Cassey Ho's Blog, page 22

August 3, 2023

I Ditched the Gym to Work Out… In a Mirror??

This Lululemon Mirror review may contain referral links for products we love, and all opinions are our own. We earn a small commission from these links, at no additional cost to you.

lululemon studio mirror review

As much as the Libra in me loves looking at myself, I never thought I’d see the day when I was slipping into my leg-day best to work out… in a mirror. 

Okay but hear me out. It’s not just any ordinary mirror. It’s the Lululemon Studio Mirror. This smart fitness mirror allows you to tap into over 10,000 workouts in the comfiest gym in town: your home. It’s crazy. But also the perfect solution if you’re looking for ways to get movement in throughout the day, building up gym confidence, or want a little personal coach to up your workouts. 

Let’s get into a little Lululemon Studio Mirror review

Shall we?

 

Was I intimidated to ban myself from the gym completely? For sure. But I’m always down for a little mental and physical challenge. I headed to Target to grab some essentials, made one 0.5″ addition to my yoga mat lineup and I was ready to sweat!

Pros & Cons

lululemon studio mirror review pros and cons is it worth it

Shop Lululemon Studio Mirror

2 cons, 8 pros. Short answer: I think it’s worth it. Cons first.

Cons

Connection Issues

I can admit – I’m impatient. Connection issues are the bane of my existence. When I wake up at 5am to work out, I want nothing to be in my way. Sadly, I’ve dealt with the Mirror not showing up to our little morning sessions and my app can’t locate my mirror (my eye is twitching just thinking about those hard mornings). For me, this leads to a lack of motivation to get my movement in. Luckily, it doesn’t happen all of the time. 

Difficult to Move

Coming in at around 70 lbs… THE MIRROR. She’s a beast. If you’re someone (like me) who enjoys constant rearrangement, you’ll definitely need a hand when you want a little room refresh. The upside: she’s sturdy. And when I’m not frantically chasing change, I know she will comfortably sit against the wall and I don’t have to worry about it tipping over. 

Pros

Convenience 

I feel like this is a more obvious one but… you don’t have to leave the house to get a good workout in. You can set The Mirror up in your preferred area and sweat like you’re in the gym (and probably feel sore like you just left the gym too). 

Various Workouts 

The Mirror has classes from Cardio to Pilates to Strength Training. You name it, it has it.

lululemon studio mirror workoutsI’m not joking when I say that my cardio typically involves hopping on a treadmill for 5 minutes…. and then finishing off with a sprint to my car. I stick to a consistent strength training routine that I never steer away from. Like, yoga classes at my local gym sound great. Keyword: sound. 

Over the past month, I’ve dabbled into Pilates, Gentle Yoga, and Guided Meditation (as I’m typing this my mouth is open like I’m literally amazed). As a result, I’ve learned to strengthen my mind, body, and spirit in ways that I never imagined.

 

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Build Confidence

I can admit it – when I’m doing things that I have never done before, I find myself overanalyzing myself, especially in the gym. Do I look stupid doing this? Am I even doing it right? Is that person over there judging me?

Being able to move through classes with no one in the room besides me, myself, and I (my 3 besties) has made me worry less about judgment and allowed me to focus on nothing other than my movement.  

Personal Coaching

I’m a firm believer that the mind is a powerful thing and working out is all about that mind-to-muscle connection. Within almost every workout session, each Lululemon coach has sprinkled positive words of affirmation that when you’re sweaty and ready to give up… help push you a little further to the finish line. It’s as if they all know the perfect moment to encourage you to thank yourself for showing up. 

Equipment is Optional 

A good workout with no equipment?? This was a major plus to me, especially because “no equipment” wasn’t narrowed down to only cardio classes. Some days, I was tapping into Butt + Legs days with a chance to focus on the movement and my form vs. how heavy I was lifting something. 

Apple User Friendly  

This is self-explanatory. I’m a total Apple girly so being able to sync my workouts to my Fitness app and let my Apple Watch track my heart rate makes my heart flip in circles. Your heart rate also shows up on the bottom of The Mirror as well which helps me gauge how much I can (aka should) intensify my workout to really push myself. 

