When you have three nephews who are intensely involved in sports you find yourself attending game after game after game. Sitting on bleachers aren't the most comfortable so at the very least I want to choose an outfit that is comfortable.

I appreciate style but let's be real, you will not find me in stilettos or a dress while watching a second grade basketball game. But I still want to feel put together and express my sense of style. So here's my latest twist on the classic tshirt and tights combo.

About the jacket. It's my latest rent the runway unlimited selection and I LOVE it. It's the Elizabeth and James Miller Cocoon coat. I feel like you can throw it on with anything-and clearly you can. It dresses up this casual outfit without going overboard. The website isn't pulling it up right now, but I'll link it as soon as they fix it. (scroll down to purchase)

I have about three pairs of lululemon tights and they are my absolute favorite to throw on and feel good in. Yes I wear them for more than just practicing yoga, but I can't help myself. They are extremely comfortable. These are the three I own - here, here, and here. (scroll down for more)

For comfort tees H&M is where it's at. They are affordable, great for everyday wear, and as long as you don't dry them they can last a long time. You can purchase them here, here, and here. (Scroll down for more)

I've also never thought about buying shoes from H&M but I found these online and they've become my favorite. Here is the updated one that I would buy if I didn't already have these. (Scroll down for more)

It's not everyday you get California weather in the middle of February here in West Virginia. My daffodils are blooming and I'm going to take advantage of this beautiful day.

I chose to wear my go to skinny jeans from Ann Taylor and this lace top.  Mine are last season, but these are the updated ones. Since I am only 5'2" it's hard to find a pair of jeans that fit me just right. Ann Taylor petite or Regular in ankle length are always a good fit for me. Hint: Ann Taylor always has 50% off sales, so I would wait to purchase these until then.

Also, I am a sucker for lace. Put lace on anything and I'm instantly drawn to it. I bought this top last month during the huge sale for only $20 but they have an updated version in pink! Even better (links below as well). If you live close to a Zara, I'm sure you can still purchase it in stores.  

When I pick shoes to buy, I try to select versatile options that can be dressed up or down. And these are it. I have to say, after a full day of walking in them, they are not the most comfortable. But I do recommend them for a short event like attending church or just going out to dinner. You can click on the this link  to purchase. But I also added some look a-like options below that I like even better. 

The first time I went skiing, I was in Jr. High school. That was 20 years ago. Then the second time I went was 10 years later. Which then I actually started snowboarding. I transitioned back to skiing 4 years later because I was too lazy to bend down and buckle my boots into my snowboard. I know.....don't judge me.
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Since I've skied, I haven't looked back. Snowshoe mountain is my home away from home. It's a little bit over three hours from where we live- but it's the best skiing on the east coast. I've had a lot of friends who are recreational skiers and have asked me what they need to buy to get started - so here goes. Below you'll find the items that you MUST invest in for both first time and seasonal skiers.

#1 - Helmet. If you plan on renting, you can rent a helmet, poles, skis, boots. But for those who want to buy, here are the most stylish, yet safe helmets out there. (here and here) . I didn't include any with headphones or built in speakers, because quite frankly, I think that's unsafe. Also, one of my favorite things about skiing, is hearing my skis carve against the mountain. I don't want to take that away. 

#2 - Goggles. One of the most challenging things to find is a good pair of goggles. If mine fog up it really affects my day and my skiing. These are the only pair of goggles that have not failed me. They also come in Asian fit, which means the bridge of the nose is designed to not allow any air flow, and they're perfect.  Don't get any other goggles. These are it.

#3 - Gloves. Gloves are extremely important. When temperatures can get well below freezing, it's important to keep your hands warm. These spyder gloves with gore-tex do a great job. On those frigid days - a liner is a must. I've gone through three liners - and these liners have been the best with keeping my hands warm. Also I hear great things about these gloves from Burton.

#4 - Thermals. These are items you need to spend a little bit more on, because the worst thing when you're skiing is to feel cold. Arcteryx thermals (pants, top) are my favorite and they do an incredible job.

#5 - Fleece. For those extremely cold days, I suggest a tank, a thermal, a fleece, and your jacket. Along with thermals, I've tried out quite few fleece jackets. Patagonia has a nice selection and they are warm and fitted. Here is the one I own and love. If it ever breaks down I will buy another one just like it.

#6 - Pants. For me, as long as you have a good thermal, all you need is a gore-tex waterproof pant. Mine are made from Scott, but they are no longer in stock. If you want slim fit pants - these are it. If we're talking dream ski pants - in a couple of years when mine wear out - I would buy these.

#7 - Jacket. As far as a jacket, guys there are so many options out there. I have linked my favorite ones that are ON SALE here, here , here, and here.

#8 - Equipment

Boots - these are the most important thing you can purchase as a skier. I'm not a competitive skier, I'm a resort skier. I like to ride only groomed runs and maybe a back bowl or two, but all in all I stay on groomed blues and blacks. If you go skiing at least once a year, I recommend investing in your own. When I shopped around, I tried on several different pairs. The stiffer the boot, the higher the price. As a resort skier, you don't need an exceptionally stiff boot. I am more for comfort - and the shin area is what is most uncomfortable for me when I ski. So I searched and tried on boot after boot that was stiff enough for blacks, but comfortable in the shins. And HERE they are. I love them.  These, and these  are the updated versions. 

Skis - Of course when buying ski's it's important to figure out the right length. I am 5'2" and intermediate. So I am between a 145 and 156. Mine are 149cm and here they are and ON SALE. Here is the updated version. 

Poles - Unless you're an advanced skier going nuts, you only need the basic poles. These are great, universal, and a good price.  

I hope this helps you all in buying ski gear. The sales are coming up soon, so I"ll be on the lookout for more. Enjoy the rest of the winter guys - not much of it left. 

Back in October, I had an event just about every weekend. I had weddings, baby showers, bachelorette parties, you name it, I had a function for it. So I decided to sign up for Rent the Runway Unlimited. The subscription is about $139 (Including tax) a month. Yes it does sound like a lot, but let's be honest ladies - don't you spend more than that per month on shopping anyways? Since then, I just couldn't give up my subscription. I rent everything from jackets, to purses, to shirt, to dresses. Finding the right designers and sizes does take some time, but if you live in Chicago or New York City, RTR has actual stores you can go in and try on, see what you like (because things online look totally different than items in store) and see what fits you best.

This jacket by Nanette Lepore and bag by Zac Posen have been among some of my favorites. In fact I loved this Zac Posen bag so much, I purchased it for 50% off from RTR.

I have been sick for about two weeks, and in the process I haven't been able to post all the stuff I got from Zara while I was in Chicago. I got a TON of super cute tops, dresses, and shoes all under $35. Here is one of the tops I picked up for $20 that I paired with this jacket and purse. 

 Top and shoes can both be found in stores. I linked a couple tops from Zara that I love 
here, here, and here