OOTD: Pencil Me In

Hello everyone…I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend.  Is it sad that I’m already looking forward to the holiday weekend? I love a 3 day weekend.  Do any of you have fun plans for the Labor Day weekend?  Unfortunately, I’ll be in town, but I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.  Anyways, for today’s OOTD I was inspired by the photo below from Anthropologie’s  April 2011 catalog.  I bought this pencil skirt several weeks ago and I’m really glad that I did.  Did any of you try it on at the store?  When I tried it on in my size it was a little snug around my hips, so I had to go up a few sizes.  I wasn’t going to buy it at first because the waist was too big, but I figured that the right belt would solve the problem.  I added the Expanding Diamonds Belt and I think that it worked out perfectly…what do you guys think?  So, I’m not a big fan of my shoes today with this outfit.   I grabbed the first pair that I saw by the door, but I would love any suggestions that you all may have.  Thanks in advance!

Shirt: Anthropologie Lace Tracing Tee

Skirt: Anthropologie San Pedro Pencil Skirt

Belt: Anthropologie Expanding Diamonds Belt
Shoes: Urban Outfitters Pump (similar here)

Inspiration Photo from Anthropologie's April 2011 Catalog

xoxo Natasha

Fresh Picks to Follow: Zigzags

Happy Saturday everyone! I’m sorry that I’m a little late in posting my Fresh Picks to Follow this week – again.  This seems to be a routine lately.  I went to bed pretty early again last night because I had to be up this morning at 6:30am.  I met up with my running partner for a long run – a whopping 9 miles.  Anyways, here is my post.

I just got my September issue of Marie Claire and I learned that Missoni is designing for Target for a limited time.  On September 13, Missoni for Target will hit the stores with a 400-plus piece collection.  The Italian label will cover everything from clothing and home items to bikes and outdoor furniture.  The collection will be available from September 13th until October 22nd.   The prices are pretty reasonable too – the items range from $3.00 to $599.99, but most of the items are under $40.00.  I’m excited - Go Target!

The family-run fashion house Missoni has been at the forefront of Italian fashion since husband and wife Ottavio and Rosita Missoni started designing their unconventional patterned knits in 1953. The brand is famous for its unique knitwear, made from a variety of fabrics in a kaleidoscope of colorful patterns, such as zigzags, stripes, geometrics, and abstract florals.  Check out this press release (here) from Target for more information about the collaboration.  Here are my top 10 Missoni for Target items for this week’s Fresh Picks to Follow.  Are you looking forward to seeing this whole collection?  Do you own any Missoni pieces?  Let me know.  

1. Target – Missoni Silk Scarves…$19.99 each

2. Target – Missoni Sweater Dress…$54.99

3. Target – Missoni 5-pc. Espresso Set…$39.99

4. Target – Missoni Knit Clutch…$22.99 / Missoni Tote…$34.99

5. Target – Missoni Umbrella…$19.99

6. Target – Missoni Sweater Dress…$54.99 / Missoni Rose-Embellished Sweater…$44.99
7. Target – Missoni 3-Speed Ladies’ Comfort Bike…$399.99

8. Target – Missoni Throw…$39.99

9. Target – Missoni Travel Tote…$49.99 / Missoni 21Twister Carry-On Luggage…$169.99

10. Target – Missoni Rain Boots…$34.99

xoxo Natasha

Fresh Picks to Follow: Mad for Plaid

Happy Saturday everyone! I’m sorry that I’m a little late in posting my Fresh Picks to Follow this week.  I went to bed very early last night because I had to be up this morning at 6am.  Why so early, you ask?  I met up with my running partner for a long 7 mile run.  I’m still a little tired.  Anyways, here is my post.

