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Brandon Arlington
I mean come on ladies, back me up here on this one! If I have slim to no motivation to hit the gym, I change into my workout clothes. 9 times out of 10 that gives me enough girl power to get my sweat on. If you don't feel the same way, it's probably time for you to reevaluate the clothes you workout in. Your fitness wear should make you feel CONFIDENT and ready to tackle what's in front of you, including but not limited to a solid workout.
If you're wondering where you can get your hands on some cute, supportive, and flattering workout gear, you need to check out the tiny but mighty workout brand, Kiava. When I rave about this brand to my friends, they've all never heard of Kiava before, and I'm here to change that for women near and far. This brand is of the utmost quality and won't break the bank like some other brands have the ability to do. Plus, free shipping over $100!! What more could you want besides squat proof leggings and free shipping??!?!
I am so lucky to get to brag about this brand, and I'm even more lucky that they sent me some pieces to rave about and review for you lovely readers! Workout clothing is an investment and SHOULD be high quality. No one wants saggy leggings or a sports bra with no support and I promise my honest words are here to help you avoid that! I wouldn't support or recommend a brand I didn't love or believe in!
Kiava ClothingBrandon Arlington
Now let's get started on these reviews! For some quick info about my body type to help you with sizing, I am 5 feet 5 inches tall, my bra size is a 34C, and I weigh about 145 pounds!
The Battle Rope Bra (Medium - High Impact Support)
Battle Rope Bra Brandon Arlington
Ladies, this bra is going to give you all the love and support you need! When I first tried it on I immediately fell in love with how freeing it feels in the back! The braided straps are not stiff at all, they are super stretchy and move with you without any digging whatsoever. I have become a huge fan these past few months of bras with minimal straps in the back, it just feels so free! I ran 2 miles in this bra after I received it in the mail and had no issues at all - definitely a bra that can hold up during cardio.
Battle Rope Bra Brandon Arlington
This bra is 90% polyester, 10% spandex, and I got a medium! It comes in white, black, and magenta, all of which come with removable pads! One little detail I really appreciate about their bras is that their branding is stitched into the bra as opposed to a label that is just on the outside that might have the danger of coming off in the wash. It's the little things that I appreciate!
The link to purchase this bra is HERE!!!!
Battle Rope BraBrandon Arlington
I got this bra in white because it perfectly matches the…..
Black Marble Capri! (21 inches)
Oh. My. Goodness. This fabric is a cardio queen's dream! Kiava's luxe fabric is 77% polyester and 23% spandex - more than enough spandex to withstand running, HIIT workouts, cycling, and even a good old fashioned leg day. And I mean of course they're squat proof, did you even have to ask??? They have super deep pockets on both sides that are big enough to hold your phone, minimal branding on the calf, stay in place during movement, and have super flattering stitching that really makes my quads pop.
Black Marble Capri Brandon Arlington
I wear either a 2 or a 4 in jeans depending on the brand, and I got a small in these leggings. They fit PERFECTLY. Because I am a tad bit short, these capris have more of a 7/8th length on me, and I'm not complaining at all! It's the perfect look for summer, especially considering how breathable they are. When I sweat, I SWEAT, so I am super appreciative of how sweat-wicking these bad boys are. I would SO recommend these leggings, especially if you are a runner.
Black Marble Capri Brandon Arlington
Link to get the leggings of your dreams is right HERE!!!
I saved the best for last!!!
Fierce Crop Top
I LOVE crop tops!!! Something about them just makes me feel so slim and confident! Kiava seriously knocked this crop out of the ballpark. I am seriously about to wear the heck out of it. The mesh detailing is such a beautiful feminine touch without being too revealing and allows for nice ventilation while working up a sweat.
Fierce Crop Top Brandon Arlington
This crop is 90% polyester, 10% spandex, and… drumroll please… has a built-in bra with removable pads! Why put on a crop over your bra when you can have two in one?!?! The crop lands right above my belly button and is just so so so flattering. I cannot rave about it enough! I got a medium in this top and it fits me like a glove. You could definitely say I feel fierce in it.
