Fresh Picks to Follow: The Boyfriend Watch

Hi everyone…I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend planned.  I’m looking forward to having a low key weekend close to home.  I plan on going for a long run in the morning and visiting one of my dear friends and her beautiful twins.  I also have a friend that is coming into town for a work conference, so we’ll meet up for dinner tomorrow evening.  It should be a pretty good day.    

Anyways, I like writing about various trends for my Fresh Picks to Follow.  One fashion trend that I love and I believe is here to stay is the Boyfriend Watch.  Women have incorporated many pieces of clothing from men’s wardrobes for years from boyfriend jeans to the military jacket to the tailored vest.  I’m not sure when women started moving on to men’s accessories, but I sure love the idea.  Women have been wearing aviator glasses, oxfords or wing-tip shoes and plaid fedoras for some time now.   The key to wearing masculine pieces is to balance out the outfit with feminine pieces.

The boyfriend watch is definitely a statement piece that will make any outfit.  Men-inspired watches can be identified by a large dial which comes in either a round or square shape and it is usually numbered. These watches have some feminine touches like rhinestones around the dial or a light colored face.  So ladies, don’t bother your boyfriend anymore about borrowing his watch.  You can get your own watch with the same manly features made just for women.  Check out my top 10 boyfriend watches for this week’s Fresh Pick to Follow.  Do you have one of these watches? Which one is your favorite?  What do you all think about this trend? 

1. Juicy Couture – Beau Bracelet Watch …$295.00

2. Michael Kors - Chronograph Watch …$225.00

3. Diesel - Turquoise & Gray Blood Watch…$118.95

4. ASOS - Premium Mixed Metal Boyfriend Style Watch…$68.96

5. Coach - Boyfriend Bracelet Watch…$348.00

6. Guess – Feminine Contemporary Chronograph Watch…$135.00

7. Fossil - Riley Stainless Steel Watch…$115.00

8. Coach - Boyfriend Rubber Strap Watch…$158.00

9. Toy Watch - Fluo Pearly Chrono Watch…$293.06

10. Marc by Marc Jacobs - Henry Leather Watch…$150.00

OXOX Natasha

OOTD: Make It Work

Hey everyone – I hope that you all are having a good week so far.  I’m looking forward to the weekend of running errands and catching up with friends.  I’m debating if I should enter another 5k race this Saturday since I haven’t been running that often.  I figured that a timed race will kick me back into running gear.  Let’s hope anyways. 

Did you all have a chance to see Project Runway tonight?  I love this show.  Tonight was the season premiere of season 9.  I think that it’s too early to say who my favorites are already, but I’ll name a few of them.  I’m very excited to see some amazing future outfits by Anya Ayoung-Chee, Viktor Luna, and Fallene Wells.  Check out the website here for more information about this season’s new designers. 

This outfit is from last week that I didn’t have a chance to post.  I found this cardigan at my local Anthro store for just $19.95.  I was a little on the fence about it at first, but for $20 bucks I figured that I would do as Tim Gunn says and “make it work.”

Sweater: Anthropologie Revolution Cardigan

Tank: Ann Taylor Loft Lace Tank

Pants: The Limited Lexie Fit Pants

Necklaces: Ann Taylor Turquise Necklace (old)
Shoes: Gianni Bini "Marla" Sandals (old)

OXOX Natasha

OOTD: A Hint of Leopard

I meant to post this picture last week, but I never got a chance to do it.  I was inspired to wear 2 different shirt dresses last week because of the fashion segment on Good Morning America.   As I stated in my previous post (here), I love wearing shirt dresses.  This particular dress below is one of my favorites.

So, it looks like Anthropologie had a decent sale yesterday.  Did any of you ladies buy anything from Anthro? Unfortunately, I have to sit this one out.   There isn’t anything that just got marked down that I can’t live without.  Plus, I need to really slow things down for a bit.  I know that I have said this before, but this time I’m going to buckle down.  Anyhoo, I would love to hear about what you bought so far.  Let me know.

Dress: Express Stretch Belted Shirt Dress (similar here and here)

Scarf: Coach Madison Op Art Oblong Scarf (various scarves here)

Earrings: Silver Hoops (gifted)
Shoes: Nine West Leopard Flats (old)

OXOX Natasha

miscellany monday

happy monday everyone – i’ve added my random ramblings to carissa’s miscellany monday party!  check out carissa’s blog here and join in on the fun. 

{one} project runway.  have you heard that project runway is starting it’s 9th season on thursday, july 28^th on lifetime. i can’t wait for the new season to begin.  i always love to see new designers create amazing outfits within limited time constraints.  there are some really talented people out there. i still have dreams to apply and audition for this show, but i really need to get started sewing my designs.

