Mood Swing - The Autumn Style Shift

Oh autumn! Ever since I was a youngster growing up in New Jersey, I’ve always looked forward to autumn.  Autumn has always been known for deep rich colors, apple picking or pumpkin picking, cool, crisp air, and of course, pumpkin spice lattes.  Now that I live in Florida, I especially welcome the fall weather for some relief from a long, hot spring and summer season. While the rest of the country is gearing up for cooler temperatures, it continues to remain ridiculously hot down here.  

As I continue to wrap up my summer wardrobe, I’m slowly transitioning some fall colors into my wardrobe.  Obviously, one of the quickest ways to transition into the fall season is to run to the stores and buy new clothes.  However, if you are like me living in a warm state or if you don’t have the budget to update your wardrobe right away, then you can start off small with accessories, makeup, or nail polish in prominent fall hues.  

Sometimes it can be a little tricky trying to figure out what colors will work best during the transition into the new season.  I’ve teamed up with Julep to show different ways to transition into fall with Julep nail colors.  If you’re not ready to grab new clothes and you want to start off small with nail color, then here is a chart from Julep to give you some color ideas for transitioning from summer to fall colors.  So ladies, it’s time to put away the bright and neon nail polishes from the summer and go for an autumn-inspired color palette.

I’ve picked out a couple of my favorite colors that are inspiring me this season and put together a layout of few accessories and clothing that will allow these colors to shine.  I love the look of Julep’s Brielle (Bombshell) and Anisa (Classic with a Twist) because these colors remind me of the leaves changing to an array of hearty oranges, golds and reds.   And I personally think that these colors look amazing on all skin tones.  

Do you have a favorite nail polish color for fall? Check out Julep for more color inspiration and let me know in the comments.

1. The Limited - Check Pencil Skirt…$69.95

2. Free People - Ventura Pant…$78.00

3. Vivetta - Orange Scalloped Martedi Dress…$455.00

4. Anthropologie - L'Orangerie Infinity Scarf…$48.00

5. Kate Spade New York - 'Metro' Embossed Leather Strap Watch…$195.00

6. Brooks Brothers - Wool Two-Button Jacket…$248.00

1. Tory Burch - Robinson Pebbled Triple-Zip Satchel…$535.00

2. J.Crew – Plaza Skirt in Crepe…$79.99

3. Hunter - Adjustable Back Gloss Rain Boot…$158.00

4. Ann Taylor - Tall Faux Leather Seamed Dress…$139.00

5. H&M - Peplum Top…$19.99

6. Alturzarra for Target – Velvet Tuxedo Ankle Pant…$39.99

Current Mood - Top 3

I just made a little visit to my local Anthropologie and I fell in love with a ton of items that will be perfect for fall - whenever it gets here.  The weather here is still about 90 degrees during the peak of the day.  So, I have at least a month or two before I can start pulling out my sweaters and jackets.  In the meantime, I’ll just continue to add a few more things to my wish list and create my fall wardrobe in my mind.   Have any of you checkout out Anthropologie lately.  Do any of you have any favorites that you can’t live without this month?  What’s on your wish list?

Atacama Jumpsuit

Fringed Veras Cardigan

 

Embroidered Glacia Gown

 

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.