Welcoming in Fit-Fashion 2016!

We are going to go ahead and guess what is on the top 5 of your 2016 resolution list… get in shape, get to the gym more (or start), try new workouts, be healthier, eat better, more time for yourself… maybe just to name a few.

So, If we guessed right, we wanted to give you a little help in getting to your goals! We know what works to get’s us motivated, a great outfit, must have accessories, and some awesome music of course! So here are some of the hottest looks in Fit-Fashion and a Best of 2015 playlist to get you going:

 

 

Splits59 Icon Performance Sweatpant

 

Spiritual Gangster Mini Elephant Sweater Knit Pullover

 

Crane & Lion Racerback Tank

 

Nike Rosh One Premium Wool Sneaker

 

Derek Lam and Atheleta Block Avenue Tank.

 

Goodhyouman I am in Love Its Fun

 

Live The Process Stretch-Supplex Bodysuit

 

Reebok Dance Sequin Tight

 

H&M Long Sleeve Running Top

 

Michi NY Quaser Navy Legging

 

gwyneth Statement Tank

 

Fabletics Verbena Capri

 

Reebok All Over Print Legging

Fabletics Arta Long Sleeve Top

Uma Gorgeous For Good Wellness Oil

 

 

Calia By Carrie Underwood Fruit Infusion Water Bottle

 

 

Here is the Best of 2015 Playlist on Spotify!

 

Happy New Year to all of our Ms Fits. Our biggest thanks to all of the amazing support we received in 2015

xo A&J

Jessica’s Studio Style & Music for Barre and Boxing:

No matter where I’m going to workout, I’m somehow always layered. I love layering! I always have an easy-to-throw-on sweatshirt or tee over a workout tank, even in the summer. I also love layering because I usually have somewhere to be right after class and this allows for quick transitions between workout to day or evening wear.

Here is what I am wearing and listening to right now during my two favorite workouts:

 

TO THE BARRE:

 

1. The Modern Classic from Gwenyth~ I have one in every color! It is the perfect top to wear to Barre and really everywhere. I love the ballet style and adjustable fit. I love how I can tie the sides up while I am teaching and then pull the sides down post class and pair with a sweater or cardigan to meet friends for coffee or run errands. It’s effortless!

Gwenyth’s Modern Classic in ballet pink

2. Firedaughter Clothing’s off-the-shoulder Big Huge Heart Sweatshirt~ Anything off-the-shoulder is my favorite and Firedaughter has definitely perfected the off-the-shoulder look.  I have a collection of these types of inspirational tees and sweatshirts… and this is the perfect layer!

 

Firedaughter’s Big Huge Heart off-the-shoulder sweatshirt

 

3. The perfect leggings~ For Barre, I’m usually wearing either the Splits Tendu grip tights or the Nova Capri legging from Splits59. I love the Tendu grip tights because of the grips on the bottom of the feet that work perfectly for helping hold that stretch at the Barre which means you don’t have to wear Barre socks. I also love the Nova Capri because they have the best fit of any legging I own.

 

Splits59 Nova Capri

 

Splits59 Tendu Grip Tights

 

4. Nike Wedge sneakers~ I am so thankful for the wedge sneaker! I am obsessed! It is the perfect fit-fashion invention. Throw these on with your workout outfit and immediately you can carry your workout look through the rest of the day. I always feel like I look better with a little height and they’re perfect to wear to a Barre workout because you actually do the workout in socks or barefoot.

Nike Dunk Sky High Sneaker.

5. Take your Barre look to dinner with Daniela Corte’s off the shoulder Ballet Top. As I said, I love everything off the shoulder. I just bought this top. I can throw it on with my workout leggings and I’m all ready for post Barre class fun.

Daniela Corte Ballet top

TO KICKBOXING:

1. My prize possession. These were a limited edition item from Alexander Wang‘s Objects collection two years ago. They are 12 ounces of pure leather perfection!

Alexander Wang boxing gloves.

 

2. The “Edgy” Legging~ I love these Daniela Corte Tracy Capri leggings in Python. They are the perfect legging for looking cool while you’re kicking butt.

