To Dye For // Tie Dye Loungewear + Activities for Two

Aside from tie dye loungewear and baking banana bread, one of the biggest trends right now is tangible activities. You know — puzzles, cards, Mad Libs (?), Legos, board games, puzzle books, etc. Lucky me, I'm 2 for 3 in the trend department! Scroll for the games Antonio and I have been playing to keep ourselves sane AND for the tie dye set I can't get enough of. ...TBD on the banana bread ;) 

It may be old-school, but there's never been a better time to break out a classic deck of cards — all the better if they're stylish too! And while cards may be a tad more fun with more players, there are some games that work just as well with two. Antonio and I have played:

Egyptian Ratscrew

Crazy Eights

War

Slapjack

Spit

Old Maid

Put on some fun music, get cozy, grab a few snacks, and play away!

My family sent Antonio and me Unstable Unicorns last week, and we finally broke it in this past weekend. I'm not exactly sure we played it ENTIRELY right (there's a lot going on...) but I will say, however we played it, it was definitely a hoot! It also gave us something new to do for a solid chunk of time, which is especially appreciated these days. You better believe we'll be playing it again!

Last but not least, this puzzle book has been our favorite couples activity yet! We've been getting our "mental fitness" on with these challenging-but-still-doable brain games and it has been such a fun way to pass time when we're all Netflixed out. We always look forward to cracking the book open and bonding over these challenges! 

But if you're more of a solo gamer, no worries — these games are actually MEANT to be played alone.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[sweatshirt: aerie // shorts: aerie // socks: Gap // necklace: BaubleBar (super similar one here) // lip color: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in "FU$$Y"]

Hope everyone is still hanging in there. These days, it's the little things, and for me, I've been finding some joy in discovering new things to do with Antonio and wearing cute loungewear (I'm particularly partial to matching sets right now). And a fun burst of colorful tie dye never hurts either!

MORE TIE DYE LOUNGEWEAR:
Champion Tie-Dye Boyfriend Hoodie
Tie-Dye Crew Neck Sweatshirt
Renewal Recycled Tie-Dye Crew Neck Sweatshirt
Project Social T Oversized Tie-Dye Tee
Out From Under Shiloh Dip-Dye Short
Crop Tie Dye Hoodie
Gracie Tie-Dyed V-Neck Sweater
Melrose Tie-Dyed Maxi Dress
AXIS BOLD AS LOVE SWEATSHIRT
Tie Dye Haze PJ Set
Tie-Dye Bamboo Socks

MORE ACTIVITIES:

Unstable Unicorns card game
Gold Deck of Cards
417 More Games, Puzzles & Trivia Challenges Specially Designed to Keep Your Brain Young
One Night Ultimate Werewolf Game
Codenames Board Game
Bananagrams Game
399 Games, Puzzles & Trivia Challenges Specially Designed to Keep Your Brain Young
Paint by Number Daisies

52 Lists for Happiness
DIY Lanyard OR Keychain Kit
Watercolor Painting Jigsaw Puzzle

At-Home Comfies // Loungewear I'm Loving

Something that's been made abundantly clear to me since self-isolation has begun, is just how little "at home" clothing options I own. I've always wanted to be the girl with cute loungewear; who looks effortlessly cool while just chilling at home. But tbh, I've never thought the investment was worth it — until now. Now, it is VERY worth it.

These days, getting dressed is kinda major. It's one of the few joys and few acts of normalcy we can still engage in. Slipping into something that's not only comfortable but that makes us FEEL good, is priceless. For me, looking put-together, even when I'm slumming it at home, has made me feel like life isn't so topsy-turvy. 

I'll be honest, most days I've just been wearing an old t-shirt and a pair of college sweatpants (that's pretty much all I own in terms of loungewear). But when I do make more of an effort, I feel the difference. 

I bought these shorts just over a year ago and I bought this top much later this past August. At the time, I didn't think I NEEDED these shorts, so it felt like a splurge. And the top, I planned on wearing as a regular "outside" top. Self isolation has been teaching me to get more creative though, and I became ecstatic when I realized I could pair them together for a cute "at home" look that I'm not embarrassed to be photographed in (lol).

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[tee: TNA via Aritzia // shorts: TNA via Aritzia but almost sold out (similar pair here) // scrunchies: Wunderkin & Co. (similar here)]

This was somewhat of a spontaneous photo shoot (if you can even call it that!) I was excited to share this lounge outfit — because holy crap I actually discovered I have an acceptable one — and I just wanted to shoot it quickly for IG. But Antonio and I got a bit carried away. I have to admit, it felt amazing to shoot some photos again :)

Annnd, I just ordered a loungewear haul from Aerie, SO prepare to see some more stylish, comfy looks suitable for all of your self-isolation needs. In the meantime, check out some other lounge pieces I'm currently coveting...

