That's Hot

A few weeks ago my friend Rachael invited me to go to hot yoga with her. Initial thought: Oh God. Is this going to be like flirty girl fitness? Wrong. So wrong.
Hot Yoga is a 26 posture yoga sequence developed by Bikram Choudhury, and is also called Bikram Yoga. According to the Bikram website:

"It has been proved and experienced by millions that these 26 postures systematically work every part of the body, to give all the internal organs, all the veins, all the ligaments, and all the muscles everything they need to maintain optimum health and maximum function.  Each component takes care of something different in the body, and yet they all work together synergistically, contributing to the success of every other one, and extending its benefits."


The difference between a normal yoga class and hot yoga? Hot yoga is performed in a room that is kept 105 degrees (F) and 40 percent humidity. The classes are 90 minutes long and are taught by Bikram Yoga Instructors.


Some of the benefits of hot yoga are as follows:

• Works every organ, gland, nerve, tendon, ligament and muscle in the whole body every Bikram Yoga session
• Expands your capacity to breathe deeply and fully
• Prevents injury and may prevent or improve chronic illness
• Promotes better sleep, you may even need to sleep less
• Fabulous body toning effects
• Weight loss or gain depending on your body's needs
• Improvement in posture and body awareness
• Improve the healing and regenerative powers of your body
• Improvement in T-cell function and your immune system
• Lengthening and strengthening of muscles
• Increased flexibility
• Improvement in metabolism / digestion
• Gives the body a cardiovascular workout without negative impacting forces
• Nervous system is exercised
• Endocrine and exocrine glands are massaged and stimulated to better function
• Muscular and skeletal network are enhanced
• Weight bearing exercise will help prevent osteoporosis
• Improves heart and lung function
• Improves back conditions of pain and misalignment
• Improves flexibility of your spine in its range of motion in all directions allowing the improvement in function of your central nervous system. Better nervous system communication means a better functioning body and mind
• Helps cultivate a sense of well being and a more peaceful mind
• Integration of both sides of the brain to improve memory, learning, body coordination and balance

Today, after pumping myself up for a week, I was finally ready. Rachael and I walked into that studio and I was totally not intimidated...until I walked into the actual yoga room...my jaw dropped. IT WAS SO HOT. When the instructor was greeting the class she said to me, "And Lauren, since it's your first time, your biggest goal is just to stay in the room the whole time." Hello, confidence breaker.

Finally, after 90 minutes of learning about what sweat REALLY is, the lights went out and we were left to breathe and leave at our own pace. I felt tired, and sticky, and gross... but I also felt overwhelmingly great.

I signed up for a 7 day yoga class, and  I'll definitely be doing a follow up post after my seven days are up to let you know what it's done for me. I'm really looking forward to the results.


Until next time,
Lo

Summer time and the living is... busy

Before this summer started I had about 90 goals to accomplish during my 3 month break from school. I had to do lists, and plans to make, and a netflix queue to cruise through... and somehow or another a little place called pf changs has stomped on my summertime ambitions like an annoyed housewife steps on ants in the kitchen. Not that I mind TOO much--I mean a girl's gotta make money, honey. 


The good news is I think that the crazy period of weeks full of doubles and closing shifts every other night has finally come to a close. It's back to a normal partly full time schedule (which is just as satisfying and dissatisfying as it sounds).


Altogether summer so far has been.. incredible. It started with a trip to a place, you may have heard of, called Italy, followed by an adventure to Bonnaroo, and in between has introduced some time for good food and time with friends (with many more to come, I hope).


With more free time comes more blogging time, which is really exciting to me, because honestly blogging has been at the top of my to do list all summer (it's just somehow gotten overridden). But those days are over! And FWIK is ready to make a ferocious comeback. Recipes, outfits, fashion news, music, DIY, rants, adventures, reviews... They all will be making appearances. I don't want to make any sort of blogging schedule, like music monday or tutorial tuesday, but instead just do whatever is fresh on my mind that day. I think it could make for some really awesome posts that will be fun to write and to read.


To finish out tonight I just want to highlight a few of my fashionable favorites from youtube and their most recent uploads. 

