Having the proper workout attire in place in order to complete your exercises can sometimes be just as crucial as having the right fitness equipment. While it might not seem as though your clothing makes a significant difference when it comes to your daily cardio, what you wear can in fact have a huge impact on both your stamina and your motivation. The next time you feel the need to give your athletic wear a refresh, consider the tips below on the best practices for choosing your workout clothes.
Consider Location
While it may seem obvious to most, you should always consider your location before you select your workout clothing. What you might feel most comfortable in the comfort of your home fitness space will not necessarily be what’s best for you should you take your exercises outdoors. Take temperature into careful consideration as you lay out what you plan to wear before your workouts as feeling too hot or too cold can affect your results in the long run. Be especially prepared for brisk weather should you run outdoors and research the best running apparel for cold weather; on top of a proper running jacket and leggings, you’ll most likely need a hat along with a mouth cover to protect your lungs from the dangers of cold air.
Colors Matter
The colors you choose to wear can affect your workout on both a physical and psychological level. It’s important to be aware of how the hues you put on can affect how much light you absorb and your overall temperature during your exercises. If you tend to sweat more than most, black is probably not the best color to wear while you run on a warmer day. Stay aware of what the mental effects colors can have on you during your workout, as science tells us which color you should wear for your work out. Red is said to increase your heart rate and can be a helpful color for high-intensity workouts, while neutral tones are known for increasing a sense of calmness, making them a better fit for more precise fitness such as yoga. Be mindful of the colors you wear as you workout and you might just find you get more out of your fitness routine in the long run.
Research Quality
Even though it’s tempting to buy those $5 leggings you might find at an outlet sale, it’s important to not skimp out on quality when it comes to your workout clothing. Do some research on top rated athleisure wear and invest in the pieces you know you’ll wear the most. Buying for quality will ensure that you’ll get the most bang for your buck and may even save you money in the long run – just like fitness equipment. Look to reliable names like Lululemon for high-quality leggings, shorts, and tops the next time you want to up your workout clothing game. If you know you can’t afford these items brand new just yet, opt to find secondhand Lululemon online. However you purchase your new set of outfits for the gym, you won’t regret putting quality first.
Check Fabric
Always try and check what fabric your work out clothes are made of first before you purchase them. Breathability is crucial to keeping you feeling comfortable and motivated while you’re exercising. Artificial materials may cause static on your treadmill or elliptical. The best fabrics for your work out clothes include bamboo, cotton, nylon, and polyester. While you’re not limited to these fabrics when it comes to what you wear as you exercise, these options do tend to be the best in terms of breathability and comfort in the long run. Do yourself a favor by determining what fabric feels best and works best for you and your body. Staying aware of this will help you to get the most out of workouts.
Try Them On
The most important practice as you choose your exercise outfits is to simply try them on. If something doesn’t feel right for you, it’s probably not. Don’t force that sports bra to fit if it makes you uncomfortable. Only buy the items that you know will make you feel comfortable, confident, and concentrated. If you’re ordering online, hold yourself to the standard of shipping back the pieces you don’t like. As tempting as it is to skip the time it takes to return the clothes you’ve ordered, don’t give in if you know you won’t get a lot of wear out of them. Pay attention to how your outfits make you feel as you test them out and you’re sure to find long-lasting looks for all your exercise needs.
Best Fashion Tips & Tricks From Pro Stylists
Many of us have probably spent a lot of time in our sweatpants so far this year — our outside clothes gathered dust in our closets and our fashion sense atrophied right along with our social skills. Even those of us who haven’t let our bodies forget what dressing up feels like might occasionally get stymied by the sheer number of options out there, not to mention how to incorporate new pieces into your wardrobe once they make it home. Getting dressed doesn’t have to be a chore. We asked Good Housekeeping’s Chief Fashion Director Kristen Saladino, as well as a few other pro stylists, for their best fashion tips to help us get out of a wardrobe rut.