MORE CUTE LOUNGEWEAR

Tops:
Signaturesoft Plush Cropped V-Neck Top
Fuzzy Terry Zip Sweatshirt
Terry Cropped Cami
South Parade Peachy Tee

Eberjey Summer Stripes Pajama Tank
AERIE REAL FREE TANK BRALETTE
AERIE PALM LACE HALTER PADDED BRALETTE
AERIE SUNDAY SOFT DISTRESSED CREW SWEATSHIRT
Sundry Heart Pocket Tee
Free People Movement Goldie Jacket
Sundry Tie-Dyed Oversized Sweatshirt

Bottoms: 
Terry Biker Shorts
Terez Foil Printed Joggers
Eberjey Summer Stripes Boyfriend Shorts

Farallon Jogger
Venice Jogger
AERIE CHILL HIGH WAISTED BIKE SHORT
Elation Snow Dye 7/8 Tight
Anything Goes Sweatpants
Ramona Striped Shorts

One-Pieces:
Signaturesoft Plush Hoodie Dress 
AERIE SOFTEST® SLEEP JUMPSUIT

Courtney Ribbed Jumpsuit

Heidi Mock Neck Tee Dress
Melissa Drop-Waist Dress

Third Time's a Charm // Bike Shorts + Denim Jacket

You didn't think I'd let summer end without featuring my beloved bike shorts one more time, did ya? I'm not lying when I said I've been living in these guys since July. For pre-fall, I'm styling them with oversized top-layers and thick, cozy crop tops. (check out looks 1 & 2 for more inspo).

Denim jackets have a way of adding an effortless, cool vibe to any outfit. Whether you throw 'em over your shoulder or wear 'em fully buttoned, they're ideal for this transitional time of year. 

Monochrome black with denim on top and a purple pop of pastel makes for an easy look that's casual, on-trend, and flattering. Did I mention comfortable? In high-waisted, stretchy bike shorts, you'll feel as if you're wearing sweatpants!

 Photos by Sarah Harper 

[jacket: Levi's (personalized) // top: Aritzia (I also like this one) // shorts: American Eagle (super similar pair here) // sneakers: Adidas // purse: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Ray-Ban // gold chocker 1: Uncommon James // gold chocker 2: Uncommon James // gold pendant necklace: Alexis Bittar (I also like this one) // ear jackets: gift (I also like this pair) // eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked3 palette // lip color: Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in "American Woman"]

Fall may be quickly approaching, but I'm getting as much mileage as I can out of these bike shorts. Next, I plan on wearing them with an oversized sweatshirt. ...You may just have to pry them off my cold, goosebump-ridden legs once winter hits!   

// SHOP //

Risky Business // Bike Shorts + Oversized Blazer

Suiting but make it sexy. On the fall runways earlier this year, business-with-sex-appeal was a standout trend, and now that fall's upon us, there's no better time to try it out for yourself (hint: it's easy and FUN)! 

A do-it-all blazer is the stylish extra layer you needed yesterday. It never fails to add tomboy edge to any look and, bonus, it's universally flattering! You can literally throw one on over anything and feel instantly put together. 

The variation I'm wearing here is one of my very favorite pieces in my entire closet. I wear it with everything from skinny jeans and a tee to a slinky slip dress. In winter, it looks ultrachic layered over a solid turtleneck.

Style tip: think of bike shorts as a modern, cooler alternative to a mini skirt. Throwing a blazer into the mix gives the look a refined feel. 

To prevent this trend from looking tacky, it's all about strategic coverage and playing with proportions. A long-sleeved blazer that covers your backside is key. So are extra high-waisted shorts that are not, under any circumstance, short shorts. Last but not least, keep your heel height modest and the design minimal. 

 Photos by Antonio Owens 

[blazer: Elizabeth & James (I also like this one) // tube top: Aritzia // bike shorts: American Eagle // heels: Who What Wear via Target (I also like this pair) // purse: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (similar pair here) // necklace: Uncommon James // earrings: vintage via my mom (I also like this pair) // lip color: Tarte's Tarteist Lip Paint in "Delish"] 

I felt like a million bucks in this ensemble. I wore it over a recent weekend this month where I took a trip to the hair salon (shoutout to Mia Wagner Salon), explored Soho, got milkshakes with Antonio, and ate late-night, rooftop pizza with friends. 

Even more recently, it's been too hot for a blazer, but once it cools down just a tiny bit, I will most definitely revisit this look. I love the empowering mixture of style, confidence, sexy, and business that this outfit exudes. It's a 10 for me! 

// SHOP //

A Casual Affair // Bike Shorts + Cropped Blouse

A classic workout staple, bike shorts have quickly become an essential in everyday wardrobes. While I was tentative at first to try the trend for myself, I haven't looked back since I did. Don't be fooled — this look may be casual, but my love affair with bike shorts is anything but!

Here, I put an elevated spin on a sporty athleisure look by teaming my bike shorts and sneakers with bold accessories and a crisp white blouse. These shorts are so versatile though, and I especially love how high-waisted they are. The styling opportunities are truly endless. From a crop top and a blazer to an oversized tee and slides, it's almost hard NOT to wear these bike shorts every other day...  

A splash of color goes a long way in an otherwise neutral outfit. These vibrant bursts of orange are fun and playful and oh-so summery!

Photos by Sarah Harper 

[top: Theory (I also like this one) // bike shorts: American Eagle // sneakers: Nike // purse: Kenzo (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // hoop earrings: Banana Republic // lip color: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in "Hudson"]

We have a heatwave coming through NYC this weekend and it's going to be an absolute scorcher. We're talking a real-feel of 104 degrees 😱. Antonio and I are planning on going to the beach on Sunday, but now I'm starting to think — is there such a thing as TOO hot to take a dip? I guess we shall see! 

At least on Saturday we'll be nice and cool in a movie theater, because we're seeing the Lion King and I am pumped! We also have acupuncture appointments, which will be rejuvenating and relaxing. And who knows, maybe I'll break out my bike shorts!

// SHOP //