Overall Feelings

After being stuck in a zone of not being excited to work out and also, not knowing how to switch up my routines, The Mirror helped to not only pull me out of my funk but also get excited about moving again. Transitioning back to gym days, I’ve realized that the Mirror has helped me prioritize pre-workout warm-ups and also, give myself those mental pushes to bring me to the end of my workout. 

If you’re looking for a smart mirror to grab for your home gym, The Mirror is totally worth the investment.

Shop Lululemon Studio Mirror

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Published on August 03, 2023 11:43

July 31, 2023

This design isn’t for everyone…

Hey guys!

This really isn’t for everyone. But I’m not trying to design one thing for everyone. I’m trying to design different options for different bodies and different preferences.

cassey ho design popflex sklegging leggings with skirt modest fashion
Leggings with a skirt

To be completely honest, I had a really challenging time with the design. But I know how important it is to have modest activewear options for you! The challenge was worth it.

It actually took 11 months and 19 days from the time I sketched this to be able to arrive at today’s release. Look, EVEN I thought all I had to do was plop my twirl skort pattern on top of my legging pattern and be done. But no. When I did that, it was looking dowdy and just so UN-POPFLEX.

It took time to adjust the skirt ever so slightly to make it still twirl but not overwhelm. Shortening the waistband height, removing some extra fabric, and adding a higher curve to the sides is what helped create the right effect in the final product!


 

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A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates)


Crisscross Hourglass® Sklegging

I’m learning as I go about modest fashion design

Thank you for challenging me to push past my boundaries as a designer.

As someone who personally does not dress modestly, I actually liked being pushed to create something that could not rely too heavily on showing skin to be cute. It challenged me creatively, and that, I’m always up for because it forces me to expand my mind.

I’m wearing the POPFLEX Sklegging in size small. This is a 27” inseam and I’m 5’5”. Since it’s an experimental design, I didn’t create different inseams just yet. I need to assess what you guys think about leggings with a skirt before I head in any deeper.

Anyway, I hope you love! And if you don’t, that’s fine too bc the original skort with shorts under still exists! You can shop the Crisscross Hourglass Twirl Skort here!

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Published on July 31, 2023 11:07

The Tastiest Recipes For Tomato Season

If you’ve been browsing your local farmer’s market lately, you might have noticed that tomatoes are the ultimate summer produce item. Shopping seasonally is a great way to add a fresh, healthy flavor to your meals while supporting local farmers. 

If you’re like me, you might find yourself reaching for in-season fruits and vegetables, but struggling to find interesting, varied recipes to use them up. 

Our favorite recipes for tomato season

In honor of tomato season (and TikTok’s newest trend, the Tomato Girl Aesthetic), we’ve collected a bunch of Blogilates-approved tomato-based recipes that will make for a delicious summer.

 

Herbed Ricotta & Tomato Toast ricotta and tomato toast on a white plate sprinkled with herbs

Image: Eating Well

This five-minute creation is simple yet packed with flavor. Enjoy it with a fried egg for a savory breakfast or as a gourmet but low-maintenance work-from-home lunch. 

Recipe

 

Homemade Marinara Sauce With Fresh Tomatoeshomemade marinara sauce recipe crumb top baking best tomato recipes

Image: Crumb Top Baking

If you’ve got the time (and the tomatoes), fresh marinara sauce is infinitely better than the canned variety. Use it for pasta, pizza, or as a dip for mozzarella sticks. (Pssst… It goes great on top of the Trader Joe’s pizza crust! See more Trader Joe’s recommendations here.)

Recipe

 

Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

@feelgoodfoodie Baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes!! Recipe on blog • Inspired by @grilledcheesesocial 😘 #tiktokpartner #LearnOnTikTok #fetapasta #recipes ♬ original sound – Feel Good Foodie

Remember when that feta pasta went viral on TikTok? It’s time we re-introduce it to you because it’s SO. DARN. GOOD. Super creamy and tart, this recipe makes for a super easy dinner that’s guaranteed to impress any guest. 

 

Air Fryer “Sundried” Tomatoes

Image: Life’s Little Sweets

Did you know you can make sundried tomatoes in the air fryer? This fast and easy method can elevate your tomatoes into a sweet snack or addition to pasta. No air fryer? No problem! You can also make these in the oven.

