January 05, 2015

January Makeover: The Master Closet

January 05, 2015/ Alexandra Evjen

This post is sponsored by Easy Closets.

One would think that a fashion stylist would have an amazing closet, but here's proof that's not an accurate assumption.

My closet functions. I know where things are, and there's a method to my madness (I swear). But, is my closet the best it can be? Is it organized in an optimal way? Nope! With the new beginnings come new goals, and one of my goals is to do a home makeover project each month starting with my master closet.

Easy Closets is going to help me achieve my January goal. I've already met with one of their designers, and she has redesigned my space virtually. I can't wait to get started putting it all together and show you the process.

December 22, 2014

Merry & Bright Christmas

December 22, 2014/ Alexandra Evjen

Christmas is almost here. Only four more days until the family is together eating delicious food, laughing at each other, watching kids open gifts...I'm really looking forward to Christmas this year mostly because it's the season of hope, and where would we be without hope?

New beginnings are just around the corner, and 2015 will be a new year of peace and simplicity. More on that soon, but for now may your Christmas be merry and as bright as this neon skirt.

Get the look: Neon skirt from Nove Boutique, leather top from Bailey 44, boots by Matt Bernson.

Photos by Melissa Jill Photography

December 19, 2014

Winter Date Night Outfit

December 19, 2014/ Alexandra Evjen

You can't go wrong with black and white. If you're trying to figure out what to wear for a date tonight, start there. That's what I do.

During the winter, we want to stay warm while looking sexy for our date. My solution is faux leather pants. I paired a silk tunic top with them that extends past my hips, and I added a dressy, white tuxedo jacket to keep me warm.

A black sequin clutch and high heels really dresses the outfit up. No need to worry about earrings or necklaces this time, but if you want to add jewelry, a pair of shoulder-duster earrings would be gorgeous.

Get the look: faux leather leggings, tuxedo jacket, silk top, clutch, shoes

Photos by Melissa Jill Photography

December 17, 2014

Health & Fitness Goals for 2015

December 17, 2014/ Alexandra Evjen

This post is sponsored by Mountainside Fitness.

I know I might be jumping the gun by talking about my New Year's resolutions before Christmas has even happened, but I'm a planner. I just can't help myself. Not to mention, I'm kind of anxious to kiss 2014 good-bye and start fresh. There are many things to be thankful for this year, but emotionally, 2014 has been a hard one for me. So, here are 5 things I'm looking forward to doing in the next year to help my body.

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1| Drink 3 glasses of water a day, every day. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but I hardly drink any liquids that aren't coffee. I'm dehydrated and I live in the desert. This can't be good for my skin or my body, so I'd like to change that by starting with an attainable and manageable goal of 3 tall glasses of water a day.

2| Run a 5K with my husband. Running a 5K is one of my husband's goals, and so I've made it one of mine as well. I'd love to accomplish such a big goal together.

3| Try TRX classes. I've been really interested in TRX training, and I would love to try out a class. I think it's going to be my new favorite workout style.

4| Try a spin class. I haven't tried a spin classes either. I'm intimidated by them, actually, but it's time to get over that fear.

5| Start using anti-aging products morning and night. All I do for my skin right now is wash it with soap and apply SPF in the morning. I'm starting to notice some deep wrinkles, and it's time to do something about it now.

Photos by Sarah Gray Portraits

December 11, 2014

Exercises to Try Coming Back from a Break

December 11, 2014/ Alexandra Evjen

This post is sponsored by Mountainside Fitness.

If you missed a week or two from the gym it can be a bit challenging to get back into the swing of things. I always feel a bit emotionally and physically discouraged, so I try to tackle exercises that will give me a good workout, but also aren't huge mountains to climb. I also will start my week back at the gym by working out my legs mostly because that's the strongest area of my body, and the area I feel most confident with.

WARM UP - Walk at a steep incline for 10 minutes on a treadmill. I usually set my speed to 4.0 and I set the incline to 8%. After five minutes you'll start feeling it. 10 minutes on a rowing machine is also a great way to get your heart pumping.

PLANKING - Every single time I go to the gym I spend time doing planks (center and left and right side planks). Try it. Spend 60 seconds in a center plank position, and then switch to your right side (hold for 30 seconds) and then your left side (hold for 30 seconds).

PUSH-UPS - Every workout I do push-ups. It's something that I have been committed to because they are the hardest exercise for me, and I never want to get back to a place where I can barely do 10 push ups. When I first started working out (this past May), 10 push-ups was my goal. Now 30 push-ups balanced on Bosu Ball is my goal. It works your core while working out your arms.

WALKING LUNGES - Lunges are one of my favorite exercises because I don't always feel the burn right away. The first set (20 walking lunges (10 for each leg)) always feels empowering and great. The second set is where the burn starts to kick in for me, but you're already committed. Make sure to rest in between sets for up to 30 seconds, and if you have it in you, go for three sets. You can also add weight with your lunges. I like to use sandbags, but dumbbells get the job done too.

ELEVATED HIP RAISES - I don't have much a of a butt, but I'm really trying to get one - or at least make what I have not jiggle. These elevated hip raises are awesome. You can even use a chair or a couch to do them. I do 3 sets of 15 hip raises.

ONE-LEGGED RESISTANCE BAND KICK-BACKS - I save these babies until the end because they are HAAARD. Three sets of ten on each side and you'll be burnin'.