Finding New Balance

You probably can’t tell from my current wardrobe, but tennis shoes (or sneakers depending on what region you live in) used to be a MAJOR staple in my closet during my high school and early college years. It wasn’t uncommon to see several boxes of Air Jordan’s stacked on the floor of my closet. I was also very fond of New Balance tennis shoes, which have recently made a reappearance in my life and I’m loving all of the new styles.

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These are the latest pair of New Balance shoes I snagged last summer. Aren’t the colors so much fun? They’re also extremely versatile. I love that you can wear them while you’re out running errands or heading to the gym in stretch pants and a tee or meeting girlfriends for lunch in some skinny jeans and a blazer. What’s even more validation for the awesomeness of New Balance is that they’re sold at my favorite store…J. Crew.  I’m totally obsessed with these tennys and can’t wait to add a couple more to my collection.

If there is a tennis shoe fairy that would like to gift me with a few (or five) more pairs, I’ve included pics of some of the styles I’ve had my eye on, below. 

What do you think? Are you sold? Let me know which tennis shoes you love to rock!

XOXO,
shannon b.

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Come on, Brah

Even though the title of this post is an extremely corny attempt to tie my blog topic to today’s cool kids lingo (“c’mon bruh”, get it?), the subject is something we all should take quite seriously…wearing the right size bra.

  
Since it’s the start of a new year, I thought it would be great to get a professional fitting and purchase a few new bras for my collection.  My last blog post was an open invitation to judge one of my recent style choices and I’m still recovering from all of the finger shaking (I kid), so I won’t divulge the amount of time that has passed between my last two bra fittings. Let’s just say it’s rather embarrassing because I know how critical and essential a properly fitted bra is to my wardrobe. The right bra can take that cashmere sweater or v-neck blouse from blah to BAM! Your undergarments are the foundation to any and every look you present to the world each day. 

Not convinced of the wardrobe changing effects a shiny new bra can provide? Check out some of the benefits below: 

1. Wearing the proper size bra can reduce health challenges

As a person who suffers from frequent migraine headaches, it was interesting to learn that my headaches could be caused by bras that don’t fit properly. If the bra strap is too thick and the cup size is too small, then your shoulders will absorb the pressure, which can increase your chances of experiencing headaches and/or neck pain.  Ill fitting bras can also negatively affect your breathing and circulation because of the pressure the underwire or tightness of the bra can put on your bones. Okay, so we have head problems, neck problems and breathing problems, all caused by wrong sized bras. What are you waiting for? Make your bra sizing appointment today!

2. Wearing the proper size bra can make you look skinnier

It’s true. I’m a petite and busty girl and some of my older bras were giving the illusion that I was heavier than I am. I really didn’t notice the difference until I got re-sized and purchased a few new bras. The difference was definitely noticeable. Not only did I not look as bulky, but the new bra made my “girls” a lot more perky and provided better definition between my boobs and my torso. Don’t believe me? Give it a try.

3. Wearing the proper size bra can improve your posture

I think this benefit is pretty much a no brainier. Have you ever wore a bra with straps that fit tightly on your shoulders or underwire that is completely uncomfortable? If so, you know that the discomfort unconsciously makes you slump your shoulders and hunch your back. It’s a coping mechanism for the agitation. Putting on the right size bra takes the pressure off of your shoulders, which enables your back to be appropriately aligned. 

So there you have it! All of the motivation you need to update your bra drawer. I challenge you to schedule an appointment with a bra specialist at a retailer like Nordstrom or Soma Intimates and purchase a few new bras for your collection. I promise, it will change your life!

xoxo,

shannon b.

An open invitation…to judge me

You probably will never ever in your life receive an invitation like this, so here goes. If you’re on the east coast, you like me are finally experiencing winter weather. I think it was 20 degrees yesterday morning! So as I stood in my closet and put on my cranberry colored wool pencil skirt (from J. Crew of course), a black tee, a black long blazer and my new Schutz pony-haired, leopard print pumps (a Christmas gift from my love), it occurred to me that I would probably receive a few stares because a cute pair of tights were not included in my complete look. So here’s my confession…I went bare-legged yesterday and it wasn’t my first offense. Okay, deep breath, bracing myself. Let the judgmental thoughts begin!

  
Why risk the flu and expose my legs to the bitter cold air, especially when my lovely mother just blessed me with several new pairs of stockings and tights in various designs and shades — think leopard and floral print, argyle, fishnet and navy blue. In my mind, there are some ensembles in which wearing a pair of tights or stockings are essential in completing the look. Yesterday, was not that day. I base my style on feeling and yesterday I simply wasn’t feeling wearing leg coverings. 

In my defense, even though it was below freezing yesterday, I technically never went outdoors. When I left out of the house, I walked out into the garage, got in the car and turned the heat on blast. When I arrived at work, I parked in the garage under my building, scurried up to my office and turned on my little space heater. So going bare legged wasn’t too crazy, right? You don’t have to agree, but in my mind it all makes sense and is completly justified. 

So there you have it, my winter time confession and the last opportunity I’ll ever offer for you to openly judge me. 

Now that I’ve shared this tidbit about me, what would you like to confess? 

XOXO,

shannon b.