The Daniela Corte Tracy Capri

 

3. The Ashby Tank and Loren Bra~ If you know me, you know there is a 75% chance I’m wearing at least one item that’s Splits59 at all times. And for kickboxing, it’s often the Ashby tank. It fits perfectly and I find that in workouts where I am sweating more like boxing or spin, the Ashby doesn’t get uncomfortable.

 

Splits59 Ashby Tank

 

 

Splits59 Loren Seamless Bra-Painted

4. Crane & Lion’s long sleeve tee. I love the fit of this and the tee has great ruching in the back for an even slimmer fit.

 

Crane&Lion Longsleeve Tee

5. Divert Jacket by Koral Activewear~ Perfect to complete the look and easy to throw on over everything.

 

Divert Love Sleeve Hooded Jacket

 

6. Liteweight sneakers~ For kickboxing, I like a very lightweight sneaker such as these Nike Free TR Breathe.

 

Nike Free Sneaker

MUSIC:

Nothing motivates me like great music. Here’s my latest playlist for music I’m playing in my Barre classes and listening to while I workout on Spotify.

 ~J

Spring Fashion Fit Pieces We Love

Gone are the days of limited options to choose from when getting ready to hit the gym. Today there are many great choices in workout lines that span from the traditional sports stores like Nike and Reebok, all the way to top designers like Chanel. Workout wear has really blazed its own space in the fashion industry in the past two years, even coining its own sub-categories like barrewear, FitFashion, Sports Couture, Luxletic and Athlesire, just to name a few. Celebrities like Kate Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Heidi Klum, Beyonce, Jillian Michaels, Rhianna, Brooke Burke and Rita Ora have also either created their own lines or aligned  themselves with activewear brands.

Even though it doesn’t quite feel like spring in New England, just yet, here are few fashionable-fit pieces to help motivate you on your final sprint to bikini season:

The Upside Yoga Pant in Charcoal

 

Vie Active Lori Sports Bra at Carbon38

 

Monreal Mesh Tank at Carbon38

 

Michi Stardust Crop Pant

 

Lulu Lemon Light Speed Vest

 

H&M Workout Top

 

Body Language Amber Top

 

VPL Consignment Breaker Tank at
ID 10 X DEKA

 

Crane&Lion Long Sleeve Tee

 

Nike Flyknit Lunar 3

 

Out Incorporated TEASE in Courage light grey

 

Adidas Ultraboost Sneaker

 

Splits59 Ashby Tank in Aster

 

Out Incorporated Gold Sports Bra

 

Lucas Hugh Leadlight print Legging at ID X DEKA

 

Varley Python Crop Top

 

Gwenyth Modern Classic in Ballet Pink

 

Victoria Secret Knockout Capri

 

The Upside Cropped Hoodie

 

Yoga Bag from H&M

 

 

Peek-A-Boo, I See You #fashionfridays

Yesterday I met with my newest client, Lauren Hefez, who funny enough is an amazing fitness instructor in town. She teaches barre and Lean Line (a barre/pilates/dance/stretch fusion workout) at Equinox as well as her class at the studio, Soul Train called Sweat with Lauren Hefez. What I loved about her closet was that exactly half of it was just fitness clothes, hung up with great care, color coordinated and in pristine condition. Out of all the beautiful pieces that she had, my favorite was actually a sports bra that she was wearing. By the end of that day, she had gone to the gym and bought me the exact same one, which got me thinking about a post we wrote last August about sports bras as fashion pieces… and this sports bra is the perfect one to pull this look off…

Onzie Bustier Sports Bra

The one I got has a funky flamingo print on it… This link will bring you to the exact product.

We also really love this one from Splits59~

Splits59 Brigitte Supplex Support Bra

 

ORIGINAL BLOG POST FROM AUGUST, 2014.

SPORTS BRAS TAKE ON THE STREETS

My thing with sports bras is very simple. They squish my boobs into a mutant uni-boob. The sports bra… Attractive? Not one bit. Practical? Only for running. Fashionable? Are you serious…?

