Lifestyle Product Reviews

CC Recommends: Forever 21 Workout Gear

Forever 21 Workout Gear Forever 21 Workout Gear

Forever 21 Workout Gear

Ok, it’s confession time: I’m a workout video junkie.

I’m the girl who stays up late at night watching infomercials and actually orders the stuff shown on tv. On top of that, I probably own enough workout equipment to start my own small fitness studio. Because my workouts for the past year or two have been done exclusively in the comfort of my living room, my exercise apparel was beginning to look a little pitiful.

In any case, I recently decided to join a gym to switch things up a bit. And of course, I immediately realized that my usual workout attire of Hanes Boy Shorts and ratty college t-shirts weren’t made for public consumption.  And so the quest began for cute, affordable workout gear. Much to my surprise, Forever 21 delivered full-force on stylish and functional designs.

As a woman with an ample bustline, I was particularly stoked to find cute sports bras that held ‘the gals’ in place. Now, I probably wouldn’t wear them for high-impact aerobics, but for things like yoga, weight-lifting, and spin class where’s there’s not much jumping around, their sports bras do the trick just fine. But what got me most excited were the cute warmup jackets and printed leggings.

As far as sizing goes, I find the large tops and bottoms work best on me. But if you’re larger than a C-cup, like me, then I recommend checking out the plus size range of sports bras for a better fit.

Have any of you ever tried Forever 21’s activewear? If so, what were your thoughts? And if not, what brands do you stick by?

Heads up: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post, but the leggings, sports bra and yoga mat were gifted to me by Forever 21. The jacket was purchased by me months ago with my own cash, along with many other pieces from Forever 21’s activewear collection. I’d never lead you guys astray and truly do love these items enough to pay for them out of my own pocket!

 

Everyday Outfits My Style

Black & Red {Buffalo Plaid Jacket}

Buffalo Plaid Jacket

Ralph Lauren Band Military Jacket

Ralph Lauren Band Military Jacket{Uniqlo Buffalo Plaid Jacket + Turtleneck, Gap Sweater Skirt (similar here and here), Vintage Beret (similar here and here), Ralph Lauren Band Jacket + Bucket Bag, Kate Spade Boots}

When in doubt… wear red!

That’s been my motto as of late, and I have to say it’s been working. The weather in New York City has been surprisingly mild in the wake of Winter Storm Jonas. That means that the once pristine mounds of fluffy white snow have melted and congealed into soot-stained heaps of ice and debris. As you can imagine, things aren’t so pretty around these parts. Rather than let the dreary cityscape get me down, I’ve taken to adding much needed jolts of color into my wardrobe to help lift my spirits.

I always feel sassy and confident whenever I wear red, and this outfit is no exception. This buffalo plaid jacket from Uniqlo is easily my coziest purchase of the season. And I’m so glad that I bought it bit oversized so that I can comfortably layer heavy sweaters and blazers underneath – or even my much-loved marching band jacket which harkens back to my middle and high school baton-twirling days.

And what about you guys? What do you like to wear to help cheer yourself up during these dreary winter months?

Recipes

A Tasty Little Recipe: Snowstorm Chili with Roasted Beet Chips

Chili Recipe

During last week’s snowstorm, Eric and I were tucked safely inside our apartment with a full Netflix queue and plenty of snacks and comfort food to keep us snug, including big bowls of warm chili. I’m always testing out different chili recipes, and I love this version because it comes together so quickly. The roasted beets also give a nice texture and unexpected flavor dimension.

INGREDIENTS

  • 6 ounces yellow beets (or red ones… if you dare!)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup black beans
  • 1 cup kidney beans
  • 1 lime
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

  1. Prepare Ingredients
    Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel beets, halve, and slice as thinly as possible. Mince garlic. Drain black beans and kidney beans, then rinse both. Quarter lime. Pat beef dry with paper towel.
  2. Simmer Chili
    While cornbread bakes, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. When oil is shimmering, add spice mix, garlic, beef, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt and cook, breaking up with the back of a spoon, until meat loses its color, 3-4 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until thickened, 3-4 minutes.
  3. Bake Beet Chips
    Add beets to baking sheet from cornbread and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Arrange in a single layer, transfer to
    oven, and bake until crisp, about 15 minutes.
  4. Thicken Chili
    Stir in black beans and kidney beans. Cover pot and cook until chili is thickened and flavors are melded, about 5 minutes more. Remove pot from heat. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Enjoy!
    Garnish chili with all the things: Cheddar, beet chips, and lime wedges.

Bon Appétit!