Fresh Picks to Follow – Swimsuits 2012

Don’t forget to enter the $50 Shabby Apple Giveaway.

The other day I was thinking about my summer plans so far and I’m pretty annoyed that I haven’t done anything yet.  It also dawned on me that I haven’t even put on a bathing suit this year.  Despite me living in Florida and having access to a few pools and beaches, I just haven’t had time to take a dip.  I’ve been checking out some bathing suits lately and I’m inspired to find one and take it for a spin.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to go swimming within the next month.  That’s at least one my short-term goals for this summer.  Is there anything that you have planned for the summer that you haven’t been able to do yet? For this week’s Fresh Pick to Follow, here are my top 10 swimsuits for summer 2012.  Did any of you buy a new swimsuit this summer?  If so, I’d love to know what you bought - let me know!

1. Victoria Secret - Very Sexy® Draped Push-Up Halter Top and Bikini Bottom…$42.00 and $25.50

2. Norma Kamali - Bill Halterneck Swimsuit…$350.00

3. Trina Turk - 'Cherry Blossoms' Bikini Top & Bottom…$58.90 and $50.90

4. Coach – Print Bikini…$148.00

5. Milly - Jade Garden Nikia Bikini Top and Long Beach Bikini Bottom…$64.99 and $59.99

6. J.Crew - Off-The-Shoulder Tank…$118.00

7. J.Crew - Anchors Aweigh Underwire Top and Belted Hipster…$62.00 and $58.00

8. Basta Surf - Tallows Pleated Top & Bottom Bikini…$119.99

9. Vix - Odette Bia Tube Top & Bottom Bikini…$92.00 and $92.00

10.  Marc By Marc Jacobs - 'Field Stripe' Bikini Top & Bottoms…$87.00 and $89.00

xoxo Natasha

Moody Style: No Gap or Break

Don’t forget to enter the $50 Shabby Apple Giveaway.

I’m pretty excited today because I only have one more day left at my current job.  It’s been very difficult to muster up the energy to wake up to go to work this week, but I did it.  As much as it pained me when the alarm went off each morning and as much as I would have liked to have some time off before the new job.  I’ve been working diligently each day. Unfortunately for me, I don’t have any gap between jobs because I start the new gig on Monday.  I know right - What gives?  And what stinks is that despite the fact that I’m leaving the office on Friday, I’ve been doing just as much work as before I turned in my notice.  It’s been  very frustrating.  I hoped that since I’ve even been training my replacement for the past two weeks that my last couple of days would be pretty slow.  However, I’ve apparently been in la la land.  After 2 ½ years, you would think I would have gotten picture by now.   Anyways, I have few things to do in the morning before I can pack up all my things and leave the office for good.   And, I can’t wait.  Have any of you left one job to pursue another opportunity?  Did any you have a gap in between or have a chance to take a break?  Let me know.

{Jacket: Gap Striped Two-Button Blazer;

Tank: Banana Republic Timeless Tank;

Pants: Ann Taylor Loft Marisa Trouser Leg Pants;

Earrings: Anthropologie Petite Daisy Posts;

Bracelet: Coach Legacy Bangle; Shoes: Gianni Bini (old)}

Shabby Apple Giveaway

(1/2/3/4)

I’m sure that you all have seen Shabby Apple giveaways floating around on various blogs.  And if you haven’t snagged a gift card yet, here’s another opportunity for you to win.  The wonderful folks over at Shabby Apple has graciously offered to give one lucky reader a $50 gift card to Shabby Apple.  Shabby Apple has a beautiful collection of vintage inspired dresses, skirts, tops, and even swimwear.  There is so much to choose from, but I’ve managed to narrow my favorites down to the four items pictured here.

Here's how to enter.  Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter so I can keep track of all of you.  

There are two requirements for this giveaway:

1. Like Shabby Apple on Facebook. 

2. Check out Shabby Apple’s website (here) and let me which item is your favorite.

Contest ends Monday, July 23 at 12:01am EST and one winner will be randomly selected shorty after.  Sorry everyone, but this contest is limited to US residents only.  Good luck! 

As a bonus, all readers can receive 10% off your purchase at Shabby Apple by using the code "moodygirlinstyle10off".  The offer is valid for 30 days. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway                             

xoxo Natasha

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