Recipe

 

Caramelized Onion & Balsamic Tomato Tarts

Image: Half Baked Harvest

Whether you serve them as an appetizer or make it a meal, these tarts can easily become a kitchen staple. Between the flaky golden crust and the roasted tomatoes that are ready to burst, every bite is a culinary delight.

Recipe

 

Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip With Marinated Tomatoes

@fooddolls Whipped Cottage Cheese with Marinated Tomatoes #cottagecheese #protein #healthyrecipes #tomatoes #fooddolls ♬ Daydreams – Gentle State

At first I was skeptical, but when I tried this dip I knew it was going to be an absolute hit at any family gathering. Made with cottage cheese but whipped to a smooth texture, it’s unexpectedly smooth and tangy. Plus, it’s high in protein! If you really don’t want to give cottage cheese a shot, you can always sub for more feta or for cream cheese.

 

Grilled Eggplant Parm With Roasted Tomatoes eggplant parm with roasted tomatoes recipe nerds with knives

Image: Nerds With Knives

This recipe will make you feel like you’re dining in a top restaurant. It’s sure to level up your home cooking experience if you’re willing to take on the challenge. (And the blog says it pairs well with red wine. For our non-alcoholic wine list, click here.)

Recipe

 

 

Peach, Tomato, & Corn Salad With Burrata peach tomato corn salad with burrata recipe serve sunshine

Image: Serve Sunshine

This salad is absolutely packed with seasonal produce. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory, textured and creamy, with so many great components that all come together to make one beautiful and interesting dish.

Recipe

 

Creamy Tuscan Chickpeas

 


@carole.food Day 2 of 30 | creamy tuscan chickpeas, ready in 20 minutes #easyrecipe #quickrecipe #chickpeas ♬ original sound – carole

This vegetarian-friendly recipe is a great way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your weekly routine. It contains familiar ingredients and can be made all in one pan for a quick and easy post-dinner cleanup.

 

What are you waiting for? It’s Tomato Time!

What are your favorite ways to use tomatoes? Any other seasonal summer suggestions? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below.

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Published on July 31, 2023 10:36

July 30, 2023

The Blogilates August 2023 Workout Calendar!!

Hey guys!

Hellooo, August!! Is your summer winding down, or is the fun still going?!

August is the month of new routine…or finding our way back to a routine that got lost in the busy summer months. Living freely all summer with late nights, fun with friends, and travels is THE BEST, but I’m always ready to settle down and get back into some consistency as the end of the season closes in, you know?




Perfect timing for your August Workout Calendar!!


The key to sticking to a new routine is to prepare and plan ahead so you can ease in. The calendar takes care of this for you. 🙂




blogilates august workout calendar 2023


Download JPEG




How to follow the August Workout Calendar


Check the Blogilates YouTube playlists to find all of the videos you need for this month’s calendar!!

OR you can get everything you need (and more motivational tools!) on the BODY By Blogilates app! If you don’t have the app yet, it will make following along with this month’s workouts easier! You can access not only the calendar but all of the videos in one place. Find challenges and free programs like the Glow Up Sessions and the 200 Ab Challenge there too!

Now that you know where to find your workouts, here’s what you can expect each day of the August Workout Calendar. You ready?!!!

SUNDAY: Recovery
MONDAY: Total Body
TUESDAY: Abs
WEDNESDAY: Booty
THURSDAY: Total Body
FRIDAY: Arms
SATURDAY: Legs & Thighs

Do each video once (unless otherwise stated) and check off as you go! Most days will be 45 min max of exercise.

If you get the BODY By Blogilates app, your workout calendar and workouts will all be in one place! And it’s so fun and motivating to get that “Workout Complete” checkmark 😉




Speaking of the app!


The Blogilates community is the BEST. So, I wanted to create a space where we could all feel a little more connected to each other! The social feature (in the most updated version of the app) is a place where you can share photos and/or text thoughts and comment on each other’s post. Think the good ol’ days of Instagram!

ANNNND 👀

We just added P♻PCYCLE, a place where you can list and shop for gently used POPFLEX and Blogilates items! You can read more about it here!




If you're just getting started...


Or want to ease into working out, my Beginner’s Calendar is a great place to start! It’s a free 4-week program to get you stronger so that you can join in on the monthlies when you are ready.




Want MORE?! Take on a challenge 😈


Sooo tell me about the 100,000 Steps Challenge!! Did you crush it?!

