There are a lot of fitness brands that can fully transition into an après work-out scenario. But that scenario is usually brunch, errands, cocktails (why not) or something that allows a loud printed legging or a cute crop top to come into the mix. What can be challenging is finding pieces that can be transitioned into and out of a work environment. As some of you know, I was in corporate before I decided to work for the coolest boss ever (me), and I also had the privilege of traveling the world for work. Once, I landed in Singapore after the longest flight of my life. My room wan't ready so I showered in a tiny bathroom where the toilet and shower were practically one. You may think it was very James Bond of me but it was not sexy at all. I had also watched The Fault In Our Stars on the plane so I was very emotionally unstable; the bathroom shower did me in. It would have been sweet to have had the opportunity to rely on what I wore on the plane if had to come down to it. I mean, let's be real, I would have still needed to wash my face and reapply deodorant but what if my flight was delayed and I needed to jet straight to my meeting? When you have a busy day the slightest shift in your schedule can spiral things out of control, so it's great to be prepared for life's little surprises.
I was really excited to learn about ADAY and their "wear-anywhere" line of clothing. A huge distinction is that ADAY does not consider itself part of the "athleisure" pack, they are instead creating a new category that speaks to the brand's high fashion lens and truly transitional pieces. The goal is that these pieces complement your active and spontaneous life. I love that idea. I'm pretty spontaneous (or at least I like to think so) but I am also well aware that sometimes life has its own plan for my day. Maybe you get pulled off the wait-list and you get in to your favorite fitness class or maybe you worked out hard that morning, slayed a pitch at work and want a celebratory drink afterwards. In any event, you shouldn't have to compromise your life and the decisions you make based on what you are wearing. That sounds kind of ridiculous when you think about it, no?
A lot of the tech-luxe fabrics help with moisture which I think is also good in every day work scenarios. Every time I had a big pitch, I was a sweaty mess. It's nice to think that there can be clothes to support you through high intensity moments in and out of the gym. I decided to take this concept for a test drive. I brought a couple of staples from my closet to see if I could put together some "boardroom" appropriate looks. I put together 6 looks for you that can take you from the Boardroom to the Barre! You would only need to pack one transitional piece in these scenarios for your sweat sesh, I'm sure it will take up less space than your laptop in your bag. These gorgeous photos were shot at the ADAY SOHO office in NYC. I'm sure you will be tempted to pick up some of these pieces so enjoy $10 OFF of your first order using the promo code ADAYlovesKelly (the love is mutual).
Scroll to the end of this post to get some fashion and business inspiration from Founders Nina Faulhaber and Meg He. These rockstars were recently featured on Forbes 30 Under 30 under the Retail & E-Commerce category. Forbes called me too but being that I am a mature 33, they couldn't feature me.
LOOK 1 "PUT ME ON THE SHORTLIST"
ADAY HERO PIECE: CRASH CAUSE TOP IN BLACK
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
· A Printed Silk Scarf
· Office Appropriate Shorts & Tights (this will depend on what industry you are in, use common sense people, don't send me on an email saying I got you in trouble with HR)
· Boyfriend Blazer
· Statement Ring
LOOK 2: "COOL, CALM & CULLOTTED"
ADAY HERO PIECE: CRASH CAUSE TOP IN BLACK
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
· Black Culottes
· Animal Printed Pumps
· Structured Bag
· Cuff Earrings
LOOK 4 "I MEAN BUSINESS"
ADAY HERO PIECE: HAIL YES TRACK PANTS IN MATTE BLACK
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
· Black Leather Shell
· Tuxedo Blazer
· Animal Printed Pumps
· Studded Bracelet
LOOK 5 "BOOKED SOLID"
ADAY HERO PIECE: HAIL YES TRACKPANTS IN WET LOOK BLACK
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
· White Silk Blouse (cuff links optional)
· Black Low Heeled Booties
LOOK 6: "THAT'S A WRAP" (add pumps to dress this up!)
ADAY HERO PIECES: HAIL YES TRACKPANTS IN WET LOOK BLACK, HIT THE SKY TANK AND UP IN THE AIR JACKET
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
· Super cool kicks
· The desire to fly, run, sweat and live
I asked Nina and Meg....
1. What is your in-office style? Do you have any styling tips to share with us?
Nina: I like to style ADAY with my other favorite brands such as Phillip Lim or COS. I normally keep my outfit the same from day to night but change shoes and lipstick: sneakers and Glossier coconut balm during the day, and boots and red lipstick at night. At the moment, our Brakes On Leggings are my all day, all night go to and I've recently made it a uniform, so it takes out the stress out of my mornings.
Meg: I like to add in texture + a print to our staple pieces — my favorites are Preen, Erdem and Alexander McQueen. A black Dream Harder tank on textured black on differently textured black is an exciting combo, then + lipstick (Heat Wave by NARS) and I'm all set for day or evening (yes, I'm lazy / efficient :-)
2. Any New Year's resolutions to help support your continued success in 2016?
Nina: I'm going to celebrate happy moments and enjoy the ride.
Meg: Be happy with where I am. Too often I've been frustrated or angry at not being good enough or fast enough or doing enough. Here's to recognizing that the present is a beautiful place.
The yogi in me can't help but absolutely love these responses. I'd take a play from their book any day! Stay present and watch the magic unfold. xo
