Breaking Fashion Rules & A Giveaway!

Cardigan & Khakis: JCPenney | Chambray & Purse: Target | Shoes: Sperry | Belt: Unknown

Modern Pearls Necklace: Boutique la Passerelle | CLO Necklace: My Monogram Necklace

While putting this outfit together, I originally had white pants set out to go with it and then I remembered it was after Labor Day and there is some dumb "rule" that you're not supposed to wear white after Labor Day. Blah. Blah. Blah. I don't care. I opted for these pants instead though because, while I hate khakis, I knew I'd be wearing this outfit outside and I didn't want to get my white pants dirty, but don't actually care about these guys.

Enough about that, on to the giveaway! This beautiful necklace was gifted to me by My Monogram Necklace and you have a chance to win an item from their collection, of your choice, for yourself! I'm in love with this necklace. Although I added an extender to mine, I'm sure that most of you wouldn't because it comes at a great length, I'm just weird and don't really like anything close to my neck. I had a hard time choosing which piece from the collection that I wanted because I could see so many of their pieces fitting in well with my wardrobe and other jewelry, but decided to go with this piece because it seemed the most classic. I've always been a fan of monograms and love that it's been on trend for awhile recently, so this comes to you guys at just the right time. Good luck!

*Since writing this post, I have been asked a lot about why my initials are in the "wrong order" typically with monograms, the last name letter is the largest and in the middle. Personally, I think that order is weird if the monogram is for one person, though I think that order makes sense if it's for a married couple. So since this is a 'just me' necklace, I asked this to be the order...also, when I sign my name, I always put a big fancy L for my middle name, Lee, so this is very much my style. You are welcome to order your initials in whatever order you choose if you win the giveaway.*

This is a sponsored post I received this necklace as a gift, but all opinions are my own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fashion Forward Fridays: Dona Jo Fitwear

So if there is one thing I know about girls, it's that we hate to look bad, even in situations where not looking are best should be is permitted. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about....the gym (or really anywhere you might workout). That internal debate always seems to go off in our heads as to whether or not we should be "dressing cute" to go work out. The answer, in my opinion, is always no, you should not be wearing makeup and no your hair should not be made perfect before you go to the gym. Your outfit however, can be "cute" or in today's case for Fashion Forward Fridays, very stylish.

Meet Ashley Ferraro, a Pittsburgh native and designer of Dona Jo Fitwear. Ashley is the answer to your prayers if you're anything like the girl described above. Or if you're just the girl who is sick of wearing her boyfriend's shorts to the gym. Read on, fashion-loving, active ladies as Ashley gives you the ins and outs of Dona Jo Fitwear through this exclusive interview!

Stylish & colorful workout clothes from Dona Jo Fitwear - all photos provided by Ashley.

Tell us about yourself and how Dona Jo Fitwear was created
I’m originally from Pittsburgh, but traveled to Florida for school – Go FGCU! I met my husband, Raphael, in college. I made my first trip to Brazil in my sophomore year of college and fell in love with the country. I wasn’t really into working out at that point, but it was my first encounter with a more stylish, sexy, and vibrant way of dressing to the gym. I was amazed how Brazilians were so confident in their own skin. The second trip to Brazil everything changed. I fell in love with the Brazilian style of workout clothing and I bought some pieces for personal use. As much as I loved everything, I knew if we wanted to see the Brazilian style of workout clothing here in the US, we were going to have to modify it! So about a year ago when we started brainstorming about the business, we knew we had to modify the cut, designs, and quality standards. We decided to create a brand that combines the Brazilian inspiration for stylish, sexy, fun designs and colors, with the American quality standards. Once we created our own identity, and the designs came to life the business was born. 

Why did you decide to design workout gear rather than anything else?
I LOVE working out, it’s such a huge part of my life. I’ve been an athlete my whole life. My husband was also an athlete when we met, and he got me into going to the gym about 4 years ago. I have been working out 4-5 days a week ever since. It changed my whole outlook on health and how I feel about myself. Looking good motivates me to work out harder, have fun and feel good about myself. This is how I want all my customers (JoJo’s) to feel when they wear Dona Jo!

Look good and feel great while working out in Dona Jo Fitwear.

What inspires your designs?
The free-spirited, confident and vibrant Brazilian culture is where most of the inspiration comes from. Brazilians want to be sexy, comfortable and sporty so I grab that inspiration in every piece we design. I am the only American on the whole team, so I “Americanize” each piece we create in our manufacturer in Brazil to ensure everyone here will LOVE it too! 

Where can readers buy your pieces?
Anyone can shop on our website www.donajofitwear.com. Or, you can email me at aferraro@donajofitwear.com for a personal styling appointment if you are in the Pittsburgh area. Also, we have wholesalers in the USA, Brazil and Ukraine…and a few more to come. 

What are your future plans for the Fitwear line?
Right now we are getting all our designs finalized for the fall/winter collection. The collection is looking beautiful and will be something totally different than anything you see in the market! We will be introducing new prints, textures, colors and designs. 

Our future goal is to have wholesalers throughout the world, and a few corporate owned stores in the biggest markets.  We want to give all women the opportunity to be motivated to live a healthy life style and feel great about themselves when they wear Dona Jo.