Until now.

This past season we’ve seen a whole slew of fitness clothing punching out its competitors, and taking center stage in the fashion scene. But nothing is as wildly unusual to come out of hiding, as the sports bra. Try it out as an under-cami for a low cut shirt, or as a cami under a sheer top… give that sports bra of yours a new life…take it out of hiding and onto the streets.

Check out these street style stars and how they gave their sports bras a fashionable new life…

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We’d love to hear your take on this trend… Leave us a comment or find us on Instagram and Facebook and comment away!

Fit-Inspired Gift Ideas… Must-Haves for the Fitness, Wellness Lovers

Fitness, wellness, fit-fashion, has never been more popular…which means there are just so many amazing things to buy to be workout ready.  I am sharing a list of some of my favorites fitness things. Here are a few great gift ideas for the fitness lovers or just great items to get for yourself to help you get ready to spring into a healthy 2015:

 

I fell in love with this Barrewear top and tunic from gwenyth last Christmas and since then have accumulated a small collection. Not only is this top fabulous, the owner, Michelle, has been so wonderful to work with and has been so supportive of Ms Fit For Society and everything I am doing in Barre. Even so much so, she is offering 20% off of her Modern Classic for our MsFits as well as donating $5 of the purchase to the American Stroke Association and Teddy’s Team, a charity near and dear to our hearts. Click here to access this special offer link and then use promotion code: musejessicaholiday2014 (offer good through the end of December).

 

The Modern Classic in Mocha Grey, $88

 

Hands down, Splits59 is one of my favorite activewear lines. Not only because for a workout line, their clothes have such awesome style, but also because the company is made up of such a wonderful group of people.   Splits59 is always inspiring us to be healthier and “cooler”.  I wear a ton from them, so it’s hard to pick my favorites. But, these capri pants are what I’m really loving right now (use my name jessicadiaz at chekcout for 15% off your purchases at Splits59).

 

 

Nova Racer Performance Capri by Splits59 $98

 

I love anytime I see someone who can rock a one-piece:

Without Walls High Shine Romper, $98

 

 

Loving this really cool holiday Fit-Fashion Kit for Women and Men from Outdoor Voices. These gift kits includes sweatpants, warm-up leggings, hoodie, sports bra, tote bag, and more:

 

Outdoor Voices Holiday Kit, $300

 

A favorite of my yoga friends:

 

Maduka Go Free Yoga Backpack, $108-$120

 

 

Fitsporation – Need a little fitness-inspiration in your wardrobe. Here are a few of my favorites:

No Limits. Wide Shoulder Girly Sweatshirt, Firedaughter Clothing $38

 

 

Passion is Everything pullover by GoodhYouman, $68

 

 

With All Your Heart, inspirational Barre Socks, on Etsy $20

 

For those of you that like to stand-out and shine at the gym:

 

Leatherback Leggins in Chrome Gloss by Carbon38, $135

 

LuLu Lemon Shine shorts, $48

Keeping the shine going…these are number one on my Christmas list. I need these and I am going to add the sparkle accessories piece that can be mix and matched:

 

Oil Slick and Black Headphones from We Are Frends, $199

 

Bauble Bar Gold and Black Cap accessory, $49

 

For head-to-toe sparkle:

Nike Free Flash 5.0, $150

 

On the sweeter side:

Ballet Beautiful Belle Wrap, Net-a-porter, $108

 

Ballet Beautiful Classic Leg Warmer, $54

 

Sweet and local to Boston:

 

 

Crane & Lion Original Tight in Quicksilver, $90

 

 

Crane & Lion Wrap Sweater in Wan Blue, $100

 

Healthy and local:

I am loving the idea of a gift certificate to our favorite juicery in town, Mother Juice, to add some extra health to your diet. Also a  great gift idea for yourself or someone you know that might love to give juice detox a try!