{two} football.  are you ready for some football? thank goodness the nfl finally came to an agreement and the lockout is officially over.  i was a little worried about the future of my sundays and monday nights.  i never really understood all of the details of the lockout, but i’m glad that the owners and players are ready to get started.

{three} entourage.  are there any entourage fans out there?  entourage is another great show by hbo and this is the series final season.  i’m sad to see the show end, but i can’t wait to see how hbo wraps up another wonderful series.

OXOX Natasha

My Cardio Workout Routine

Hi everyone.  I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend.  I know that I did.  I had an awesome workout on Saturday and went for a run on Sunday.  I have been running and working out lately with the goal of running little faster and getting toned overall.  My running fever began earlier this year when I competed in the Gate River Run in March.  And I’ve been a crazy running girl ever since. 

A couple of weeks ago, I was asked about my workout routine.  So, I figured that I would share it here with you all on my blog.  Today, I’ll post my cardio workout routine and then post my weight training routine a little later.  Lately, I have been able workout in some fashion for about 4-5 days a week.  I try to run at least 4 days a week and I usually run about 3 miles.  In addition to my runs, I go to the gym and attend classes like Spinning, TRX, Boot Camp and sometimes Zumba.  When I can’t make it to the gym, I usually turn to my Jillian Michaels DVD – 30 Day Shred, but I feel like I need more workout videos.  You know, to change things up a little.

I’m not sure about you, but I have always been interested in getting one of those in-home workout videos that you see on TV.   I usually watch the whole infomercial, but I never pick up the phone to call.   I’m currently looking into purchasing a new workout program, so I went over to the Beachbody website to look up a few programs that stood out in my mind.  Do you have any favorites?  Here are a few of them that I am researching:

P90X

I had some experience with P90X in the past and I loved it. I think that the muscle confusion that Tony Horton refers to in his videos really works. I was able to borrow my brother-in-law’s DVDs a few years ago and I was very happy with the results.  I didn’t follow the fitness guide and nutrition plan at the time, so I only saw limited results.  However, I did lose some weight and that made me happy.    

Insanity

Shaun T’s Insanity workout program looks very intense and intimidating, but I’m pretty sure that I could do it.  The workout program is a 60 day total body conditional program filled with plyometric drills.  There is even a 30-day money back guarantee, so there is no harm in trying it  right?  I recently went over to Jenny’s blog (Not Just a Pretty Face) to get an update on her progress with the Insanity workout.  Jenny is going into her 3rd week and she seems very pleased with her result so far.  I might have to try this one.

TurboFire

I just learned about this workout program while doing my online research.  This program looks as intense as P90X and Insanity.  The TurboFire workout includes Fire Drills which is also known as High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).  The workout is lead by Chalene Johnson and promises to burn 9x more fat and calories than a traditional cardio workout.  That’s my kind of workout.

Brazilian Butt Lift 

My body type is pear shaped and I have always been considered curvy.  Now don’t get me wrong, I love my curves, but I don’t love my large hips and saddlebags.  I have always battled this problem area, but I don’t always see any results.  This workout program seems like it would be the best solution for me. 

Here are a couple of other products by Beachbody that are currently being filmed and tested - Tai Cheng and Body Beast.  I can’t wait to learn more details about these workouts. Have you tried any of the Beachbody workout programs and did you have any success?  Do you have any advice for me? I would love to hear about it – let me know!

OXOX Natasha

Images courtesy of Beachbody.

My Shopping Bag

I went to Anthropologie on Wednesday night and found some great deals.  I tried not to go overboard, but bad things usually happen when I walk into that store.  I went there with the intention of buying one dress, but I walked out with much more.  Here is a peak into my shopping bag.  Did you buy anything during this week’s markdowns? Let me know!

Revolution Cardigan

Climate Control Cardi

Nautical Dreaming Chemise

Expanding Horizons Tank

Expanding Diamonds Belt

OXOX Natasha

Fresh Picks to Follow: The Shirt Dress

I don’t know about you ladies, but I love wearing shirt dresses.  I think that I have about 8 of them in my closet right now in various styles and colors.  Earlier in the week, Glamour magazine visited Good Morning America and featured this hot summer trend. I was wore two of my shirt dresses this week and figured that I should add this staple to my Friday Fresh Picks to Follow.  A classic, clean shirt dress is the perfect piece for every season.  I think that this dress is versatile and effortless.  Style tip: Add a wide or skinny belt for extra definition.  If the dress is a solid color, then add a colorful scarf, a bold statement piece of jewelry or a printed handbag for little something extra.  Check out my top 10 shirt dresses for this week’s Fresh Pick to Follow.   Do you have a favorite shirt dress?  How many of these dresses do you own?

