Okay, dude -- the seasons (or lack thereof) out here in LA is actually crazy. We legitimately have no seasons out here, and I think I went berzerk. This outfit may look cute, but I was really sweating hella bad in it just to #doitfortheootd.

FYI, this is an outfit I wore to the office. I luckily get to wear business casual most days, unless it's a client-facing day (which is rare because I'm only an analyst). So lucky me I guess?

xoxo heauxs,

T

This week is all about the ~R&B Alternative Vibes~ a.k.a. a good reason for me to listen to Khalid and Frank Ocean on repeat. This is one of my favorite mixes to listen to when I'm at my desk working. It provides just the right amount of upbeat & solemness. I've come to realize that I can't really listen to upbeat music when I'm at my desk. It just gets me way too hype for a weekend that is so far away -- especially because it's only Tuesday.

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Flywheel SAMO!

Address: 
520 Broadway 
Santa Monica, CA

Website Definition: Flywheel indoor cycling classes offer unmatched performance tracking technology, a supportive, welcoming atmosphere and prove results. Their highly trained instructors are cycling enthusiasts who are committed to helping you succeed. 

Class: Fly 45 
Instructor: Camila Ramon 

Another spin class! This time I knew what I was getting into. Flywheel is one of the two spin classes that I was exposed to on the East Coast, however few times I actually went. But this time, I was pleasantly surprised by FlyWheel. First, the staff was incredibly friendly and helped me out the entire way through. They actually recently purchased these incredible new bikes, and now have this service where they pre-program your respective bike to your personal bike settings (i.e. height, handlebar distance, etc.) before you get to the studio.


What do you need: I brought my spin shoes, but then Flywheel gave me a pair of their new ones. I can't remember what the type of shoes was, but they were absolutely amazing and I wanted to throw away my Amazon spin shoes immediately. 

Intensity: High

Sweat: 4/5

Bathroom: n/a

It was the last class of the night, and they were shutting down so I didn't get the chance to look at the bathrooms. But tbh looking at the condition of the rest of the studio, they're probably nice. 

Vibes: 3.5-4/5

I was so surprised at the difference in vibes at the niceness of this studio, and the helpfulness of the staff that I have to give this a good vibes score. tbh I think I need to go back to another class that has more people to see what the actual vibes are because the 7:45pm class was pretty sparse. 

Equipment (New!): 4/5

I love, love, love their new bikes. The screen is very modern and easy to read, and the bike itself is very light and flows well. One note, the handlebars are very light, and if you tend to be a little bit heavier on the handles when you're out of the saddle, you may not like these bikes as much. However, I found the lightness of the handles to be helpful in helping me utilize my core a little bit more instead of depending so much on my arms to relieve weight from my legs.  

Music: 4/5


Will I come back? Yes! I honestly loved this location and the instructor so much, that I would definitely come back. I sometimes switch between liking Flywheel or Soulcycle more, but it honestly all depends on the instructors. 

Welcome to the newest ~Things I Did Thursdays~ !!!

This week I'm reflecting on the incredible time that I had at the Teen Vogue Meetup Summit last week. Not only was the event perfectly planned and surprisingly intimate, but I got to meet Elaine Welteroth -- the one and only editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue.

The agenda went as follows:

First, there was a Panel where Elaine interviewed both Grace Mahary and Lilly Singh, both incredible women making huge impacts in the world as innovators and activists.

Second, was a quick networking session where we were able to talk with one of the three women on the panel -- Elaine included! -- for two minutes. Although it was a tough decision, I had to go with Elaine. Not only is she in the position that I only dreamed about when I was in high school writing my style op-ed for the newspaper, but she is a black woman in power which makes her achievements ten times more important.

So, when it was my turn to talk to her, I already knew that she worked hard to get where she is so I asked her what she uses for her hair. Stupid question? Maybe, but she gave me the deets -- Vernon Francois, and boiiiiiii am I never turning back. We chatted a bit about that and how she is my absolute idol, and then she told me to SLIDE THROUGH HER DMs! I was so shook.

All in all the event was amazing, and Elaine was just as amazing as you would think she is. As a result, I desperately want to go to the Teen Vogue Summit happening in December, but it all really depends on my work schedule, unfortunately.

