Happy Hour

You linked some dresses and jumpsuits for a boat party but can you give me some more casual options?

Yes, so many cute options right now and all at really good price points. This Leith jumpsuit is really feminine and this Madewell is brand new and SO cute (WANT!). If you want something more casual for daytime, this Loft romper is under $100 and could be paired with a cute jean jacket or Leith cardigan (currently on sale!). If you want dress options, I’m loving this, this, this or this.

Alix- I know you’re anti-diet and you believe in balance and just “eating the damn cookie” but do you ever have cheat days or indulge in pizza or pasta? Or are you really that clean of an eater every day?

I do eat the damn cookie trust me 😉 I’m showing only glimpses on Instagram (like everyone else) and usually highlight the fun and fancy meals I’m making/eating. I do love cooking and trying new recipes (or finding ways to make recipes more nutritious). Yes, the majority of the time I do eat pretty “healthy” because that’s what my body craves and makes me feel my best….there are days that pizza, burgers or cookies sound good too and I go for it! I don’t believe in having designated “cheat days” because that means you’re on a diet and/or restricting yourself on the other days (which can set you up for food obsession and binge/restrict disordered eating patterns). I’m a fan of the intuitive/mindful eating approach… which means listening and trusting your body…and that takes a lot of time and practice! I can do a more in depth post on that if interested.

I’m looking for a pair of wedges for spring – preferably nude or blush. Help!

I have this Marc Fisher pair in tan and the mauve color and I’m obsessed. I really like this Marc Fisher version but they didn’t have my size at the time last year but both styles are really flattering. Steve Madden has a wood version here for under $100. And this See by Chloe pair is amazing. I couldn’t find the Nordstrom link but I saw them on their website and in store and they’re GORGEOUS.

How do you get motivated to workout in the morning?

Alix here…I’ve always been a morning workout person. Even before Quinn I would wake up at take the 5-6am gym classes…ask any of my roommates or friends throughout the years because I probably dragged them with me 😉 It is definitely an adjustment, but once you get into the groove you’ll love getting it done first thing…because we all know how many things come up and get in the way of an afternoon/evening workout sess. I try and get ready for bed around 8:30pm and in bed by 9pm…before going to bed I have everything ready for the morning. I’ll have my workout outfit in the bathroom ready to go (I even unlace my shoes and put the socks in the shoes lol), water bottle filled up, and banana on the kitchen counter ready to grab on my way out the door. Having someone you’re planning to meet there or a being signed up for a class that will charge you if you late cancel is even more accountability which helps!

Ok, milk. What’s the deal? Is cows milk really terrible for you? So many people choose dairy alternatives even if there’s no dairy allergy/sensitivity.

Oh man…this is a tough one to answer and be PC these days 🙂 There are SO many opinions about dairy out there I cant even keep up. Like many nutrition choices…you have to decide what works best for you and your lifestyle. Here are the pros of dairy…it is packed with protein (and vitamin D, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus), it is natural, and makes for a perfect post workout recovery snack. The cons…many people are lactose intolerant (if we all consumed A LOT of milk, cheese, and ice cream we would have some tummy issues) and it can also be an issue for folks who are gluten sensitive/intolerant. If a food allergy/sensitivity is not an issue and you enjoy the taste of cows milk and tolerate it fine then my advice is to go for it! Listen to your body…and like anything else feel free to switch it up. If I’m faced with a super processed almond milk or whole milk at a cafe…I’m going for the natural cows milk.  If I just made fresh almond milk at home…I’m drinking that in my smoothies. There is no solid science to back up a lot of the bogus claims out there about cows milk…so do you! Hope this helps.

I want a new jean jacket for under $100. Can you do a roundup of your favorites?

I’ve been on the hunt to find a denim jacket under $100 but still looks expensive and like the Levi’s versions. So, I found this one, this, this, and this. But my favorite I think is this Abercrombie one. Yes, Abercrombie. See next question 😉

I’ve seen a lot of bloggers shopping at Abercrombie again and I’m wondering if you think they’re making a comeback?! Bought anything from them recently and what is the fit like? I feel like it’s for a younger generation and I’d want to size up. Accurate?

Funny you should mention this because both Alix and I recently went into an Abercrombie and it transported us right back to high school.. in a good way. Heather got this cardigan in grey, which looks so much like the Free People version and it’s cheaper and fits better (score). True to size. This denim miniskirt is only $58. This striped tee could pass for Madewell but it’s only $20. Lastly, who remembers wearing their sweats ALL. THE. TIME? I certainly did and they are the best. We both got these and LIVING in them when we’re home. Or running to Starbucks. Or anywhere, really. No shame. If you find yourself walking by an Abercrombie, hold your breath and go in. It’s worth it.. even if you get a headache from the cologne. Their stuff is seriously cute and fits true to size.

Does drinking lemon water first thing in the morning really speed up my metabolism? 

Some good myth busting going on today…there is nothing magical about lemon water! Lemons are loaded with vitamin C which is great for immunity and skin.  Drinking adequate water is also wonderful for skin, immunity, digestive health, and many other bodily functions. Being well hydrated can also help you identify hunger cues more accurately… hunger and thirst cues are hard for the brain for decipher and people usually turn to food before water when that feeling strikes. Anywayssss… we are all usually pretty dehydrated in the morning..so of course drinking a big glass of water first thing (before your coffee) has great benefits and add some lemon for a dose of vitamin C and it’s a great habit to start the day! BUT there are MANY more factors that play into weight and metabolism and while drinking more water and maybe even fancy water with lemons in it is awesome for your overall health…it’s not going to be a magic weight loss pill- sorry!

Thanks for sending in your questions.. keep them coming! Email us at champagnetheory@gmail.com with subject Happy Hour. xx