1. ModCloth - Hepcat Dress in Clover…$49.99

2. Tory Burch - Blythe Dress …$350.00

3. Charlotte Russe - Belted Safari Shirt Dress…$26.50

4. Lily Pulitzer - Essie Shirtdress…$138.00

5. Dana Buchman - Smocked Shirtdress…$66.00

6. Tommy Hilfiger - Cap Sleeve Belted Plaid Shirtdress…$72.99

7. J. Crew - Ruthie Shirtdress…$118.00

8. Tory Burch - Clemence Dress …$245.00

9. Piperlime – Tucker Shirtdress…$330.00

10. Oasis - Belted Shirt Dress…$62.06

OXOX Natasha

OOTD: From the Meadows

I haven’t posted one of these in a while, so here is one of my outfits from last week.  I paired this beautiful tank with a pair of fitted cropped pants.  I was saving this top to wear for a special occasion, but I always found something else to wear instead.  I just ended up wearing this tank to work and then for dinner after work.  That’s special right? It just goes to show you that you that you could wear your outfits anytime of day.

Did any of you ladies buy anything from Anthro’s today? I was pretty happy with the sale.  Not too many of my wish list items went on sale, so I though I would be okay.  However, I ended up buying a few things despite my wallet’s dismay.  I plan to post my shopping bag a little later tonight. 

Shirt: Anthropologie From the Meadows Tank

Pants: The Limited Stretch Cropped Pant (old)

Earrings and Necklace: Gifted
Shoes: Nine West (old)

OXOX Natasha

miscellany monday

happy monday everyone – i’ve added my random ramblings to carissa’s miscellany monday party!  check out carissa’s blog here and join in on the fun. 

{one} the bachelorette.  several weeks ago i wrote about  the season premiere of the bachelorette on abc.  are any of you watching the show this season?  on tonight’s episode, ashley narrowed her search for love down to 3 contestants - j.p., ben f. and constintine.   j.p. has been my favorite from the beginning of the season….he’s hot and really sweet.  i’m definitely rooting for him and then ben f.   i wonder which one she is going to pick.  do you have any favorites?

{two} true blood.  are there any true blood fans out there?  i fell in love with this show last summer when one of my really good friends introduced me to this fantastic series.   i was able to get caught up with the first two seasons after a little true blood marathon within a matter of a week and half.  it was a little ridiculous because i stayed up until 1:00 and 2:00 am watching some of these episodes during the work week.  i was hooked after the first episode - i needed to know what happened next.  if you haven’t checked out the series, i highly recommend watching season one to get started.  i’m pretty sure that you’ll be hooked.   also check out hbo (here) for details on watching the series online.

{three} running.  i haven’t been running lately , because of the heat and humidity outside.  i should be running on the treadmill, but it doesn’t happen that often.  i do have a few races lined up over the next few weeks, so i’ll be writing updates on those soon.  i also signed up for a half marathon race scheduled on february 12, 2012.  it’s the fifth annual 26.2 with donna the national marathon to finish breast cancer – you can check out information (here) for details.

{four} a little funk.  i’ve been in kind of a funk lately and i’ve haven’t been motivated to write at all.  i just wanted to let everyone know why i haven’t been on the blogging scene.  Do you guys have any ideas or advice on getting out of my funk?  i’m going to try stay positive and get back to my regular self, but it may take a little while.

OXOX Natasha

Fresh Picks to Follow: Ikat Prints

Happy Friday Everyone!  I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend lined up.  I’m still recovering from last weekend, so I plan on relaxing and catching up on sleep over the next two days.

My Fresh Picks to Follow for this week features ikat patterns.  This trend is everywhere right now and it comes in many colors.  I have to admit, I wasn’t a big fan of this pattern until recently.  I have grown to pretty fond of the blurred prints and bright colors.  Did you know that ikat is a craft practiced in Indonesia, India and South America? According to Wikipedia, ikat, (pronounced ee-kaht) is a dyeing technique used to pattern textiles that employs a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye on either the warp or weft fibers. The defining characteristic of ikat is the dyeing of patterns, by means of bindings, into the threads before cloth construction. Do you have any ikat patterns in your home?  I currently don’t own any ikat patterns in my clothing or my home, but I plan to incorporate this fantastic pattern real soon.   Check out my top 10 ikat patterns for this week’s Fresh Pick to Follow. 

