Fitness meets fashion.

Not since college (or maybe ever?) have I been the person who does the uniform of work-out pants, a hoodie and sneakers.  I like clothing and fashion too much to cop out and get casual.  But there may be a seismic shift happening in my closet.  Wearing workout clothes 'round town is not only appropriate but getting more fashionable.  Now THAT I can relate to.

We're all working out more.  And then running from workout to groceries and lunch with friends.  Who has time to go home and change?  Thanks to better athletic fabrics and a focus on fashion from brands like Lululemon, UK-based Sweaty Betty and even Tory Burch, we can hop from one commitment and conceal, quite nicely, that we just did an a-kicking workout.

It's easy to elevate your basic black Gap or Lululemon legging with just one or two cool pieces.  I'm in LOVE with Stella McCartney's line for Adidas.  So edgy and you won't see yourself coming and going around town.

Check out the Stella McCartney for Adidas Performance tank.  I'm way into white right now.  This top fits the bill and is functional, and not to mention, exceptionally cute.  I would wear this with leggings and throw a cardi over it after my workout.

Image from adidas.com.

Hoodies are more in style than ever and the bright orange pop of this one by Stella is slick and fresh.  There's a neat zipper detail in the back that adds some flair.

Image from adidas.com.

Or this cute run crop jacket that can go from run to fun in no time flat.

Image from adidas.com.

For your feet, the Florisuga ballet flats have a rubber sole goes from street to studio workout and back again.

Image from adidas.com.

Live the Process, a luxury, active-wear brand, only has a few pieces but they are spot on, like these floral leggings and classic tank in taupe.  Check out the perfect drape on the back of the tank.

Images from livetheprocess.com.

Sweaty Betty will quickly infiltrate the US to deliver a new level high tech and high fashion activewear (including skiwear!) for a super cool look. The UK based company has just opened in NYC and Greenwich, CT, so look for stores in the Boston area by 2016.

Image from sweatybetty.com.

Here's a cozy hoodie from Sweaty Betty that's made it to my wish list.

Image from sweatybetty.com.

Now to decide, which one piece to add my workout gear this spring? ~ LB

…it's Spring 2014: d'Orsay pumps and flats

Can you tell that Lisa and I are so excited for spring?  One thing that we know needs to be on our shopping list is a d'Orsay pump or flat.  A d'Orsay shoe is defined by the vamp of the shoe being cut away very close to the toe box, and the sides of the shoe are cut away, revealing the arch of the foot.  So, a classic d'Orsay pump would look like this:

Image from nordstrom.com.

There are a ton on the market!  See the Polyvore set below!  The flats are a fun alternative to the ballet flat and a great transition shoe, especially when you are tired of wearing closed shoes, but it's too soon for sandals.  D'Orsay pumps are just an updated silhouette and I think they are super sexy.  

Here are a couple of images for inspiration:

Images from pinterest.com and fabsugar.com.

There are tons on the market right now - check a pair out next time you see them! ~ JH

W2WW - d'Orsay Shoes

Manolo Blahnik black shoes / Manolo Blahnik high heel pumps / Manolo Blahnik high heel pumps / Christian Louboutin leopard shoes / Salvatore Ferragamo leather pumps / Jenni Kayne flat shoes / 3.1 Phillip Lim flat shoes / 3.1 Phillip Lim flat shoes / J.Crew high heel pumps / Vince leather shoes / Vince flat shoes / Vince shoes / Tory burch shoes / Joie flat / Slip on shoes / Report flat shoes / Old Navy flat shoes

…you want new, hipster eyewear.

Our very favorite eyeglass maker is debuting a new collection and we are excited to be one of the first to share it with you.

A warm welcome to the Palm Canyon Collection, a new design technique applied to four popular frame styles, launching today at Warby Parker.  Founded in 2010 and (at the time) sold online only, Warby Parker creates frames and sunglasses that channel your innermost hipster cool.  With the very cool starting price of $95 (and that includes prescription lenses).  Really.   

