Moody Style: Short and Simple

The title of this post describes this bright cobalt blue dress perfectly.  It’s a classic style dress that is appropriate for both work and then play in the evenings.  I was lucky to score this dress on sale recently and I also received the 25% off discount on the sale price.  I can definitely see this dress becoming one of my go to dresses for the rest of the year.  I’m especially looking forward to wearing this little number to work one day at my new job.  That’s right folks – you read this correctly.  I just accepted a job offer last week and I start in about a week.  Some of you have read about me taking on more work over the last 3 months, working late hours and undergoing additional stress at my job. Although these changes were recent, the truth is that I hadn’t been truly happy working there for a while.  The whole environment was getting unbearable and I had become miserable.  Like many other people, I felt trapped and I certainly couldn’t quit my job on the spot.  So, I created an action plan to find a new job and create my own destiny.  With that being said, I’m looking forward to starting this new venture and I can’t wait to start!  Have you ever been in a similar situation? Did you grin and bear it or did you leave your job?  Let me know.

{Dress: Anthropologie Embossed Basket Dress;

Necklace: Anthropologie Fairburn Necklace;

Bracelet: Coach Legacy Bangle; Earrings: Pearls (gifted);

Shoes: Vince Camuto “Renees” Brushed Snakeskin Pump}

Fresh Picks to Follow – Crossbody Bags

Over the last year or so, I’ve found myself drawn to the functionality of a crossbody bag. I recently started wearing the Coach Madison Leather Hailey in white this summer and I love it.   The size is just enough for me to fit everything that I need for the day.  And once the bag is wrapped around my body, I don’t have to think about forgetting or misplacing my bag.  For this week’s Fresh Pick to Follow, here are my top 10 crossbody bags that will allow you to free your hands for anything that comes your way.  Do you have any crossbody bags in your collection? Let me know!

1. Cole Haan - Village Ava Flap Crossbody…$248.00

2. J.Crew - Tillary Purse…$99.99

3. Coach - Madison Leather Hailey…$298.00

4. Kate Spade - Striped Flicker Scout…$368.00

5. Tory Burch - Maisey Crossbody…$425.00

6. Rebecca Minkoff - Mini MAC Bag…$195.00

7. Sam Edelman - Armand Satchel…$398.00

8. Madewell - The Marketplace Clutch…$135.00

9. Coach - Leather New Willis…$298.00

10. Steven by Steve Madden - Crossbody Bag…$78.00

xoxo Natasha

Race Recap: 4th of July 5k Run

On the morning of July 4th, I ran in a 5k race at 7:30am.  I wasn’t sure I was going to run until I was jolted by my alarm at the crack of dawn.  I told myself that if I were able to wake up at 6:00am, then I’d sign up for the race at the site.  I know - 6:00am sounds brutal right?  But, I’m glad I woke up and pushed myself to go to the race.  One of the reasons that I wanted to run this particular race was to help me get back into my running groove.  I’m not sure if you all have noticed, but I haven’t been running as often as I did last year.  At first, I was sure why it happened.  I truly enjoy running and I particularly love running in races, but I hadn’t ran consistently since April 2012.   The only thing that I could think of that changed dramatically since last year is my workload at my job.  My workload pretty much doubled in April and I have been working some ridiculously long hours.  As a result, my drive and motivation to go out for a run or even go to the gym for a workout had vanished.  Over the past few months, I tried to run here and there; however, it wasn’t enough to get me back into a routine, until I watched some of the U.S. Olympic trials for the track and field division at the end of June 2012.  Watching serious athletes battle it out for their ticket to London was just the boost that I needed to get started again. 

I had to be reminded about my love for running and really think about why I run.  I wanted to share some of my reasons with you all here on my blog.  Why do I run?  I run because I can and I really do think that it’s fun. I know the fun part may sound so cliché, but it’s true.  I also run because it’s simple and you don’t need to have any equipment to get started.  Except for a good pair of running sneakers and some water in case you get thirsty, but nothing excessive.  Another reason that I run is because it’s my little escape from my everyday woes.  I have so much time to think about my life without being interrupted.  I usually run in the evenings after work, so I’m able to recap the day, prepare for the following day and even meditate.   I tend to get a lot accomplished in my head during my mini excursions.

After watching the Olympic hopefuls, I’ve been lacing up and hitting the pavement or treadmill on regular basis.  I'm pretty sure that I got my running groove back.   Anyways, here are my stats for the race: there were 1030 total race finishers - 540 females and 490 males.  I finished the race in 31:23 minutes.  Do any of you run or participate in a sport that you are passionate about?  How do you all stay motivated to keep going?  I’d love to hear all about it.

xoxo Natasha