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Archives for August 2015

Motivation Monday

August 24, 2015 By Chandra Bonine Leave a Comment

The kids are off to school, and we’re having the first cool(ish) front of the season…I feel like there’s no better time to get motivated than now! Summer is hard for most moms. The kids are home ALL DAY LONG for three months, and that means less time to get to the gym, more snack foods filling the pantry, and, if you live in Texas, less physical activity because it’s just too hot to do anything. I always feel drained and lethargic at the end of the summer, and I’ve decided to nip it in the bud this time, starting today!

whole30header1

I am not a dieter. I really don’t believe in them. There is no magic cabbage soup that will change your life, and clearly eating Subway sandwiches exclusively was a poor trend. I am, however, a fan of the Whole 30 program. It is not meant to be a diet but rather a lifestyle, a way of eating whole, healthy, non-processed foods. You may not have heard of Whole 30, but I’m sure you’ve heard of Paleo. (How do you know when someone is practicing a Paleo diet? They will tell you! 😉 ) Whole 30 is based on the same premise as Paleo but takes it a few steps further.

In a nutshell, Whole 30 prohibits all grains (including quinoa, corn, and rice), dairy, legumes (including peanuts, soy, and chickpeas, which sadly eliminates hummus), added sugars, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, carrageenan, MSG, and sulfites. So, what’s left to eat, right??? The answer is REAL FOOD! Chicken, beef, fish, shellfish, and pork, if you dig swine, plus any and all veggies (yes, even potatoes) and fruits are fine. This is really how we should have been eating all along, no?

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I have completed two Whole 30s in the past 14 months. I was the most committed with the first round, and for one whole month, I ate only real, fresh, non-processed foods. During the second half of the Whole 30, I felt amazing! My energy was significantly up, I did not feel bloated even a tiny bit, my skin was clear, and I slept like a baby. I lost a few pounds to boot, but losing weight wasn’t really my primary goal. I just wanted to feel better, and I did!

It’s easy to fall off the wagon though, and I wasn’t sure I even wanted to keep up the regime. Like everyone else, I wanted to enjoy the occasional slice of birthday cake and glass(es) of red wine. In an ideal world, I would practice this clean eating program 80% of the time and enjoy a few indulgences during the remaining meals. For now, though, I want to kickstart my health, so I’m going full throttle! I promise not be annoying and post pictures of my meals every single day, and I won’t shove Whole 30 down your throat. I’m not really even promoting it. But if there’s anyone who needs just a little nudge in the right direction, I hope this motivates you to get on the ball. There is no time like now to start feeling better!

As a bonus, here is a recipe for one of my favorite Whole 30 approved snacks:

DSC_1033

Baked Plantain Chips

4 Plantains, thinly sliced
1/4 c. coconut oil
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. sea salt

1. Spoon coconut oil into a large mixing bowl. Add next four ingredients, and stir to combine.
2. Toss sliced plantains with oil and spice mixture.
3. Arrange the plantains on two parchment-line baking sheets in an even layer.
4. Bake for 15 minutes. Flip the plantains and bake for 4 more minutes or until golden brown.
5. Remove from oven and sprinkle with the sea salt.

Enjoy!

Adding Color to Your Life

August 17, 2015 By Chandra Bonine 2 Comments

Red Tularosa Clayton Tunic

Red Dress Accessories

Tularosa Clayton Red Dress

Tularosa Clayton Tunic

A few years ago, my sister and I were planning a surprise birthday party for our mother’s birthday. In light of her spring birthday and Mom being a two-time breast cancer survivor, we decided to have everyone wear pink to the party. Festive, right? But I had the hardest time because my wardrobe had no colors! What can I say, I really like neutrals, especially white and black. In the past year or so, however, I have really been making an effort to bring color back into my life!