Sammie -AKA Beautycrush

Clothes Encounters

the Style Diet

until next time,

Lo

To Tan or Not to Tan?

So, on paper, this summer is looking to be one of the most exciting I've ever had. I leave for a two week Italy adventure in a few days, and then immediately after that I'm going to Bonnaroo (first timer). Now, as many of you probably know, I am a little pale...and by a little pale I mean I fall somewhere between the colors of apricot and snow. I don't have a problem with my fair skin, but it does come with its downfalls. Example: I go from snow white to lobster queen real quick. Even though I try to protect my skin, sun burns and I have a pretty fierce history together.


With all of my failed efforts of sun screen application and reapplication, I thought I might try something a little different this year. Instead of going out into the blistering-middle tennessee sun without any sort of skin preparation, I bought a groupon for a month of unlimited tanning bed use. Generally I am completely against the idea of a tanning bed, but I really hoped that getting a base of sun on my skin (before standing in it for hours on end) would help me to avoid getting, potentially, the worst sunburn I've ever had.


When I walked into the lobby of EuroBronz I felt pretty confident. The the woman behind the counter was super helpful and answered all of the questions I had. I told her I'd never tanned before and she sent me back for my first 5 minute session in room 3.

STEP 1: APPLY TANNING LOTION

Tanning lotion: like tanning oil, tanning lotion helps welcome the sun to your skin, but unlike tanning oil, it also protects your skin from sun burns. Buying lotion at tanning salons can be expensive, but buying samples (like I did) is a good way to start out. This was a sample of a lotion called "Mohawk," which retailed for $60 at EuroBronz, and I thought worked pretty well. I did not burn in the places that I used it generously. The sample was $3.68.

STEP 2: PUT ON PROTECTIVE EYE WEAR/PROTECT FACE

Waiting on me in my tanning bed was a small towel and a pair of eye protectors. It is mandatory that you wear these to protect your eyes from the UV rays projected by the tanning bed. Many people use the towel to cover their face in the bed, to avoid wrinkling and other post-tanning side effects. 

STEP 3: LAY IN BED FOR A TIME THAT SUITS YOUR SKIN

Things to remember when laying in the bed: 1) it is your responsibility to lower the top part...it will not lower for you, 2) do not attempt to look at the UV lights. Your eyes will thank you. 3) Lay still, and with your arms away from your body (otherwise you will get an awkward tanline). I also heard that you are supposed to rotate...but I never really gott that skilled at tanning.

I continued to go back for about 2-3 weeks. My schedule was: tan 2 days, skip a day, tan 2 days...etc. I progressed from 5 minutes to 7, and thought I saw a little bit of difference (needless to say I was getting pretty excited). However what looked like a tan in some like, felt like a burn in the shower. Discouraged, I made the (possibley premature) decision of discontinuing my tanning endever. Maybe if I would have kept it up I would have seen more difference, but it wasn't worth it to me to damage my skin further to get there. When it says on the bed,  "if you don't normally tan, tanning beds will not work for you," it is not kidding. Tanning is just not for me.


If you do decide to take up tanning, remember to research it first. You need to know about the real risks of it, and the safest way to go about it (not to mention the most effective ways).


So, what is my answer to my summer sunburn dilemma? Sun screen (with a HIGH spf), shirts that cover my shoulders, and retreating to the shade when possible (unless it means missing a great band). The risk of a bad burn is still there, but hopefully the chances will be a little slimmer.


Until next time,
Lo

Summer Skin Tips.

I have one more huge final exam standing between me and exhaling. Nothing has ever seemed like a larger obstacle before. The art history test I have Friday is like, oh, only the most intimidating club bouncer you can imagine. The key, though, is to get past the bouncer so you can freely get down in the club. This exclusive club I'm awaiting entrance to? Summer. 

With it arriving as quickly as it is, for most of us (despite the unseasonable 50 degrees it is at this moment) I thought it might be good to do a summer skin post. After all--we all show plenty of it when the sun comes out. Why not take care of it?

Key words: protect, moisturize, clean.