Wearing: Urban Outfitters Dress | Zara Boots | Ray-Ban Sunglasses | Jacket (Ebay) | Tiffany&Co. Bracelet

Wow, this outfit made me feel ~good~. No reason in particular, but I just felt hella stylish without trying too hard. It's funny because I have definitely seen my style shifting since being out here in LA. First, I'm way more into dresses (like this one) and second, my wardrobe has somehow been infiltrated with color, including these boots and dress.

Also, the benefits of living out in LA is that I can invest in more midi dresses like this and wear them all the way into winter. I always thought midi dresses were kind of hokey and way too conservative. BUT, with these shoes and army jacket, I think I did a good job of spicing it up a little. ha maybe. Idk, let me know if I'm completely wrong.

xoxo heauxs,

T

Because these past couples of weeks have been 80 degrees and above, I've been able to go to the beach a lot more over the weekends. Just this past weekend, I went to ~Malibu~ for the first time, and it was just as beautiful as everyone says. So... my yeets this week are more low-key than last week's with more of an early 2000s vibe -- A mix between a classic rom-com and The O.C. soundtrack. Very cliché, but also so hard to not get into a good mood when listening :)



enjoy heauxs,

T

CycleHouse - SAMO... 

Address: 
1541 Ocean Ave., 
Santa Monica, CA

Website Definition: Experience this high-intensity interval training cycling class designed to maximize caloric burn, incorporating upper body exercises with free weights to give you a true full body workout. Instructors highly curate each class' playlist to give you the best musical experience on the bike. 

Class: Cycle House Ride
Instructor: Sarah

This is your typical spin class. Stadium-like class set-up, with a stage for the instructor. The only difference from the regulars -- the teacher doesn't actually ride with you. Rather, there is a "spin model" that follows the instructions along with you. Overall, the vibe & music were great, but the actual environment and bikes left me wanting more...


What do you need: I purchased a pair of spin shoes from Amazon for my Equinox classes, so I didn't have to rent any. They only accept the Delta Look Clip, but they do have rental shoes for $2.

Intensity: High

Sweat: 4/5

Again, I'm always sweating so potentially take this with a grain of salt lol.

Bathroom: n/a

I was running late for work, so I didn't get to take a look at the bathroom, mah b!

Vibes: 2.5/5

The design seemed like a very rudimentary version of FlyWheel. I think CycleHouse is still slightly in progress of finding their official design and look. Maybe I need to go to the one in West Hollywood?  Also, the bikes were definitely old -- my handlebars kept moving even when they were screwed all the way in. Maybe I'm just snooty because Equinox and SoulCycle just updated their bikes.

Music: 4/5

I loved Sarah's music so much. I think so far, this music selection had to be my favorite of any spin class by far. It was very rap/pop heavy, which is right up my alley. I think this the biggest appeal of CycleHouse is their attention to music, and I would love to go back to see what another instructor's playlist is like.

Will I come back? Yes. I think I would, but only after I try other spin classes/workout classes in general. TBH it is kind of like a meshed version of FlyWheel and SoulCycle. FlyWheel in its aesthetics, and SoulCycle in the pace and music focus of the class.

Wearing: Nordstrom Button-Down | Zara Jeans | Enzo Angiolini Shoes | Ray-Ban Sunglasses | M.A.C. lipstick | Vintage Earrings

Thank God it's Friday, I didn't think I would make it.

Went pretty basic this morning, not because I was trying to be a minimalist, but literally because I was running late and threw on the easiest thing possible.

-T

Great Coffee (specifically the Mocha), and even better ~aesthetics~. This place is kind of hard to find considering you have to walk through an alleyway to get to it, but I think it's worth it. Is this mocha worth $7 though... idk it's still up for debate?

Final thoughts: 4/5 -- A quiet place with great coffee & enough ~aesthetics~ to keep any betchy girl satisfied.

-T

Wearing: Forever 21 Sweater | Vintage Skirt | Dune London Boots | Vintage Earrings | MAC lipstick | Ray-Ban Sunglasses

Happy Wednesday!!!!

-T

Here are some of the ~tunes~ that I'm listening to this week.

