Live Healthy: Fitness Fashion

Splendid Hair Ties | Target Ello Water Bottle | Neutrogena Cleansing Facial Wipes | Alo Yoga Mat | Target C9 by Champion Women's Layered Tank with Bra {Pink, Yellow, Grey} | Splendid Leggings | Old Navy Shorts | Monrow Vintage Pants | Tory Burch Flip Flops | Nike Dual Fusion Sneakers | Nike High Tops

For my 25^th birthday my mom gave me a gift certificate to a local gym – Kees Camp Fitness Studio. They offer a variety of classes ranging from Zumba and hip hop to boxing and yoga, and of course, pole fitness. Yes, pole fitness. Last night I took my first class – hip hop. The choreography was set to Run the World {Girls} by Beyonce. So inspiring, I haven’t felt that adrenaline high in the LONGEST time. It’s amazing what one dance class can do for the body and the mind. As I was gathering my things to leave, I saw the ladies prepping for the next class – Beginner Tricks. The owner of the studio who was teaching suggested I stick around to check out the class. I accepted, but couldn’t help by think, what am I getting myself into?

I don’t think my arms have been so sore. I have a new found respect for people who have the upper body strength and grace {which trust me, you need some grace} to do some of the things we {ahem, I} attempted. I wanted Michelle Obama arms, and now I am going to get them.

While sweating profusely may not be the most glamorous thing in the world, you can at least look good while you are getting your butt in shape. 

More legwear:

Monrow Cropped Sweatpants FREECITY Sweatpants Shop Loungewear 

The Brunette One Gets Married: Getting Organized

Getting organized over at Grey Likes Weddings! 

Images: Russel + Hazel Planning Notebook | Brass Letter Opener | Russell + Hazel hank You Note Cards | To Do List | Le Pens | Wedding Planning Notebook

Nine to Five: Styling a Statement Necklace with Keaton Row + Forbes.com

Zara Blazer  {Similar} | J.Crew Racerback Tank | Megan Park Printed Trousers | Nicola Dolce Vita Heels {on sale} | Coach Legacy Leather Rory Satchel | Gorjana Wrap Bracelet | Juliet Company Necklace

“Sometimes all you need to pull a look together is one strong statement. Pair this necklace with a feminine blouse and printed trousers, and your colleagues will know you mean (stylish) business.” -Ensemble styled by Samantha Peterson

See all the stylish looks over here. 

Event: Trendy on Twitter with Go Blog Social

Join Sarah from SarahScoop.com and Neely from ACompleteWasteofMakeup.com for some twitter fun. They will be live tweeting every Tuesday night. Discussing the latest trends, beauty tips and of course giving away awesome prizes every 15 minutes.

This week they are chatting with Go Blog Social.

Go Blog Social was born by bloggers, for bloggers with the aspirations of bringing together women and men passionate about the world of social networking.

Designed to inform, educate and inspire, Go Blog Social brings bloggers, social media experts and businesses together for a two-day event to connect-the-dots.

The Go Blog Social Conference is a destination to meet online friends in-person, connect with businesses, learn about the social industry and gain the tools to grow. Whether you’re just starting out or a blog veteran, interested in building your brand or a business, Blog Social offers the information, advice and expertise to help you do just that.

PRIZE: 1 ticket to Go Blog Social in Kansas City August 1-3, 2013.

In order to win, you must be active from 7-8 CST. You must follow @SarahScoop, @Neelykins and@GoBlogSocial You must use the hastags #trendyontwitter AND #GBS2013

Follow this link and sign up if you plan to attend, you must RSVP to win prizes. 

Sign up now and get ready to be trendy on twitter.

Steal Her Style: Red Maxi Skirt

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Effortless chic. A perfect rainy day Memorial Day look.  

Shop the Look:

Alexander Wang Bags T Alexander Wang Blazers T by Alexander Wang Tank 

Shopping Cart: Memorial Day Steals & Deals

My co-worker and I were taking a look at the seven day weather forecast yesterday, nothing but rain on the horizon. Which ruins any plans of catching some rays this upcoming holiday weekend. So with the weather threatening our outdoor plans, so I am leaving you with a few Memorial Day sales to online shop to your heart's content!! 

J.Crew is offering $30 off your purchase of $150, $50 off your purchase of $200, and $75 off your purchase of $250!  Enter code SHOPNOW at checkout. I just picked up this number!

Nordstrom is having their women's half yearly sale! Up to 40% off selected items! 

Shopbop added a ton of new items to their sale! 

C. Wonder is offering 25% off orders of $100 or more! No coupon code required. Through the end of May, save an extra 50% off sale items with code SALE50! 

Find the perfect Father's Day gift with Poppin, all orders over $35 ship for free!

Joie is having a HUGE shoe sale. I need these & these. 

Gorjana & Griffin is offering an extra 40% off sale items now through 5/27 with code SUMMERTIME.