Mother Juice, 100% organic, cold-pressed juice & raw vegan snacks. Gift Certificates available

 

Lastly, give the gift of health  awareness by donating to the American Stroke Association. I am sharing my personal donation page here . The money raised for the Stroke Association goes directly to fund research, education, advocacy both locally and nationally to help reduce disability and death from stroke.  The Stroke Association has been such a wonderful support for me and I am so happy to be a part of helping to raise awareness about the importance of knowing the signs, symptoms and ways to reduce your risks of stroke and heart disease. To learn more about why I am such a supporter of the Stroke Association you can read my story at www.heart.org

 

 

Happy and Healthy Holidays!

xJessica

December is the New January… Why Wait?

This year I am going to start in December! As of today, I am starting my plan to take it to that next level now instead of waiting for January 1^st. I want to start 2015 already in-progress. For me, health and fitness these past six months (post-surgery) have been pretty up and down.  I had to take some “time off” because of recovering and some health issues and have since let myself use “recovering” as excuses to let myself  ease up on the routines that I know make me feel my best, eg. keeping a regular exercise schedule, trying new things here and there (which I love to do), and eating the ways that make me feel my best.

I am not being hard on myself, I took the break I needed.  I took the necessary time to recover and get healthy again, but now it is time to kick things up a notch and get back to the point where I felt I had more strength and energy. One of the biggest things I am feeling since slowing down on workouts and healthier routines is my endurance levels. I have noticed even after a moderate/slow paced workout that I tire easy and get out of breath. I also don’t recover as well. And something that has a huge impact on me, I am not sleeping as well either.

I am not even going to mention my jeans! I try not to let gaining a few pounds bother me, but if I am being honest.. IT TOTALLY DOES! Haha.

Not feeling my best has a spiraling effect on me. Working out and eating healthy go hand and hand for me. Post-surgery, I started to let the foods I ate in moderation ( 80/20) sneak into more of everyday, every-other day (50/50) type arrangement. This equals, not feeling great!

Typically, I would  say that I pretty much take December off of exercise. I just end up not exercising and telling myself I don’t need to because I am going to start January 1^st. Obviously! So that means I get to eat and celebrate and take a break for December. But not this year!  My challenge to myself, as of the beginning of this month, is to start to get my health and fitness routines on track now. How am I going to do this?  I have a strategy!!

My strategy for doing this is.. plan, plan, plan. I am not very good at planning more than a week ahead of time. But the good thing about December is that people know how busy this time of year is, so they tend to make plans ahead of time. So as of today, I pretty much know exactly what I am doing for the next 21 days. Totally perfect for me for my “taking it to the next level now” commitment.

Phase 1 of my strategy:  I sat down with my calendar, put in all the commitments I had, and then added in my exercise as appointments around those (in red, meaning I cannot miss it).

Phase 2 of my strategy: More planning. Food planning. I went to the grocery store and stocked up on all the things I know I need to keep myself on track. And also, partly in my head, and partly in my phone notes, I scheduled what I am going to eat for the next couple of days.  Food planning and having the right foods in my home really helps me resist those last minute easy/quick solutions that usually aren’t as healthy. If I over indulge, no problem, I know I have all my exercises scheduled for that week as “damage control”

Phase 3 of my strategy: Keep it fun. The easiest way I find to take it to that next level, is to keep it fun. Maybe this means, trying new things. Or scheduling a workout with a friend or both.  I never stray far from Barre. It is my foundation. But I do love to try new things. So today, I took a Soul Cycle class by myself, and just booked another class this time with a friend. SO fun! If you already have a class/routine you love, challenge yourself to give it even more in your next class. We all know the difference between how we feel (and how we look) when we’ve left a workout; giving it our all versus just getting through it.

Phase 4 of my strategy: Visual and Audio Motivation.

Audio: I love making my workout playlists for myself and for my classes. Sometimes great music can be the greatest motivations. If you don’t have your own, you can listen to mine on Spotify, here is my latest: Dec. is the new Jan.

Visual motivation: This might sound silly, and it is, a little bit, but I find having a visual motivation also helps as a reminder to keep myself on track. Maybe it’s a picture of where you are going on vacation and need to be in a  bikini, maybe it’s a picture of an outfit you want to fit in to, or maybe of your good friend  who just posted a picture of herself today with insane abs ( Karly Treacy). Or maybe it’s a picture of yourself when you felt in a healthier place. Here is mine pre-surgery:

Me Pre-Surgery. I am so going to rock these white Splits59 Raquel tights again!