Deets about the August Challenge will be coming soon! Until then, check out all of our monthly challenges here!




Time to check in!


Let me know you’re IN for this month’s calendar!!!

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Published on July 30, 2023 14:16

July 28, 2023

The “Tomato Girl” Aesthetic is TikTok’s Juiciest Fashion Trend

*These Tomato Girl Aesthetic looks may contain referral links for products we love, and all opinions are our own. Blogilates.com earns a small commission from these links, at no additional cost to you.

TikTok’s fashion forecast calls for a Tomato Girl Summer. Not sure what that is? You’re not alone. We’re breaking down this trend so you can have the deets on social media’s juiciest summer looks. 


@xobexstudio Replying to @N 🧺💌 #fashiontok #tomatogirl #summeraesthetic #moodboard #hiddengems ♬ Somethin’ Stupid – Frank Sinatra & Nancy Sinatra

 

It Started With A Song

Like most things on the musical platform, this TikTok trend has song-inspired origins. A take on Meg Thee Stallion’s “Hot Girl Summer,” Tomato Girl Summer combines the concept of reclaiming the season with a new fashion niche. 

While TikTok is known for cultivating distinctive, hyperspecific fashion trends, this may be the app’s most unique trend. 

Inspired by Mediterranean landscapes, it gives your summer outfits a breezy, homegrown edge. This newly-named style brings European glamor to the everyday woman. (Even if you aren’t vacationing on the Amalfi Coast this summer, you can still dress like it!).

We love a good wardrobe refresh, and this style goes above and beyond. It’s a way to use unique patterns, color combos, and silhouettes to achieve that Italian leisure look. And we aren’t the only fans of this look; #TomatoGirlAesthetic on TikTok has over 117 million views.

After taking social media by storm, the Tomato Girl aesthetic has been recognized by major fashion magazines and is even influencing runway looks.

If you personally aren’t a fan of tomatoes, no worries! The trend has spawned conversations for other plant-inspired looks like the Lemon Girl and the Watermelon Girl. (As we move further into summer, we have to wonder how this trend will evolve when autumn rolls around… dare we say, Acorn Girl Fall? 👀). 

 


@vicmontanari I was leaving a #tomatogirl summer and didn’t even know #tomatogirl #tomatogirls ♬ Ma quale idea – Pino D’Angiò

 

It’s Not Just About Tomatoes

We know it’s in the name, but the trend is about so much more. The Tomato Girl style is about dressing in a bright, colorful palette that reflects the season’s beautiful blooms. From fresh produce to blossoming flowers and sparkling sunshine, this trend borrows everything we love about summer. The Tomato Girl look is playful, stylish, and carefree. It allows you to embody “golden hour” all day long. 

If you picture someone walking down the cobblestone streets of a European village in the summertime, think of what they’d be wearing. That’s the Tomato Girl aesthetic!

Okay, okay… If you’re still struggling to picture it, we don’t blame you. Here are some key items to achieve the look if you’re invested in becoming a Tomato Girl.

Warm tones like red, orange, yellow, and gold! (it is centered on tomatoes, after all)

Breezy linen sundresses and pants

Clothes with fun summer patterns like gingham or even fruits and veggies

Bright summer button downs

Silky hair scarves

Elegant sandals

Vibrant colors (if you’d see it in your neighbor’s garden, it’s perfect!)

Crochet and macrame accessories

Natural beach waves and your favorite claw clip

🍅 A bronzy, golden makeup routine for a glowy look

 

If you want more inspiration to build your own Tomato Girl-inspired look, check out our Tomato Girl Summer Pinterest board

This Trend Has Layers

Like so many fashion trends, the Tomato Girl aesthetic goes beyond what we’re wearing. It promotes a slower pace of life that stops us from rushing from one thing to the next. It doesn’t just conjure dreamy scenes of sipping an ice-cold drink and lounging with a good book or perusing your local farmer’s market for fresh finds. It encourages you to live out this European fantasy, no matter where you are. 

Being a Tomato Girl means seeking out adventure and taking it slow in order to appreciate all of the amazing things that can happen when you become present in the moment. 

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JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

 

Ready to Live Your Tomato Girl Summer?

Let us know if you like this trend and want to see more fashion inspiration on Pinterest in the future!