The design of the new Palm Canyon set is Inspired by a desert feel and color palette - think mesquite, acacia, ironwood and sand - with designs that feel textural and old-school, hand-crafted.  Each pair is one-of-a-kind thanks to a unique contrast detail design that was achieved by melding sheets of woodwork-inspired acetate and tortoise acetate together, a process that took over a year to perfect.  The result is a sleek and almost sculptural frame.

How about these Wheeler sunglasses in tortoise?

Totally beautiful.  I just want to pet them.  Or these:  Duckworth eyeglasses in painted desert.  Hello my lovelies!

Or these super hip Winstons shown in cognac, eye and sunglasses.   I could see these on my husband.

Price point is $145 which includes your prescription.  I might have to get one for me and one for my hub.  

We are lucky here in Boston to have one of the few Warby Parker retail outposts.  When they opened last May, I immediately rushed down to Newbury Street to fondle and fall in love with their beautifully curated selection.  I walked away with a pair of Preston sunglasses and Chandler eyeglasses for less than half the price of the last pair of prescription glasses I got.  Even better, I looked super cool in them!  

Can't get to a store? With their 5 Pairs, 5 Days home try-on program, you pick out 5 frames and they'll ship them to you for FREE. You get 5 days to take 'em for spin and then just pack them up and ship the back (again FREE).  Order a fresh pair and they'll arrive at your door in a matter of days.  Sold!

Best of all is Warby Parker's commitment to social responsibility.  When you buy a pair, WP will give a pair to someone in need through their non-profit partners.  So far they've given over a half a million pairs to folks in need.  Now that feels good. ~ LB

All images from warbyparker.com.

W2WW Around Town - W by Worth Show in Wellesley January 21-28

People - let's get going on Spring!  The 'polar vortex' is making me long for warmer climates.  To get a local taste of warmer climates, I urge you to check out the W by Worth Spring 2014 line.  In town from January 21st to 28th, local stylist Heather Steele will be happy to help you navigate the line.  

About 12 years ago, I helped a friend with her Worth business and have been shopping the line ever since.   I have purchased both old standbys that have stood the test of time as well as fun, more on-trend, pieces that have been great.  With all that history behind me, I feel as though I can say with confidence:

THIS IS THE BEST LINE THAT I HAVE SEEN IN YEARS.

I had the good (and bad) fortune of previewing the Spring 2014 W by Worth line last month.  Good if you are my closet; bad if you are my checkbook.  I literally couldn't stop shopping.

What caught my eye?!  I honestly think it was the selection of 'transitional' tops and pieces that REALLY did me in.  I'm constantly looking for those transitional items of clothing that I so desperately want in April and May when it's 50 in the morning and 70 later in the day.  I want to look 'springy', but it can be downright COLD.  

What did I order?  LOVED these Essential V-Neck Pullovers and how they fit.  Super soft (they are viscose with a touch of cashmere), and they come in 9 different colors.  I started with the khaki, and might have to get white or the denim blue.

I thought this long-sleeve white and black speckled t-shirt would be really useful under a black jacket.  I could really start wearing it now.  And into spring.  And in early fall.  The trim on the neckline is a faux leather.

I think I love this khaki and ivory knitted tweed dress I ordered.  It wasn't on my 'to buy' list, but it is as soft as a sweatshirt and the seaming on it makes it so great and slimming.  I could see it with it's self-jacket (another purchase - didn't like how they styled it though, so no good pictures) and brown boots in cooler weather.  On warmer days, wear it as is with wedges or sandals.  It's so different that I had to order it and will play with it to see if my styling suspicions are correct.  

Everyone will see me in this next top.  Navy perfection.  Soft, drapes beautifully, and will be worn over white jeans all spring long.  To quote the W by Worth site: "This is a piece that exemplifies the “less is more” axiom to perfection."  Yes, it does.

The final piece that I love are these 'soft suiting' pants that have a ruched tie on the cropped leg. I have a pair of these from last spring (in a java brown color) and thought that the ivory pair would look great with the khaki sweater from up above and some snakeskin ballet flats.  They come in navy too.

There are several other pieces that I need to go back an review before I'm done.  I already have an appointment for round 2.  To make your appointment, email Heather.  Maybe I'll see you there?! ~ JH

All images from wbyworth.com.

…you want a fresh clutch, tote, or handbag.