I think the first thing I want to say is obvious: sunscreen is important. Skin is a fragile thing (as I have learned many-a-painful sun burns). Making sure it's protected from UV rays is a big deal. MYTH: Sunscreen will stop me from tanning. There are different SPF's, people. Yes, if you wear an SPF 50 to the pool, you're going to get much less color than if you wear an SPF 15. But if you wear none at all you risk damaging your skin. 

Also: There are different kinds of sun screen. I personally prefer the spray on kind, but there are thin/thick formulas for whatever your heart might desire. I bet there's even ones that smell like something other than the typical sunscreen scent if you look hard enough. And get this: there are even sunscreens that are "color boosting." Bet you didn't see that coming

Wearing a sunscreen on a daily basis doesn't have to be a burden. Easy solution: get a foundation with a bit of an spf in it. There are even some body lotions with SPF. The only downside to foundation with SPF is that it does reflect light a bit more than foundations without it (but in the long run, it's definitely worth it).

Speaking of foundation: a really great alternative to foundation for summer is tinted moisturizer. Not only does it moisturize your skin, have spf, and have coverage, but it is so much lighter than typical foundation. It feels natural, rather than cakey, and gives you a dewey look, rather than one that appears to be melting (with the day). There are a lot of brands, I use a physicians formula one that I got from Walmart, but I know clinique has some great options as well. Heads up: I haven't heard the best reviews on Benefit's You Rebel. There are some other great options as Sephora, though.

Another thing that's important for your skin in summer? Exfoliate and moisturize. There is nothing worse than an "ashy" knee. Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. Exfoliating your skin will get all of the dead skin cells off and, in turn, make your skin feel great. Moisturizing will keep your skin from drying out. Finding an exfoliator that suits your skin is important, you don't want one that is too harsh or not harsh enough. I know that Lush Cosmetics have some products, as well as bath and body works and the body shop. Disclaimer: do not exfoliate too much. It could end up making your skin raw. 

What else should you exfoliate? Your lips, of course! As you know, I'm loving orange lips for this spring. But orange lips wouldn't be quite as cute if the orange was being paired with chapped lips. Lip scrubs are inexpensive, easy to use, and make your lips smooth and lipstick ready. Chapstick is nice, but it doesn't remove the dead skin that lip exfoliators do. I've heard good things about this Victoria's Secret FX Lip Scrub and Balm set. The instructions? "Gently massage the scrub onto lips for 30 seconds, then tissue off. Finish with a light layer of balm"

UM. BEST TIP OF THE ENTIRE ENTRY?

My summer skin secret that gets me compliments all summer long? Amazingly smooth legs. I'm talking no awful nair, no stinging wax, no crazy breakouts... How? Shave your legs with hair conditioner! A friend told me this trick senior year and I have never turned back. From what I can tell the conditioner doesn't dull my razor blades any quicker, and I always have positive results. I use cheap, generic conditioner (whatever is on sale, and usually a moisturizing formula), and BIC Soleil razors. The conditioner is almost good enough to use as moisturizer, but I always finish with a bit of Olay quench body lotion (aka my holy grail) I guarantee you'll be able to tell a difference.

Finally: it's end of the day. You're tired, hot, and sticky. My advice? Clean your face before you fall into bed. Not only will you feel refreshed, but you'll be more likely to avoid summer breakouts (aka, not cute). I never have turned my head from the Neutrogena makeup remover wipes. Your pores will be grateful, and you'll be able to feel a difference in the softness of your skin too. The wipes are more convenient for me than a face wash (other than when I shower), and I think they are equally as effective.

I hope this was helpful!

Until next time,

Lo

Currently Listening to: Sleigh Bells

The Skinny

Things have been a little ridiculous since birthday weekend. Assignment after assignment, weekend shifts at the PF, and work study have been consuming my free time. Good news? There are a lot of exciting things coming up from here on out. Spring break is so close I can taste it. And then after spring break it's smooth sailing, other than the dreaded finals week, all the way to my Italy adventure and Bonnaroo!

Official Italy countdown: 83 DAYS.

