Moody Style: Let It Shine

Hi everyone…I hope that you all are having a wonderful week so far.  I can’t believe that this week is the last week in August.  I don’t even know where the time has gone.  As you may have noticed by the lack of posts on my blog, I’ve been pretty busy on my side of the world.  My new job has been keeping pretty busy during the week.  Anyways, I wanted to share a quick photo of an outfit that I wore to the office last Friday.  I love the look of all of the colored jeans that everyone is wearing, but I haven’t found a pair that that fit me right.  So, I started looking at colored crops and ankle pants at various stores and I finally found a pair that fit me perfectly.  For the past several months, I’ve been looking for a yellow pair of jeans/pants and these Banana Republic Sateen Crops in new dandelion turned out to be the perfect shade.  These crops are the perfect pants for work – they are versatile and comfortable as well as fashionable.  I was able to shine bright and make a statement thanks to these crops. Do you have a favorite pair of colorful jeans or pants that you’ve been wearing all summer? Let me know in the comments.

{Top: Anthropologie Ardith Blouse;

Pants: Banana Republic Sateen Crop;

Necklace: Ann Taylor (old);

Earrings: Coach Hammered Flower Earrings;

Purse: Coach Madison Abigail Shoulder Bag

Shoes: Chinese Laundry Beaded Sandal (old)}

Fresh Picks to Follow – Pavé The Way

What is pavé? Here’s a hint.  It doesn’t involve concrete, asphalt, or bricks. Pavé, pronounced pah-vay, is from the French for “paved or cobblestoned.”  It’s a technique that sets many gemstones close together to form a pattern-like flat surface. The Pavé setting gives the illusion that surface is completely made of the same gem. Pavé jewelry has the amazing ability to catch the light and it reflects it in the most dazzling and sparkling way.  Here are my top 10 favorite pavé jewelry pieces.  Do you have any pavé jewelry in your collection?  What’s your favorite piece?  Let me know in the comments.

1. Juicy Couture - Pave Heart Wish Necklace…$48.00

2. Coach - Large Pave Ball Ring…$98.00

3. Anthropologie - Pave Pompom Cuffs…$28.00

4. DKNY - Round Crystal Bezel Bracelet Watch…$115.00

5. J.Crew - Classic Pavé Link Bracelet…$125.00

6. BaubleBar - Ladybug Clip-On Studs…$24.00

7. Kate Spade - All Wrapped Up Pavé Stud Earrings…$58.00

8. House of Harlow 1960 – ‘Pavé Dipped Wishbone’ Pendant Necklace…$100.00

9. Ann Taylor - Wide Pave Enamel Bangle…$24.99

10. Anthropologie - Pave Ruby Earrings…$498.00

xoxo Natasha

Moody Style: Ugh, Ouch…Pesky Mosquitos

I hope that everyone is enjoying the rest of the weekend.  I’m so happy that I had the chance to really relax over the past two days. Here’s a quick recap of my weekend.  Yesterday morning, I ran in a 5k with some friends.  I’ll post about the race and my results a little later.  I also took a hip-hop class later that morning for some extra cardio.  I know I’m a little crazy.  Later in the evening, I met up with a friend of mine at a great restaurant near the beach.  Today, I lounged around and I watched TV most of the day.  I also spent most of today trying to avoid scratching over 15 mosquito bites.  Stupid mosquitos…these bites are very itchy.  Unfortunately last night, we sat outside on the patio for dinner and the mosquitos decided to have their own feast on me.  The weird thing is that I only felt a couple of bites throughout the night.  I had no idea that there were so many bites all over my body until this afternoon.  I don’t know about you, but I think that the mosquitos are really out of control this year.  I can’t ever recall having this many bites all at one time.  I’m really kicking myself now for not using any insect repellant before heading out.  I thought that I was going to be safe outdoors because of the sea breeze, but I was sadly mistaken. Have any of you had any problems, more than usual, with mosquitos this summer?  What’s your favorite insect repellant? Let me know in the comments.

{Jumpsuit: Forever 21 Polka Dot Jumpsuit;

Belt: Banana Republic Patent Skinny Belt;

Necklace: Anthropologie Shifting Pebbles Necklace;

Earrings: Anthropologie Petite Daisy Posts;

Shoes: Gianni Bini (old)}

Fresh Picks to Follow – iPhone Cases

I’ve been looking for a new iPhone case for the past couple of weeks, but I can’t make a decision.  I currently have an Incase cover for my iPhone and I love it; however, I’ve had it for over a year and I thought I would get something a little more colorful.  I just haven’t figured out what brand I want and how much I want to spend.  It’s amazing how expensive some of these cases are especially the designer brands.  I love how some of them look, but realistically I probably won’t pay any more than $50.00 for a new case. My top three favorites right now are the OtterBox, the Incase, the Speck pictured below.  For this week’s Fresh Pick to Follow, here are my top 10 iPhone cases that I’ve been checking out lately.  What kind of case do you have for your iPhone? What’s your favorite part about it? Let me know in the comments!