 

I just shared my challenge for myself. Now, my challenge to all of you MsFits is to do the same!

Make December the new January. For the next month, hashtag #msfitforsociety or send us a photo on Facebook. A  photo of you “taking it to the next level”. This is so individual, it can be of you working out. It can be of you making a healthy recipe, a sports activity, an exciting new outfit, goal setting. Anything at all!

To motivate our amazing MsFits, we’re going to be giving away one of my favorite pieces from Splits59, The Ashby Tank. Send us those photos and you’ll be automatically entered into a drawing to win!!! 

In the New Year, I will post a gallery of our collective efforts so we can see how great it is for us to be starting 2015 “already in-progress.”

HASHTAGS:

#DecemberisthenewJanuary    #msfitforsociety

 

Happy December MsFits!

~Jessica

 

 

 

 

We shared these runway trends last spring… now see them in your gym

Sheer paneling, crop tops, cut-outs and mesh were all the rage on the runway last spring. We launched our blog in them and we featured these hot looks in our Ms Fit for Society fashion show with Saks Fifth Avenue last May.

Now, these styles have made their way into workout wardrobes. Grab a few of these fall-fit styles to show off all of your hard work:

 

Sheer Paneling

Splits59’s KYM NOIR SUPPLEX FULL LENGTH TIGHT with sheer powernet insets on front and back.

MICHI NY Rifical Legging

Carbon 38’s Espalier Mesh Pants

 

 Fall Crop Tops

Adidas By Stella McCartney Weekender crop top sweatshirt

Alexander Wang for H&M

Adidas by Stella McCartney Yoga quilted bomber jacket

 

Cut Outs

Splits59 Avery Open Racerback Pullover

MICHI Valor Tank

Work Out Life Cut it out Top

 

MESH

The Upside Muscle Tank in White Mesh

Alaia Side Zip Mesh Sweathsirt

MICHI Throttle Tank

Rise, Shine, and Shake

Breakfast shakes are a staple for me.  I incorporated them into my diet about 2-3 years ago when I got serious about losing the weight that I had gained during my pregnancy, and I also just wanted to feel healthier.

Like most things in my life, my breakfast shake is ever evolving. The more I learn and experiment with new supplements, proteins, vitamins and flavors I like, the more I refine my recipes. The complexity of my shake is completely related to the amount of time and ingredients I can get my hands on at 6 in the morning. I have a much better day (eat less overall and don’t get that exhausted feeling mid-morning) when I find the time to have my shake before I leave for teaching my 7:00AM Barre class.

 

(Mixing up shakes on a rainy afternoon for some extra needed “pick-me-up”..  I still wear my white Splits59 Raquel tights past Labor Day,  paired with my totally cozy Maddison Warrior Funnel neck pullover, also Splits59 www.splits59)

I have two favorite shakes: one is a twist on my childhood favorite, a peanut butter and banana milkshake, and the other is a mixed berry. I am not a certified nutritionist, and I agree, possibly I go overboard on what’s in my shakes, but I do know, I have way more energy, feel full all morning, and know I am getting plenty of good healthy vitamins, fats, proteins and more in my breakfast. I also feel like I am covering my bases, and that this shake is my little “health insurance” policy for days I am too on-the-go to eat as healthy as I should. I also know incorporating these shakes has been a key factor in my success in reaching my weight loss goals.

These ingredients are  in all of my shakes:

 

1 to 1 ½ cups Almond Milk (you can substitute coconut milk or hemp milk. I personally like the unsweetened vanilla flavored almond milk)

1 Scoop of Vega One Protein Powder (15g of protein powder, I like the French vanilla flavor). I like Vega because it’s plant based, soy, gluten, dairy free, and also has added greens.