I have some goals before Italy. Namely: lose about 10 pounds and about 5 inches as well. I thought I could document that on here as well, because who doesn't love a good tip on staying healthy and fit. I technically started last week, but with the amount of free food that is being hurled in my direction it's been really difficult to stay on track. Sidebar: when trying to eat healthier, there is nothing wrong with eating what sounds good when it sounds good...because if you shove it away, you will likely come back at it, when it is presented to you again, with a vengeance. 

My eating habits aren't unhealthy, by any means. But I am going to monitor my cheese and my sweet intake. If you know me, or have seen my cheese drawer in my refrigerator, then you may know that I have a bit of a problem NOT putting cheese on things. Cheese on broccoli and rice, cheese on vegetable burritos, cheese on salads...I know. It's out of control. I'd really like to only be eating cheese 3 times a week, and sweets about the same amount. This doesn't mean I'm going to cut out my annual weekend pizza veg out, but it does mean that the mexican shredded cheese probably won't be finding it's way into my shopping bags as often. 

Something to remember though: is that when you are making something, such as broccoli cheese rice, is that you can add more beneficial things TO THEM to make them a)last longer, b)better for you, and c)more filling (so you eat less of the bad stuff.) Good example: when you make broccoli cheese rice, you can toss in some frozen broccoli before the water boils, and then serve it over a small can of tuna (white, canned in water), and you'll find that there is more broccoli and tuna than there is cheesy rice. LOOPHOLE, AM I RIGHT?

If you're looking for a website with recipes to keep your calorie count down, check out Hungry Girl. They have lots of tips and tricks for staying healthy, and eating what you like. If you sign up for their daily emails, you'll receive recipes in your inbox, and if that isn't enough for you then they have a few books out (available at your local book store) and they also have a whole bunch of recipes available on their website as well. 

**Not only do they have recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between, but they have news on new products at the grocery store that are healthy options, or dupes for recipes that, otherwise, might not be the best idea if you're trying to think thin.

Another thing I'm going to do [much] more frequently is make regular appearances at the gym. The eliptical machine,  weight machines, and I need to become much better friends, and I need to get back to running at the park as well (I much more prefer running outside to running on a treadmill. Much more fun.)

Fro yo for you

For those of us who live in moderately sized cities, I'm sure we have all witnessed the fro-yo craze that began a couple of years ago. I know in middle Tennessee when the topic of frozen yogurt rolls around there are, probably, only two words that pop into people's mind: Sweet Cece's. Sweet Cece's began in Franklin, TN and has now spread further east, south, north, and west. It has grown from a single flagship store to new locations opening (what seems like) every week. I've been to a few fro-yo places and I can honestly say that Sweet Cece's is my favorite. Their variety in flavors and toppings and their atmosphere are what keep me coming back. My most recent favorite combination: Peanut butter (low fat) swirled with New York Cheesecake (no fat!) and topped with a few strawberries, a couple bits of reeses pieces, and some peanut butter chips. 

Why the fro-yo freakout? Besides the high variety of toppings and flavors, Fro-yo is a lot less worse for you than ice cream. But, as shape magazine pointed out, it still shouldn't be considered "healthy." There are still calories and sugar in it, and when you fill the cup and pile on the toppings you aren't really helping your case. If you're watching your weight, try and stick with fruit and sugar free fro-yo's. You won't feel like you're missing out. Promise.

Ship Shapely
Speaking of spring fashion and shaping up, I subscribe to a channel on Youtube called "The Style Diet." Anna, the woman who films videos for it is constantly talking about hair, makeup, fashion, and healthy cooking/habits. She has even written a book called, "The Style Diet." Anna recently posted a video about dressing for your body shape that I thought was really good and informative, check it out.

March Wishlist
Because what girl doesn't have a list of things she would buy if she had unlimited money at her disposal. The 3 cosmetic items are very much going to be a part of my collection ASAP :)

dress modcloth; nail polish- lilacism, essie; mineralize skin finish- soft and gentle, MAC; 

lipstick- vegas volt, MAC; purse, ModCloth; Shoes (all) -ModCloth

Until next time,
Lo

Currently Listening to: MGMT- Oracular Spectacular

Outfit of the Day - birthday (school) edition

So, I turned twenty today. EXCITING. Naturally, since it was my birthday I wanted to dress real cute for school. It was about 32 degrees (and falling) all day, so I didn't want it to be something that I would be freezing in, but I really had my heart set on wearing tights and a dress. *I did wear a jacket, I just wasn't photographed in it.


