Look Good and Feel Great Poolside This Spring Break

March 22, 2018

I recall last summer when my daughter asked, “Mom, are you getting in the pool?” and I had to respond “Ugh, sorry babe, not today! I will just sit over here, you guys have fun. I will get in next time!” Come on, I think to myself, I JUST washed my hair, and I haven’t’ lost those last few pounds yet… I can’t get in right now. Does this sound familiar?

Don’t get me wrong, I love swimming and I love watching my kids have fun, but I regularly prefer sitting on the sidelines because it means I get some me time and they kids get to have a little space too. Just getting to the pool can be a roller coaster half the time, I can’t get out of the door without at least twenty minutes of prepping all of our gear: goggles, sunscreen, pool toys, sunglasses, a hat, towels, flip flops, snacks, water, etc. You know the drill! So by the time we get there, all I want to do is just relax!

Then there is always the pressure of being comfortable at the pool, do you leave the cover up on or just embrace your body and lay by the pool without an ounce of insecurity? Although I am a pretty confident woman, I always feel like there is room for improvement when it comes to my body and I am in constant pursuit of my pre-baby body–an inconceivable dream at this point.

What is conceivable is finding a swimsuit that makes me feel comfortable in my own skin. Last summer I tucked my belly into high waisted suits and one pieces that were nice for lounging but not for swimming. And then I had the classic fits that were great for swimming but kind of boring for lounging. So THIS year, I have found a balance between comfort and style. I found swimsuits that work well in AND out of the pool along with some cover ups and accessories to make the whole trip to the pool easier to manage. Check out our top swim essentials here!

Swimsuit

The Cover Ups

Accessories

The Bags

Our Favorite Pool Toys:

For more cuteness, see what we are packing for our upcoming Spring Break Chick Trip to Charleston, SC in a few weeks!

Cheers,

Rina

Fashion

What A Girl Wants, What A Girl Needs – HAUTELOOK!

March 14, 2018

What every girl wants may vary, but what every girl needs is Hautelook! What is Hautelook you ask? Hautelook is a Nordstrom owned online store. They offer limited-time sales events that introduce new brands from up and coming companies at an affordable price- this means that if you like it, scoop it up right away because items sell out quickly.

The Skinny

With two young children and a work-a-holic hubby, it is simply too hard to run to the store and take the time to find and try on clothes! Thanks to the internet, online stores like Hautelook sell the latest trends (not to mention unique pieces) at a steal price…and what can be better…they deliver them straight to your doorstep! With an app and the convenience of being able to return the items to your nearest Nordstrom Rack, Hautelook has been my savior for gala dresses, vacation outfits...AND they even sell kids clothing and shoes…I’m in heaven!

If you still don’t have time, let the Chicks shop for you for FREE! Chicks and Salsa offers free styling for you, check out the program details here.

The Look

My latest favorite purchase is a high waisted, asymmetrical zippered leather skirt….’cause let’s face it, every girl needs one in her closet…am I right? I personally love the brand Romeo & Juliet Couture, they create unique pieces which are more of my style. Needless to say, when that vegan leather skirt popped up, it was in my cart within minutes! I scooped this up on Hautelook for $30, but because they use a flash sale model, the same skirt is now for sale for $62 (it is on sale right now for 30% off), this skirt is budget friendly, and with it’s high waist line, it is mom-friendly for women who are conscious of their love handles.

I have styled this skirt casually and formally! For a sexier look, I have pulled up the zipper a little to show some leg, but for a more casual look, the ‘midi’ length has paired well with this t-shirt. It also layers well with a loose fitting sweater. I tend to have an edgier style and love to wear things that are less main stream, I’d love to help piece together some outfits for you if my style speaks to you!

In this look I have created for a girls night, I am wearing a black bodysuit, blazer, my new favorite skirt, and platform booties (I am 5’3’’! I need the heels).

I hope you love this look as much as I do, see what else is in my bag here!

Your Chick,

Avani Patel

Currently Craving:

Fashion

5 Ways to Resurface from Hibernation : Is it Officially Spring Yet?

March 8, 2018

I look forward to “spring cleaning” every year! It’s my chance to be “out with the old and in with the new!” A fun place for me to start is always my closet. Every year I’m reminded of how I’ve been in rotation of the same clothes throughout the winter… especially since us Chicago folks have the ability to hide behind our parka jackets. With nice weather creeping up on us (hopefully ??) I wanted to think about how to re-surface out of my hibernation and back into the balance of life, fitness and just being ME and I have come up with 5 ways to do it!

Put away your leggings!