1. J.Crew - Printed iPhone 4 Case…$25.00

2. Rebecca Minkoff - Ostrich iPhone Case…$58.00

3. Speck - SmartFlex Card for iPhone 4S/4…$34.95

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs - Stardust Logo Embossed Metallic iPhone Case…$38.00

5. Incase - Metallic Hammered Snap Case…$34.95

6. Kate Spade - Cockatoos iPhone 4 Case…$40.00

7. Diane von Furstenberg - Saffiano iPhone 4 Case…$48.00

8. Anthropologie - Kaleidoscopic iPhone Case…$98.00

9. Tory Burch - Hardshell Phone Case…$48.00

10. OtterBox - iPhone 4 / 4s Defender Series Case…$49.95

xoxo Natasha

Fresh Picks to Follow – London Calling

Over the past couple of weeks, my Fresh Picks to Follow posts have been centered around the Summer Olympics.  I’ve enjoyed the games so far and I’m going to be sad to see them go, especially with all of the media coverage focused on the city of London.  After seeing some of my favorite shots of London, I’m itching to get back over there for a visit.  I’m going to try my hardest to get out there next year.  Are any of you headed to London in the near future?  For this week’s Fresh Pick to Follow, here are my top 10 British inspired pieces to get anyone into the London spirit.  What will you miss most about the Olympics? Let me know in the comments!

1. Top Shop - British Cupcake Set…$20.00

2. CafePress - Keep Calm and Carry On iPad Case…$59.50

3. ModCloth - Yea or Nation Tights in United Kingdom…$34.99

4. ASOS - Oasis London Print Dress…$136.24

5. Forever 21 - Distressed Union Jack Top…$12.80

6. Motel Rocks - New Zoe Bodycon Dress…$45.00

7. Top Shop - Jubilee Bunting Necklace…$14.00

8. ASOS - The Orphan's Arms Queen Of London Tank…$33.21

9. J.C. Penney - Arizona London Union Jack Tank Top…$13.00

10. Top Shop - London Tee By Adidas My2012 By Stella McCartney…$56.00

August Wish List – Top 3

I haven’t been to Anthropologie yet to check out their new arrivals.  But, I’m really looking forward to seeing everything.  Have you made it out to the store yet?  I received the catalog a couple of weeks ago and I like what I see so far.  I wanted to highlight some of my favorites with all of you.  Surprisingly this month I don’t have any dresses in my top 3 – I know it’s unlike me.  I just wasn’t moved by any of the new arrivals right now.  Anyways, here are my top 3 items from Anthropologie for the month of August. Do any of you have any favorites that you can’t live without this month?

Dayflower Blouse

Seared Chevrons Cardigan

Carrot Flower Cutout Top

xoxo Natasha

Old Navy Fitting Room Reviews

Hi everyone – I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend.  I just wanted to share a few Old Navy (ON) fitting room reviews with all of you.  Last weekend I tried on a few dresses and tops and one pair of jeans.  I was inspired to make a trip to ON when I read several fantastic reviews from Gigi at Gigi’s Gone Shopping.  I was pleasantly surprised with everything that I tried on except for the pair of jeans, but I’ll talk more about that a little later.

Boat-Neck Sweaters…$24.94

I tried on this sweater in a small (S) and it fits TTS.   This sweater is pretty thin but it’s warm enough to transition into the fall weather.  I think this will be a great sweater to wear underneath a blazer or with a pencil skirt.  It’s a great alternative to J. Crew’s Cashmere Polka-Dot Sweater and the Tippi Sweater In Heart Me.  This sweater comes in polka-dot motif, several striped colors and solid colors.  This one is definitely going to come home with me soon, but I’m not sure which color to buy.

Short-Sleeved Sweaters…$19.94

I loved the polka dot version of the short-sleeve sweater, but I may have to grab this one in a solid color as well.  It’s also a lightweight sweater and it’s made from cotton.  I think that the sweater might run a little big because I tried on the only sweater in my store which was an extra small (XS).  The sweater fit me perfectly.  I think that the small would have been too big.  I grabbed this sweater right away because it was the only one in the store.  This sweater is only available on the ON website.

Ruffle-Trim Tie-Belt Dresses…$29.94

I obviously was on a polka dot themed day when I went to ON.  This dress comes in the polka-dot motif as seen here and also in a heart motif.  This dress is cute, but I wasn’t in love with this one.  I tried on this dress in a small (S) and it fits TTS.  The dress is knee length and I think it would be perfect for work.  The neckline is unique, but I’m not a big fan of the ruffles.  I’m going to leave this one in the store. 

Roll-Sleeve Chambray Shirtdresses…$34.94

I tried this dress on in a size (4) and a size (6).  I only took a picture of the size (6) because it worked out best for me.  This dress ran a little small on me.  The size 4 was a little snug in the back and it pulled a little in the chest.  The only complaint that I have with the dress is the buttons were really difficult to go thru the fabric.  I’m hoping that they will loosen up after a while.  The chambray fabric is the perfect weight and the length is perfect for work too.  The website says that the dress has long sleeves, but the sleeves are actually 3/4 length sleeves.  I’m definitely going to pick this dress up soon.