Shirtdress: H&M
I got this when I was a junior in high school (3 years ago) at H&M when I went to New York. It had pockets on the side, and is a really nice khaki-off white color. It has silver buttons going up the front and has pockets on both sides of the chest. So comfortable, and definite a favorite peice of mine that I seem to make work year round.


Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
This ashy brown cardigan is my roommate's, and it is so warm. It is made of wool, but it isn't a heavy or itchy wool so it is super soft. There is a really nice rouching detail going up the front as well.


Jewelry:
For Jewelry I just wore a couple of long, thin, gold necklaces. I didn't want the emphasis to be too much on them, but I liked the extra sparkle that the gold gave and that the gold lines brought the eye down the outfit to the belt.


Belt: Savers (secondhand store in Arkansas)
I wanted to cinch in the waist of this outfit (because the shirtdress isn't the most fitted of shirt dresses and the cardigan added some extra bulk as well) and I love the antiqued look of the belt buckle on this woven belt. I also positioned the belt buckle off center, and after I passed the belt through the buckle I tucked it around the back of the belt and let it hang.



Maroon Tights: Christmas (thanks mom)


Boot Socks: Merona - Target
So, SO warm. I only wish they were a little higher.


Ankle Boots: Steve Madden
I got these boots last fall/winter and I have been in love with them ever since. They are an ankle boot with a western flair and they have two leather pieces across the front. One with studs and one with another textured detail. God I love them.


Today I also tried out two new makeup products:
Covergirl LashBlash Volume Mascara and Revlon's Colorburst Lipgloss in the color: Pink Ice. I give two thumbs up for both of those products.

So there you have it.

Overall my birthday was good :) other than being overtaken by a surprising snow sneak attack, I had a really nice day. I'm going to dinner with some friends tomorrow night, which is good...considering my roommate and I made 24 red velvet (valentines day/birthday themed) cupcakes last night. I even felt compelled to add them in here because they were that adorable.

Exciting things to look forward to:
NY Mercedes Benz Fashion Week starts tomorrow! The shows begin tomorrow and will go through the 17. Do expect some feedback from me, as well as some flashing back to the fashion weeks in Europe. I definitely have some opinions.






until next time
Lo




currently reading: Slaughterhouse Five, by Kurt Vonnegut
currently listening to: Two Door Cinema - Tourist History (album)

Stuck in my head

Technology and I have never had a more love-hate relationship than we do at the moment. Since the first night I had this blog I haven't been able to get back on it because I couldn't remember my login information (I realize I should have written this down). I couldn't recover the information either because I didn't know the password to the email that I set up JUST for this blog. I used every password that I normally use for new accounts and nothing was working. Tonight what happens? I type in blogspot.com and IMMEDIATELY it logs me on. I go to gmail. Same story. Thank you, google? I appreciate it?

ANYHOW, on to more important things.
Like things I am currently infatuated with.

1) William Rast for Target

I saw the first few pieces of William Rast's line for target about a month ago...and I loved them. Target's efforts to bring in higher fashion within the past couple of years have been a definite step in the right direction. Jean Paul Gaultier's contributions got my opinions about it started off on the wrong foot, but Rodarte and William Rast have definitely won me over. Rast's line is made up of edgy tops, bottoms, and outerwear. Zippers, clever (and tasteful) logo placement and structured details paired with neutral colors and a variety of flattering silhouettes (not to mention awesome pleating, tucking, and stitching details) combine together to form a really desirable situation in the junior's department. The pieces vary in price from $17 to $200 dollars (which is a pretty hefty price for a target item, but from what I can tell they are well made with good fabrics. All in all: worth it). My favorite items are the leather jackets (two in particular: the camel colored leather one with the shoulder detailing and the member's only-esque one. Both pictured above) the cargo pants (which I never thought I'd be saying), and the logo tank tops (just enough feminity and flirt while still being ultra casual and comfortable.) 

