Moody Picks – Leopard is a Neutral

Jenna Lyons definitely got it right when she said, “As far as I'm concerned leopard is a neutral."  Like Jenna, I take my leopard in small doses and I believe leopard print shoes are the easiest way to liven up an outfit.  I’ve always loved the look of leopard print and as a result this print is slowly taking over my shoe collection.  One can never have too many shoes right?  Well, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite leopard shoes from this season that will be sure to add a little flair to your life.  Are you looking to add a touch of leopard to your wardrobe?  What’s your favorite way to add leopard to your outfits?

1. Asos Swiss Pointed Heels

2. Target Mossimo Supply Co. Dedra Flat

3. Nine West Speakup Pointy Toe Flats

4. J. Crew Collection Metropolitan Calf Hair Ankle Boots

5. Sam Edelman Opal d'Orsay Pumps

6. Audrey Brooke Hylda Leopard Pump

7. Steve Madden Elusion L

8. H&M - Pumps - Leopard Print

9. Stuart Weitzman 'Hi Times' Calf Hair Bootie

Moody Picks – Plaid Blanket Scarf

As many of you know the blanket scarf trend is getting more popular and literally getting bigger each year.  Check out Burberry’s much larger blanket scarf/coat here – isn’t it fabulous?  I know that many of us missed out last year on ZARA’s infamous sold-out camel plaid blanket scarf (seen on AP here).  Many of us took to eBay in droves to track down any duplicate we could find to satisfy that immediate need.  This year ZARA came out with 3 more blanket scarves patterns that are already sold out online - which I’m not surprised. I’m secretly hoping that they will restock each of them at least one more time before the end of the year. If you are like me, some of you have been searching high and low for the perfect blanket scarf to add to your wardrobe this season.  Well, fret no more, I’ve done some of the research for you.  Here’s a quick guide of some affordable blanket scarf alternatives that will keep you both warm and cozy this fall/winter.  Have you added a blanket scarf to your fall/winter wardrobe yet? Where did you find yours? Let me know in the comments. 

1. Madewell Blanket Scarf

2. Aerie Blanket Scarf

3. Nasty Gal Fall Back Scarf

4. ASOS Oversized Square Scarf In Check - Multi

5. Target Multicolored Oversized Plaid Scarf - Red

6. Boden Skye Scarf

7. Need Supply Co. Oversized Plaid Scarf

8. Free People Free People Sienna Oversized Plaid Scarf

9. ZARA Checked Scarf

10. ASOS Oversized Black Check Square Scarf - Black

Moody Picks – Wear Pink!

I’ve been meaning to bring back my previously named Fresh Picks to Follow segment for some time, but I never had a chance until now.  I figure that this today is as good a time as any especially since it’s the beginning of October.  By now, we all know that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) and that it’s time to support breast cancer research if you haven’t already started.  There are so many different organizations that are working tirelessly to help prevent, treat, and ultimately eliminate breast cancer.   And you can help fund the fight against breast cancer by scooping up one of the many pink-ribbon inspired products.  I’ve rounded up 8 of my favorite products that give back a portion of their proceeds to research while continuing to spread awareness. How will you show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness month? Let me know in the comments.

1. Estee Lauder Modern Muse Solid Perfume Compact

2. Under Armour Power In Pink Go Fight Cure Tank Top

3. Essie 2014 Breast Cancer Awareness Mini Cube

4. Marc Jacobs Daisy Hot Pink Limited-Edition

5. White House Black Market 2014 Give Hope Butterfly Watch

6. Tory Burch Allure Printed Scarf

7. Ann Taylor Loft Holst + Lee For Loft Earrings

8. Tory Burch Kerrington Zip Continental Wallet

“With over 3 million women battling breast cancer today, everywhere you turn there

is a mother, daughter, sister or friend who has been affected by breast cancer.”

—Betsey Johnson, breast cancer survivor and awareness advocate

Moody Style: Daytona Grid

Every once in a while  I swing into Anthropologie to check out the sale rack to see if something catches my eye.  Most of the time I walk out of the store empty handed, but other times I find a spectacular item that makes me want to spend my money no matter the price.  My trip is even more amazing when the item is in my size and under $50.00.  That’s what happened when I found this Yoanan Baraschi skirt a couple of months ago.  This skirt was the only one on the rack and it was in my size, so naturally I grabbed it and ran into the fitting room.  I'm pretty sure you guys know what happened next :)  I love the color and the grid pattern on the skirt and I can’t wait to style this skirt all sorts of ways.  I'm sure that you will see this again this fall/winter. 

{Shirt: Banana Republic White Piped Horizontal Stripe Tank (similar here and here);

Skirt: Anthroplogie - Yoanan Baraschi Daytona Grid Pleated Skirt;

Necklace: J.Crew Resin Arrowhead Necklace;

Watch: Coach Boyfriend Bracelet Watch;

Bracelet: J. Crew Factory Square Stone Bracelet;

Bracelet: Banana Republic Kissing Animal Bracelet;

Shoes: Coach Marah Flats (similar here)}

Moody Girl Eats: Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

There are so many signs that autumn is finally here - the cooler air, the leaves changing colors, and of course let’s not forget the return of Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte.  I have to admit that I used to buy this drink religiously over the past few years, but I haven’t bought one this season.  Mostly because I’m trying to cut back on eating or drinking anything with too many artificial flavorings and added sugars.  Don’t get me wrong, I still crave the taste of this pumpkin-y delight, but I’m trying to make better choices for my body. 

Another reason I haven’t bought this drink is because I recently read a blog post from the Food Babe that questioned some of the ingredients in Starbucks’ drink.  After I did a little research, I decided that I needed to take a step backwards to reevaluate my drink options.  Of course, I don’t know if the Food Babe post is accurate, but I am equally concerned regarding the amount of sugar used in the latte and the chemicals used in Starbucks’ signature pumpkin spice syrup.

So when I found this Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie recipe, I knew it was going to be my favorite treat.  It’s filled with real pumpkin, which is a great source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, making it a healthy addition to your diet. This smoothie that has less sugar and fewer calories than the traditional Starbucks latte, but will still tackle that fall pumpkin drink craving. Check out the recipe below to get your Starbucks fix at home with infinitely more nutritional value.  If you decide to try it, let me know what you think. Happy blending!

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

[Inspired by this pumpkin spice smoothie from Lululemon.]

Ingredients:

1 cup of canned pumpkin

1 cup of almond milk

1 or 2 frozen bananas (depending on how sweet you want it)

2 dates

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger, to taste

1 scoop of protein powder (optional)

A handful of ice cubes

Directions:

Makes 2 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Blend all ingredients together until you achieve the desired consistency.  Adjust flavorings as needed and add more almond milk or water if it’s too thick.  Pour the drink in a glass and Enjoy!