Fresh Picks to Follow: LBD

Hi everyone - I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend.  I just got back into town late tonight and I didn’t have time to write my Friday Fresh Picks to Follow.  I’ve been pretty good about posting this weekly feature, but lately I’ve been a little distracted.  My aunt passed away and we recently had a beautiful memorial service in honor of her life and legacy.  She was truly an amazing, inspirational woman and I’m so happy that she was in my life.

When I thought about putting together this week’s Fresh Picks to Follow, I instantly thought about the little black dress.  I realized that I have a handful of black dresses, but only one that was appropriate for the memorial service.   So I wanted to focus this week’s feature on the LBD.  Since Chanel introduced the "little black dress" in 1926, it has become a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. The Chanel little black dress became a symbol of chic and sophisticated simplicity. Something that I noticed is that the LBD should not be trendy, but timeless.  In my opinion, the perfect LBD should have plain fabric and clean lines and it should look simple yet elegant.  To change the look from daytime to night, pair the dress with bold jewelry, a blazer, colorful pumps or a scarf.  Here are my top 10 LBD’s for this week’s Fresh Picks to Follow.  Do you have a favorite little black dress?  Do you have a dress that is work or church appropriate?  Let me know. 

1. Banana Republic - BR Monogram Cowlneck Dress…$130.00

2. Banana Republic - The Mad Men® Collection Lace Tipped Dress…$150.00

3. Maggy London - Illusion Back Pleated Matte Jersey Dress…$148.00

4. Ann Taylor - Draped Midriff Dress …$148.00

5. Black Halo - Jackie O Belted Dress…$345.00

6. Banana Republic - Gemma Wrap Dress…$98.00

7. White House Black Market - Asymmetrical Button-Detail Dress…$148.00

8. J. Crew - Alisanne Dress in Silk Taffeta…$235.00

9. Talbots - Luxe Flannel Pleated Dress…$189.00

10. Marc by Marc Jacobs - Lightweight Suiting Dress…$378.00

xoxo Natasha

OOTD: In An Instant

Do you ladies remember the 80s cliché look of business women in skirt suits and white sneakers?  I used to live up north and I also worked in Washington, DC about 10 years ago.  For as long as I can remember, business women would wear sensible shoes during their commute to work.  In the late 80s and the early 90s, career women in skirt suits would wear sneakers, white socks and pantyhose.  The sneaker look was acceptable back then, but these days the look is a little too much.  I’m still a little surprised when I see women rocking this trend.  In fact, I saw an older woman last week and I just wanted to tell her “no more white sneakers.” 

For the most part, I see a majority of women wearing flip flops in the spring/summer months, UGGs during the fall/winter months and various flats during their commute to work. For those of you like me whose commute involves some walking and the occasional jog when I’m running late, street friendly shoes are a must.  I personally opt for a stylish pair of flats during my commute to work every morning.  I work downtown and parking is very scarce, so I have a 6 block commute from the parking garage to my office.  In Florida, that is pretty brutal during the summer months and any rainy day.  I usually carry an extra pair of shoes in my purse and I also have two pairs of pumps in my office in case I forget to bring a pair.  Do any of you commute to work?  Do you change shoes when you get to the office?  Here are my two looks for my OOTD while at work – one with my commuting flats and my office heels. 

Dress: Anthropologie In An Instant Dress

Sweater: Banana Republic Cardigan (old)

Necklace: Anthropologie Binu’s Necklace (2010)

Earrings: Coach Pave Stud Earrings (similar here)
Shoes: Nine West Ankle Strap Peep Toe Wedge (old)

xoxo Natasha

September Wish List – Top 3

Did you have a chance to listen to The Derek and Kay Internet Talk Radio Show where they interviewed Roxy from Effortless Anthropologie and Kim from Anthroholic?  If you didn’t, you can listen to it (here).  I didn’t have a chance to listen last night because I completely forgot about it.  I wish I remembered about the broadcast because I had a couple of questions for Roxy and Kim.  These blogs are two of my favorites and I was excited to hear what these ladies had to say about their blogs, fashion and Anthropologie.  Everyone did a great job and I can't wait to hear more interviews like these in the near future.

Anyways, I was in Anthropologie last Friday and I’ve fallen in love with some of the new fall items.  I also recently looked through the September 2011 catalog and added several new items to my wish list.  Even though I added several items to my wish list, I’m only posting my top 3 items for the month of September that I can’t live without.  What items have you added to your wish list? 

                    Test Pattern Sweaterdress                   Rodna Halter Dress                           Dantela Corset Top

xoxo Natasha

Fresh Picks to Follow: Emerald City

Happy Labor Day Weekend everyone! I’m sorry for my delay in my post again.  I’ve been out of town most of the week and I just got back in town late last night.  This past week has been, for the most part, a blur.  I don’t have a lot of time to write about this week’s Fresh Picks to Follow, so here are my top 10 emerald green items.  Do you have a favorite piece?  Let me know. 

1. Marc Jacobs - Michaela Silk Dress…$498.00

2. Old Navy – Cropped Wool-Blend Peacoats…$59.94

3. Anthropologie - Dots Within Blouse…$118.00

4. Anthropologie - Emerald Fade Heels…$428.00

5. Diane von Furstenberg - Elaine Leather Carryall…$650.00

6. Talbots - Seed-stitched Cardigan…$24.49

7. Jay Godfrey - Marceau Cut Out Drawstring Dress…$325.00

8. Urban Outfitters - BDG Ankle Cigarette Mid-Rise Jean…$58.00

9. Anthropologie - Leaf Trinket Flats…$98.00

10. Ann Taylor - Kissing Placket Silk Long Sleeve Shirt…$118.00

xoxo Natasha