What is the most rewarding thing about having your own line?
I love being able to dress women to feel confident in their own skin while working out. The gym can be an intimidating place, so feeling and looking the part is SO important to achieve better results. You have to dress the part…if you want to lose those last 10 lbs, it’s important to power up your self-esteem by looking the part. Dona Jo has the right gear for that!

Anything else you'd like to add...
I <3 all my Jo Jo’s – Thank you for all the love and support! Keep being #fashionablyfit!

Hope you all check out the Dona Jo Fitwear collection 

and stay #fashionablyfit this weekend!

This is a partnered post but all opinions are my own.

Chels Wears: Layers for Autumn

Sweater, Tank & Scarf: Wal*Mart | Leggings: Sears

Boots: Voltage | Purse: Target | Queen Elizabeth Coin Bracelet: Flea Market

(In a sing-song manner) It's the most wonderful time of the year! 

Who doesn't love fall? Honestly. It is my favorite time of the year. Crunchy leaves. Back to school supplies. Pumpkin spiced everything. Scarfs and boots! Football. I could go on. I love fall and it is slowly starting to feel like it outside, which I love. Although I am not a fan of the winter and snow that comes afterwards. Here's hoping fall sticks around for a while in these parts!

Guest Post: Ashley from A Dash of Spectacular

Hope you all are enjoying this perfect, between summer and fall weather and perhaps thinking of being outside in it to enjoy it even more. Today's guest post is Ashley from A Dash of Spectacular and she's talking about biking in the 'burgh! Ashley is a Texas transplat to Pittsburgh and I really enjoy reading her blog and seeing how she enjoys discovering the city and all the new things she discovers on her adventures. Read about biking here and then check out her blog for a whole lot more!

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Beginner Biking in Pittsburgh

Hi, y’all! This is Ashley from A Dash of Spectacular, and I’d love to chat with you readers about biking in and around this lovely city. 

• Don’t have a bike? That’s ok, we’ll get you set up. Read on.  
• Missed Bikefest 2013 in August or any other fun cycle-centric events the city puts on? No worries, it’s always prime time for bike talk. 

It’s such a great way to get some exercise and see PGH at the same time. 

I am a new cyclist {a fancy term for biker}, having just bought my first bike in May of this year.  I’d always loved riding my bike as a kid, but fell out of habit when I grew out of my ‘kid-sized bike’ around middle school.  The pink-and-white streamers on my handlebars were really cramping my style. I should have stuck with it, because I am falling back in love with cycling!  You don’t need an expensive bike to enjoy cycling – just pick something you’re comfortable with, and several spots around town have bike rentals {I’ve heard good things about Golden Bike Rentals and Bicycle Heaven}, and I hear there is going to be a Bike Share program soon.

The Happy Day. I know I’m reppin' the wrong city, but I’m biking here nonetheless!

As a novice cyclist, I’m getting to know all of the gorgeous spots to bike here in Pittsburgh.  For example, a few weekends ago I took a breezy, 10-mile ride down Beechwood Blvd., through Squirrel Hill, and back up to my apartment in Shadyside. Beechwood is super safe and lined with bike lanes. I have a few photos of this ride on my blog post from 8/22, if you need a view to convince you.  If you’re already a cyclist, I’d love to hear about some of your favorites routes! I’ll be taking notes.

If you are brave, the city itself has lots of bikes lanes.  If you’re not satisfied with the ‘beta’ bike trails on Google Maps {the little green squiggles}, Bike PGH offers maps of the aforementioned local trails to get you started, so if you see one of these:

Pick it up!! Or, you can download one here. Take some time and grab your groceries for the evening or pick up your RedBox movie while on your bike. A couple times of doing the errands by bike and you’ll be a master at PGH’s bike routes.

If you don’t want to brave the streets of PGH {potholes and all}, then a trail might be your best bet.  More well-known, paved or packed dirt routes include the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Southside Trail, the Frick Park trails, and of course, the granddaddy of them all, the Great Allegheny Passage, which eventually leads to Washington, D.C.  It’s more than 300 miles! That one’s going on my bucket list. 

All of the trails are ready for any level cyclist, from beginner to advanced. Once you have basic knowledge of bike maintenance, tire repair and safety {all of which you can get from any of the bike shops in town}, you’ll be set for an adventure. I’ve found that you just have to get yourself out there! 

Do you have any cycling questions? I’ll add them to my ‘beginner’ list and be posting more soon over on my blog, A Dash of Spectacular. I hope to see you out biking PGH with me! 

Are You Ready For Some Football (Blogging)?!

Heinz Field and PNC Park

Yesterday started the official season of the Pittsburgh Steelers and if you know me, then you know I'm now busy on Sundays. And you should know that I am back to blogging with On Her Game (previously named Her Game Life) as a Pittsburgh Steelers blogger.

On Her Game is a place for all of the NFL teams to be represented by female bloggers from all around the country. And I am proud to be a part of this group by representing the team I love most. On Her Game is slowly taking on more than just the NFL and that is why you'll see a little more than just Steelers coverage in my first post back, since the Pirates are doing so well, they have a mention in today's post as well.

You will be able to read my posts at On Her Game every Monday during the season and I will update you if there are more! Hope you'll follow along and hopefully the Steelers will do better in the rest of the season then they did yesterday! Here we go!

Read my post: Advice for Steelers & Pirates; Hope for the 'City of Champions'