Lightweight Camp Shirts…$24.94

I tried on the camp shirt in a small (S) and it fits TTS.  I bought a couple of these gingham shirts last year and I loved them.  I get compliments every time that I wear them.  The shirt comes in several checkered colors, several plaid prints and one floral pattern.  I plan to pick up this shirt soon because this color is going fast.

Rockstar Pop-Color Super Skinny Jeans…$34.50

I didn’t take a picture of these jeans because the jeans were extremely tight and they looked almost a little obscene.  I even went up 3 sizes just to get them on my body.  I decided not to go up another size because the waistband was already pretty loose.  I realize that the Rockstar style is not for me especially because of my hourglass figure.  I’m going to stick with the sweetheart and flirt skinny jeans instead.

Have you bought anything from ON lately? What are some of your favorites?

xoxo Natasha

Fresh Picks to Follow – Go for the Gold

I’ve been glued to the television for the past seven days soaking up as much of the Olympics as possible.  I’m extremely happy to see so many of the American athletes compete and reach their Olympic dreams. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, and I’ve even yelled at the television attempting to cheer on my favorite athletes.  I think that the media has done a fantastic job of taking us along for the ride.  I feel so much more connected to the athletes after reading about their backgrounds or watching a video profile about their journey to the Olympics.  

I’m not sure about you all, but I was happy to see that after seven days, that Team USA has finally taken over the lead in the medals count with 54 medals overall.  Out of the 54 medals, Team USA has 26 gold medals and we still have another week to go.  I wonder how many gold medals Team USA will have at the end of the Olympics?  Do any of you have any ideas? 

For this week’s Fresh Pick to Follow, here are my top 10 Olympic gold, silver and bronze medal inspired pieces to support the American athletes during the 2012 Summer Olympics.  What do you love most about the Olympics and how much of it have you watched so far? Let me know in the comments!

1. French Connection - Silver Samantha Sequins Dress…$59.99

2. Aidan Mattox - Paillette Dress…$330.00

3. American Apparel - Weekend Bag…$46.40

4. ModCloth - Brains and Bronze Heel…$115.99

5. J. Crew - The Cambridge Satchel Company® Metallic Satchel…$205.00

6. Anthropologie - Triple Dipper Earrings…$98.00

7. Steve Madden - Women's Studlyy Flat…$99.95

8. Nine West – Love Fury…$89.00

9. Alice + Olivia - 'Selma' Mesh Back Lamé Sheath Dress…$295.00

10. Free People - Fever Sequin Bodycon Skirt…$148.00

xoxo Natasha

Moody Style: Motivation

Hi everyone!  I hope that you all are having a great week so far.  I’ve been keeping busy with the new job and watching the Olympics.  I’ve been captivated by all of the Olympic athletes over the past four days and I’m astounded by their all of their achievements.  Every singe one of them has an amazing story that brought them to London and they are all highly motivated.  So, I started to think about my motivation and what keeps me going every day.  I’m sure that like most of you it’s sometimes hard to stay motivated every second of every day, but I’m going to share a few of my 5 simple tips that keep me going when I have a goal set in place. 

1. Set One Goal at a Time – I find that when I set too many goals at once, then I get overwhelmed. The end result is that I don’t focus on each goal with as much intensity as I should.  So, I set a limit and start small.

2. Find Inspiration and Post It – I know that it may sound silly, but creating an inspiration board for myself is a helpful reminder of what I want to achieve.  If I don’t have time to create a board then I at least write it down and post it on my fridge or on a mirror.  It’s good to have a daily reminder of the goal.

3. Share the Goal – I think that it’s important to let others know what you’re trying to achieve for two reasons - to help hold you accountable and also to gain support. When I trained for my half marathon earlier this year, my family and friends all knew what I was up against and they supported me 100% percent.  It’s a great feeling to have all of that support and love behind you when you accomplish the goal. 

4. Set a Date – It’s a simple step that often gets overlooked, but it’s a must.  Adding an end date to a calendar or creating a system to check on your progress will help build anticipation and add some finality to the goal.

5. Don’t Give Up – If you miss a day, a week or even a month, then readjust your plans and get motivated again.  There’s always an ebb and flow with just about everything that we do, so keep moving forward.

{Shirt: Anthropologie Draped Snail Tank;

Pants: Ann Taylor Loft Marisa Trouser Leg Pants;

Earrings: Anthropologie Small Change Earrings;

Ring: Banana Republic Turquoise Sunset;

Shoes: Gianni Bini Thong Sandals (old)}

What keeps you motivated? Do you have any tips that will keep you from falling into a slump? Have you been watching the Olympics?  Are you inspired by any particular athlete to try something new? Let me know in the comments!