When I first saw this bright red Tularosa tunic dress, I immediately put it in my online shopping cart. I could envision this dress accompanying me all summer long, and the color was just what I needed in my life! Tularosa is one of my new favorite labels, with its chic and effortless designs; I seriously love everything in this collection. So of course I was super bummed when I went to check out and realized this dress was on back order. Normally, when faced with a back order situation, I just figure it was not meant to be and delete the item from my shopping cart. This dress though…I just could not quit this dress! When it finally arrived two weeks ago, about a month after I initially ordered it, my whole week was made! And now I’m well on my way to a more colorful closet!

Sole Society Tassel Clutch

Tularosa Clayton Dress

Python Cuff Bracelet

Tularosa Red Dress

Photos by Justin James Photography

Dress: Tularosa (top here) | Clutch: Sole Society (here and here for other fun colorful options) | Booties: Elizabeth & James, old (similar here, here, here, and here) | Cuff: similar here and here | Ring: here for similar | Earrings: here for similar | Lipstick: Nars Heat Wave | Nail polish (on fingers): Essie Ballet Slippers (bottom coat) and Essie Mademoiselle (two top coats) | Nail polish (on toes): OPI Big Apple Red

A Dress for All Seasons

August 13, 2015 By Chastiti Horne 2 Comments

 

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Easing into Fall is no longer a daunting task. The late-Summer/early-Fall wardrobe is usually a difficult transition; however, there are so many fun ensembles that keep you cool enough for the hot temps, but bring a fun vibe to your style. I am a true Southern girl and was raised with the first commandment of fashion: “Thou shalt not wear white after Labor Day”! But, with varying shades of white and tons of fabric options, I am loving the trend of white no longer being relegated to the Spring and Summer months.  This sassy Alice + Olivia dress has a heavy enough fabric to stay relevant after Summer and keeps you stylish throughout autumn and into the winter months.

Heading off to a brunch, I decided to pair this dress with leopard print shoes to transition into the new season. With the peep toes, these cute wedges added a bit of flair to the basic white piece and also kept me from looking overdressed on that hot  and humid day. I can see this dress with nude pumps for a lighter look and tall black suede boots for a winter outing. I chose a vintage inspired drop necklace to add a little Sunday bling but kept the earrings and arm jewelry very simple. What I love the most about Alice + Olivia, is that every piece is not only designed well, but the line is true to size which is always helpful to me since I am a world renowned last minute shopper. If I can run into a store or shop and know that I do not have to try an outfit on, my day has been made.

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During my days as a lawyer, I tend to gravitate to dark colors (admittedly mostly black) as my work uniform. Once I slipped this dress on, I knew it would make the work rotation soon. The cut and length of this dress allow it to be cute for a brunch, yet still courtroom (or boardroom) proper. From the exposed back zipper to the little swing at the hem, this dress wows while still keeping a classic look. I can envision this little number becoming a staple in many a closet.

To add a pop of color, I chose my favorite Elaine Turner clutch in persimmon. This bag can also transition from the green grass days to the changing of the leaves. I love that it is not a dainty clutch, but one that can hold some substance but still look very polished. Changing from dressy to casual is also no problem for this clutch as I have paired it with a denim top and white jeans as well. The color is the perfect punch to compliment this look. A fun hide purse (sans the animal print shoes) would be a fabulous way to accessorize. A black patent handbag throws off a modern vibe and would give this outfit a entirely different look.

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Using this minimalist dress as a base, accessories can and do create so many options for an outfit to take you to various events. By switching up the jewelry, shoes and handbag, so many looks can be created. But, if you are still leery of white this Fall, break those chains! Liberate your wardrobe with the right pieces and your white dress can take you beyond the neighborhood pool party. However, I am drawing the line at seersucker in the Fall. Y’all know I was raised better than that!

Photos by Justin James Photography

Dress: Alice + Olivia | Clutch: Elaine Turner (also love the orange clutches here, here, and here, and this one is a great bargain!) | Leopard wedges: here, here, and here for similar | Necklace: here for similar | Earrings: here for similar | Lips: Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color in Cherry Pink

 

Accessorizing Basics

August 11, 2015 By Chandra Bonine 1 Comment

Fringe Clutch

Jeans and Tank

Sam Edelman Wedges

Jeans and Wedges

Fringe Accessories

There’s nothing like a good go-to outfit that you know you can accessorize to fit the occasion…and your mood! Jeans almost always fit into this category, and you can never go wrong with a simple tank. I love dressing up a distressed pair of jeans, and the best way to start is with a great pair of heels. My summer shoe of choice for evening has been this Sam Edelman wedge. The color goes with everything, and the height gives any outfit an extra oomph!

