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Meet You at the Barre


If you are a regular Caralina Style reader, you may know from past posts and Instagram stories, that I am barre class regular. One of my favorite places to go to barre/fitness classes is Xtend BarreI discovered the studio through ClassPass a little over a year ago. In the last year, I have tried just about all of the classes they offer, and I love them all! 

I typically take the classic 55 minute "Xtend Barre" class. But, I also really like the "Xtend Stick" class that uses pilates sticks at the barre. I have also tried the "Circuit 7" class a few times, which combines interval training and barre exercises. And the 25 minute "Xtend Sweat" class, that I think feels like a shorter version of Circuit 7. They also offer shorter "Xpress" versions of the regular barre and pilates stick classes. Xtend Barre also switches up their schedule every so often with dance classes, that are always so much fun! You can't go wrong with any choice of class or instructor, they're all great!



As a former ballet dancer, I love the Xtend method! It uses more dance terminology and positions than other barre methods, but you do not need any dance experience to take an Xtend class. I think it is a great method for me personally, because I get a full-body workout that helps maintain the muscles from my ballet training at the same time. The method also incorporates more cardio into their classes than other barre methods I have tried. I tend to pick fitness classes that don't involve much cardio, but I think they bring in just the right amount in the Xtend classes!



If you don't know what to expect in a barre class at Xtend Barre, it works through each muscle group, one at a time. If you have never taken a barre class, I tend to think of it as pilates-like movements, done in dance-like positions. But it is not a pilates or dance class.
In a typical class, you will: start in center floor for some warm up exercises, pick up light weights for arm exercises, move to the mat for a little more arms (plus some abs), move to the barre for a variety of exercises that work the legs, and back to the mat to finish the class with more ab exercises. The instructors at Xtend also do a great job of showing how each movement is done as you move through the class. They show it slowly for the first few reps, and then speed up to full tempo. As you go to more classes, you tend to have an idea of what is coming next. But it is very helpful as you are learning the method, or trying a new type of class!



Use code "CaralinaStyle"for a free class at Xtend Barre Charlotte in February, here! Don't forget your grippy socks! 

Xtend Barre also has a great activewear apparel line! These printed leggings are amazing, and the sweatshirt is a light material (perfect for the first few minutes of barre class), running errands, or anywhere else you may want to wear it. I also love this jacket because the material reminds me a lot of what are sometimes called "trash bag shorts", that I used to wear in rehearsals during my dance days!







Photos by Deeana Kourtney Photography

Jacket, sweatshirt, workout top, and workout leggings c/o Xtend Barre Charlotte

Don't forget to use code "CaralinaStyle"for a free class at Xtend Barre Charlotte here, valid through the end of February!


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Everyday Outfits- January

My everyday outfits series continues into 2018! However, I will not be doing one of these posts in February, because you will be seeing every single work outfit for the month of February, in my upcoming Workwear Capsule Wardrobe series. As always, here are just some quick snaps of my daily outfits. And in case you missed them, here are my everyday outfits from November and December

1/1- Dinner


1/6- Art museum

Stripe top | Jeans | Similar booties

1/8- Work

Sweater | Necklace c/o | Skirt | Similar booties

1/12- Work

Sweater | Shirt | Skirt | Similar booties

1/20- Dinner

Sweater | Pants | Similar booties | Similar bag | Earrings c/o

1/23- Work

Top | Pants | Flats | Earrings c/o

1/24- Yoga class

Sweatshirt | Leggings | Nikes


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Black Scallop Dress









Photos by Deeana Kourtney Photography

Black scallop dress c/o | J. Crew Factory coat | Louise et Cie velvet pumps | Coach "saddle 23" bag c/o | Prada sunglasses | Stila "Patina" lip color

Is it really a flowy dress or skirt if I don't twirl or dance in it while taking photos? I could probably post a collection of twirling photos from blog shoots... anyway, most of my pieces with scallop detailing are for spring or summer, so this dress is a welcome addition to my winter wardrobe. I also am not sure how a lot of my recent outfits have been very lacking in color. But not to worry, I'll be back in color very soon for spring!



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Velvet Ruffle Skirt











Photos by Deeana Kourtney Photography

Banana Republic "Dillon" flannel tie-neck shirt | J. Crew Factory coatBanana Republic sweater | Velvet ruffle skirt | Bootights c/o | Similar booties | Coach "Saddle 23" bag c/o | Prada sunglasses

This is sort of a rare outfit where I'm wearing mostly black instead of navy! I do wear a lot of black to work during the winter, and this velvet ruffle skirt has been part of quite a few outfits lately. I also got last year's version of this sweater and it is a go-to for colder warmer. It is a warm and soft material, but has a much better price than what a cashmere sweater would cost. And although it doesn't photograph well, I also love incorporating this shade of burgundy in a mostly black outfit. Also, I'm excited for an upcoming series of posts that will be on the blog soon! I'm going to do a workwear capsule wardrobe for February, and a few of these pieces will be included in it!



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Bow Cuff Sweater











Photos by Deeana Kourtney Photography

Banana Republic bow cuff sweater | J. Crew ruffle skirt | J. Crew Factory tights | Similar booties | Baublebar for Target necklace c/o | Kate Spade stud earrings | Similar bag | Coat (old version) | Prada sunglasses

Shades of blue are winter staples in my closet. And this bow cuff sweater has me for looking for items in this ice blue shade! It is also on sale available in several other colors in both regular and petite sizes. My ruffle skirt is also both on sale, and available in other color options! I have been wearing both pieces in a variety of work outfits lately. And of course I styled this outfit in mostly navy, but does that really surprise anyone?



Thanks for reading!