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Live Healthy: Arm Workout #1

My main goal within the next year is to develop some amazing arms, something a la Michelle Obama for my wedding dress that I get to wear a little over a year from next Saturday. Last week I started taking a barre class at a local yoga studio, Power Life Yoga. Let me tell you something, doing cardio barre in 94 degree heat is hard. But words can't describe how great it felt once the class was over and I realized I survived! I can't wait to go back again! 

*tricep extensions, tricep dips, bicep curls

Event: Go Blog Social Conference - Must Haves

We're talking conference necessities over on the Go Blog Social blog. Have you purchased your ticket yet?!

PS. Meg Biram & Corri McFadden will be speaking at the conference, make sure to check out the schedule to see the full list of speakers. Is it August yet?! 

Don't forget a stylish bag to tote around all these goodies:

See by Chloe Totes Michael Kors Totes Tory Burch Ella Totes 

Nine To Five: Styling a Pencil Skirt with Keaton Row + Forbes.com

 

Zara Blazer {Similar} & Heels {Similar} | River Island Peplum Top {Similar} | Malene Birger Trille Striped Pencil Skirt | Mango Leather Shopper Handbag | Nars Lipstick - Manhunt | Karen Walker Sunglasses | Gorjana Gorjana Laurel Bangle & Mia Plate Necklace | Michael Kors Gold Watch 

A few weeks ago I was contacted by the powers that be over at Keaton Row and asked if I would be able to put together a few looks for their new Keaton Row column on Forbes. How could I say no?! My newest side project has quickly turned into my favorite, as I am finally getting to help women discover their own personal style! The first look I put together for the Style Efficiency column was styling this striped pencil skirt for the office.

Shop Karen Walker Sunnies Galore:

Oversized Karen Walker Glasses Karen Walker Cay Eyes Karen Walker Clear Frames 

Closet Craving: Piamita

This lookbook from Shopbop has me drooling over these beautifully detailed illustrations by Marcela Gutierrez along with entire Piamita collection {a fashionable meeting of loungewear & daywear}! Those mornings when you don't feel like wearing 'real' clothes but pajamas, the next best thing may be this blouse & tie-waist skirt, a match made in pattern heaven. Adorn yourself in this feminine combo {top + pants} when you meet the parents. This floral maxi dress just breezy enough for the Saturday morning Farmer's Market. Take the risk and mix this bicycle print tank with these black & white pants. What do you think? Are you obsessed as I am?!

My Style: Canadian Tuxedo

J.Crew Chambray Shirt & Jean Shorts | Sequin & Random Bracelets | Revlon Lipstick | Rainbow Flip Flops

What better way to kick off the week than a little remixing with a few of my favorite Midwest Bloggers. Maya, Lauren, Katelyn and I are over on our Midwest Style Bloggers site remixing the classic Chambrayshirt. I managed to snap these photos right after a bad storm rolled through {hence the darkened sky}, what we do in the name of fashion I tell ya!

Shopping Cart: Tory Burch Sale

Tory Burch happens to have quite the sale going on, up to 30% off! I just put this, this, & this on my wish list! 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Live Healthy: Abs Workout #1

Today's Live Healthy post is all about the abs! The warm weather means one thing, it's getting closer to swimsuit season! Time to get those core muscles in shape! Take note of this ab workout brought to you by Amanda Tyson and you'll be one step closer to this, this, and this suit! 

**russian twists, bicycle crunches

Your Life, Styled: The Printed Blouse

Reiss Poppy Blouse | ModCloth Dress | Dolce Vita Wedges | Danielle Nicole Handbag | Michael Kors Watch | Gorjana Earrings

Since I started styling with Keaton Row, I have seen client after client come to me with the same dilemma. They have no problem finding great statement pieces but have no clue how to style these items once they get them home to their closets. So first up, the printed blouse. To remix what you may have hanging in your closest, pair this blouse over a flowy dress and add a pair of wedges. If you aren't in a dress mood, pair with these white skinny jeans & heeled sandals, or pair with these Topshop silk trousers & heels. 

My Style: Printed Dress

Fossil Dress | Kate Spade Belt | Aldo Heels {old} {Similar}

 This is how I would have worn this patterned shift dress if it had not been for the eight inches of snow on the ground for my brother's rehearsal dinner a few weeks ago. Hoping everyone had a great weekend. We enjoyed the warm weather with a little grilling & quality time spent with family this weekend celebrating my dad's birthday & Mother's Day! 

The Brunette One Gets Married: Receiving Lines

This week I'm discussing receiving lines over at Grey Likes Weddings. I've informally polled family members in attendance at my brother's wedding, our Priest, as well as discussed in depth with Cody. We, along with our bridal party and photographer, will be taking a trolly around to snap informal photos in-between the ceremony & reception. That leaves a gap in between events which will be offset by offering a cocktail hour for the guests. 

So, do we have a formal receiving line at the church? Excuse guests from the pews? Visit every table at the reception? Or take note of these creative informal receiving line ideas {thank goodness for Pinterest}? Check out the full post over here!