Tbh I think the many spin classes are starting to affect what I listen to on a regular basis. Most of the songs this week are pretty upbeat and pop/hip-hop-centric. I'm not upset about it, except for when I'm at work vibin' and realize that I'm not out drinking with my friends, and rather working on financial spreads in a cubicle...



enjoy heauxs,

T

BoxUnion... BoxUnion is like the West Coast version of Shadowbox. Just trade in the black for oak panels and a light taupe and there you are.

Address: 
1755 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica 
310.882.5508

Website Definition: A modern, group fitness experience designed by experts to maximize the physical benefits of boxing, fat-burning cardio, plyometrics and core work. Within their unique heavy bag studio, their signature 45-minute, total body workout tones muscles, focuses the mind and empowers the soul to burn through calories and reduce stress. 

Class: Form & Footwork (The BoxUnion Method)
Instructor: Kyle Shneider

This was a very introductory class that went over the fundamentals -- from movements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6 to how to position your feet. There was even a trainer on the stage that modeled the movements for us as the hour-long class went on. The class started out with Kyle going over the feet placement and slow play-by-plays of each of the movements. Once he felt like everyone in the class was at a certain level, we started to do combinations of the movements. Overall, it was a good class to get back to the basics or to learn the moves that are sometimes quickly brushed over in other boxing classes.

What do you need: I purchased the BoxUnion wraps for $5 and rented the gloves for $2. Just bring a water bottle and you should be good to go.

Intensity: Low

Sweat: 2/5

They keep the room at a higher temperature, so I started sweating like ten minutes in. Caveat -- I start sweating at the drop of a hat so.... maybe take this one with a grain of salt.

Bathroom: 3.5/5
They were clean and very aesthetically pleasing, but they were kind of small. This didn't bother me that much though because I was able to walk home to shower.

Vibes: 4/5

It's very clean and airy. Again, since this was an introductory class, the lights were left on in the studio so that we could get more intimate training with the instructor.

Music: 3.5/5

The music wasn't really the focus in this class. They played good tunes, but it was more of an afterthought.

Will I come back? Yes. I definitely would. I really want to see what the regular class is like. And now that I'm a self-proclaimed expert, I want to see my newly learned moves in action.

Here is a link to more intro videos by BoxUnion.

My Ramblings :)

Admittedly, I never was a very athletic person. I did dance Pointe for many years which kept me lean and toned for a while, but I was never a runner, a basketball player, or a volleyball player to the dismay of many people in SE Asia (I was asked at least once a day whether or not I played a sport -- mostly basketball and I'm still not sure if it's because I'm 5'11" or black, or both?) Anyways, my lack of athletic ability provides a funny background for the fact that I've recently fallen in love with working out. Yes, my best friends are all rolling their eyes somewhere because back in college, they had to drag me out of my dark dungeon of a room to go to at least one FlyWheel class a year. And mama look at me now. TBH this new obsession is probably because I am now a working woman with limited opportunities (or less will) to go out during the middle of the week -- shocking, I know.

Regardless, the moral of the story is: I moved out to the land of skinny blonde betches. Of course, I'm not trying to change my body type, but if you can't beat them join them? idk. I'm still unsure about that statement. So, I joined Equinox Santa Monica -- became an official Equiheaux (Copyrighted) and I fell in love with the gym and the tons and tons of classes that they have. I guess Equinox is who I have to blame for my sickness. But then, I got a little greedy. I knew that L.A. has a HUGE market for fitness with boutique fitness clubs on every corner, but the fees for Equinox are so high. I decided to join ClassPass. Right now I'm on the $4 trial, and I already love it.

Wearing: Zara top | Zara Culotte Jeans | Steve Madden Heels | Proenza Schouler Sunglasses | Apple Watch (Apple) | Tiffany Chain Bracelet 

Photos: Jovanna Reyes

Wearing: Zara Tank | Snap-Up Pants (Similar) | Slip-On Loafers (Similar)

Photos: Jovanna Reyes

Wearing: Zara top | Zara Relaxed Fit Jeans | Ray-Ban Sunglasses (Ray-Ban) | Apple Watch (Apple) | Tiffany Chain Bracelet

Photos: Jovanna Reyes