More trends we’re loving: Barbiecore, Balletcore, and 70s chic.

 

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Published on July 28, 2023 07:00

July 26, 2023

How Having Kids Changed My Perspective on Body Image

Body image is talked about as a finite thing, as if it’s something you learn or “fix” once, and move on with your life. 

The truth is, it’s a project that requires ongoing upkeep; Definitely not finite. It’s not even linear. The way we see ourselves changes by the day. Sometimes, by the minute. 

Even as a dietitian who is passionate about body positivity, I have my moments. When my favorite shorts feel snug, when my workout routine is off track, or after an indulgent meal, the familiar insecure feeling shows up. 

Throughout my journey as a mom, I’ve become hyperaware of my body image.

The way it changes feels a little like a pendulum. It’s often dramatic, with big, sweeping swings from one end of the spectrum to the other. 

This tracks with the dramatic changes our bodies go through as moms, right? But it doesn’t end when you have the baby. Whether your body returns to “normal” or forms a new normal, the body image pendulum continues to swing.

A glimpse into my pre-kids body image

Before pregnancy, my body never felt good enough. Why did genetics equip me with thighs that always touch, no matter what I weigh? Why did I stop growing at 5 feet tall, never seeing another inch after 12 years old? 

In those pre-kids days, I dreamt of thighs that didn’t touch, hip bones that stuck out, and visible abs. Looking back, the distortion is so obvious.

But as the idea of becoming a mom grew into a reality, my body goals changed. As I prepared to get pregnant, I wanted to be in the best shape of my life. Full transparency – This wasn’t ONLY to be healthy for my pregnancy. Deep down I knew that being in great shape would help me “bounce back” afterwards.

It feels gross to type that…but we’re here to speak the truth.

Miscarriage

Getting pregnant the first time was easy. And then, life served me a major wake-up call. Well, TWO wake-up calls. 

First, sometimes your body fails you with no explanation.  

Second, I didn’t expect losing a baby to affect my body image as heavily as it did. People don’t really talk in depth about miscarriage, much less mention how ugly they felt afterward. It feels too vain. Too selfish.

I was angry because my body failed me, and although I was only 10 weeks along, I had to cope with the early pregnancy changes that didn’t result in a baby. 

My slightly squishier tummy and added 5 pounds constantly reminded me of the rug that was swept out from under us. 

Pregnancy

When I became pregnant again and made it far enough along to breathe a little, the pendulum wasn’t swinging often, but each swing was violent. I knew change was coming, yet still felt disconnected from myself.

The phase where I looked like I’d just eaten too much for dinner was the hardest. There’s no beautiful bump, yet nothing really fits.

Do you hide the tummy or embrace it at this point? Even my underwear felt too tight, and it drove me to the point of tears. In the morning, I’d look mostly normal. But by bedtime, my body looked like it was someone else’s.

Later in pregnancy, I felt beautiful and powerful…most of the time. It’s normal to gain weight in places other than your belly, and I knew that. But that didn’t make it any easier when I noticed more cellulite on my thighs. I anxiously checked for stretch marks daily.

I held onto every comment about how I looked, good or bad.

“Wow, you’re all belly!” 

“You’re getting huge.”

“You’re so tiny.”

 

I heard it all, and every comment stuck with me.

There were times I dreaded getting dressed because finding something I felt good in seemed impossible. I’d compare myself to effortlessly stylish pregnant women (online and IRL) and wonder if I just didn’t have the body to be cute like them. 

I know, it’s a silly thing to worry about while growing a human. We’ll blame some of those feels on the hormones. 

Overall, these negative body image swings were few and far between. But I remember them clearly.

The Fourth Trimester

There’s no “official” timeframe for the fourth trimester, but for me, it was the period of time when my body did not feel like my own. 

18 months postpartum. The amount of time I breastfed both of my sons.

Immediately postpartum, I was shocked by how weak my core was (why doesn’t anyone warn you about this?!). I felt sooo squishy and didn’t recognize my body. The thought of “starting over” with my workouts felt discouraging.

This, plus healing everywhere else and serving as the only source of nutrition for my babies…yeah. Makes sense that my body felt foreign for a while. 