Shop Talk: Red's Outfitters

One of the best parts of writing a fashion blog are the many brands & shops that get introduced to me through readers. A friend of mine recently reached out and told me about Red's Outfitters, a handmade sunglasses company based out of Atlanta, Georgia. An idea created between two roommates and carried into fruition after the tragical passing away of one of the founders after drowning during a breath holding exercise for an upcoming fishing trip. His roommate, along with his surviving brother and another best friend continued his dream, naming the company after his beloved dog, Red.

Inspired by colors to compliment their loyalties {these are my current favorites, as well as these}, they sought to create original handcrafted sunglasses at an affordable price. With a portion of the profits going to a foundation that started in honor of their lost loved one, Shallow Water Black Out Prevention. 

Though some of their sunglasses are currently sold out, the team behind Red's is hard at work preparing to launch their summer collection, set to be released July of 2013. For the latest updates, make sure to follow along on Twitter {#REDSLIFE} & Facebook! 

*This is not a sponsored post, I just love promoting quality brands that as my friend who introduced me to Red's said best, "They are a good company with a great mission and an even better product." 

Images via {Red's Outfitters & Red Clay Soul}

Live Healthy: Lettuce Wraps

I'm happy to announce a new series on The Brunette One, Live Healthy. I'm notorious for pinning images of work-outs and healthy recipes {though you may notice I have a bit of a sweet tooth}, but never following through with them in real life. I reached out to my dear, dear friend, Amanda Tyson**, who I've met through Kind Campaign and asked her to put together some easy food ideas & recipes for the girl on the go. First up, easy lunches when you need to bring your lunch to work!

Lettuce Wraps:

Take 3 pieces of Romaine Heart lettuce and wash them.

Spread as much hummus as you’d like onto the lettuce

Add low sodium turkey & veggies of your choice

Wrap them up & enjoy!

**I've known Amanda for many years and I've seen her do some amazing things. She courageously auditioned for Biggest Loser Season 12 and was a casting finalist, but did not make it to the show. After that, she decided to take it upon herself to start her own journey of weight loss and self discovery. She has now decided to motivate and guide others in the right direction and encouraging that everyone CAN do it too!

Amanda is my inspiration to start living a healthier life style, to get my butt in shape for my wedding, and to finally start trying these recipes & work-outs. 

Your Life, Styled: A Rainy Day in May

Top | Jeans | Sweater | Belt | Boots | Hat | iPhone Case | Lip Stain

On Friday, I posted my laundry list of to-dos on Facebook. Did I make it through everything...not quite. Saturday, I wore a version of the outfit above {rainy/dreary/snow melting weather} to lunch with my family & had every intention of spending the day at Starbucks crossing things off my list. However, we had such great conversation at lunch we moved the party to my parent's house for another three hours. If you ask me, family always comes first, so sometimes I have to remind myself that there is always tomorrow to get to work on those deadlines!

Shop more hats!

Nine to Five: Office Florals

Zara Dress, Clutch, Sandals | Ray-Ban Sunglasses | Gorjana Necklace, Ring, Bracelet | Fossil Watch

I promised I wouldn't write anymore about the weather. So I won't tell you how it snowed for 48 hours straight last Thursday & Friday. And how I had to unpack my snow  boots, scarf, and snow boots to trek through the parking lot to work. Or how I plan to move to San Diego, I hear the weather's always perfect there. But I will tell you that once Mother Nature decides to play nice, I will be wearing some version of this outfit to work. A feminine & flirty frock with a touch of delicate gold goodness, this girl is desperate for sundress weather!

TBO Gets Married: Gifts for the Mrs. & Mr.

Stationary | Cocktail Set | Lucite Letters | Salt + Pepper Shakers | Cookbook | Coasters

Sharing a few gift ideas for the happy couple over at Grey Likes Weddings!

My Style: Arm Candy

gifted Vivienne Kelly Bracelet | gifted Zamrie Lace Top | Gap Jeans | J.Crew Factory Clutch {old} | Target Sandals | Gap Sunnies

 Monday's post you may have seen a little sneak peek of this beautiful bracelet. Vivienne Kelly was kind enough to send me this beauty. It is the perfect accessory when you are looking to add a pop of color. Keeping accessories minimal, I added a statement piece, this bracelet, to complete the look {how amazefest would this necklace be paired with a plain white tee & boyfriend jeans?!}. Would you wear this bracelet stacked with a variety of bracelets or by itself, as seen here? Leave a comment below, I'd love to know how you would style this piece!

Giveaway: The First Snow

In my introductory post over at Grey Likes Weddings, I shared our inspiration board for our wedding. I featured an amazing print that encompassed our entire wedding theme by The First Snow. I, just by happenstance, stumbled upon the darling Etsy shop on Pinterest, and included this print in my collage. Darah was generous enough to gift me our 'wedding' print & that I can't wait to incorporate it with our wedding decor {Cody can attest, I can't stop showing it off} & later hang it on our wall gallery {which is currently a work in progress...}.

Now it is your turn! Enter below for a chance to win this gorgeous print from the shop. You have until next Wednesday to enter!

Good luck!

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