My theory on new fashion trends?  I like to pick up one or two trendy pieces per season and wear them with clothing I already own.  For example, a cute pair of tangerine sandals would be a perfect accent to my little black dress! 

What do you think?  Is camo for you?  How about a pair of metallic pants? Taken to tangerine?  I would love to know… 

Have a great Tuesday!

Tracy

Palazzo Pant = Perfect.

Happy Sunday!!

As the spring fashion trends come rolling into stores near you, there is one hot item that I am lusting over…

…the palazzo pant!

This super comfy, very flattering, wide legged beauty of a pant can come in a vast variety of colors, patterns, and fabrics.  

So to try out this trend, I recently purchased an adorable grey and black micro-striped pair that is made of a jersey-knit material with a thick waistband similar to that of a yoga pant.  I wore them all day Friday to work, plus all night to the wrestling meet.  To my surprise, I received quite a few compliments, plus I literally felt like I was wearing PJ bottoms.  I’d say that’s a WIN-WIN combination!  

According to some sources, this pant is similar to the maxi-skirt that made its way into the fashion world over the last few seasons.  But overall, I am pleased with this new addition to my wardrobe and will wear them with comfortable pride throughout the spring.

Running: Jesse and I met this morning for our weekly hard workout and we did some repeat miles at my "sort of" anticipated 5k pace.   We decided to hit the tow path along the canal since it is nice and flat and the surface is soft and cinder-like, which served as a nice break from the roads. 

Here's what we did: 

1 1/4 mile warm-up
  

1 - 6:18 mile – 1:45 rest

2 - 6:17 mile – 1:45 rest

3 - 6:15 mile – 1:45 rest

Then we decided to break up the last mile to finish at a faster pace:

800 - 3:04 – 1:00 rest

400 - 1:25  – 1:00 rest

400 - 1:24

1 1/4 mile cool down

The first 3 1/2 miles of tempo were at 19:33 pace for a 5k and my goal is to run sub-19:00 in the near future.  After all of that, plus grocery shopping and laundry...I am exhausted!

So, what do you think of the palazzo pant trend?  Would you add them to your spring ensemble?  

Have a restful day!

Tracy

Oldies, but Goodies...and Speed Work Too.

TGIF!!  I don't know about you, but I'm sure glad it's Friday.  Today is filled with a teacher in-service and a track workout to follow.  I am prepared for a pretty vigorous workout since Coach Jesse gave me the rundown of what is to come.  We are going to attempt a workout full of 800's and 300's.  Geez...what am I getting myself into?  Just kidding...more of that tomorrow...

So, about today's post...one never knows what they will find when they clean out their old clothes bins.  I recently went through a few of my own and found a some awesome treasures that have completed my winter running wardrobe. Take a look...

The first item I found were these old Gortex mittens.  I will ask my mother, but I am pretty sure that they are circa 1992.  I’m not joking!  A few days ago, I put them on when I ventured out on a run.  The weather was chilly and a little windy and to my surprise, my hands actually got hot!  So, I took them off about half way through to avoid the unnecessary overheating of my hands.  Phew...these mittens are warm, AND they are a winner.  Score with the mittens!

Another surprise that I recently found was this Pearl Izumi bright yellow windbreaker.  It is so bright, that you almost need sunglasses to look at it.  I wasn’t sure if they even made Pearl Izumi products anymore, so I googled them.  Sure enough, they are still out there. Check out www.pearlizumi .com for up-to-date information on the company.  They specialize in biking, running, and outdoor clothing.  Anyway, this jacket is perfect for this time of year.  On those balmy 40 degree winter days when you want to start your run with a base layer and a little something extra, this jacket does the trick.  Plus, it can easily be taken off mid-run and tied securely around the waist without much fuss or bulk.  It has obviously been worn quite a bit since the label is practically falling off.  Score again!

Finally, I found this navy vest.  I think it will be perfect for those in-between winter/spring days where a runner needs to guard their chest from the wind that comes with the season.  I am not sure how I feel about the tight elastic around the waist, but I think in a pinch, it will do the trick.  Score number three! 

So the next time you think you need to go on a shopping spree for new running clothes, check out what you have in storage.  You never know when a diamond in the rough may appear.

Have a fun and fantastic Friday!  

Enjoy!

Tracy