Fierce Crop TopBrandon Arlington
I know you're dying to get your hands on this beauty! Link to cop this crop is right HERE!!!
All of these items surpassed my expectations and I have zero complaints about their quality! I tend to gravitate towards darker colors but even the white battle rope bra makes me feel confident in my own skin! I cannot sing the praises of this brand to you all enough and you definitely need to get your hands on some of their gear! Check out their full website HERE and be sure to follow Kiava on Instagram HERE to stay up to date on all their sales, releases, and giveaways!
Remember that health & fitness is a JOURNEY, not a destination, and it's never too late to start today (and it wouldn't hurt to look cute while doing so either)! Why not you and why not now? Let's get better together!
Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash
1. Never date a friend's ex or crush. Ever!
What are you, flipping stupid? You could have anyone. You could be Shawn Mendes wife, instead, you choose your friend's man, ex-man, or crush. You're scraping at the bottom of the bucket for someone who, 50% of the time, is doing it for revenge. I do not need a degree to see how little you think of yourself when you're taking your bestie's sloppy seconds. Great women don't do dumb stuff they can't recover from.
2. Gas your fellow woman up when she looks amazing!
If she looks great: Tell her she's Beyonce. Treat her like the Queen and Goddess we all know she is. Women critique the crap out of their own bodies, it is so difficult to love and accept one's own body.
Be the wife she wishes she could have. Set the standard for her future man. You are the bestie, be that bestie.
3. And calm that girl down when she looks terrible.
We all love our fellow woman but it is your responsibility as a phenomenal bestie to stop your wife dead in her tracks when she looks a hot mess. Tell her when her makeup looks too much for a first date, or when you know she won't get hired in a hoodie.
4. If you arrive together, you leave together.
Photo by Michael Discenza on Unsplash
Link arms, march out together. At the end of the night: pile into an Uber and drag yo self home.
5. Your bestie's secrets die with you.
Got a secret, can you keep it?
The shallowest people are those that spread private secrets like wildfire. Let me guess, only God can judge you? God doesn't like snitches.
6. Check in on every and any girl.
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash
If you see a woman who is talking to a man and she seems uncomfortable — pretend she's your best friend. Ask her how her day is, offer her a ride home, go get McDonald's, have a sleepover. It doesn't even have to be walking up to a stranger in a club; let your sorority sisters know they're appreciated, text your BFF or let your childhood best friend know that they're missed.
7. Any girl can be a potential sleepover buddy!
Speaking of sleepovers: who's down for face masks, '90s chick flicks and wine night? This girl.
8. Give your friends all the hugs.
Hug your friends, love your friends and let them know they're loved.
9. When he breaks her heart.... kill him.
I would never recommend murder but if he ruins her life, ruin his but in a better fashion. Leaked her nudes? Sue for defamation of image and non-consensual porn. Cheated? Let's see if the other woman knows she's "the other woman." Blocks you on social media? Let's see if his mom knows how he treats women.*
*Please don't spend your whole life obsessed with getting revenge especially if you are unable to get revenge. I've had first-hand experiences with karma and she drives a double-decker bus.
10. And if you have an extra tampon, help a sista out!
Sweeter words have never been spoken.
Here is a list of things that you may experience if you decide to pursue this Catholic woman.
1. Church before dates
She may ask you to come to mass with her on a Saturday or Sunday before hanging out. Don't be afraid of this. Even if you are not Catholic, you can still go just to be with her. Nobody is going to be judging you, and if they do, she will 100% stand up for you.
So relax, and appreciate that she loves you so much that she wants to share one of the most important things to her with you. She will appreciate you so much more if you respect her religion and are willing to go to mass just to be with her.
2. She respects her body
And you should too! Not all Catholic women believe in saving themselves for marriage, but a lot do. However, they do respect their bodies and will set boundaries which you should of course follow.
