Hello everyone and happy Tuesday! Today’s Loving Lately post is the second in my new series where I get to share everything I’m obsessing over lately, whether it’s a new pair of jeans, favorite lipstick, seasonal candle, or in today’s case, workout stuff! I like getting to share my current favorites with you guys, especially when it’s outside the norm of fashion and travel.
If you missed the first installment in the series, check out my September Loving Lately post here.
Before I get into the favorites, how beautiful is that sunset with the Richmond skyline?! During one of my evening runs I crossed the bridge to Belle Isle and the view of the city was just phenomenal. I had to stop to get those cotton candy colors and that full moon (a little right of center). Other than using the ‘auto’ adjustment on my camera phone, it’s not edited. So, #almostnofilter?
Talking about evenings runs takes me right into the first thing I want to talk about…
Stashbandz Extra Wide Running Belt
I can’t believe I ran long distances with my phone in my hand for so long! I signed up for a 10 mile race later this month, and I’ve been using this extra wide workout belt (let’s forgive the awful Stashbandz name) to hold my phone and keys during my workouts. And it’s awesome. It has 4 pockets, two in the front and two in the back, and some that zipper and some that just have a foldover flap. I keep my keys in the zipper pocket and my phone in the fold over one. It makes it easy to take my phone out while running to snap a quick photo or check my mile stats.
I’m wearing it in the selfie above and you can hardly tell, right? It doesn’t ride up or fall down during my runs, and when it gets really sweaty I just toss it in the wash to freshen up.
I also like to wear the belt when I walk the dog to hold my phone and keys. With how big phones are nowadays they almost don’t fit in jeans pockets anymore!
Jabra Bluetooth Earbuds
Something else that I’m also wearing in my running selfie are these Jabra bluetooth earbuds. I’ve had wireless headphones in the past and was very annoyed– they didn’t stay in my ear, the sound quality wasn’t that great, and I hated having to charge them all the time. But these are different.
The Jabras fit so well in my ears. Even on my longest run so far, an 8 miler, I didn’t have to do any adjustments or fix them whatsoever. It’s such a relief! And that blue case next to them? It charges them while they’re stored in your purse (or wherever). So you can get a lot of battery life out of the buds and the case recharge before you have to actually charge the case itself.
Between the belt and the headphones, my runs have become 10x easier. Thanks, hubby, for getting these as my birthday present this year!
Bare Minerals ‘The Bare Neutrals’ Eyeshadow Palette
It doesn’t matter how many eyeshadow palettes you already have, when you see one with pretty neutrals you have to snag it. I just got this Bare Minerals ‘The Bare Neutrals’ palette because I think it’s PERFECT for travel. It’s just a touch bigger than a deck of cards and look at those shades!
I like how it has a mix of matte and shimmer colors, so I can easily see it going from day to night. It reminds me a bit of the Urban Decay Naked Basics palettes, but because this one has the shimmers I think it’s actually more versatile. I’ll definitely use it this week and share my eye makeup look on Instagram stories.
Neutral Cardi-Coat
I have been talking this cardi coat to death lately, and it’s because I really do love it! I wore it on the blog earlier this month, and I keep styling it for day to day. It’s getting chilly around here so it keeps me cozy without having the bulk of a coat. I literally wear it walking to yoga, around the house with pajamas, and with real outfits like above. There’s really no wrong way to wear it!
But the real question when it comes to this piece of clothing is what to call it– is it a cardi-coat, or coatigan? I don’t know which name I like better!
♦ Election day is right around the corner! In general I keep politics off the blog, but voting is a nonpartisan issue to me. I mailed in my ballot to Florida (I’m an absentee voter) last week, and I used Vote411.org to help me fill out my ballot. It’s a nonpartisan resource you can use to put in your address, see your ballot, and get information on where candidates stand and what proposed amendments really mean. For those of us who don’t understand all the political and legal lingo, it’s such a big help.
♦ Have you guys read this article on the counterfeit goods industry? As an affordable fashion blogger I’m certainly guilty of looking up ‘dupes’ or copycats of luxury items that I could never afford, but there’s so much more to the industry than a knockoff. It supports terrorism, child labor, and human trafficking. I’m trying to be an ethical consumer in a number of ways, and this article convinced me to never consider knockoffs again.
♦ Because I hate having to wait so long for new episodes of Serial season 3, I had to add another podcast into my weekly rotation. My friend (who is obsessed with true crime like me) suggested Happy Face and DANG it’s good! It’s the true store of serial killer and his daughter coping with her upbringing and father’s actions. This one is pretty intense, so if you’re not into true crime I wouldn’t suggest it.
♦ I’ve seen a lot of talk about social media cleanses, and read this Cosmo article on why they are dumb. I haven’t done one before, but hearing both sides made me wonder if they’re helpful. Have you done one? What do you think about social media cleanses?
That’s it for October’s Loving Lately! I hope everyone has a great Halloween tomorrow!🎃
