Current obsession: Block heel sandals

August makes it tough to look both professional and stylish, and far too many of my coworkers are wearing flip flops to get through these hot days. Besides investing in quality cotton and linen clothing, a solid, block heel sandal is on my current list of wardrobe obsessions.  

Clockwise, from top left, sandals from:

Steven, Ralph Lauren, Aquatalia by Marvin K., and Geox

Clockwise, from top left, sandals from:

 Cole Haan, Via Spiga, Calvin Klein, and Report 

I'm especially partial those black Geox sandals up top - they look sturdy despite their higher heel, the crossed ankle strap is flattering on any leg, and I think they'll go with everything. Guess I know what's coming out of my next paycheck!

Fitness gear review: Lorna Jane

I recently got treated to some new gear by Lorna Jane, an Australian based fitness and lifestyle brand. They've been producing women's activewear for 20+ years, but only recently became available in the US. I decided I needed to try their stuff out after I saw a student wearing a pair of super cute leggings from the brand.

Their clothes have these cute little tags on them:



Here's the strappy tank top (with a polka dot sports bra underneath) after teaching a double last week:


(Can't find it on the LJ website!)
The tank top is made of a super light material. I cut out and threw away the tags already otherwise I'd tell you what they're made of. I know you can't tell from the pictures, but it has really beautifully done mesh inserts. It wicks sweat well and felt great on. It was the perfect fit - not too tight, not too loose, and it moved comfortably with me through my full range of motion.

Here are my new super fun neon! printed leggings:


Lorna Jane Dimension 7/8 tight

The leggings are a sturdier, thicker material than the top, but they still wicked sweat really well. The neon is super vibrant and the pattern is great. They were not see through at all, even in deep squats and full forward bends. They didn't sag or stretch out at all.

Here's the whole ensemble:



Don't mind the funny face.

After more than three hours in the hot room in this outfit, they were still mostly dry to the touch. Both the top and the leggings washed really well (with no fabric softener, and air dried, of course) and they seem like they will be durable, but only time will tell. Overall, I love the clothes, and I'll definitely consider more from Lorna Jane in the future.

I was told in the store that the material will stretch up to15%, which is so practical for the full extension and stretching of a good yoga class. It's also good if you're between sizes. I found them true to size and completely comfortable to wear. The brand offers new styles on a monthly basis, which means they also always have stuff on sale. Their mission statement is "to inspire women to live their best life through Active Living" which is something I can definitely get behind.

Shopping for: the White Button Down

Today's my first day in my new full-time job (hooray!) and of course I've already planned what I'm wearing for my first week, since it's already Wednesday and my week's only three days long. I'm dreaming of a new perfect plain white button down blouse, and I'm loving these:

Equipment Slim Signature $204 

Equipment Signature $208

I worry that the Equipment blouses are a little sheer for a corporate professional environment. I also think the Signature is a bit loose cut to plan to wear with a traditional suit jacket, but I'd love it or the Slim with jeans or on a casual Friday.

BR White Silk Utility Blouse $90

This white utility blouse from Banana is a decent budget silk option, and keeps the double-chest-pocket styling and has a cut that seems right in that perfect space between fitted and loose. BR blouses tend to fit me really well, but in my experience, you're looking at a few seasons at best, which means you'll need to replace it and end up spending more in the long run anyway. For something that's as classic and timeless as the white button-down, it would be worth it (imo) to spend the extra cash for a higher quality version.

Burberry Brit Basic Button-Down $225

If you're looking for a more traditional fit, this basic button down by Burberry Brit is a tailored, slim-fit style, and you're getting the quality materials and durability you're probably looking for in your white-shirt wardrobe workhorse.

Joie Marru top $208

I know, this one's not your classic button-down style, but I had to throw it in because I LOVE it. Such an update on the classic, with simple, clean lines and the perfect balance between fitted and loose. 

