How Not To Look Like A Slob At the Gym

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As a recovering recovering gym slob, I am always on the lookout for stylish workout gear that can withstand a beating and multiple washings. There are some outstanding pieces you can find to update your fall workout wardrobe which will force you to retire that ratty tank top (you know which one I'm talking about).

I'm sending a slew of my older pieces that are still wearable to Genesis Women's Shelter.

It's also a good time to update your shoes. I typically buy a new pair once a year. I bought these Reebok ZigKick Alphas last year. My eye is on these new Nike cross-trainers. 

Fall Workout Goals
Do you have any fall workout goals? I need to get back on the yoga routine. I think I took only one yoga class the entire summer. My Om was definitely OFF. I like to get at least one class a week, typically on Sundays.

What new workouts or classes are you looking forward to trying in the next few months? 

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Diets Tips That Actually Work

TRUTH! 

After being skinny, gaining weight, losing weight, gaining weight, losing weight, having a kid, losing the baby weight and more, I feel like I'm a diet expert simply through practice.

After years of trying everything: Atkins, the Zone, the grapefruit diet, Cabbage Soup diet, I could go on. There are principles that I know work: eat well, eat real food, don't overindulge, exercise most days of the week.

There are certain "diet secrets" that work better than others, though. Putting down your fork after each bite, for example, is a gamechanger. I've featured them on the blog.

Fitsugar has a few more diet secrets that are truly effective:

• Eat clean - no white food, refined carbs, sugar, alcohol, etc.
• Don't diet - think of adopting an overall, longterm approach to eating, not a temporary "diet"
• Do more cardio - ramp up the intensity to get that afterburn.
• Drink more water - hydration is huge. Drink green tea, water with lemon or fruit added, any water-based drink without extra sweetener or calories added to it. 
• Make calories in less than calories out - if you eat more than you burn, you will gain weight. I gained weight while training for marathons. Even though I was burning hundreds, sometimes thousands, of calories it didn't make up for the extra cookies I ate at lunch. 
• Eliminate extras - all the little nibbles, sips and snacks add up. 

This is such a practical approach to maintaining your weight (notice I didn't say "diet). If you're looking for a particular dietary approach to follow, try the Mediterranean diet. It's simple, easy, delicious and calls for wine and chocolate. Win!

I love this Mediterranean Diet cookbook for recipe ideas.

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How To Enjoy Napa Valley With Kids

Napa Valley with kids is a lot easier than you might think. Here's the thing: you need a good attitude about the trip. There will be pivots and, likely, cancellations. Flexibility is key to surviving Napa Valley with kids.

First, a bit of history. We've taken our daughter to Paris. Twice. The most recent trip involved wine tastings at Moët et Chandon and Tattinger in Champagne.

The Surprising Secret To Burning Fat Fast

After an indulgent trip to California, I am all about trying to burn some extra heft. While no amount of exercise will make up for a terrible diet, you can maximize your workouts so that you burn fat faster most fat possible in the time you have allotted to exercise.

What's interesting is that you don't have to kill yourself. Turns out, exercising at a perceived exertion rate of 5-7, on a scale of 1-10, is the prime fat burning zone. (Tweet this).

It's Hip To Be "All In" But Bill Parcells Was The Trendsetter For This NFL Cliché

Dallas Poker Club

It might be hip to be "all in" in the NFL but former Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells was a trendsetter when it comes to poker analogies in the NFL.

The Wall Street Journal notes that the Ravens, Raiders and Seahawks are "all in", an unofficial slogan to signify that every member of the team and coaching staff is completely committed to winning.

The article cites NFL executives who trace the genesis "of the cliché to the New York Giants, who used it in their late 2011 playoff run which ended with a Super Bowl title. Within a year, the Jacksonville Jaguars had adopted it as a marketing slogan."

It goes back further than that.

Anyone who covered the Cowboys when Bill Parcells coached the team knows that in 2006 the head coach had players wearing t-shirts with the phrase "Who's All In?" featuring a set of hands pushing a pile of pokers chips on the chest.  Blasts from the past like Terrell Owens, Mike Vanderjagt and Drew Bledsoe all sported the catchy T's.

Of course, these were the pre-Twitter & Instagram days so, natch, there's not a pic of the t-shirts to be found.

How To Buy Designer Purses And Accessories For Less

 From L to R: Hermés H Bracelet | Louis Vuitton Capucines | Chanel Jumbo 2.55  | Celine Pony Hair Luggage Bag | Gucci Jackie Bucket Bag | Dior Quilted Shoulder Bag

I rarely buy luxury designer goods brand new and at their full retail price, except when it's an item I will likely sell in the future such as my Louis Vuitton Neverfull (you can read all about that here). I am a consignment-shopping queen because it's a great way to purchase investment-quality designer pieces at a lower price.