I lost weight really quickly with my oldest son, not only because I was breastfeeding (and overproducing at that), but because I was probably undereating due to stress. While you might think I was excited to be “lucky” in this way, the truth is, I felt SO weak. I lost so much muscle mass that I felt soft and shapeless.

Eventually, I got back into some semblance of a workout routine (this is an entirely different story), and gained some muscle back. And then, I stopped breastfeeding… and gained weight. 

Now, this was only a few pounds, back to my “pre-baby weight.” Again, I expected this and thought I was prepared for it to happen. But that body image pendulum swung HARD. 

The clothes I bought in smaller sizes for those 18 months suddenly felt too snug, and I was coming to grips with the fact that in some ways, my body was changed forever. 

The journey continues

Now my kids are 2 and 5. I feel like my body is “mine” again, or at least a new version that I’ve accepted over time. The body image pendulum still swings, but for different reasons. 

I notice it correlates with self-care. This isn’t groundbreaking information, but still took some time for me to learn.

When I’m in a season of high motivation, the kids are sleeping well (which means I am sleeping well too), and our routine grooves so I have time for daily movement and prepping veggies, I feel great. 

But then there are seasons when for whatever reason, some or all of those things hit the fan. And during those times, when I’m tired (physically or mentally), stressed, not moving consistently, and/or scrambling with meals – in Mom World we call this survival mode –  I notice a clear shift, and I’m not as kind to myself. 

Same body, new goals

In my pre-kid life, I primarily exercised to “fix” the parts of my body that I hated. I still deal with many of the same insecurities from time to time, but I confront them in healthier ways.

Now my workouts are vital to my overall well-being, and especially my mental health. This is my (much-needed) time to think without interruption, breathe deeply, and remind myself of how strong I am.

I enjoy a long walk or stretch sesh just as much as a sweaty HIIT workout, whereas before, anything that didn’t make me want to puke felt pointless.

I’m much easier on myself now because I’ve witnessed firsthand what this body is capable of. But it’s still a work in progress.

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Published on July 26, 2023 19:48

Pirouette Skorts are finally back!!!

Hey guys!

Okayyyy finallyyyyy the Pirouette Skorts are back! I know it’s frustrating that POPFLEX is always sold out, but as a small business (yes, the entire company is 22 people) we’re still trying to figure out how to order the “right” amount of inventory.

However, I would rather under order than over order any day. You know all those clothes that end up in landfills in developing countries? Yeah, that’s the result of corporations being over-confident in their inventory forecasting while lacking any care for the environment. 😔


 

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A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates)


Shop Pirouette Skorts

Anyway, excited for you guys to get your hands on the REAL Pirouette Skort! It comes in XXS-3X and I’m wearing the S. Obvi it’s got pockets and a seam-free anti-🐫 inner short!

Any q’s lemme know in the comments!

 

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Published on July 26, 2023 11:31

The Bow Back Long Sleeve, 4 Ways

Hey guys!

Have you seen the Bow Back Long Sleeve yet?! Just wait until you see what it can do 👀.


 

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A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates)


 

Shop Bow Back Long Sleeve

 

Okay, which look is your fave way of wearing it?

I always love me an easy layering piece and this is the ultimateeeee onneeee u guyzzzzzz! Originally when I set out to design this, looks 1 and 2 were the plan but 3 and 4 became a happy accident 🙂.

The super floaty and stretchy fabric is the reason why this top is so versatile! I am obsessed with the last look in this video 😍.

I’m wearing size small and it comes in XXS-3X in 4 colors.

Hope you love!

 

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Published on July 26, 2023 10:57

July 25, 2023

I Tried the Romper One Piece and It’s Pure Magic

Disclaimer: This piece reflects my honest feedback about the products mentioned. Even though POPFLEX and Blogilates are sister brands, this review features my own independent opinions. 

kristen kubek wearing popflex romper one piece in blue palm modest swimwear

Finding the perfect swimsuit is like Cinderella and her glass slipper. You know it’s yours when it fits just right and is uniquely suited to your fashion sense. But sometimes swim shopping can make you feel more like Goldilocks; you try out tons of different options before you finally get it “just right” and are absolutely exhausted by the end of it.