Shopping for: Yoga mats

A studio I taught in once had a sign hanging that read, "When you commit to your practice, commit to having your own mat." 

Lots of mats

I totally agree. It's more sanitary to have your own mat than to rent or borrow one from a yoga studio, and it also means you're investing yourself mentally (and financially, of course) into the practice of yoga. It becomes easier to dedicate your time and energy to a practice when you care enough about it to commit to it on a regular basis.

It would be easy to commit to a practice with this view every day.

A lot of students who are new to yoga ask me what type of yoga mat they should buy - a good question, because there's a lot of variety, and it can be a bit overwhelming to the unprepared.

Here's important considerations before you buy:

Your style of practice
I personally have two yoga mats - a cheaper one I replace regularly (it gets smelly after a while) for hot, sweaty yoga, and a more sturdy, higher quality one for room temp classes. I would never use my regular mat for hot yoga, and I would never use my hot yoga mat for an Iyengar or a regular Vinyasa class either. If you're practicing outdoors on a regular basis, you'll want to consider that your mat will get dirt on it. If you're practicing at a studio, you'll want to consider the weight of the mat you're carrying around, which won't be as important as if you're developing a home practice. 

Yoga on the beach

Price
Yoga mats can range in price from a cheap-o mat under $20 you might find at Target to something that might cost well over $100. It's worth it to do your research to decide on one before making your investment.

Material 
Many if not all of the cheaper yoga mats are made from vinyl or PVC. PVC is a very inexpensive but hard plastic. To make yoga mats phthalates and other additives are commonly added to the PVC, making the material soft and pliable, but also creates carcinogens as manufacturing byproducts. Phthalates are suspected endocrine disruptors and these yoga mats can off-gas and leach during use. Not pretty when you're face down on top of one. These materials are also not biodegradable and are very difficult to recycle. This EPA page is a hazard summary for vinyl chloride, and is worth glancing at. If you can stomach it. 

Brands I'd recommend
There are two brands used by almost all students of yoga that I know: the Jade, and the Manduka. Both brands have various styles of mats ranging in price from around $50 to over $100. They're both environmentally friendly in different ways. 

Manduka offers a lifetime guarantee - and they're manufactured in Germany without emitting any toxic gases. The Mandukas are FAMOUSLY heavy, but they offer a lot of variety, so you could probably find one you'd be comfortable toting around if you wanted to. The traditional Manduka mats have PVC in them - but they do offer a rubber Eco style as well.

Manduka mats

All the Jade mats are 100% natural rubber, and are sustainably made in the US. Natural rubber is a renewable resource and their mats are made in the United States in compliance with all environmental laws. They contain absolutely no PVCs. Jade also will plant a tree for every mat purchased.

Jade mats

I personally have a Jade, and it's lasted years, wearing well without losing any stickiness or grip over time with steady, regular use. I liked the rubber smell, which has faded almost completely away. In future, if I needed a new mat, I'd most likely buy another Jade.

The Manduka Pro Squared mat

Unless I have a spare room in my new place to make into a private yoga studio. Then I might have to buy myself this giant square mat from Manduka. And then never leave the room. 

Sweat happy - with F21?!

I'm surprised to find these really cute racerback tanks at Forever 21.  They're made of Nylon/Spandex just like most high end workout clothes, and they're perforated which would be perfect for hot yoga. 

This one's only $12.80

And this one's $11.80

I've definitely gotten to the point where I feel ::too old:: to go into Forever 21 - but these workout tops have me reconsidering.  I'll just be sure to go to Williams-Sonoma afterwards and fondle some Le Creuset pieces to bring me back to feeling my age again. 

Shop and style - camo

I'm officially obsessed with camo. These ladies styled it with ease:

Camo and stripes on Kate from the Fancy Pants Report

Camo and leopard on Jen Knows Best

Camo with a teal sweater found on Pinterest

Thinking about shopping camo? Try this cute vest

from J.Crew

I might even try this cute boy's thermal henley

Also from J.Crew