Moody Mondays: Target & Altuzarra

I’m so excited to share with all of you the news about Target’s newest collaboration.  I’m not sure where I've been, but I only recently learned about this information, so I figured that I would share it with all of you (in case you weren't already in the know). 

Anyways, Target has announced that they are partnering with Altuzarra to introduce a limited-edition collection of women's ready-to-wear & accessories for fall 2014.  Altuzarra for Target hits Target stores, Target.com and Net-A-Porter on Sunday, September 14, 2014 - so you know that’s where I’ll be.

The 2014 Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA) Womenswear Designer of the Year winner, Joseph Altuzarra of Altuzarra, has created a collection for Target that is comprised of nearly 50 pieces priced from $18 to $90.  The collection includes everyday staples of pencil skirts, crisp button-down shirts and stylish dresses that are covered in python prints, rich velvets and romantic floral prints.  In addition to the clothes, there are a handful of beautiful accessories like waist-cinching belts, ankle-strap stilettos and there is even a pair of over-the-knee boots. 

As I mentioned before, I’m so excited about this collaboration that I’ve already started picking out some of my favorites.  You can check out the official lookbook here.  Here are a few things that I'm loving so far:

Velvet Blazer InRuby Red, $59.99; Embroidered Blouse In Red, $44.99; 

Velvet Ankle Tuxedo PantIn Red, $39.99; Ankle Strap Shoe In Black, $39.99

Maxi Dress In Black Orchid Print, $69.99; Ankle Strap Shoe In Black, $39.99

Structured Dress With Crane Embroidery, $49.99; Croc Effect Belt InBlack, $29.99; 

Ankle Strap Shoe In Black, $39.99

Blazer In Python Print, $49.99; Dress In Banker Stripe/Python Print, $49.99; 

Ankle Strap Shoe In Black, $39.99

Wrap Dress In Purple Orchid Print, $49.99; Over-The-Knee Boot In Black, $79.99

Tee Shirt In Python Print, $17.99; Flounce Skirt In Black, $34.99; 

CrocEffect Belt In Black, $29.99; Over-The-Knee Boot In Black, $79.99

I can’t wait to check everything out in person.  Are any of you looking forward to this collection?  Have you check everything out yet?  What are some of your favorites?

Moody Style: Lace & Stripes

I love, love, love this Eva Franco Laced Strata dress that I wore out to dinner a few weeks ago. This is my first dress that I've owned from Eva Franco and I’m very impressed with the fit and quality. The dress is form fitting and flared at the waist creating the perfect hourglass figure.  This dress is flirty and feminine and doesn’t require too many accessories because the dress speaks for itself. The fabric is heavy and is perfect for cooler weather, but it also works in the warmer months.  I'm so happy that I grabbed this dress when I did - it's my new favorite.  Do any of you have this dress or the black and white version? Do you have a favorite dress in your closet that fits you perfectly?  Let me know.  I hope that you guys have a great week!

{Dress: Anthropologie Laced Strata Dress (similar here); Earrings: J.Crew Crystal Shimmer Earrings; 

Watch: Coach Boyfriend Bracelet Watch (here); Bracelet: J.Crew Pointed Stone Bracelet; 

Bracelet: Target Pave Stone Link Bracelet  (here); Shoes: Vince Camuto Zella Pumps}

Moody Girl Eats: Avocado and Chickpea Salad

I love finding quick and easy side dishes that are both healthy and flavorful.  And this one is the perfect mix because it’s loaded with avocados, which I love.  This salad can also serve as a main dish since the chickpeas are a good source of protein and rich in both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber.  And although avocados may be fatty, that doesn’t mean that they are bad for your health.  In fact, avocados are full of healthy good fats, they are rich in vitamins K, C, E and B and they also have healthy dose of dietary fiber.  Anyways, this recipe takes less than 15 minutes to make especially if you are quick on the cutting board.  I doubled up the recipe so I eat it for the rest of the week – it’s reflected in the pictures below.  Let me know what you think.  Enjoy!

Avocado and Chickpea Salad

[Inspired by this avocado chickpea salad from Once Upon a Cutting Board.]

Ingredients:

1 medium ripe avocado

1/3 cup red onions (diced)

1 can chickpeas, drained

1 lime - juice

1-tablespoon olive oil

⅓ cup fresh cilantro

1 clove garlic, finely minced

Salt and pepper for taste

Directions:

Makes 3 servings.

1. Add diced onions, cilantro, and chickpeas in a bowl. 

2. Slice avocado in half, carefully scooping out the inside, and dice the avocado into cubes.

3. Place avocado in a bowl with bean mixture.

4. Whisk together the dressing ingredients: lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.

5. Add the dressing to the bean mixture and toss until the avocado and beans are coated. Chill until ready to serve.