The Running Stylist

There is power in working as a collective to advocate for change. ✨.

This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to run with an amazing group of 11 and runners from NYC to DC. The run was a 280-mile relay fueled by faith and a desire to create change as we ran as a team to raise $100,000 for criminal justice reform. All proceeds from the run will benefit , an organization dedicated to changing legislation and assisting those reentering society from the prison system. ✨.

On a personal note, I needed a few days to process my post-run feelings (the therapist in me needs time to process 🤷🏻‍♀️). There are no words to describe the impact this past weekend left on my heart. It was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had the opportunity to be a part of. My fellow runners and all involved in putting this weekend together (leadership, comms, support team, drivers, etc.) inspired and moved me in so many ways with their enthusiasm, commitment, selflessness, dedication, encouragement, and humor. All kept me going (especially during the (many) times I got lost on my routes ). Love you all. I'm also beyond grateful to all who supported us through prayer, words of encouragement, following our journey, running miles in their hometowns, and donating. Thank you. ❤️

We all have the power to make a difference with what we have, where we are. Keep advocating. Work together. Don't give up. The race for change and social justice is far from over, but I think we are off to a pretty good start. 🙌🏽

”Love comes more naturally to the human heart than it's opposite.” ❤️

We are responsible for controlling what stays in our hearts. Stay vulnerable, let yourself heal, kick hate and bad vibes to the curb, and be open. We were intended to live through love. Hate takes way too much energy. I'm personally all about the natural and easy. .


Print/illustration:

Moved to NYC Aug 11, 2004, and I'm still here. 💁🏻‍♀️🏙.

Sixteen years later, I still have those moments when I am walking down some random street, look up, and take in how amazing this city is (2020 included). At those moments, I feel incredibly lucky to call it home. My time in NYC has been a crazy, challenging, eye-opening, occasionally overwhelming, friend and faith-filled, career building, fashion and running inspired, entrepreneurial, beautiful (and not so beautiful) journey. (That could also just be a summary for 2020.) Ups and downs. . .I wouldn’t take any of it back for the world. I've learned so much from NYC in terms of resiliency, kindness, gratefulness, and heart that can only come from a city as passionate and colorful as New York. It's openness to diversity brings together people from so many countries and backgrounds in so many shapes and sizes. There is something for everyone and anything you might want to try. I've met so many wonderful people and amazing friends. The subway has built my patience in ways I'd never guess it could. I love New York, even when I don't like New York. I don't know how many more years I'll be in NYC, but 16 years later we have a good thing going on. ❤️.

Wherever you call home, learn there, grow there, and create opportunities. .





️ .

Regardless of what this year continues to throw at us, it does not mean the goals we hoped for at the start of the year are gone. We may just need to shift our thoughts around them. We can take the rest of this year to reflect, reframe, reset, and work toward achieving past and new, attainable goals. Let's use the rest of the year as an opportunity.✨.

That being said, if you need to sit back and continue to process and find your footing , that's cool too. Move at your speed and be kind to yourself. @ New York, New York

⬆️ Truth. . .AND just like that another is upon us! Yes, I’m very excited about this. I’ll be playing the role of volunteer and cheerleader this year, but I’m legit giddy for all those taking on NYC! All of you! (Shout out to my buds )💪🏼.

Running NYC was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. I’ve run it 4 times (5th -> 2020 plan). Each time taught me so much about strength, perseverance, humility and kindness. Running a marathon changes you. Running NYC takes it to another level. 🏃🏻‍♀️.

For my first timers, some pointers. Pre-race: Sleep well the days leading up to the race. Try to limit stress. Stay hydrated. Don’t eat anything you normally would not, especially the night before. Do a “dress rehearsal” of what you might wear race day to make sure you feel comfortable. No new shoes race day. Don’t change any long run nutrition race day. Music listeners, make an epic playlist. ✔️

Race day: Take layers for the start area, so you are warm while you wait to start. You’ll throw these off, and they’ll be donated. Take hand warmer packs and gloves. Don’t go out to fast on the Verrazano/start of the course. There is a lot of energy. Super easy to get swept up and start too fast. There are a lot of people. Don’t swerve around other runners more then you need too, especially in the beginning. You’ll waste unnecessary energy. Keep steady. Runners start breaking out of clusters in Brooklyn. The 59th street bridge is a long, wind tunnel. Take it easy. Once you enter manhattan, you’ll get a second wind. 1st Ave is a slight incline all the way up. Watch those legs. Eat the bananas. They help. Drink all the water. NYC is not an easy course and inclines will make nutrition and hydration deplete faster, so to avoid cramps stay hydrated and watch nutrients. If you have friends watching, preplan where you will see them and tell them what to give you.
Pace yourself and listen to your body throughout. Above enjoy every second of it!!! ✨.

Tell me if you’re running ⬇️
@ New York, New York

PFW magic ✨ Super grateful to have had the opportunity to attend some inspirational shows and meet some great people (despite planning everything last minute 🤦🏻‍♀️). Style inspired and back in NYC. Slightly exhausted. Love Paris , but really glad to be back home. ❤️





@ Paris, France

Dancing right into the new week like . . .✨

Photographer:
Dancer:
Stylist: 🙋🏻‍♀️

Fashion can totally transcend seasons, but when it comes to how you view yourself, comparison has no place in your style. ✨.

We are all designed for our own unique purpose. Comparison throws you off from living that unique purpose. Before you fall into a comparison bubble and feel you are not “this or that” enough, recognize your awesomeness and that you don’t know everyone’s journey, struggles, and/or insecurities. Focus on your path and share your awesomeness with the world. ❤️.


ALSO totally unrelated PS. . .it’s my 15th anniversary living in NYC today!! NYC is not my forever and truth, I have a consistent love/hate relationship with it, BUT (also truth) there is no other city in the world that I will ever appreciate and respect more. I found myself here (among a lot of other amazing people and things). .

Real talk ➡️ There is only one you, and you have to make your physical health a priority. ✨

•First off. . .always listen to your body (favorite line ever ). Your body will be the first to tell you things are off. It will literally speak to you. ❤️.

• Get the right amount of sleep per night. Put the phone down. Instagram will be here in the morning. 😴.

• Stay hydrated. Your body needs water to survive. If you’re thirsty, you’re probably dehydrated. Reach for that 🌊.

• Exercise. Cardio. . .weight training. Aim for at least 150 min moderate exercise a week (30 min, 5 days a week). 🏃🏻‍♀️.

• Seek help when you need it . . . professional help. Don’t put your health off. Go for annual checkups. Urgent care is an option if you don’t have insurance. In most cities, there are low cost options that may work on a sliding scale. Also free clinics for those that qualify. NYC -> The NYC Free Clinic & The Women’s Health Free Clinic. 🏥.

• Take time for self-care, don’t hold things in that are bothering you and fill your life with things and people that lift you up. Mental health impacts our physical health. We have professionals to treat both for a reason. . 👌🏼.

Take care of your bodies, fiends!

I dig a good pair of red pants. ✨

Pops of color and color blocks. ✔️ Mixing and matching makes the world brighter. .

Bloom . . .in every season,
in every situation, in every outfit, on every run. . . (you get my point). This applies to life and your business/work. Whether you like where you are at, it’s a stepping stone to where you want to be (or a major detour 🤷🏻‍♀️), growth happens where you let it. You can make a positive impact everywhere. Make moves and waves, friends.
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Oh and of course. . .enjoy your weekends. 😌 .