Moody Style: End of Summer?

Is it feeling like the end of summer to any of you ladies?  Saturday marks the official first day of autumn and it’s still pretty warm here in my neck of the woods.  As many of you know, I live in Florida where it’s extremely warm about 85% of the time.  I’m actually looking forward to the change in seasons and some cooler fall weather.  However, we don’t usually see any hint of autumn until the end of October.  I guess in the meantime I’ll just have to enjoy my extended summer until then.  Are any of you seeing signs of autumn in your hometowns?  If so, what do you miss about the summer season?  I'd love to hear all about it in the comments.

Dress: Old Navy Cap-Sleeve Jersey Dress;

Belt: Banana Republic Patent Skinny Belt;

Necklace: Ann Taylor (old); Bracelet: (old);

Shoes: Ralph Lauren Zabrina Heels

Office Chic No. 3: Pencil Skirts

I started this series a few months ago and nearly abandoned it, but I want to pick up where I left off with my office essentials.  Next on my list of must-haves for the office are pencil skirts.  Pencil skirts are a classic staple that can transition through every season.  These days you can find them in different fabrics, textures, colors, prints and sometimes-even lengths.  Here are 5 great ways to incorporate the pencil skirt into your weekly fashion regimen.

1. Abstract Art and Prints

I love wearing a traditional solid pencil skirt, but I love them even more when the skirt has a graphic or a beautiful print on it.  A printed pencil skirt will grab the attention of just about anyone.  To achieve an office chic look, I would look for a skirt with a large print that makes a bold statement. Adding a neutral blouse and minimal accessories to the look will allow this pencil skirt to be the focal point it was intended be.

2. Pop of Color

The styling possibilities are endless when you pick a solid colored pencil skirt.  Every season there is a new color palette with amazing bold colors that is sure to be a showstopper if it’s styled correctly.  To achieve an office chic look, I would find a color that compliments your skin tone and add a white t-shirt or white button down shirt.  The key here is to find a top that is neutral enough to allow the skirt to shine.

3. Varying Lengths

You can find pencil skirts in varying lengths anywhere from below the knee to the middle of the calf muscle.  These pencil skirts is also known as the midi-pencil skirt, which is a longer version of the traditional pencil skirt.  The longer lengths of the pencil skirt looks great on everyone, but you have to find the right one to avoid looking disproportioned.  To achieve an office chic look, find a midi-pencil skirt with vertical stripes or color blocking with darker colors on top.  I also think that if you decide to wear a longer version of the pencil skirt, then pair it with a pair of pumps or boots with a heel to create the illusion of height.

4. Texture

If you’ve already figured out that you love wearing pencil skirts, then try to play up your look by experimenting with textures. There are some fantastic fabrics and textures slated for the fall season like tweed, wool, leather, corduroy, velvet, snakeskin, brocade, lace, fur and sweater knits.  You can find the right pencil skirt for you no matter what time of year it is.  If your looking for pencil skirts in a warmer climate, look for skirts with breathable fabrics and a little texture, like linen, seersucker, piqué and crochet. To achieve an office chic look, try a little texture mixing. For example, this fall you can pair a tweed or wool blazer with a leather pencil skirt or a chunky knit sweater with a corduroy pencil skirt.

5.  Glitz and Glamour

Sequins in the office don’t work together, right?  Well, there was probably a time when many people would say absolutely not, but today I think some of those same people would say, wrong.  I love the look and feel of a sequin or a beaded embellished pencil skirt.  I personally don’t own either, but it’s next on my list of things to buy.  An embellished pencil skirt is a great investment piece that’s a perfect look from day to night.  To achieve an office chic look, pair the skirt with a tank top or a sweater and add a blazer to complete to look.  For an edgier office look, pair the skirt with a sheer button down shirt and tank top.  Avoid adding fishnet stockings or patterned tights, extremely thick sweaters, and bulky shoes to this skirt because the embellishments makes a statement all by itself.  

Pencil Skirts by moody-girl-in-style featuring a pencil skirt

xoxo Natasha

miscellany monday

happy monday everyone! i haven’t done one of these posts in a long time, so i thought that i should do one today.  i’ve added my random ramblings to carissa’s miscellany monday party!  check out carissa’s blog here and join in on the fun. 

{one} my blogiversary.  i’ve been so caught up with the rest of my life that i nearly forgot all about my two year blogiversary which was on september 13th.  i started this blog in 2010 and never imagined that i would actually keep it up for this long.  thanks so much to all of you for your support over the past two years. i’m honored that you all take the time to check out my humble little blog.  it truly means the world to me.  i would love to talk about this a little bit more, but I want to dedicate a full post towards my blogiversary.  so, stay tuned. i might have a surprise for you all to celebrate my two years of blogging!!!

{two} running. you may or may not have noticed that i haven’t been posting that many race re-caps lately.  i haven’t been running as aggressively as i did last year, but that’s all about to change.  i truly enjoy running in cooler weather and the fall race season has finally gone into full swing.  this saturday i’m running in a 5k with one of my besties from north carolina.  she’s getting married next year and is coming down for the race, to visit family and to find bridesmaids dresses.  it should be a good weekend.  i’m also contemplating running  in the lady speed stick women’s half marathon in st. petersburg on november 18, 2012.  it looks like it will be a great race.  i have about 60 days until race day, so i have to make a decision quick if i’m going to do it.  have any of you ever ran in a lady speed stick race?  if so, tell me all about it in the comments.

quick race recap – the last race that i ran in was a 5k that raised awareness for lung health.  the race was relatively small – there were 262 total race finishers and 125 female finishers.   i came in 2nd in my age group and I was the 16th female finisher overall.  my official chip time was 28:51.  it’s not my best time and not particularly fast, but overall i’m pretty pleased.

 {three} san francisco.  i’m going to san francisco next month to celebrate my sister’s birthday and i can’t wait.  i’ve never been there before, so if any of you have suggestions on sites to see, restaurants to try and even favorite hotels, please let me know.  

xoxo Natasha