In fact, I scout consignment stores when I travel which led to my discovery of an amazing vintage store in Paris, as well as the better-known Didier Ludot. In Montecito recently, I fell in love with Mattie and Me consignment store (and a Pucci coat that was out of my price range).

RELATED: 25 Great Bags For Work...At Every Price Point

Authentic Luxury Consignment Retailers
For those times when we're homebound, there is a treasure trove of online luxury consignment shops that sell guaranteed authentic items for less. The "guaranteed authentic" thing is a big deal. These resellers stake their reputation on authenticity and will refund your money if an item is not genuine.
Each of the following reseller's offer an authenticity guarantee. Many times the pieces are brand new.

Louis Vuitton Insolite Wallet

• Fashionphile - probably my favorite. They also have a retail locations in Beverly Hills and San Francisco. It's a designer-lover's dream. I recently bought a Louis Vuitton Insolite wallet from them, replacing the one I had stolen. I have consigned a few items on their site, too.
• Bag Borrow or Steal - the one made famous by Sex and the City, the movie. 
• Bluefly - the online e-tailer offers some great designer handbags both vintage and brand new.
• What Goes Around Comes Around - a legendary New York consignment store.
• The Real Real - they have a great YouTube channel which educates consumers on authentic luxury brands.
• Heritage Auction House - the Dallas-based auction house has a Tuesday night luxury accessories auction with some great stuff. You will pay a hefty 25% buyer's premium. 
• Vestiaire Collective
• Luxury Designer Handbags
• Portero
• Ann's Fabulous Finds

The sites are constantly updated so there is always something new to browse. I like to call it virtual window-shopping. If you see something you adore, you should hop on it because once it's gone...it could be gone. I recently missed out on a Hermes scarf (I REALLY wanted this one, too...it was a Paris rooftop scarf) I was coveting on Fashionphile.

You can generally find a lot of bags from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci , Hermés and Celine. Certain accessories like scarves, jewelry and glasses may be tougher to find. Keep hunting, they usually turn up.

A word on ebay. You can always scout the online auction site. I have even sold some items on there. At the end of the day, especially when it comes to designer accessories, it's a beating. There is a ton of fake merchandise on there.

Watch my all my handbag reviews on YouTube - I bought this Chanel pochette from Fashionpile

If you're in the mood to pick up that investment piece for a bit less, buying on consignment from a retailer that guarantees authenticity is the way to go, in my book. These pieces generally last for decades and, if you buy at the right price, you can sometimes make money on them if you decide to consign or resell them.

Scroll Through For Some Of My Favorite Luxe For Less Finds 

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What To Wear To The PGA Championship

The PGA Championship is this week at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, KY. As one of golf's major championships, it's a chance to dress up just a bit more than most tournaments. 

To that end, it's still a golf tournament. It's not the Kentucky Derby or a night out. I think "Athletic Chic" is the perfect aesthetic to keep in mind if you're heading to a tournament. 

That's not a limiting concept. You can still wear stylish dresses, cute shorts and tank tops or even something more traditionally considered "golf attire". 

Golf Tournament Do's

• Bring a small bag. PGA Tour events have a restrictive purse policy. Bags must be smaller than 6"x 6".
• Wear sunscreen to protect your face, hands, neck and arms. I love Elta MD's or Skin Authority's. Learn more about Elta MD here or Skin Authority here.
• Wear a hat, if you're so inclined. Not only does it shield your face from the sun, it's also a homage to the Kentucky Derby, the home of fabulous millinery. 

Golf Tournament Don'ts

LOVE these Gucci sandals, just not for a golf tournament.

• Don't wear hoochie shoes, stilettos or strappy platform sandals with a pointy heel. They'll sink into the grass and make you look like an amateur. Go with wedge heels or a nice espadrille.
• Don't wear a fanny pack. Seriously. I don't know why I have to reiterate this but I see them repeatedly at golf tournaments. 
• Don't sport crazy, patterned shirts or things with wild logos on it. The HP Byron Nelson Championship is known for having ladies from local strip clubs walk the course with their clubs' logo emblazoned across the front. That's fine. For them. For you, go a little classier. Save the logo swag for another event. 
• It bears repeating: DON'T forget about the purse policy. I have friends who have had their bags confiscated. TIP: you can squeeze a malleable bag to get it within the 6-inch rule (about the length of a dollar bill). I have done this a few times to squeeze my Chanel Wallet-on-a-Chain into events.

Browse These PGA Tour-Approved Purses

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