If you can't respect her boundaries or her choice of saving herself then you should not be dating a Catholic woman.
3. Her family and friends mean the world to her
If you don't like her friends or family, the chances of her breaking up with you are very high. So, as every good boyfriend should do, ALWAYS respect her family and, even if you don't get along with them, her friends.
Don't ask her to stop hanging out with them. She'll also appreciate it if you would hang out with her and them on occasion, so buck it up and have a good time.
4. She is loyal to a fault
A Catholic woman is usually in it for the long run. She is looking to grow in every relationship and she's looking for someone to grow with. The chances of her cheating on you are very low, just as low as the chances of her giving you a second chance if you cheat on her.
Yes, the Catholic church teaches forgiveness. She may, just maybe forgive you, but there's no chance that she'll take you back.
5. She will be praying for you and encouraging you to pray
Most Catholic women today will not force their religion upon you. They'll respect your beliefs if you respect theirs. However, don't be shocked if she suggests praying about something or says that she'll pray about it for you.
She has your best intentions in mind so do not blow up about it or get into a 3-hour debate about God not existing. It's just a comment we make.
6. Divorce scares her
It's something most Catholic women are afraid of. They're looking for their soul mate because they believe in soul mates. It's also very tricky in her eyes, because traditionally unless the marriage is annulled she can't date or remarry again. It all depends on the girl and her belief.
So, if you're not 100% serious about a long-lasting marriage it may be something to talk about.
7. She may want a big family
It's a very popular stereotype that all Catholics have large families. My parents only have my two sisters and me, which is usually the number of kids a Catholic woman wants.
However, some girls do want a large family, not even just Catholic women. So, once again, it may be something that you want to talk about. If you don't want kids, she may not be the girl for you.
8. She loves to talk about the future
As I've mentioned, its always best to talk. She may ask you questions like: How many kids do you want? What are your feelings about me working? Would you ever consider becoming Catholic?
Don't let her questions scare you! They may be some pretty big ones, but just answer honestly and be open minded.
And a side note, the Catholic religion teaches that any children that come from the marriage should be raised in the Catholic faith. Do not freak if she asks for your feelings about that, and once again be open-minded, her faith means the world to her.
9. She'll always love God above all things
Don't be jealous. She's not going to cheat on you with God. But her relationship with God is everything to her. She loves Him above even her family, know that and respect that.
10. She may tell you all about her favorite saints
Mine is St. Joan d'Arc and I LOVE to tell her story and brag about her being my confirmation saint. We grew up with these stories. They're like our fairy tales, so just listen and don't complain.
11. She may be a little naughty
Catholic women have grown up with a lot of rights and wrongs. Who likes being told what to do? Because of this, Catholic women can tend to push the limits of what they believe is right and wrong.
Don't be surprised if she wants to be mischievous or try something new. Once again, just respect her boundaries. No means no.
12. Holidays are really important to her
Christmas is exciting for her not only because she gets to give presents to everyone she loves but also because it's when Jesus was born to SAVE THE WORLD!!
Easter season is important to her because its when Jesus SAVED THE WORLD and showed all his awesome powers!
Feast days are to be respected and you'll find her at mass.
13. Her favorite TV shows may be all on TV Land
Personally, I also like "Doctor Who," "Supernatural," "Sherlock," "Stranger Things," "Game of Thrones" etc. But you will also catch me re-watching "I Love Lucy," "I Dream of Jeanie," and these other 13 shows.
14. Her dream vacation is somewhere in Europe
Soooo many gorgeous cathedrals and religious destinations and relics. Rome is definitely one of the cities on her bucket list.
15. She will love you unconditionally
If you have the opportunity to love and be loved by a strong Catholic woman, there will be no greater love you can find. All her life she's dreamed of passing on the unconditional love God has for her to someone else.
Don't mistreat her, and don't use her, because she will love you with her whole heart, but if you do, you will not like her angry... because...
16. She is fierce
And she can kick your arse.
