fall shopping list

my current list consists of:

peplum work dress

{Mossimo Women's Refined Peplum Dress - Black/Black - $24.99 - Target}

a week ago, i went to target to try this dress on and i loved it. at the time, i did not have the funds for it so i passed. however, i've been dreaming of it ever since. not only is it chic (and comfortable) for the day, but it can also be easily styled for night. throw on a bright bib necklace (see below) and some strappy metallic heels, and you're ready to party the rest of the night!

tweed jacket

{knitted blazer with metal cord - $99.90 - zara}

ever since i wrote this post, i've been dreaming of traffic. although it has a hefty price tag, i believe it is worth the money. tweed is classic - it will never go out of style. tweed is transitional - you can wear it fall, winter, and spring. this is definitely my number one must have of the season.

leather sleeved military jacket

{bycorpus army moto jacket - $99 - urban outfitters}

ever since i saw bloggers wearing the equivalent zara jacket, i knew i had to have it. by the time zara began selling their clothes online, i could no longer purchase it. i searched on ebay for it, but could never find one that was trustworthy (aka not a fake) and one that was a relatively reasonable price. then, the other week, i received urban outfitters' fall catalog in the mail and i saw this gem. there is also another jacket that is similar, but i like this one more. the motorcycle style makes it a little more edgy (i'm all about mixing the edgy and the soft).

booties

heeled

{boots - brown - $49.95 - h&m}

flat

{candie's midcalf boots - black - $55.99 - kohls}

work appropriate wedges

{women's merona melinda wedge - pink - $29.99 - target}

i have these shoes already in grey and I LOVE THEM. they are super comfortable. i bought them on sale last year in taupe and i am really tempted to get another pair. this pink is bright enough to brighten any cold fall day.

colorful bib necklace

{Fire Elsa Necklace - $42 - Bauble Bar}

i literally cannot get this necklace out of my mind...

new running headbands/head warmers

{see me run headband - $18 - lululemon}

the reflecting detail is perfect early morning and late night runs.

{brisk run headband - blue - $26 - lululemon}

perfect for running in the cold. i love the bright color and how it looks like a turban. runner chic!

running socks

{women's ultimate padded run sock - $14 - lululemon}

as i've stated before, good running shoes is the best starting foundation for a runner.  best we must also remember, socks can help too. these socks are designed to wick away moisture, blister protection, hug your arches for extra support, and built in with padding on your heel and toe for extra comfort.

{my running journey so far}

if you would have told me a year ago that i would now be running (and liking it), i would have laughed, loudly, in your face. but after losing close to 30 pounds (via the 17 Day Diet), i knew that i couldn't go back. i had to change my lifestyle, permanently.  i needed to start exercising ... STAT! however, due to some, *cough*, financial restrictions (aka miami university's outrageous tuition) i could not afford to join a gym.  that's when i saw this blog post from Ascot Friday.  she said that in order to get back into pre-baby shape, she downloaded the app Couch to 5k.  this app is an eight week program that slowly increases intervals between running and walking until, finally, you are able to run a 5k. thus, it's namesake - Couch to 5k.  designed for beginners, i thought that this app would be a perfect solution to my new lifestyle. and boy was i write. i have grown to really enjoy running, and i look forward to it (i only run every other day or every two days, details "why" later on...). i can now consider myself a "runner". however, these last few runs have been really rough. i have been having REALLY bad shin splints (therefore, I can't run everyday). upon my research, i found a variety of solutions.

1. always wear shoes with good support and padding

2. warm up before working out, making sure to stretch the muscles in your legs.

3. stop working out as soon as you feel pain in your shins

4. don't run or play on hard surfaces like concrete

due to my continued financial situation (damn you miami!), i tried 2, 3, and 4 in an attempt to prevent my shin splints.  however, these have not completely done the trick. today was by far the worst it has ever been.  on my way home during my cool down, i was forced to limp my way home (or otherwise known as wobble my way due to the fact that both shins hurt). i knew that i couldn't avoid solution #1 anymore, i needed new shoes.  i needed shoes that would provide the best support and cushioning a girl could ask for.  the shoes i have, although cute and cheap, were probably not the best for running longer distances. maybe a walk around the lake, but not running.  therefore, i started my research. 

i found that i have rare feet. i have a high arch and i am an underpronator.  underpronation means that i run primarily on the outside of my feel; therefore, i do not evenly distribute my weight as i run.  

below is a picture of different types of pronation.  according to my research, it is ESSENTIAL to understand how you run in order to pick the best type of running shoe.

{photo via 40 something life} 

the easiest way to find out what kind of an arch you have (and in essence, find out how you run), you can find an arch identifier (i found the one i used at a local dicks sporting goods store) or do this simple test. 

1. you will need a shallow cooking sheet with sides, water, and a paper bag or paper towel. fill the shallow pan with a thing layer of water.

2. wet the sole of your feet.

3. Step on you paper bad or paper towel.

4. step off and look down

it is likely that your foot will look like any of one of these three pictures:

  

normal                          low                          high

after finding out what kind of runner i am, i am now able to make a more informed decision as to what kind of running shoe i need.  i need a shoe that has neutral cushioning in order to absorb the shock and i should avoid any shoes with stability devices. i have to encourage pronation, not reduce it.

now knowing this information, i am able to start my journey into looking for a new shoe. if you go to Zappos.com, they have a running shoe fit guide. it will narrow shoes down for you according to your arch.   for underpronators like me, choose "neutral".

the best i found, are:

Asics Gel - Numbus 14 $140

Mizuno Wave Rider 15 $114

Brooks Glycerin 10 - $140

time and time again, i've heard these are the best (shown here and here). although they all three have a hefty price tag, i believe these will help me become more pain free. the best way to find out which of these is best for you, you have to go to the store to try them on. and that is what i'm going to do tomorrow! but my best advice is do you research and talk to a professional. some running shoe stores will even assess your gait and help you choose the best possible running shoe for you.