My nieces started school a couple of weeks ago and the local students are going to start school on Monday.  It seems early right?  When I think about my elementary school days, I always think about my uniform that I had to wear from 1^st grade until 8^th grade.  That’s right everyone, I went to private school and I truly enjoyed my experience there.  Unlike many of my classmates, I really didn’t mind wearing the uniform.  Did any of you attend a private school?  Did you love or hate your uniform? 

This week’s post is all about my love for plaid.  Fashion designers went mad for tartan plaid this fall.  This classic print appears each year, but in my opinion the designs just keep getting better.  For example check out Jean-Charles De Castelbajac’s collection here for some beautiful plaid pieces.  Here are my top 10 plaid items for this week’s Fresh Picks to Follow.  Will you be wearing plaid this fall?  Do you have a favorite piece?  Let me know.  

1. American Eagle – Favorite Plaid Shirt…$29.99

2. Modcloth – Betsey Johnson Simple Plaid-ition Dress…$97.99

3. Modcloth – Plaid to Be Me Skirt…$49.99

4. Hot Topic – Red Black Silver Plaid Knot Flats…$14.99

5. Modcloth – Precisely Plaid-matic Skirt…$64.99

6. Urban Outfitters - Cooperative Plaid Professor Satchel…$59.00

7. Anthropologie – Moorland Oxfords…$168.00

8. Forever 21 – Plaid Woven Scarf…$5.00

9. Sporto – Evi Plaid Boots…$45.00

10. Urban Outfitters - BDG Plaid Ruana…$42.00

xoxo Natasha

OOTD: Like a Moth to a Flame

Hi ladies….Happy Wednesday! Yesterday,  I got an email from Anthropologie about the sale and I love the little flyer that was included as the message….“Like a moth to a flame.”  As soon as I saw this I thought to myself that it’s so true…I’m a little addicted to this store.  Do you any of you feel like a moth to a flame when it comes to Anthro or any other store.  Anyways, did any of you end up buying any goodies at Anthro’s sale yesterday?  I’m hoping to sit this one out.  I say hoping because that always seems to change once I get into the store. 

I bought this skirt during the tag sale and I haven’t worn it until now because I was looking for the right top to wear with it.  I bought a few different tops to wear with this skirt, but this top was my favorite.  I love the details of the ruffles and the neckline.  It comes in several colors, but the hot pink was exactly what I was looking for.  What do you guys think?

Shirt: Banana Republic Ruffled Cowlneck (available here)

Belt: Banana Republic Braided Belt (old)

Skirt: Anthropologie Nouveau Rose Skirt
Necklace: Ann Taylor (old)
Earrings: Ann Taylor (old)

 Shoes: Ann Taylor Loft Flats (old)

xoxo Natasha

Race Recap: Stadium Run

Hiya everyone!  Last night I ran in a football stadium to help raise money for the local athletic programs. The local school board made the decision to cut the funding of some high school sports programs, including cross country.  These sports programs will only survive if the community supports them.  Are any of the school districts experiencing this in your local hometowns?

Have you ever ran in a football stadium before?  I did it in high school and it was torture because my track team ran the stairs - often.  So, imagine my fear when my running partner told me about this race.   I immediately said heck no.  When I finally read the details, I was happy to find out that there were no stairs involved, BUT there were ramps. I figured that I could deal with that. 

Here were the race details: it started around the practice field and stadium.  We then went up all seven ramps of the stadium to the top and down four ramps to the mezzanine level.  We then went around the stadium again and back up four ramps to the top and down all seven ramps to the field.  We then ran a loop around the field and then exited to the finish line.  It was a brutal race, but pretty fun.  When we went out to the field, all of the monitors were playing football highlights…I loved it. 

There were 1384 total race finishers and 712 female finishers.   I came in 15th in my age group and I was the 117th female finisher overall.  My official chip time was 28:42.  The race was great and I was pretty pleased with my time and stats.  I was also happy to learn today that the race organizers were able to raise the money required to save the running programs in the local schools with the help of the running community.  I’m so glad to know that I live in a supportive city.

xoxo Natasha