June 28, 2013

Mustard, Mint & Lavender

I got these shoes in TJ Maxx in March this year and I was dying to wear them. 

Now some of you may think these colours are kind of weird to be worn together (as a co-worker of mine told me) but I like thinking outside of the box and being different. I was proud of my colour combination- it was different. It was Easter-y, spring colours and fun. 

Funny enough I had this statement necklace and it was the same colour of the shoes. 

I just love the colour mustard. I couldn't find a skirt in the colour so I actually went and found the fabric (angels sang when I saw it in Pablo's) and got my dressmaker/seamstress to get it made. 

Didn't really want to share this picture as I hate the expression on my face- I literally was saying with my teeth clenched "Take the picture", lol.



Xoxo
Ronz

June 26, 2013

Tiny Buddha- kinda like free therapy!!!

This year started out a bit rough for me due to me freaking out about turning 30, stress at my job, among other things. I used to work with a lady that was so happy all the time, I used to wonder what she was on because I needed some of it. She's into yoga and such and just an inspiration to me as she was in a career that I am interested in, she changed careers, started her own business and she essentially went after her dreams. I messaged her the other day and asked her if there was a website or something that I could sign up for daily emails or something to help me be more positive in life. She told me about www.tinybuddha.com



I signed up for daily emails. As I read each article, it was as if every article was about my life. I had been starting to feel better about my life and sorting through some of the issues that were confusing me. The articles really helped change my outlook and attitude. There will be challenges and set backs in our lives but it's how we view these occurrences that help shape how we deal with them. It's better to look at the glass half full- have a positive attitude. 

Xoxo
Ronz

June 23, 2013

Night out on the town- PARTY time ^_^

I haven't been out to the club or a party in a while. I work so hard, I don't party all the time but I have to enjoy life a bit sometimes. 

I've been dying to wear these shoes and I was so happy to get an opportunity to do so. Took this shot before heading out. Knowing myself, I would have danced up a storm and wouldn't look so fresh when I came home so I took the picture before rather than after my night out. I'm getting into ankle strap shoes. I'm working on building a collection of them but of course only at the right price, as I've shown in a previous post, I sure don't need any more shoes. 


Shoes US$26.80 (Forever21)
Skirt US$5.99 (Forever 21, sale)
Top (from Mommy)
Xoxo
Ronz

June 14, 2013

Sparkpeople.com

I'm always on the hunt for ways to save a buck. Well I have weight issues, since puberty, and now I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)- a condition where one of the symptoms is weight gain. You and I could be doing the same exercise and diet regimen and you will lose weight and I might actually gain weight. 

Well I'm trying to overcome this condition. I'm turning 30 in November and I'm on a mission- to be thinner for 30! Now note I haven't set a goal weight. I really just want to be thinner, meaning more toned, healthier and happier. ^_^. 


So anywayz, I actually came across a site called Sparkpeople.com almost 2 years ago. I stumbled on the site when I was googling and trying to find out which one of the million and one diets out there was for me. Now the greatest thing about Spark People is that it's F-R-E-E!. Now when I started I learnt a lot and was addicted to the site and lost 10 lbs. During this time I had changed birth control pills twice and my weight yo-yoed. Then one day my period stopped. Freak out moment! So I went on some medication to get my period back and it did come back. Thing is I kept gaining weight and I was working out and eating good (not perfect mind you), now something must have been wrong. 3 years prior I had a myomectomy and have had some hormonal issues since. So I was convinced something was wrong with me, I mean how can I be doing the right things (especially when they had worked before) and I wasn't losing weight. I went to my gynaecologist and asked her to run some tests, to do a full hormonal check. I spoke to her about my concerns and she said it may be 1 of 2 illnesses- PCOS or a thyroid prob. Sure enough when the test results cam back, she said I had PCOS. Now to be told I have an incurable but treatable illness sucks but to know that something was wrong with me felt great.

So back to Spark People, this site is jam packed with everything you need- food tracker, fitness tracker, support groups, daily emails, tons of articles, free videos, motivational quotes, the works:


"At SparkPeople, our mission is to SPARK millions of PEOPLE to reach their goals and lead healthier lives. We offer nutrition, health, and fitness tools, support, and resources that are 100% free, while other sites like Weight Watchers and eDiets.com charge their members for similar services. Our weight loss program teaches people to stop dieting and transition to a permanent, healthy lifestyle. Far beyond just weight loss, SparkPeople helps everyone learn to eat better and exercise regularly—for life. And people who don’t want to lose weight can still join and benefit from SparkPeople's tools, resources and community features. In addition to informative articles and interactive tools, such as fitness trackers and meal plans, members can find support and encouragement from our vibrant, positive community of members and experts. We pride ourselves in offering medically accepted weight-loss and healthy lifestyle recommendations that are easy to understand and implement." (Source: www.sparkpeople.com)


So it's not about just weight loss, it's about a healthier lifestyle. I've been on the site 2 years and my commitment has fluctuated during this time but for those of us who are overweight, we know the problem isn't food the problem is why we seek comfort in food and then let ourselves go and just give up. I had to get my mind in it totally, it's mostly a mental battle. I won't eat properly or exercise if I don't have the right mind set. I've hit the reset button, as I have many times, and here I go again. Let's do this!!!!!




I must say I am feeling excited about this next chapter of my life. I was really freaked out at the start of the year about turning 30 but it was the push I needed to figure out what I wanted in life and to make efforts to go towards my goals. I may have this big cloud and obstacle called PCOS but I can try. I've tried many times and failed but I feel good about this time achieving my goals. 