With a basic white top, necklaces are the perfect foil to show your personal style. This feathered bib necklace is sold out, but I have linked several similar pieces below. With a cute clutch, this outfit is perfect for date night!

Fringe

Necklace

Feather Bib Necklace

Early Fall Style

Distressed Jeans

Top: J. Crew Factory | Jeans: Rebecca Minkoff, sold out (here and here for similar) | Wedges: Sam Edelman, ON SALE! (also love these) | Necklace: here, here, and here for similar | Clutch: J. Crew, sold out (here and here for similar) | Earrings: here for similar | Ring: here for similar | Lips: Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color in Cherry Pink

Dressing For Yourself

August 5, 2015 By Chandra Bonine Leave a Comment

Summer Maxi Style

Summer Style

Some days I just feel like wearing what makes me happy. No part of this outfit is new or “this season,” and I definitely have other items that fit my body a little better. But at times I just don’t care about those things; I just want to wear what I want to wear! It’s hard to put on a flowy, bright red maxi skirt paired with Van Morrison lyrics and colorful accessories and not be in a great mood!

These Are The Days Tshirt

These Are The Days

On the evening I wore this outfit, I was heading to the Astros game with my family. My kids were super excited, and with the team’s successful season, I knew the atmosphere in the park was going to be incredibly fun. I’m not really one for wearing a team shirt (and really, it’s so hard to keep up because sometimes the Astros are orange and blue and sometimes they are red and black…so confusing!), so I was just aiming for comfortable ease. This tee is one of my absolute favorites, but it is pretty shapeless. I decided to knot it at the hip 80s style to give a waist line because I figured a tuck would end up puffy and sloppy looking. I ended up loving the look and kicked it up a notch with fun turquoise jewelry, my cobalt fringed crossbody, and lips dressed up with one of my favorite red lippies — Nars Heat Wave.

Red Summer Maxi

Red Hot Summer Style

The moral of my story here is that fashion is fun, but sometimes it’s even more fun to wear things because you love them, not just because they are currently trending. This entire outfit was pulled from my closet, no items having been purchased in the last six months and most long before that. Shop your own closet, and if something makes you happy, you will inevitably look beautiful because your attitude is the first thing people notice! A smile is always your best accessory!

Turquoise Accessories

Statement Tee

These are the days of the endless summer
These are the days; the time is now
There is no past; there’s only future
There’s only here; there’s only now

Oh your smiling face, your gracious presence
The fires of spring are kindling bright
Oh the radiant heart and the song of glory
Crying freedom into night

These are the days by the sparkling river
His timely grace and our treasured find
The is the love of the one magician
Turned the water into wine

These are the days of the endless dancing
And the long walks on the summer night
These are the days of the true romancing
When I’m holding you, oh so tight

These are the days by the sparkling river
And His timely grace and the treasured find
This is the love of the one great magician
Turned the water into wine

These are the days now that we must savor
And we must enjoy as we can
These are the days that will last forever
You’ve got to hold them in your heart.

–Van Morrison

Sam Edelman Erlina Gladiator Sandals

Red Skirt

T-shirt: J. Crew, sold out (here, here, here, here, and here for a few other favorite statement tees) | Maxi Skirt: here and here for similar | Sandals: Schutz (also here) | Crossbody bag: Sole Society | Necklace: here and here for similar | Cuff bracelet: here and here for similar | Earrings: here and here for similar | Gold ring: here for similar | Lipstick: Nars Heat Wave

About

In the Loop Style

Two sisters. Two styles. One lifestyle blog. Join us as we navigate our unique perspective on fashion, fun, and sisterhood! XOXO, C & C

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