MOODY GIRL IN STYLE

Moody Style: Chambray and Leopard

I can’t believe how quickly the year is going and that tomorrow is December 1^st. I officially have to figure out what I’m getting people for Christmas and get my lists and budget together. Over the past few years, I’ve been pretty successful with setting a budget and really sticking to it. Here’s how I do it. I create a list of all of the people that I plan to buy presents for and I set a dollar amount as my overall budget. Once the budget is set, then I look at my list of names and decide how much money I want to spend for each person. I just make sure that the dollar amount set for each person adds up to my overall total budget. The next step is brainstorming gift ideas within the budget range that I set for each person. And track the spending with an actual dollar spent column to make sure that if you go over or under then I can adjust the budget on someone else’s gift. I also factor in a few extra gifts for random unplanned gift exchanges. Once I decide to start shopping, then I head to the bank to take out cash for the overall total budget. I use only cash for my purchases to make it a little easier to track everything that I’ve spent. Do you guys set a budget for your gifts? Do you stay within your budget? What are some tips that you use when budgeting for the holidays?

{Shirt: Old Navy Classic Chambray Shirt;

Skirt: Old Navy High-Rise Twill Pencil Skirt;

Earrings: J.Crew Crystal Fiesta Earrings;

Necklace: J. Crew Crystal Fiesta Necklace;

Watch: Coach Boyfriend Bracelet Watch;

Bracelet: J. Crew Factory Square Stone Bracelet; Bracelet: Coach Bangles;

Shoes: Nine West Boots (similar here)}

Moody Style: A Little Plaid

I hope that everyone had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving – I know I did. I ate way too much this past Thursday and I’ve been eating more than my share of leftovers ever since. But you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. Spending the past few days with my family is something I always look forward to throughout the year.

Did any of you do any shopping this weekend? Did you shop on Thanksgiving Day or on Black Friday? I did a little shopping on Thanksgiving Day after my family and I went to the movies. We figured that we would check out some of the deals at the local Walmart since we were already out of the house. I was able to grab a few deals for myself and I managed to get some Christmas shopping out of the way. As much as I was against stores opening on Thanksgiving Day, I enjoyed getting some shopping done late in the evening after dinner. And by the time we made it to the store, the crowds were bad either. We were in and out of the store pretty quickly. Let me know what stores you made it over the Black Friday weekend.

{Sweater: J. Crew Merino Wool Tippi Sweater;

Scarf: Zara Checked Shawl;

Jeans: Banana Republic Dark Wash Skinny Jean;

Jacket: J. Crew Downtown Field Jacket;

Watch: Coach Boyfriend Bracelet Watch;

Bracelet: J. Crew Factory Square Stone Bracelet; Bracelet: Coach Bangle;

Shoes: Coach Fayth Boots (similar here)}

Moody Picks – Faux Fur Vest

A fur vest makes a statement on its own, so you really want the rest of your outfit to be understated and balanced to allow the vest to shine. There are so many style options for a fur vest and some of the best ways to wear it is the simplest. You can wear a fur vest to work by pairing it with a pencil skirt and blouse or turtleneck. Another way you can wear a fur vest is adding it to a knit sweater, skinny jeans and some leather boots for a casual weekend look.

A couple of years ago, I was on the hunt for the perfect faux fur vest. I was pretty happy when I finally found a couple of them that I love. Unfortunately, I’ve only been able to wear them each a few times because of our warm winters here in Florida. Well, if you’ve been looking for the right faux fur vest, then look no further. I’ve put together a list below of some great fur vests available at various price points. Check them out and let me know what you think.

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Here are a few more vests that are similar to the one in my latest Instagram post.

Foxidox 'Double Time' Vest

Guess Sleeveless Faux-Fur Vest

Via Spiga Faux Fur Vest

Moody Style: Cold Snap

We are finally getting another cold snap down here in Florida and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m already planning out my outfits for the rest of the week as I type. I know for sure that I’ll be pulling out all of my Zara scarves and wearing lots of sweaters. We're expecting the coldest weather this season where the temperatures are being forecasted to dive into the mid 20s area wide. This is a big deal for us down here considering today we reached a high of 81 degrees. It’s crazy how the weather changes so dramatically.