2) YSL's "Iconic Arsty Oval Rings"

in the color blue

The first time I saw one of these rings it was on youtuber beautycrush 's Christmas video. It immediately struck me. The textured, metallic finish of the gold surrounding the marbled oval shaped stone could not look more stunning on. It is such a unique piece. The ring can be purchased on YSL's website, as well as in their stores I'm sure, for $250.00. The colors currently offered on the website are blue, fuschia, green, and coral.

3) Riding/Work Boots

gojane.com,

steven madden

 I am a huge fan of this fall trend that is continuing over into spring. Lace up boots weren't something I took an immediate loving to, but they have seriously grown on me. The ones pictured in the center are Steve Maddens Troopa boots in the color "Natl Lea." I think they are my favorite lace up boots I have seen so far this season (and unfortunately Belk was out of them in my size, on Steven Madden's website they go for $100). I love the fact that they have a zipper detail in the side so that getting them on isn't such a hassle. The go jane boots on the right have this detail as well (they retail for 23 dollars on gojane.com).




4)The Mixing of Hards and Softs

 

There is nothing I love more than some femininity served with a little masculinity on the side. The structure of the boustier and the leather shorts take the light pink cardigan and pastelly floral print to another level. I guess it also wouldn't hurt to hit on how much I am loving vintage inspired outfits right now. The quilting stitch on the shoes is such an excellent touch. When I imagine a someone rocking this look I can only imagine it with her hair up in a messy bun, the smoothe sounds of the black keys blaring through her ear buds, and an immaculate smear of MAC's Snob lipstick across her lips.

4)Bold Lips

Good lord, do I love a bold lip. More than not, with my makeup, I'll often sport a smooth face, a subtle flush of blush, a simple eye (winged out liner, of course), and a lip that is the perfect pop of color. Fendi's spring 2011 runway show was plastered with the same look. Simple face and eyes and an astonishing lip. Pinks, reds, corals... all of the above.  From my experience you can get a good bright lipstick both in the drug store and at the makeup counter. Taking a dive into my lipstick pouch (which is getting pretty extensive as I am turning into quite the collector) you'll find a lot of MAC, Loreal, Rimmel, and Revlon. Colors I highly recommend as of right now? Girl about town (MAC, Amplified), Alarm (Rimmel London), Peachy Scene (Maybelline), Baby Pink (Revlon), and MAC Cremesheen Glass in Double Dare. Be aware when finding one for yourself that your undertones play a big part in what colors work for you. If you have lots of blue undertones then reds and bright pinks and oranges might not look best, but there are quite the range of pinks that will definitely complement what you've got going on. Asking questions at your favorite makeup counter will definitely help you out if you're still kind of confused.

until next time

 Lo

Fashionably Late.

There is nothing I have been meaning to do more than start a blog that was more than witty rants.

First, let me introduce myself.
I'm Lauren, or Lo if you'd rather.
I'm currently a fashion student and I love everything about the fashion industry.
Trends, accessories, outfit epiphanies.. all my part of my daily life.

I love music, typography, art/design, coffee, boots, MAC lipstick, and my canon rebel t2i.
I constantly quote zack galifanakis, anchorman, and the office.
I am a huge fan of pizza, nutella, and most things sweet.

I'm newly a vegetarian, rarely asleep before 2AM, and always thinking at a million miles a minute.

I have so much to say about fashion, about beauty products, and about cosmetics.
Not to mention about design trends in other areas and things that are inpsiring me at the moment: music, movies, literature, designers.

I'm sure I'll be sneaking in some oh so clever remarks here and there, in fact it's inevitable.


But mainly I just want to share what I know and what I love.

You can expect regular updates.
Whether they are a review, an outfit of the day, or a full out fashion debriefing about an upcoming season will be TBD.

I'm really excited about this blog, though.

Questions? comment me.
Something I should address in my blog? let me know.
I'd love some feedback once I get rolling.


I'm Lo. And I am officially a fashion blogger.