1. Juicy Couture – Ikat Dress…$158.00

2. Anthropologie – Wakeful Ikat Sheet Set…$128.00

3. Ann Taylor – Knit Ikat Trance Cowl Neck Dress…$69.99

4. Urban Outfitters – Slipper Chair - Indigo Ikat…$328.00

5. Banana Republic – Silk Ikat Twist-Strap Dress…$99.99

6. Anthropologie – Cooled Ikat Pillow…$68.00

7. Banana Republic – Silk Ikat Pencil Skirt...$29.99

8. Anthropologie - Ikat Mini Bowl…$8.00

9. Theodora & Callum – Ikat Scarf in Blue Multi…$175.00

10. Old Navy –  Women's Tie-Shoulder Tiered Sundresses…$34.50

OXOX Natasha

 

Fresh Picks to Follow: Bathing Suits

Hi everyone - I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend.  I know I did.  I just got back from a quick weekend getaway in Miami with my family.  We had our first family reunion ever and we had a blast.  I spent my whole weekend with my family in SoBe relaxing on Miami Beach, shopping at the Lincoln Road Mall and going to the nightclubs.  Of course we met some family members for the first time, we reminisced about the good ole days and learned more about our family genealogy.  It was a great trip, but I just wish I had more time down in Miami.  Unfortunately, I have to work tomorrow bright and early.  Sigh.

Well, obviously I didn’t have time to post my Fresh Picks on Friday, so here it is.  I saw so many great bathing suits at the beach this weekend and I wanted to share my favorites with you.  Check out my top 10 bathing suits for this week’s Fresh Pick to Follow. 

1. Victoria Secret – Push-up Halter Top & Low-rise Bottom…$21.00 & $15.00

2. Anthropologie – Beach Comber Bikini Top and Bottoms…$39.95 & $39.95

3. Victoria Secret –Wireless Push-up Halter Top & String Bottom…$18.99 & $9.99

4. Victoria Secret – Leopard-Print Wrap Monokini …$50.00

5. Coach – Haley Bikini…$148.00

6. J. Crew – Tulle Underwire Tank…$125.00

7.  Gap – Wireless Plunge Top and Banded Tie Bikini…$9.99 & $12.99

8. Anthropologie – Vitamin D Bikini and Bikini Bottom…$49.95 & $49.95

9. J. Crew – Jersey Lomellina® One-shoulder Ruched Tank…$150.00

10.  Victoria Secret –Shimmer Push-up Triangle Top & String Bottom…$30.00 & $28.00

OXOX Natasha

July Wish List – Top 3

I think that Anthropologie really has some great pieces in their stores right now.  What do you guys think?  I went into the store over the weekend and tried on a few items that I really loved.  I plan to post some reviews very soon, so stay tuned.  I recently realized that I haven’t been sticking to my original intent of posting my wish list.  I’ve been posting my top 3 items, but I haven’t been buying those particular items.  Somehow I keep ending up buying various other items that never originally made my radar.  Help!...I have a real shopping problem :)  I’m going to try to get better.  Anyways, here are my top 3 items for the month of July that I can’t live without.  What are your must have items this month?

   

                               Cirque A-Line               Around The Maypole Dress     Foundational Pencil Skirt

OXOX Natasha

Fresh Picks to Follow: Beach Bags

Happy Fourth of July weekend everyone!  I'm super excited for this long holiday weekend to begin.  Do you all have big plans?  Are you traveling anywhere or are you keeping it local?  I’m having a low key weekend with my family and friends and I can’t wait for a little R&R.   

Starting this weekend, I plan to take advantage of the sunny weather and surrounding beaches more than ever before.  I don’t know why I don’t go to beach more often, but that’s going to change this summer.  I’m going to pack up my beach bag with all of my summer essentials and relax on the beach.  I already have a couple of beach bags, but I’m always in search of the perfect bag.  I always make sure that my bag is big enough to fit all of my belongings and that it’s sturdy and durable.  I usually load up my bag with a beach towel to sit on, a beach towel to dry myself, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a book or magazines to read, my iPod, lip gloss, some food to snack on and some water.  Check out my top 10 beach bags for this week’s Fresh Pick to Follow.  Are you headed to the beach this weekend? What do you pack in your beach bag? 

1. Talbots - Sequin Sparked Tote…$74.25 (was $99.00)

2. Anthropologie - Tackle Box Tote…$78.00

3. Land’s End - Women's Raffia Stripe Beach Tote…$79.99 (was $98.00)

4. L.L. Bean - Boat and Tote Bag, Open-Top…$24.95 (large)

5. Ann Taylor Loft - Colored Vinyl Tote…$29.50

6. Land’s End - Women's Large Rectangle Tote…$24.00 (was $49.50)

7. J. Crew - Tisbury Bucket Bag…$29.99 (was $49.50)

8. Old Navy - Women's Braided Jacquard-Print Totes…$19.94

9. Wet Seal - Rope Tie Hobo Bag…$22.80

10. J.Crew - Angela Adams® and Sea Bags Dipped Sail Bag...$198.00

OXOX Natasha