- Go monochrome
Eliminate the pressure of matching hues by dressing head-to-toe in one color. It’s chic for spring and might encourage you to try existing favs in a fresh, new way. Saladino especially loves gray, pink or white. If you’ve got a lot of denim in your stash, try the age-old “Canadian tuxedo.” A denim jacket with a jean skirt will help turn your staples into a trendy look. - Incorporate these three key pieces
If you hate complicated fashion trends or just want to pull together your look, you just need three items, according to The Ambitionista’s Heidi Nazarudin. A face-flattering pair of classic sunglasses, a gorgeous everyday leather handbag and a smart pair of shoes you can easily walk in will instantly level up any outfit. - Try bright-colored lipstick or accessories
We get it; black and neutrals are easy and endlessly versatile. But if you’re looking to test the waters with loud patterns or bright colors, Nazarudin recommends wearing them as an accessory before you invest in a clothing item. “Instead of trying on a bright citron-colored blouse, you can go for a cuff or bracelet or even a lipstick,” she suggests. - Try a vintage cardigan
Give those graphic tees you have in the back of your closet new life by topping with a granny cardigan. Hit the thrift store for one that looks like it knows its way around a cedar chest and pair it with cropped denim and loafers for an up-to-the-minute look that won’t break the bank. - Take your sneakers out of the gym
Running shoes aren’t just for the treadmill anymore. Saladino suggests pairing eye-catching kicks with a dress or a skirt for a trendy ‘fit that’s also comfortable enough for running around town. We love a look that goes the distance. - Pop on a belt
Consider belts an essential part of your outfit arsenal. Adding a textured, embellished or colorful belt is the fastest way to pull together the most basic pieces or quickly elevate a casual outfit, says Yraola. - Use a tape measure for online shopping
Especially when buying online, knowing your measurements can help prevent disappointing sizing mishaps. “I’m a big fan of online shopping,” says Nazarudin. “But I find that sizes vary across brands and even cuts, so memorize your shoulder, bust, waist, hip and inseam measurements.” - Try track pants or trousers
After a year of lounging in sweats, yoga pants and other soft clothes, the idea of pulling on a pair of structured pants might feel restrictive. Instead, Saladino recommends going for a trouser. Dressing up track pants with a cute jacket, blouse and pair of statement shoes can also take you from the office to out on the town. - Remember the rule of two
If you’re stressed about pairing patterns, stick by Yraola’s rule of thumb. “Two is the max amount of prints or brights to mismatch, like stripes with florals or lavenders with grays,” she says. “Don’t add a third.” - String on some pearls
Toss on a pearl necklace or accessories like pearl hair clips with everything from t-shirts to work wear to give your outfit a little polish, says Saladino. Layer a string with other jewelry for a vintage-inspired grandma chic look, or to add a pop of unexpected elegance to otherwise casual attire. - Strut out in loafers
Loafers are a big shoe trend right now and for good reason. The menswear staple has broken out of the boardroom to add grounding to dresses and skirts, get flirty with feminine lace socks or walk on the funky side with patterned socks, says Saladino. Wear loafers with just about everything in your closet to update your old standbys. - One word: Blazer
A good blazer can elevate just about any look, Saladino adds. Express your personality with your choice of style. Try crushed velvet, leather, brocade or a tailored traditional version to top it off with polish. - Match your mask
Masks aren’t going anywhere, so make yours part of your look. Go for cute prints or fabrics and match the color family to your outfit to pull it all together. Just make sure yours fits current COVID-19 face mask safety standards, of course.
Choosing Living Room Furniture
Consider fabric, function and style when selecting furniture for your remodel.
We’ve all seen cold rooms with furnishings lined inelegantly against the wall. Yes, the floor space is preserved wide and open. Yet the room doesn’t appear larger or more inviting. It isn’t conducive to conversation or drawing closer for a chat. The best rooms are not static boxes. They include furnishings that can be pulled up, dragged over or gathered around.
Design Behind the Living Room Sofa
Ottomans, coffee tables, occasional tables and other portable surfaces lend the room a congenial atmosphere, ensuring that there’s always a surface nearby for a book, drink, lamp, tray or vase. These are the pieces that catch all of our stuff — the worthwhile things that engage us and encourage us outside the rush of day-to-day commitments.
So play around with the placement of your furnishings. Pull up a chair, put up your feet and find an arrangement that encourages living in your living room.