{Shirt: J. Crew Crinkle Check Shirt (same color here);

Vest: J.Crew Factory Novelty Quilted Puffer Vest;

Jeans: Banana Republic Dark Wash Skinny Jean;

Necklace: J. Crew Crystal Garland Necklace (similar here);

Watch: Coach Boyfriend Bracelet Watch;

Bracelet: J. Crew Factory Square Stone Bracelet; Bracelet: Jenny Bird Wala Cuff;

Shoes: Banana Republic Suede Slouch Boots (similar here)}

Moody Picks - Buffalo Chic

I have fallen in love with everything buffalo check this season and my favorite color combo is red and black. What about you guys? How much buffalo check is in your closet? Luckily for us this print is everywhere lately, so there are lots of designs and styles to choose from. Just walk into any clothing store and I’m pretty sure you can find some variation of buffalo check patterns in either red and black, white and navy, green and black or even cobalt blue and black. And if you're afraid of looking like a lumberjack, then stay away from the coats and flannels shirts and start out with a small accessory like this infinity scarf or a cute clutch. Do you plan to add some buffalo check to your wardrobe this weekend? What is your favorite color combination?

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Current Mood – Top 3

Anthropologie has done it again! I stopped in the store earlier today only to find out that they rolled out another promotion and I think that this one is really good. For a limited time, Anthropologie is giving you 25% off all dresses and jewelry in stores and online. The prices are as marked and they are also including all of the sale items too. Are you guys going to get anything this time around? While I was in the store, I checked out some of their new items and naturally I had to try them on. Here are my top 3 favorites for this month from Anthropologie. Check out Anthropologie’s dress and jewelry sale here and let me know which one is your favorite!

Colorstack Sweater Dress

Sparked Tulle Skirt

Striped Chevron Sweatercoat

Moody Mondays – Tick-tock, Stock-up!

Hi ladies - I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend! I’m not sure about you guys, but I haven't finished shopping for all of my fall/winter essentials yet. Mostly because I'm always on the look out for a good deal. So when I got a couple emails regarding some great sales, I thought that I would share them with you too. That way you too can stock up on any additions to your wardrobe or even start shopping for the holidays.

Anthropologie has a pretty sweet promotion going on right now. For a limited time, you can enjoy 20% off all sweaters in stores and online. The prices are as marked and the offer includes all of the sweaters on sale as well. Awesome right? Just a quick FYI, the sale started last Thursday, November 6th and I’m not sure when it’s going to end. So if you see something that you like, then act fast before it’s too late. Do you have any favorites? Check out Anthropologie’s full collection of sweaters here and let me know which one is your favorite! I’m not sure if I’m gonna buy anything yet, but I have a few things in my shopping bag like: this Moth Jacquard Moto Cardi, Dolan Rosalyn Pullover and this Moth Draped Pointelle Cardigan.

I also got an email earlier today from Piperlime regarding another big sale. Piperlime is offering 30% off of all sale items as well as 40% off all final sale items now through November 11, 2014, by using the code EXTRAEXTRA at the checkout. I ended up grabbing a few things like this Pim + Larkin All Over Embellished Shell Top and this Aryn K. Exploded Lace Top. I also have my eye on a few Kate Spade goodies like: this Kate Spade Bamboo Cuff, Kate Spade Nelle Collared Top, and this Kate Spade Sailors Knot Bangle. Are you guys going to take advantage of the sale? Let me know if you have your eye on anything.

Moody Style: Vested

Do you guys ever find yourself searching high and low for a product that you become ridiculously obsessed? Well, I have to say that this scenario happens to me pretty often especially when it’s a hot new “IT” item that everyone’s grabbing. How many stores do you search before you give up on that perfect piece of clothing?

I finally found this awesome utility vest at Old Navy a couple of months ago after walking out of several stores empty handed. And just when I was about to give up, I found the last one in the area on a clearance rack. I always feel so lucky when that happens. Anyways, this vest is fantastic because the olive color is so neutral that it complients just about everything. It is the perfect weight for the warm southern fall and it’s ideal for layering. I decided to pair it with polka dots and stripes and I threw on some leopard heels for an extra pattern mix. Do any of you have this vest? What are some ways that you are styling it?

{Shirt: J. Crew Factory Printed Voile Popover;

Skirt: Banana Republic Striped Skirt (similar here and here);

Vest: Old Navy Canvas Surplus Vest (similar here and here);
Hat: Wet Seal Cozy Knitted Beret;
Earrings: Kate Spade Small Square Studs;

Necklace: Jenny Bird Artemis Collar;

Watch: Coach Boyfriend Bracelet Watch;

Bracelet: J. Crew Factory Square Stone Bracelet;