XOXO
Ronz 

June 12, 2013

Jersey-fied ==> animal print


It's not just the ladies of New Jersey that love animal print, as I sure do. Now I must admit, the trend had to grow on me a bit but after watching Jerseylicious, Real Housewives of New Jersey & Jersey Shore I just love it. I'm convinced I can wear it in a much classier way than some of the ladies on these shows and not make it look trashy. 

One of my fashion pet peeves is that I hate when people wear brown and black together as very rarely people wear it the way I like. With animal print however it's the perfect way to wear black and brown. The print shown below can be worn with a black, brown, beige, white even a blue bottom. This therefore stretches the functionality and the # of outfits that this top can go with (see my previous post about Building your wardrobe- work attire).

My mom got me these shoes on sale (bless her shoe & deal loving heart- hence where I got it from). At first I was like yuck black and brown together but then (angels singing) I loved it. I'm like "Dang these are hot" and I had to find the right outfit to incorporate black & brown. 


Shirt US$10 (Charlotte Russe, sale)
Skirt US$2 (thrifted)
Shoes US$20 (Charles by Charles David, TJ Maxx)

June 9, 2013

Building your wardrobe- work attire


If you're starting a new job or just want to re-evaluate your current work wardrobe, here are a few things to consider:

  • start with the bottom half. Invest in 5 solid colour bottoms (pants and/or skirts. For skirts ensure there's a pencil skirt in the mix as they are great for all body types)
  • 2-3 pairs of neutral coloured work shoes (black, brown, nude, tan, grey)
  • some fun shirts (play around with fabrics and prints as well as have your usual suspects like your solid colours, for instance a black button down shirt)
  • cardigans/jackets
  • create your own uniform
A note on the jackets, there's nothing like a well structured jacket to cinch you in and to make you look more professional. Some jackets are pricey so cardigans are another good cost effective option and they come in so many colours.


With creating your own uniform of sorts, you can simplify things and repeat outfits. This can be pants & shirts or full suits or cardigans & pencil skirts.



Source: J's Everyday Fashion
Also make sure your clothes fit. Tight, baggy and ill-fitting clothes have no place in the office. Make sure you get a good seamstress/dressmaker to ensure clothes fit properly.

Ensure that you can get mileage out of the items in your closet. Mix and match and get items that complement each other. If you are buying an item, think of what you already have in your closet and see if you could make 2-3 outfits at least out of it.

I also plan my outfits for the week on Sunday nights,this usually takes about 30 minutes max. I get my clothes ironed every 2 weeks or so, if it's not ironed I'm not wearing it. I fuss around and see what works so I spend less time in the morning getting ready. If I put on an outfit that I selected and don't like I go to another one and that evening select another for the next day. I usually wear jackets for the 1st 2-3 days of the week then throw in a cardigan or a button down shirt for the other days. I hate 'being a girl' and taking FOREVER to get ready- how do I fix that? Preparation. I prep my outfits. Even when going to a party I think about what I want to wear, try it on and re-evaluate if needed, then chose my accessories and everything before it's actually time to get ready. For work I chose my shoes and jewellery the night before. I usually get up 30 minutes before I head out the door and that includes cleaning up after and feeding my dogs (I eat breakfast at work which I pack the night before). Nowadays I get up 30 minutes earlier to fit in a workout.

Another thing is to have fun with your outfits. I always say "if I don't feel good, I should at least look good". Play around with colours and different combinations. There's nothing like getting a compliment on how good you look.

XOXO
Ronz

June 6, 2013

Houndstooth

In the picture below I'm wearing one of my favourite prints- houndstooth. 

Houndstoothhounds tooth check or hound's tooth (and similar spellings), also known as dogstoothdogtooth or dog's tooth, is a duotone textile pattern characterized by broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes, often in black and white, although other colours are used. (Source: Wikipedia)

I just love it.  When I saw this skirt, I just had to have it.

In one of my previous posts I mentioned how people normally pair black and white with red, well I'm guilty of it too- I confess. I'm also wearing the same skirt again ^_^. I told you I love the print.

Jacket- US$10 (sale, Agaci)
Inner Blouse US$5
Skirt- US$19.99 (Burlington)
Shoes US$40 (BCBG Generation, TJ Maxx)

XOXO
Ronz

June 5, 2013

Flower Power

Cardigans are a cost effective option for the office. Jackets are great but sometimes cost a bit for a well tailored one. I have found jackets on sale for US$15.99, which is a pretty good price, but I like to really STRETCH my dollar and not only that the amount of options I have in my closet. My favourite brand of cardigans, in terms of price and quality, is GAP. You can get some for US$10 or less at the outlet stores (with discounts applied). I have quite a bit of cardigans in many colours. They are a great way to look professional and put together. 

Cleavage isn't appropriate for the office as some cardigans are cut a little low, so make sure to have camisole or tops you can wear underneath the cardigans. Also some cardigans may be a bit thin and your bra may print through (especially the lacy ones). Tube tops are also a good option but be mindful of the type of fabric. I have on a black sleeveless shirt under my cardigan in the picture below. My office is so cold that layering is good. ^_^

Skirt- Made by seamstress US$10
Shoes- Nine West US$30 (TJ Maxx)
Cardigan- US$3 (Thrift store)




XOXO
Ronz


June 1, 2013

Black & white....& a little orange

Most people wear black & white and add a pop of colour but usually wear red. 

Dare to be different and wear another colour, such as orange (as pictured below) or even try yellow, purple, green- the possibilities are endless. 


Jacket US$15.99 (sale, Forever 21)
Houndstooth print skirt 
US$19.99 (Burlington)
Callie, Jessica Simpson shoes US$39.99 (sale, Zappos)
Inner Blouse US$5 (Rainbow)





XOXO
Ronz