Sofas
Styles: Bridgewater, camelback, Chesterfield, club, Knole, Lawson, midcentury modern, slipper, tuxedo
Fabrics: Cotton, linen, wool, microfiber, velvet, cotton/poly blend, faux suede, leather
Keep in mind: Stain resistance, durability, pets, loose or attached pillows and cushions, filling (often foam wrapped in polyester or down)
Occasional Chairs
Styles: Armchairs, barrel-back, club, slipper, wing
Fabrics: Cotton, linen, leather, microfiber, silk, velvet, wool, cotton/poly blend
Keep in mind: Comfort, stain resistance, durability, pets
Upholstered Ottomans, Benches and Stools
Styles: Rectangular, square, circular
Fabrics: Cotton, linen, leather, microfiber, silk, velvet, wool, cotton/poly blend
Keep in Mind: Storage capabilities, portability, stain resistance, durability
Coffee Tables, Side Tables and Accent Tables
Styles: Rectangular, square, circular, oval
Materials: Wood, Lucite, glass, metal, woven fibers, shagreen, mirror or some combination thereof
Keep in mind: Storage capabilities, shelving, durability, portability
Hair care tips every girl should know
There are some girls we all know that, no matter the occasion, always have hair that looks the part — healthy, glossy and full of life. Believe us, no matter how much they protest otherwise, having hair that exudes such vitality is no accident and will take effort on their behalf. Luckily, our five hair care tips that every girl should know will, if you embrace them, leave you hair looking sultry, sophisticated and ready for anything.
Don’t get hot and bothered
Excessive blow drying is a sure-fire way to damage your locks, as is overheating hair with styling tools. It may save time to put your curling irons on the highest setting, but doing so will cause harm to your hair and scalp in the long run. Try to avoid using heat-styling products on a daily basis.
It’s also important to refrain from blow-drying your hair immediately after shampooing. By allowing your hair to dry for fifteen minutes in a towel turban, you can turn down your hair dryer’s setting to minimum and ramp up your hair’s wow factor.
As well as avoiding heat, you also need to make sure that you are drying your hair correctly. To give your hair a lift that everybody will notice, always dry from a distance and constantly move your hair throughout the process. To prevent applying too much heat to a single area, aim to keep the hairdryer around two inches from your head and work upwards, blowdrying from the neckline to the crown of your head.
Shampoo and condition like a pro
Applying shampoo and conditioner might seem easy but there is a technique to getting it right. Make these shower suggestions part of your hair care routine and you’ll soon have hair that looks and feels glorious.
Size matters – Rather than dolloping shampoo on by the bucket load, a good rule of thumb is to apply shampoo in moderation. Aim for a blob around the size of a 20p coin, or, for longer hair, around the size of a 50p coin.
Shampoo the scalp – It’s a little known fact that you should shampoo the scalp and not the ends of your hair. Don’t worry that you aren’t getting all of your strands, as aiming for the scalp will see the shampoo rinse through your hair in the shower. To really detoxify your scalp, you want to make sure that you massage the shampoo vigorously into your head — doing so will encourage blood circulation and with it, healthy hair.
Considered conditioning – Having a good conditioning regime is, if anything, even more important than shampoo application, especially if you have coloured or curly hair.
As well as investing in high quality conditioners, apply them properly by towel-drying your hair before use. Having excess water in your hair will block the conditioner from entering the hair shafts and so will prevent your hair from receiving the moisture necessary to appear shiny and glossy.
Top Tip – No one wants greasy hair. To avoid it, never apply conditioner to the roots, focusing instead on the ends of your hair.
Use the right products
Nothing can be better for your hair than natural products — working with nature, rather than against it, is an effective way of giving your hair the nourishment it needs.
Source high-quality hair care products such as shampoos that are free from parabens and instead, use ones that contain natural ingredients and essential oils.
By using high end products that harness organic ingredients, you’ll soon see your hair in all its glory, just as nature intended.
Correct Damaged Hair
It’s a fact of life that hair, over time, becomes damaged. However, with a bit of thought you can breathe life back into damaged locks and reclaim your hair’s silky-smooth appeal.