Bracelet: Jenny Bird Wala Cuff;
Shoes: Coach Sue Haircalf Pump (similar here)}

Moody Style: Shake It Off

I have to admit I’m a big fan of Taylor Swift’s new song "Shake It Off" and I’m a little tempted to purchase her new album, "1989." Did any of you buy it? What do you guys think? I wouldn’t say that I’m a Swiftie by any means or that I’ve been a huge Taylor Swift fan in the past, but I jumped on the Taylor Swift bandwagon during the 2014 VMA’s. I have to admit that I was pretty impressed with her performance and that point during her performance right before pretending to jump off the "1989" sign, when she stated, "I don't care if it's VMAs, I'm not jumping off." It’s great to see a performer stay true to herself and not succumb to a variety of antics to sell music. I think that’s one of the reasons she’s been considered to be a role model for young girls. Taylor continues to respects herself and her fans and as a result her huge following of Swifties continues to grow. Love her or hate her, Taylor is a keeps her public image clean and classy, which is a nice change from the many overproduced sexualized pop stars. What do you guys think about this 24 year old starlet? Well, I checked out Taylor’s performance earlier to day on Good Morning America and really enjoyed it. Here is the clip from the performance on GMA, so you too can "Shake It Off."

{Shirt: J. Crew Popover In Navy Foulard;

Skirt: J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt In Double-Serge Wool;

Earrings: Anthropologie Windmill Post;

Necklace: J.Crew Flower Fan Necklace;

Watch: Coach Boyfriend Bracelet Watch;

Bracelet: J. Crew Brass And Crystal Petal Bracelet;

Bracelet: Target Pave Stone Link Bracelet;

Shoes: J.Crew Collection Etta Calf Hair Pumps (similar here)}

In the Mood: Jenny Bird

My sister recently introduced me to Canadian jewelry designer, Jenny Bird, and I think I’m officially obsessed. I love finding unique pieces of jewelry combined with exceptional craftsmanship; and this designer's looks fits the bill. They are truly one of a kind. The earthy, bohemian and uptown feel of this Bird's jewelry line is just the right balance of feminine and edgy. I currently own two Jenny Bird pieces right now – the Artemis Collar and Wala Cuff. And I am currently plotting ways to add more to my personal jewelry collection. I’m pretty sure my next purchase will be a couple of bracelets because they are gorgeous and they stack so perfectly together. I’m also crushing on a few more amazing statement necklaces from the collection. Check out the rest of Bird's collection here and some of my favorites below. Do any of you have any Jenny Bird pieces? What are some of your favorites?

1. RiRi Collar Tri-Tone 2. Frida Collar

3. Thea Coin Bracelet 4. Moonsong Cuff

5. Sunray Cuff 6. HARK! Horn Collar

“My line was born out of many inspired moments of observation and a calling too poignant to ignore. It was so hard to find beautiful accessories that were fashion forward yet well-made, luxurious yet priced affordably. Few things on the market were distinctly beautiful with a meaningful story; everything felt vacant of soul. I didn’t want obnoxious brands or empty fast fashion. I wanted indie-luxe and cool. I couldn’t help myself but to create.” — Jenny

Moody Style: Motorcycle and Shimmer

Happy Monday Everyone! I love finding great deals when I’m shopping and I pretty much only buy things when they are on sale or with some type of discount. As many of you may have noticed, one of my favorite places to shop lately is J.Crew because they always have some type of sale or a discount offered. I found these motorcycle pants earlier this year during one of the store’s 50% off sales and I’m so happy that I found my size. I love paring up pieces that have a little edge to them with feminine and girly pieces. The seams on this motorcycle pants adds interest and a little edge without any of the bulk from your typical cargo pants. So, I decided to wear the silk eyelet top and shimmer earrings to jazz up the look. And I think it was the perfect combination of both hard and soft. What do you guys think? Do any of you own these pants or any pants that are a little edgy? How do you style them?

{Shirt: J. Crew Silk Eyelet Top;

Pants: J.Crew Seamed Motorcycle Pant;

Earrings: J.Crew Crystal Shimmer Earrings;

Watch: Coach Boyfriend Bracelet Watch;

Bracelet: J. Crew Factory Square Stone Bracelet;

Bracelet: Target Pave Stone Link Bracelet;

Shoes: Nine West Snooze Smoking Slippers}

Moody Picks – Fall Now, Winter Later

The weather here in Florida finally started getting a little bit cooler, so it’s officially time for me to start thinking about ways to layer up during chilly temperatures. But instead of reaching for my trusty old jacket again this season; it might be time for me to grab something that incorporates the newest fashion trends. During my search I realized that keeping warm doesn’t have to come at the expense of style. You can definitely find a silhouette that fits both your body type and your wallet. Bundle up in my Moody Picks below and let me know which one of these is your favorite.