My family and I went to NYC over the Christmas break, which was a ton of fun but not the shop-mani-cocktail-dinner event that it usually is with the girls.  Walking by my favorite shops (and into the hours-long-line for the Ferris Wheel at Toys R Us) was torturous.  I did manage to drag the fam into the new Clare Vivier shop on Elizabeth Street for a little look-see.

Image from style.com.

Clare Vivier is a CA-based designer who is known for her simple, well-made leather bags, particularly for her signature fold-over clutch that sells like hot-cakes in stores like Bergdorf and Steven Alan.  She has two stores: one in LA and this new one, opened three months ago, in Nolita right down the street from Tory Burch.  She describes her new store as "inspired by French glamour mixed with L.A. vibe."  Right up my alley and down my street.  

The store did not disappoint. 

Witness her signature Foldover clutch...in every possible leather and color combo.   This blue with red zipper is jaw-dropping gorgeous and would play well this spring with a low key uniform of navy, stripes, blue and white jeans. The cream is simple perfection.  The gold and blue stripe with snazzy bow can work with a dressed up or down outfit.

The Carryall in washed canvas is just divine and can be personalized with initial monogram.  Looks like a great beach tote!

I've been bag-shopping for a cross-body satchel and this Duffle Petit just might fit that bill.

The Gosee Clutch is simpler cross-body style that can still hold the essentials. White for summer.

Sac Bretelle is slim and cheery, perfect for just the basics.

GASP! Simple Tote in Ponyhair!  I die 4 u.

The Grand Pochette:  to be worn with all white and accompanied by an ocean view and vodka cocktail in hand.   LSB in gold monogram would look divine, no?

She had some lovely jewels and fun things from other LA designers in her store.  Cannot wait to go back. ~ LB

PS from Jen - Went Lisa sent this to me, I about had a heart attack.  Dear Husband actually purchased the Leopard-print foldover clutch for me for Christmas this year.  Lisa had no idea!  Proof positive once again that Lisa and I share the same brain. ~ JH

Obsessed with Calypso's Resort Line

It begins as a fairytale:

"Once upon a time, Lisa and Jen would head to Calypso and have a spending spree.  There were SO many things Lisa and Jen loved and they couldn't stop at just one or two things.  They got to know the sales people (Karen in the Newbury Street store is the BEST).  They happily shopped this way for a few years, always finding treasures at each visit.

But then one day several years ago, Lisa and Jen began to wander through Calypso aimlessly.  There were no special or different clothes or accessories.  They had seen it all before.  Entire seasons would pass without even a single purchase.  Again and again, they would faithfully return to Calypso, in hopes that one day, the magic would return."

People, the magic is back.  While trolling through Calypso Resort online, I was tempted by a number of items.  Holy cow, I'm in trouble.  First thing that will be purchased?  This crazy gorgeous Inca Seed necklace.  It's love, serious love.

I'm ALWAYS looking for transition tops, and man does Calypso have them this season.  They have a fabulous short sleeve cashmere blend sweater I adore…do I want red or navy?!  (Oh, and that necklace is the Inca one in ivory!)

Loving this lightweight striped sweater…with the necklace is HEAVEN!

I've never seen their cashmere dusters with stripes before!  And you know how Lisa and I LOVE stripes!  With a navy t-shirt underneath, it's a great transition outfit (especially since it's so cold here through early May and all you want to do is wear spring clothes!).  Comes in gray too!

It's going to take all of my will-power to NOT purchase a pair of these.  They are camel, suede Castaner Bel Peep Toe espadrilles.  I have them in a gold linen and I wear them to DEATH all summer.  I have a summery J.Crew pair of espadrilles from last summer, but these are suede!  And SO comfortable.  Do you hear my will-power crumbling?!

Loving this tie-dye t-shirt.  Would look so cool under my navy, cashmere duster in early April, no?!

OK.  I have to stop talking about it.  I'm practically foaming at the mouth and I'm about to get 'click-happy' with a full shopping cart.  I think a trip to Calypso is in the cards for me next week, as soon as the kids are back in school!  Happy New Year, and welcome to Spring 2014! ~ JH

All images from calypsostbarth.com.