If you have hair that is dry, damaged or tired from heavy colour treatment, you need to kick start your hair’s revitalisation with specialised products.
Live well
Having a healthy lifestyle is a great way of encouraging healthy hair. To keep your hair nourished and hydrated, it’s important that you maintain a balanced diet that includes protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It’s also vital that you stay well-hydrated — try to drink the recommended 2 litres of water per day to see a noticeable difference. For hair that has shine and bounce, see that your diet includes fresh fruit and veg as well as seeds and nuts.
Choosing your kitchen design
There is nothing more exciting than that moment when you can choose your kitchen design during a renovation. In fact, I know as I have been doing just that for my family’s ‘project’ home. However, it can be tricky to decide where to start and seriously think about what you need to do. So follow my expert guide on how to choose your own design within budget to create the perfect kitchen for your home.
The planning process
This really should start when you’re packing away your existing kitchen to make room for building work for your new extension. Even if your current kitchen is remaining while building work gets underway, this room will need a thorough ‘spring clean’. This way, you can clear away your clutter and start considering exactly how much storage you will need. Think about how you can improve your existing space and create a clever working kitchen design. Storage, space, ergonomics and style are usually key contenders for improvement when a kitchen redesign is on the cards. What do you want to use this room for? Do you envisage a multifunctional area where you want to prepare meals, dine, entertain and relax on a comfy sofa? These days, open-plan kitchen design seems to be at the forefront of most people’s minds when building work is involved.
Work with a kitchen designer
If you choose to work with a kitchen designer, you may find they will come up with ideas you’ve never thought possible. They will also be able to steer you in the right direction when it comes to choosing everything which make a kitchen design. After all, this can range from lighting solutions to the location of your appliances. They can also advise on how many cabinets they think you might need and the layout to enable you to achieve an ergonomic kitchen design. Make sure you provide a clear idea of your maximum budget so your designer can work with this. Therefore, they will know whether you can afford high-end luxury appliances and a real stone worktop or perhaps you need to work to a more modest budget.
Consider plumbing
Certain products will of course require plumbing so make sure you choose their location wisely. For example, perhaps a sink on the island unit may not be the best position? After all, do you really want friends and family to be greeted to your recycling drying on the drainer? At least, if you position your sink next to one wall, it won’t be so obvious. Place your recycling bins close by behind closed doors for a neater finish once everything has dried. So, once you’ve decided where to place your sink, why not position your dishwasher nearby? In an ideal world, your washing machine should be located in a utility room. This way, you won’t need to factor this appliance into your kitchen design. However, if you really need to include a washing machine in your kitchen design, make sure you choose a model with a low sound level. Therefore, pick a model, which spins under 59dB as this is normal conversation level.
Heating solutions
When it comes to heating, underfloor heating can be a preferred option especially as it can free up valuable wall space. Don’t forget to factor this into the installation before the kitchen floor has been laid. However, if money is going to be tight to realise your renovation dream, then some stylish radiators will look good and keep you feeling toasty. Have a chat with your heating engineer who will advise you on radiator sizes to ensure you buy models, which are large enough to serve your needs.
Pick lighting options
For an open-plan kitchen design, you’ll find different lighting options will work well for certain areas. So, for a streamlined finish, you could choose spotlights, which will look stylish and provide ambient lighting overhead. In addition, pendant lights can look particularly striking above an island unit or your dining table. Task lighting can make the perfect choice under wall cabinets as this can light up your food prep areas whereas ambient lighting may suit your living area for a more relaxed feel. Ask your kitchen designer for their input.
Choose your style wisely
The kitchen style you choose will vary according to your needs and tastes. However, we suggest a classic finish can work well if you’re looking for a room that will stand the test of time. If not, a contemporary kitchen could be just what you’re looking for if you prefer a neat, streamlined finish. Either way, if you want to really enjoy the space you’re living in, make sure you choose a style that you personally like. For some, choosing a kitchen cabinet style can be daunting so why not search home and decor sites online for some styles.
Work within your budget
If extensive building work is required, chances are you’ll find you’re now working to a far tighter budget than first anticipated. Consider where to spend and where you can save and you’ll be delighted with the end result.
