Ain’t love grand?

Skirt: Trina Turk, Sweater: Uniqlo, Pumps: Louise et Cie and my grandmother’s antique pearl ring.

My look? Preppy chic. Levi’s paired with a lavender cashmere sweater, sparkly gold flats and oversized Jackie O.-style shades.

Do you live in jeans? If so, check out Levi’s Mid Rise Skinny–with the perfect amount of stretch, you’ll actually feel like you’re in leggings…because we should all have as much fun as we can.

Product provided by Levi’s c/o Women’s Health. #LiveinLevis
All thoughts/assessments are my own.

Jacket: DKNY (Madison Avenue store exclusive).  Dress: Cynthia Steffe.  Booties: Me Too.  Jewelry: David Yurman.  Clutch: St. John.  Sunglasses: CHANEL.  Nails: Midnight Cami/Essie.

Four ways to turn your intention into action, when it comes to working out:

1) Schedule it:
Cliché, but, true.  Commit to 3-4 times per week and make it happen.  I love my iPhone 5, but, I confess: I still use a Filofax.  Planning and penciling in specific workouts (like 30 minutes of high-intensity intervals on the elliptical before work or a 7pm spin class) really does keep me on track.  I also tape Post-It notes and inspiring images on my computer screen to get me going at the end of a long day.  Make an appointment…with (and for) yourself.

2) Find what you love:
There are more fitness options than ever, from yoga to bootcamp and everything in between.  It can be overwhelming.  Explore and (give it time) to find what you like.  I, personally, hate running on the treadmill (except at Barry’s Bootcamp), so, I either run in Hudson River Park or cross train.  I don’t force myself to do something that has me constantly checking the clock.

3) Set goals:
Identify non-aesthetic benchmarks of success.  It could be a certain number of push ups or miles completed.  Or, a particular race.  I ran my first half marathon last year, with one of my best friends from high school.  It was one of the best days of my life.  I felt invincible.  And now, I’m seriously contemplating my first full marathon this fall.  (More to come on that later.)

4) Get real:
I’ll never be 6′ tall.  Or, even 5’5″ for that matter.  So, I’ve given up aspiring to look like women who are completely different from me.  After years of semi-obsessive exercise and regimented eating, I’ve taught myself to chill out.  I’m happier (and thinner) for it.  Also, once in a while, I eat a cupcake from Billy’s Bakery, across the street.  And, I go about the rest of my day.

So, throw away that torturous, size-too-small pair of jeans in the back of your closet.  Enjoy your life.  And, just eat the cupcake.

Tank: Old Navy.  Leggings: Adidas (similar here or at Soho store).  Sneakers: New Balance.  Wristband: Y-3 (past collection).

Images by Sarah Anderson Photography.

Grab your Goyard luggage…

And, make a wish.