fashion
January, to me, is all about fresh, white, light, and bright. We just finished celebrating the holidays and it is time for a refresh. Many people have started sharing their resolutions, closets have been cleaned out, and healthy lifestyles have begun. I gathered a few of the items I am coveting during this time. (Especially since I am on a no-spend spree.)
*None of these images are mine. All images are linked to their source.
I wanted a Barbour jacket since my freshman year of college. I saw a blogger in one online and immediately looked up the site and did some heavy duty research. I never thought to shop it during the Nordstrom sale prior to this year for some crazy reason. Once my mom got wind of the perfect birthday present for me, she was on top of it. Who was I to object?
Now I know how lucky I am that my mom was willing to get me a Barbour jacket. I am so very thankful for that. (Also, I know my birthday is not until December but she didn’t see the need in it sitting in her closet while I could be wearing it!) After owning one, I can 100% tell you that they are worth every penny. No matter what style, the quality is top notch.
I went with the Sandsend jacket from the new Costal Collection. I actually love so many other pieces from the collection. (I’ll share below). The lining, instead of the typical Barbour plaid, is of lighthouses and I thought it was perfect for me. What could be better than an iconic British brand + lighthouses? Especially since we all know my obsession with both Great Britain and lighthouses. The Sandsend jacket, like many of their other iconic jackets, is waxed. Which basically means it has the look of leather in comfortable, water-resistant, cotton. I may have to retire it until spring since it snowed here yesterday but it still kept me warm out there. The jacket didn’t get soaked through and it has a double closure with a corduroy-lined collar to keep you cozy.
I cannot say enough great things about all of Barbour’s jackets. They are lightweight enough for those early October temps but easy to add layers underneath on cold winter days. They are an investment that you’ll definitely get your price per wear down to pennies. (Does anyone else justify purchases that way? haha)
Founder, designer, and all-around booty boss, Kelly Brabants, was born and raised in Massachusetts. After a career in NYC and LA, she made her way back to Boston, got her personal training ceritifcaiton, and is now one of the area's most sought-after fitness instructors and personal trainers. Booty by Brabants classes are a high-intensity, booty-shaping workout infused with energetic dance moves and bootcamp style exercises to ignite your core, booty, legs, and arms. Brabants' classes can be found all over the city and now, her fashion brand can be found all over the country.
After hearing Brabants speak at the Grander Summit, and seeing people I know post about her classes, I knew I had to visit her pop-up shop. The store is part of the pop-up experience going on in Seaport but you can most definitely order them online and the product ships FAST. (I ordered my sports bra Friday and it arrived Saturday.) When I walked into the store, there were already a handful of other woman in there trying on sports bras, leggings, and shorts. I was immediately drawn to the v-neck sports bra and the olive green croco leggings. I went to search among the wall of colors and fabrics when I was told that they were one size fits most. All I could think to myself was that there was no way a one size sports bra was going to fit and the leggings were going to be too uncomfortable.
I am happy to say I was proven wrong. I ended up purchasing the olive green croco set above and I am #oBBBsessed. I want to be 100% honest with you all so while the v-neck sports bra definitely fit me, it would not have been supportive enough for me to work out in (I am a DD). The regular cropped sports bra is perfect for me though. I also saw a half dozen woman purchase or try on the sports bras in all different styles and they fit every. single. one. Small chest, large chest. All of us fit. We also all fit into the different style leggings and shorts. I could not believe it. I have shorter and thicker legs and the woman in the fitting room before me had to be 5 inches taller with thin legs and we both fit. Yes, they looked different on us both but both flattering and we were both comfortable.
I have already worked out in the set once and I loved it. The croco skin is a bit thicker material so it will also be perfect for the cold winters here in New England. While working out, the leggings hugged me in all the right places. The fabric is sourced from Brazil and Brabants has legitimately handpicked the best of the best. Each piece is stretchable to fit all of your curves ands till remains breathable through the toughest of workouts. I didn't have to pull and tug at anything, each seam stayed in place. I also was super nervous because I was sweating a lot in this particular Body Pump class (it was over 90 outside and the fans weren't pumping great). I had sweat a little through the back of my shirt (TMI? sorry.) but never once did I have sweat marks on the leggings. They definitely passed my test. I also got three different compliments on the leggings while I was at the gym that day so I would take that as an all-around win.