1 tbsp of Maca Powder (used to increase energy, balance, vitality, and has plenty of amino acids. Also said to increase libido. It’s also supposed to increase mental energy and focus). 

½ tbsp. of Udo oil. Udo oil is filled with Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids. You need good fats in your diet to lose the bad fats!

1 tsp of Cocoa Powder. Contains Fiber, Iron, and Magnesium, and antioxidants. Also is thought to be great for anti-aging and an anti-inflammatory agent. 

1 tbsp of Chia seeds or Chia Fiber. Chia has fiber, antioxidants, Omega-3s, helps with digestion, improves cardiovascular health, improve metabolic health, and has calcium. Chia seeds are also said to improve sports performance. 

½ tsp of Bee Pollen. (Do not use if you have an allergy to bees). Used as an energy enhancer, support immune system, and used to reduce and treat allergies, as well as soothes skin. 

*I recommend experimenting  and doing your own research to see if all these supplements are a good fit for you.

For the banana almond-butter shake, I add:

½ fresh or frozen banana (remember to peel before freezing)

½ tbsp. of almond butter

Option to add a few ice cubes

 

For the mixed berry shake, I add:

Add ½ to 1 cup frozen mixed berries

Option to add ice cubes

 

A Moment for Fitness

Fitness is really leaving its imprint in the fashion world right now…
If there is anything I get asked about more on a daily basis than “how does one get today’s oh-so sought after Barre butt,” it’s, “where do you get your workout clothes?” The focus on “what you are wearing to the gym” is getting almost as much attention by the fitness industry as what class you’re taking at the gym. And delivering on the desires of all the Ms Fits out there… workout gear, accessories and inspirational clothing has never been more functional and fabulous.
I’m also seeing a trend of people becoming as loyal to their workout brand(s) as they are to their favorite Pilates, Barre or yoga teachers (myself included). Lulu Lemon was a real trail blazer for the workout gear obsessed over the past several years, but today, there are so many other companies entering the market with amazing products. My must-haves are from Splits59, Firedaughter Clothing, Gwyneth, and most recently Reebok which has really impressed me with its new styles and fabulous customizable sneakers. What I am finding most appealing about these new brands is that the styles they offer go effortlessly from activewear to streetwear/daywear. More and more we are seeing activewear and sports inspired clothing as the norm for day and weekend clothing.

Check out some of the lines of fitness clothing, accessories and equipment that we’re loving…

Splits59

Reebok

This major moment that fitness is having in fashion right now is also fueled by fitness clothing, products, and people finding themselves all over the pages of fashion magazines. And in almost weekly announcements this year, new collaborations between high-end designers jumping into activewear and/or the sports equipment game. With consumer demand soaring for the activewear/daywear trend, it is also no surprise that gyms and studios are also expanding their fashion offerings. The two seem to be inseparable these days!

Just a few on the list of fashion/fitness collaborations and designers moving into sports clothing and equipment we have seen this year:

Victoria’s Secret Sportswear

H&M Sportswear

Adidas by Raf Simons

Adidas by Stella McCartney

 

Givenchy Slip Ons

Soul Cycle for Shopbop

Soul Cycle activewear to be sold on Shopbop, Barry’s Bootcamp activewear to be sold and Bloomingdales, and Fitness Tracker Fit-bit has partnered with designer Tory Burch.

The most interesting and really fashion forward collaborations with fitness we’ve seen are the fitness toys…surfboards, boxing gloves, the possibilities are endless…

 

Chanel Surfboard

Chanel Sports Equipment

Burberry Skateboard

Alexander Wang Skip Rope and Boxing Gloves

Kate Spade Bike

 

And celebrities have also jumped into the mix, like Kate Hudson and Brooke Burke who have launched their new workout lines.

Kate Hudson’s Fitness Fashion Line

With all of these collaborations between fitness and fashion in recent months, we just know that Ms Fit for Society couldn’t be timed any better. How a French uber glamourous brand like Chanel can get their white gloves all over a surfboard or a historically male centered brand like Adidas can team up with Stella McCartney, the world is definitely noticing a collaboration that we at Ms Fits are so proud to call our own.