This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Athleta.

One of the things I love most about moving is the fresh start it creates. Whether you’re just moving to a new apartment down the street, or packing up your bags for a cross-country move, it’s an opportunity to refresh, reevaluate, and restart as you figure things out and find your groove in your new space. My move to New York felt both like it happened so quickly and was in the making for so long but after almost three months here, I feel like I’m truly hitting my stride and settling into new routines within my every day that make my new city really feel like home.

WEARING
Athleta Joggers// Athleta Sweater // Athleta Jacket

I’ve gotten a lot of questions about how I’m liking life in New York and how living here compares to San Francisco and Chicago, and while I could go on for hours about it, the short answer is that I love it. There’s so much energy here – you can step outside at any hour of the day and feel it all around in the hustle and bustle, and diversity of happenings and people. Life here could not be more different than my time in San Francisco and instead of comparing the two, I’m embracing it and have been focused on trying new things as I find my new routine and go to spots within New York. The big move has created a perfect opportunity to try new things, step outside my comfort zone and ditch the idea of “balance” and instead accept the fact that we’re all really just figuring it out every day.

This month, inspired by Athleta’s #WorkInYourWorkout challenge, I’ve been finding ways to sneak in moments of activity within my every day – whether it’s a long walk in the morning with Callie along the Hudson River or catching up with friends while grabbing a coffee and strolling around on the High Line, September’s cooler weather has made it ideal to get outside and get moving. When life gets crazy busy it’s all too easy to feel like there’s no time to workout, so finding little ways to sneak in some exercise time goes a long way to help me feel grounded and overall better. My latest favorite has been ditching my usual subway commute to/from the office and instead hopping on a Citi Bike to clear my head and break up the monotony that is usually associated with commuting – it’s actually one of the fastest ways to get around during rush hour, and is also a really fun way to discover new areas and learn your way around the city as a newcomer.

To make life easier and avoid having to bring an extra outfit to the office for my biking excursions, I’ve been getting creative with my office style and finding pieces that are comfortable and breathable, but also polished enough for meetings or grabbing a drink with coworkers after work. Athleta has the best options around for pieces that can both perform, and look cute – their pieces have the best details, like zipper pockets to stash your cell phone without having to worry about it falling out, and just the right amount of stretch to move with you throughout the day.

My biggest secret for an outfit that allows you to sneak in a workout during the work day? Layers! When I’m biking to work in the morning, I’ll pair a jogger pant (so comfy and cute) with a simple tank as my base, with a jacket layered over top for morning chill or frigid air conditioning in my favorite neighborhood coffee spot. I’ll stash a more polished top, like an on-trend jewel toned sweater, and a pair of flats in my backpack for when I get into work, and it’s just a quick change that can work for every element of my day. These joggers from Athleta have also become a travel staple since they’re a step above wearing leggings on the plane in just the right way, and also pack really well without getting wrinkled or taking up very much space in your suitcase.

Instead of beating myself up about balance, I’ve been having so much fun embracing the uncomfortableness of living in a new city and finding new ways to make it work and try new things as I settle into a new routine in New York. Have you ever tried sneaking in a workout within your workday? 

This post was sponsored by Athleta and as always, all opinions are 100% honest and my own – authenticity is a top priority and I only partner with brands I truly love. Thank you for supporting the brands that partner with Pretty & Fun! 

Photos by Carter Fish