I have finally come to terms with the fact that summer is around the corner. My recent harsh reminder to put my leggings away was when I tried to squeeze into my jeans from last summer – not gonna lie, my fly kept falling down! Come on chicks, I can’t be the only one who has leggings as their go to piece in the fall and winter. Leggings can be a dangerous “go to” item because it’s easy to expand and not notice. Also, it doesn’t help that the temptation to grab for Spanx leggings is real since they help squeeze in the extra pounds! With March finally here, it’s time to kick back into gear and work towards getting back into shape…bye bye leggings….hello jeans, dresses, and skirts!

(For the Pink Top – Size Down- I exchanged my Medium for a Small)

Consider a Change of Hair Style or Color

The winters in Chicago can be brutal! The wind chill in the city will make you feel like you never want to leave the house. I don’t know about you, but going for a cut and color has fallen by the wayside over the last couple of months. My split ends need to be gone…pronto! I am so looking forward to a fresh change. Perhaps cutting off a few inches and going a little lighter in my highlights would be fun. Change it up and be bold! It’s amazing how the way we look can influence the way we feel about ourselves.

My biolage was done by Anna George Salon at the Illinois Center – Ivana is amazing!

Add a Pop of Color to Your Spring Wardrobe

My husband always tells me that he’s tired of seeing me in grays, whites and blacks. When I look at my wardrobe I definitely fall into a sea of similar colors, cuts and styles. There is something about spring….the flowers, the sun, and getting out of the house that gives me an extra pep in my step. When Spring shopping, I am usually looking for something with a pop of color that makes me feel like I want to smile and spread the positivity. I recently bought this really fun white blazer that is making me feel springy! A couple bright pieces is all you need. Don’t try to buy a new wardrobe — otherwise you’ll end up with several items that you don’t even wear.

Grab a Buddy and Join a Fitness Program

Over the years I have yo-yoed in my dieting and exercise routine. To be honest, I used to avoid having a workout buddy when going to the gym for fear of letting them down when falling off the bandwagon. What I’ve learned is that the accountability helps when committing to a fitness program. I recently joined ClassPass which had helped me work out with an array of different people who enjoy different styles of exercise. I’m not only getting in shape, but I am also able to socialize and hopefully work towards fitting into those jeans from last summer!

Start Planning Your Next Chick Trip with Your Tribe

I can’t believe it’s already been 8 months since my last chick trip with my chicks! If you haven’t seen it, check out our vlog to Miami on YouTube. When I take the time to focus on myself with the people I love most, coming back to home-life feels so much more refreshing. With the weather warming up, I’m really looking forward to coming together with my chicks and seeing where we are headed next (hint hint: DC and Charleston are on the horizon)!

Any ideas?

Your Chick,
Sonia

Currently Craving:

Fashion, Lifestyle

Evil Eye: Is It a Real Thing?

February 28, 2018

As an Indian-American, my thoughts and beliefs have been heavily influenced by my parents who immigrated from India over 30 years ago. I feel blessed to have grown up in a dual culture household — I often ponder the discussions we’ve had that were deeply rooted in my parents upbringing. When reflecting on my childhood, much of the “norm” in my household was governed by my parent religious and cultural background.

The Evil Eye

One of the most fascinating topics was the concept of the “Evil Eye”, also known as “Nazar”, in India. The idea is that unbeknownst to a person there is negative energy in the universe wishing malice upon you or your family. This negative energy can manifest in human emotions by way of envy. Both my children were gifted black bracelets to wear in order to ward off any bad thoughts or energy that might come their way. I was happy to comply, but I couldn’t help to wonder, “Is it possible that there really is an energy to fight off those who don’t mean well?” I didn’t want to take the chance to find out so I was happy to have them wear it. Similarly, in this world of social media, it’s often said not to show too much of your life or family for fear that others might look on and wish negativity upon you. As a spiritual chick, I have found over the years that I truly am a believer in the evil eye warding off evil spirits. Whether the evil eye actually wards off mysterious negative energy or not, the comfort and confidence I derive from the superstition is worth it.

I have received so many compliments on this blue and white sapphire necklace that I wear and it is only $32 !

Over the years, I have learned that this concept exists beyond Indian folklore. Latinos speak of “Malos Ojos” , Jewish and Islamic stories speak of the “Hamsa” or hand of God, and here in the US, we refer to the “Evil Eye” and have fashioned it into our culture as well through fashion. You can often find evil eyepieces to compliment a cute outfit. Accessories that are an ode to the energy theory are a way to feel protected from negativity. Why not, right?!? Even if only symbolically the Evil Eye concept is a reminder to remain positive and emanate that positivity to others.

Shop this an other evil eye swag that I have my eye on here!

Anyone heard of the Evil Eye? Would love to hear your thoughts, leave a comment below.

Your Chick,
Sonia