Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Stock up on shopbop Sale Faves


Sale Alert on one my fave retailers, shopbop!  I absolutely love all the lines that this retailer carries but honestly most of it is way out of my budget!  I love to take advantage of this site-wide sale and stock up on quality basics.  The sale only lasts for 4 days you and get 20% off orders under $500 with the code:  STOCKUP18



As you can see alllll my picks are neutral- #sorrynotsorry!  I primarily stick to neutral colors but especially in the fall and wintertime; it's hard to get me to wear color.  All of these items will give you a bang for your buck and last for many seasons with some being great transitional pieces.  




I'm totally obsessed with this anything but basic black dress!!  I love the button detail as well as the tie sleeve.  How adorable would this be with over the knee boots??!  This would be great for work + play!



This cult classic ark bag is honestly one of my fave bags that I own!  Even though you would think a bamboo bag is most suited in the summer I love to rock mine year round!  It gives your outfit an interesting detail mainly with the shape + texture of the bag.  


I like to add a scarf to change up the look as well!  Pairing a darker scarf with the bag would be perf for fall.  

This classic blazer has a gorgeous cut and I love the gold button detail!  It comes in navy, black, or white and honestly I want all the colors!

White booties are all the rage right now- these are the perfect shape + heel height.  White booties look fab with jeans or dresses/skirts making them super versatile.  Give them a try!


Ok y'all have seen me rock these black oversized sunnies for awhile now but they are still some of my faves!  They are super flattering to most face shapes and I love to wear them to add some "glam".

Happy shopping lovelies!
XOXO,
Amanda



Friday, September 14, 2018

Yoga Sculpt Breakdown

Top + Pants
(You can use code CRYSTALJAR50 for 20% off these pants!!!)


The new CorePower Yoga has opened in Green Hills and it is a beaut! Located in the new Vertis building in Green Hills right across the street from Trader Joe’s. The space is light + airy, with all the same great swag you normally find in their other studios.




For those new to CorePower Yoga I wanted to introduce my fave class, Yoga Sculpt.  Breaking down the class and answering the common questions that I get; as well as why I love it! I knew I loved this class + had a passion for it, but going through teacher training and now being able to lead it has made me love it even more! For me its all about timing the choreography to hit all parts of your body, and playing the best possible playlist. If you know me- you know picking out music for my class makes me extremely giddy. :)




Breaking down the class:

  • Sun A and Sun B- aka sun salutations- we break these down slowly at first, setting up the positions without weights. Then we flow through Sun B twice with your light set of weights.







  • Every instructor does a slightly different order after this but I'll break down my usual routine:


  • Biceps + pushups.... well in my class I don’t do hardly any pushups. Why?? To be honest I hate pushups and I am terrible at even demoing them! Ha...Just being totally honest. I may do a few dolphin pushups, or other chest exercises to work your chest.


  • SQUATS!! My FAVE part of class I just love leg tracks. Even if you don’t love to squat, I promise that I will have a fun song to get you through.


  • Cardio:  I usually do some type of boxing circuit. I fell in love with kickboxing doing Les Mills type of classes; so I usually do some jabs and kicks, which gets your heart rate up and keeps your core engaged.


  • Sculpt Series 1 & 2:  Through these series you work several muscle groups (triceps, shoulders, back, biceps, and some legs ). You do these exercises in your chair pose, warrior 2, and horse pose, so you are still incorporating yoga in your practice.




  • SQUATS 2.0:  Another fave! I usually throw different types of leg exercises in here like lunges, dead lifts, side squats..etc


  • Glutes and Chest:  The moves I do the the most her are bridge hip lifts while incorporating some chest presses.


  • Abs: We finish up with an ab song!


  • Stretch


  • Shavasana


Here are some frequent questions that I get:

"What weights should I use?"
I tell everyone (women) to start with 3 and 5 pound weights.  These are the weights I typically still use.  I use the 3 pounds to flow through Sun A and B.  I use the 5 pounds for biceps, and Sculpt Series 1 and 2.  I tell everyone to start a little heavier and always drop down.  I sometimes grab 8 pounds if I am feeling like I want heavy lift for my biceps and back.  Remember we do a lot of reps!

"Can I take this class if I haven't done hardly any Yoga?"
YES!  We break down Sun A and Sun B nice and slow right at the beginning.  After you get that you are good to go!  I always tell my students to listen to your body, do what you can do, and take breaks.  And remember weights are totally optional the whole class.  The hardest part for a new yogi is doing a chaturanga correctly.  You can always skip those, do them on your knees, or let me help you before or after class.

"Is the class heated?"
Yes...but not very much. The more I teach this class the more I tend to turn the heat down, especially in the summer.  I turn it up a tad in the winter.  It is not as hot as a typical flow, C2, or Bikram class at all.  I try to keep it in the 90's and I always crack the door at some point during class.  I never turn on the humidity. 


I love this class so much because it gives you a little bit of everything: stretching, muscle building, cardio, sweating... it does it all!  I truly feel stronger and can tell a difference when I take this class consistently.  And most importantly its just FUN!  

Come Sculpt with me Sundays at 11:30 AM at the Brentwood location, and reach out if you have any questions!

XOXO,
Crystal 


Sunday, September 2, 2018

Labor Day Weekend Deals + Steals

Holiday weekends are not only good for the soul but they can be rewarding for your wallet as well!  I'm breaking down 5 of my fave sales + lust worthy items to make it easier to navigate.  Happy  Shopping lovelies!
Wearing my go-to + everyday lip gloss

#1 Sephora:
The #1 sale in my books is the Sephora Beauty Insider Sale which ends on Monday, September 3rd. You can get up to 20% off depending on your membership.  Scoop up my fave NARS lip gloss in the color Chelsea girls.  This truly is their best + baddest sale of the year so be sure to take full advantage.  Check out what made it into my shopping bag below!





#2 H&M:
I love to stock up on basics and even kids clothing here! They are having up to 60% on select items + free shipping through Labor Day.  This light denim jacket is perfect for the transition to fall.


Denim Jacket on sale for $29.99!

This lace detailed satin cami is only $22!


#3 Nordstrom:
If you missed out on their Anniversary sale never fear because they have tons of items marked with 40% off!  Their summer sale goes til September 9th if you don't have time to shop over the holiday weekend.  
How adorable is this jumpsuit?!  It comes in red or black and both colors are on sale!

I personally wear white/ivory bags all year.  This mini tote style is timeless and only $63!

This body-con dress has a flattering asymmetrical hem and is marked down to $27!


#4  Carbon 38:
This is our go-to site for cute + comfy workout clothes.  They are having a 30% off sale off tons of items with the code: BYE30

This atomic tank is lightweight and has the cutest cut-out detail!

This criss cross ribbon sweatshirt is perfect for layering over workout clothes or pairing with jeans!


#5 Anthropologie:
They are offering an extra 40% off already on sale clothing items + home items!  No promo code is required.  

This buttondown tank is long enough to tie in a knot and comes in 3 colors!

Large hoop earrings are on trend again + these are under $30!

Hope you have a healthy + happy holiday weekend!

XOXO,
Amanda