Why You Should Own An Overshirt
In menswear, there are a select few garments that work harder, do more and demand less than all the rest. Things like a pair of leather sneakers, some slim-fitting selvedge denim, and a well-made Oxford button-down. These are items that can be called upon in all seasons, worn with any outfit and relied on year after year. One of the key players in this supergroup of uber-versatile all-stars is undoubtedly the overshirt.
Falling somewhere between a light jacket and a heavy shirt, this does-it-all wonder garment is more deserving of wardrobe-essential status than most. Typically, it features a classic collar, a few patch pockets, a slightly thicker fabrication than regular shirt styles and a marginally looser cut.
But before you run out and purchase, there are a few things to consider. So, allow us to walk you through the finer points of this menswear must-own, from buying considerations to where to get the best bang for your buck.
Why Do You Need An Overshirt?
Our love for overshirts runs deep, and while there are numerous reasons to hold this staple piece in high esteem, one eclipses them all: versatility.
It’s difficult – ney, impossible – to think of another piece of clothing that can be dressed up, dressed down, repurposed for different seasons and worn as frequently. Layer it up in winter, throw it over your knitwear as a light jacket in spring and autumn, roll the sleeves and slip it over a T-shirt on summer evenings around town. An overshirt truly has all bases covered, making it one of those rare and precious garments that can be pulled from the hanger each morning without a second thought.
How To Choose The Right Overshirt
First thing’s first: before forking out on a new overshirt there are a few things to consider. From finding the right fit to selecting an appropriate fabric, here’s what you need to know.
Fit
How an overshirt should fit depends on what you want to use it for. If you’re just planning to wear it over a T-shirt then a slim fit will work fine. If, however, you’d like the option of wearing it with more layers, a roomier cut is advisable. When it comes to getting the most wear throughout the year, the latter is likely the best option.
Fabric
There are plenty of options where overshirt fabric is concerned, with some being better suited to certain seasons than others. For example, a heavy wool or denim overshirt is perfect for use through the colder months but not so much in the summer. For something that can carry you through the whole year, go for a simple cotton twill or nylon version.
Style
This part is largely down to personal preference. Options such as zip or button fastening, pockets and embellishments can drastically alter the look of an overshirt. Consider what sort of look you’re aiming for before jumping in and buying something you’ll regret. In our experience, pared back and minimal tends to be best.
Colour
Overshirts are available in everything from vibrant patterns and bold block colours to subtle neutrals and natural earth tones. Choosing which one to go for centres largely around the season. Grey, black or navy are fail-safe options year-round, whereas it’s probably best to save the colourful prints for summer and the rich autumnal hues for fall/winter.
Choose the Right Shampoo For Your Hair Type
We believe hair care products should be gentle, free of harsh chemicals and packed with nourishing natural ingredients. But how do you choose which shampoo and conditioner is right for your hair? It all comes down to knowing your hair type
Caring for dry or damaged hair
Dry hair can be quite frizzy and flyaway. You might suffer from split ends and your hair might break easier. On the plus side, you can probably go a couple of days or more without washing it. You may want to switch to a gentler shampoo and try leaving your conditioner on for longer, or treating your hair to a regular homemade hair mask.
Shampoo for coloured and chemically-treated hair
Chemically treated hair (for example hair that’s been dyed or permed), might need a bit more TLC and tends to be quite dry. It usually benefits from a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo, and an extra nourishing conditioner.
Treating oily hair
Hair can feel greasy for a number of reasons. It could be that you’re not rinsing your conditioner out enough, or that you play with your hair frequently so keep transferring the oil from your hands to your hair. However, if you always feel that you need to wash your hair everyday to avoid it becoming greasy or lank then you probably have oily hair. Hair itself isn’t oily; it’s more that the skin on your head is prone to being oily, and then that oil spreads to your hair. Beware of harsh high-street shampoos, which can irritate the scalp and lead to more problems, such as dandruff.
What is ‘normal’ hair?
‘Normal’ hair is basically hair that doesn’t fit in any of the other boxes! It’s not particularly dry or particularly oily and it’s not chemically-treated or prone to dandruff. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t need some TLC once in a while though.