Fall Fit Series: What's in My Gym Bag?

Welcome to my Fall Fit Series! If there's one thing I do every other week, it's go on a health kick. I figure in order to justify stuffing my face during the holidays I need to work on getting fit and eating better now. I have a lot of parties and soirees to attend these next few months and it's my goal to look my best for them all! Take this fitness journey with me by tagging me on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #fallfitwithduchess. Cheers!

Sensing a bit of deja vu? That's because I did this post when I first started my blog back in the day (still have the same bag and everything awwww). My FitBit is my best friend so hitting my steps is my main goal everyday. In order to ensure I crush my goal, I go to the gym everyday at lunch. I wish it was justifiable to wear Nike leggings and a sports bra to work, but I don't work for Google (yet) so I bring my gym bag with me everyday to change into. That means some essentials are needed so I don't head back to the office smelling like blood, sweat, and tears.

Leggings - Nike leggings are my heart and soul. Do yourself a favor and head on over to Nordstrom Rack to get these puppies at a discount. Plain black, camo, polka dot...there are so many options and they fit like a glove. Nothing better than showing off that booty, amiright?

Armband for Smart Phone - Since I discovered armbands my life hasn't been the same. It's so much more convenient to have your music attached to your arm than sitting on the treadmill ready to fall. In fact, I'm in the market for some wireless headphones (recommendations please) so that my music is completely hands free!

Deodorant - Needs no explanation.

Mini Flat Iron - Sweat + my thick hair = disaster. I always have dry shampoo on me but sometimes that just isn't enough, so when I discovered they make MINI flat irons (bless Sephora) I knew I had to get one. It's tiny enough to not take up too much room in my bag and is perfect for those last minute touches before I head out the locker room.

Hair Ties - Again these don't need an explanation, but I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten a hair tie so now I have an entire package in my bag just in case.

Makeup Palette - When wanting quick touchups before I head back to work, an all-in-one palette is perfect. I use tarte's Rainforest After Dark palette because it has eye shadow, blush, bronzer, and a highlight so I can give everything a little boost before finishing my day.

Perfume - I do take a rinse in the shower before changing back into my work clothes, but I still feel like I need a little scent boost after a workout. My favorite thing is to carry a different little perfume sample each week so my scent is forever changing. I have a reputation of always smelling good so IT'S A LOT OF PRESSURE OKAY?!



What's in your gym bag? Let me know with #fallfitwithduchess

Fall Fit Series: My Workout Playlist

Welcome to my Fall Fit Series! If there's one thing I do every other week, it's go on a health kick. I figure in order to justify stuffing my face during the holidays I need to work on getting fit and eating better now. I have a lot of parties and soirees to attend these next few months and it's my goal to look my best for them all! Take this fitness journey with me by tagging me on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #fallfitwithduchess. Cheers!


If there's one thing that is essential for me at the gym, it's music.  I love escaping into the song I am listening to and running my heart out. Sometimes it's hard to find the right songs that motivate you, that's why I want to share with you what gets me pumped up (yes, it's a lot of boybands). Share some of your tunes with me with #fallfitwithduchess on Twitter and Instagram!

My Workout Playlist

Sunburn Remedies

Well it finally happened to me. My first sunburn of the summer. I'm usually SO careful but apparently sunscreen cannot compete with a day of kickball! The worst part about sunburn besides the inevitable risk of skin cancer and wrinkles? The peeling. Oh god the peeling! No one wants to talk to you when you look like the creature that crawled out of the sun. My face got the brunt of it this weekend, and let's just say makeup is a death sentence right now. However I've discovered a few key products that should help the peeling process and let you look as good as new!

Sunburn Remedies

Don't Wear Foundation

Especially if you use $39 foundation like some people we know (me). It's a waste because it's going to crease like crazy and make your skin look even more patchy than it already does. If you really feel like you need something, try a tinted moisturizer so at least your skin can absorb it.

Exfoliating Wipes are a Gift from Heaven

You know all that dead skin that's peeling from your face? That's where the exfoliating wipes come in handy. They will scrub away all the bad stuff and leave your skin nice and smooth and flake-free. My new found favorite product are these wipes from Olay. They smell really good and the scrubby part is not too harsh on my sensitive face.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

After you exfoliate, HYDRATE YOUR SKIN! Your skin is already so dry from being damaged that it needs all the moisture it can get. I love this gel moisturizer from Garnier because it's super lightweight and absorbs quickly. At night you should also make sure to put on a night cream since our skin loses moisture while we sleep. You can also drink plenty of water so your skin stays plump and healthy!

Keep Out of the Sun

Just because your skin is already burnt doesn't mean it needs an extra layer of damage. If you are going out to the beach or somewhere where you know you'll be exposed to direct sunlight, WEAR SPF! Or at the very least wear a hat that will keep your face out of the sun's rays. Your skin needs time to heal!

WTW: Rock Business Casual

I love buying work clothes, can I just say that right off the bat? While I wish I could live in band tees and Nike leggings, there's something about classy business clothes that make my heart happy. I work in a casual office where jeans are acceptable, so I don't tend to dress up unless I'm going to an event or something out-of-office. But I believe my business background has taught me a thing or two about what is workplace appropriate and I thought I'd give you a little guide to help you if you're a recent grad thrown into the mix or even a (1 year) veteran like me who needs some fresh ideas!

What to Wear: Rock Business Casual

There are a few basics to business casual wear; number one being to keep things relatively neutral. A pop of color here and there is fine (I usually add it in the shoes), but generally sticking to white, black, and brown is the way to go. This can easily be done with one of my favorite things: a little black dress. Paired with simple jewelry and heels, you will look put together and poised.

BCBGMAXAZRIA shift dress / Jimmy Choo red pumps / Pomellato rose gold jewelry / Smashbox lipstick

But let's get real -- a full day in stilettos can be exhausting. Dressing down in flats is not really dressing down at all, especially if they look nice! A sleek flat with a pointy toe can easily replace a fancy heel any day of the week. I prefer to wear flats with skirts because otherwise my pants drag and get dirty and there is nothing tackier than a frayed pant hem!

Alexander McQueen zipper pencil skirt / Accessorize black bow flat / Carolee imitation pearl earrings / Michael Kors hinged cuff bracelet/ Marc jacobs shirt

Another essential to a business casual wardrobe is a blazer. You can wear a blazer with practically everything! Dress, skirt, pants...blazers make any outfit a touch more professional. A cropped blazer is perfect for when it's warmer out and you don't want to be sweating at your desk all day, but you can always swap out for a nice light-weight cardigan!

Miu Miu structure shirt / Theory cropped jacket / Etro cigarette pants / Pointed toe shoes / Kate Spade watch / Allurez gold pearl earrings

Let me know some of your business casual must-haves in the comments below!