My swim fairytale led me to the new (and highly anticipated) POPFLEX Swim Drop. Let me tell you, This swim set is fit for a queen! Keep reading to see how the story unfolds…

The Tragic Backstory

Like every fairytale, my swim story has a bit of a tragic past. Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration… but let’s be real; everyone’s got their swim secret. In my case, I just always hated swim shopping and found it to be a bit embarrassing. I felt too hairy, too pale, too exposed. 

For so long, I could never find a suit to match my personal style. Even as I grew up, I didn’t necessarily gravitate towards the string bikinis in the mall, but I was afraid to look frumpy in the options that had more coverage. 

There was no in-between, no compromise, no “just right” option.

The Retro Drop Saves the Day

Like a knight in shining armor, POPFLEX came to save the summer! Their retro drop is exactly the kind of thing I was looking for; stylish, vintage-inspired silhouettes that are alluring yet not too revealing. They’re just the right amount of coverage. 

The Romper One Piece is a swimsuit that doesn’t feel like a swimsuit.

romper swimsuit modest one piece popflex Love at First Sight

True love is real and I know this because when I first opened the package, I knew me and the Romper One Piece were meant to be. The color was a vivid striking blue that I knew would complement my eyes. The material was sturdy with its double lining, so I knew it wouldn’t start to get transparent after a few wash cycles. Plus, it was built for max comfort; it’s smooth to the touch and has the same anti-camel toe structure as the other POPFLEX products.

Since the POPFLEX Onesies are some of my favorite workout pieces (I love a unique gym fit), I was excited to see how I liked the romper. It’s kind of like a onesie but in swim form. How cool, right?! I was so eager to try it on and see firsthand what it looked like on my body.

full coverage one piece popflex swim romper

Romper Royalty

I found that the romper is flexible when it comes to how it fits on your body, which means that it flatters so many different body types. It’s great to see a product that doesn’t just look good on one sort of person, but is truly versatile. 

My favorite feature is that this suit doesn’t scream beach only. You could absolutely wear it out to lunch at a poolside cafe or to a morning yoga session on the beach. It really is the most comfortable swimsuit I’ve ever owned, not just because of the soft but breathable fabric, but because it allows me to feel comfortable in my own body when I’m wearing it. 

While I’m between sizes, the romper does run pretty big. I’m usually between a small and a medium, but sized down and bought a small for this one! I highly recommend sizing down for this product.

swimsuit with pockets popflex romper swimsuit

Shop Romper One Piece

Fairytale Ending 🧚

I’m so excited to take this swimsuit on my next adventure! In conclusion, here are some of my final thoughts about the Romper One Piece.

Likes

The retro chic silhouette.

Extremely comfortable. 

Halter straps are adjustable and definitely long enough for taller beach babes!

Just the right amount of coverage. 

POCKETS!!!

Versatility – wear to pre- and post- beach activities! 

 

Dislikes

Potentially interesting tan lines with the halter top (If you can’t tell from my photos, I don’t tan much anyways so this isn’t a problem for me).

No cups, but if you like a little extra padding you could easily sew some in.

Will definitely need help sunscreening your back because of the silhouette!

👑 Would love to see some lighter and brighter color options!

 

Shop POPFLEX Swim

 

What are your thoughts on the new POPFLEX swim items? What kinds of things would you like to see in a future lineup? Comment below!

 

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Published on July 25, 2023 11:40

July 24, 2023

Designs That Died: Part 3

Hey guys!

Sometimes I miss. Here are those times 🫣


 

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A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates)


First, wide-legged pants.

After I debuted the first POPFLEX sweatpants, a lot of you requested that I design a wide-legged option. I was here for it! But then… I tried on the sample.

Omg. I couldn’t stop laughing.

On one hand, I kind of liked them. They were definitely comfy! But on the other hand, they were kind of giving JNCO Jeans. And they bowed out really awkwardly, which made me look like one of those circus people on stilts.

And then…the Cloud Hoodie dress

I’m not giving up on making a Cloud Hoodie dress! And this one was an upgrade from last time! But it’s still not “the one.”

First of all, it’s not comfortable. The waistband is just soooo tight! And then the skirt just kind of hangs there, with a pouch. It’s awkward and not cute. So…dead.

Back to the drawing board!

There’s a lot of failure in the design process, but that’s normal and when you finally get it right, IT FEELS SO GOOD.

So what do you think? Rightfully killed or should we bring these back from the dead?

 

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Published on July 24, 2023 14:54

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