Moody Style: Sangria

Hi everyone…I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend.  I had a fabulous full weekend, but I didn’t have too much time to rest.  Saturday morning I went to a graduation and a reception for my beautiful cousin, followed by an impromptu get together with really good friends and a bottle of sangria.  Then on Sunday, I went to church, then baked a batch of peanut butter cookies for a cookie swap and then went to a work holiday party later in the evening.  There was some good eats and lots more sangria drinking.   In between all of these events, I wrote up holiday cards and continued some of my Christmas shopping.  I’m still amazed how slow this process is going for me this year.  I’m usually all finished and everything would be wrapped and ready to go by now.  I still have 3 more presents to buy and I haven’t wrapped a single present yet.  I’m feeling the stress right about now, but the several glasses of sangria this weekend really helped me cope.  What about all of you?  Have you finished all of your shopping?  Are you feeling stressed this holiday season?

Dress: Anthropologie Jacinth Sweaterdress (2010)

Earrings: Coach Pave Stud Earrings (similar here)

Necklace: Anthropologie Binu’s Necklace (2010)

Belt: Anthropologie Bow and Angle Belt (2010)

Shoes: Ann Taylor Dark Brown Pumps (really old)

Fresh Picks to Follow - Holiday Gifts under $75.00

Happy Friday everyone!  I don’t have much write today, so here are my top ten holiday gift ideas all under $75.00.  Let me know what you think or if you have any additional suggestions for gifts under $75.00.

1. Lululemon Athletica - Lulu Pant II…$74.00

2. Origins - Ginger To Go and Stay…$55.00

3. Brother - 17-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine…$74.97

4. Kate Spade - Signature Spade Quilted iPad Sleeve…$70.00

5. Crate & Barrel - Cuisinart® Compact-Smoothie Blender…$69.95

6. UGG® - Scuffette…$75.00

7. Kiehl’s - Creme de Corps Collection…$59.00

8. Anthropologie - A Real Hoot Canister…$68.00

9. Brookstone - Yonanas™ Frozen Treat Maker…$69.99

10. Restoration Hardware – Luxury Plush Robe…$69.00

xoxo Natasha

Anthropologie Fitting Room Reviews

I just wanted to share a few Anthropologie fitting room reviews of some dresses and tops that caught my eye tonight.  I went into the store to check out the 30% off sale and to make a return.  Of course I could never walk in and just return something.  I’m really glad that I went to the store tonight because I was able to score a couple things and get a price adjustment on my shoes.  I was originally going to return my Malbec Heels because they were a too big.  I grabbed the only 9 ½ shoe that I saw.  My store doesn’t have a shoe section, so I didn’t think they would have the next size down, but they did.  I’m really glad I asked.  Anyways, when the SA exchanged them, the price came up cheaper than my Black Friday deal and I was able to get 30% off of them too.  I also found a Fractal Medallion Max dress in red and a Sidebent Tank in pink.  Anyways, here’s my fitting room reviews for all of you.  BTW…I also have a few OOTDs to post, so stay tuned. 

Sorted Stripes Dress…$178.00

I love, love, love this dress!  I’m really glad that I tried this dress on because the picture of it online did nothing for me.  The picture isn’t the best, but it’s the best I can do with the iPhone.  This stunning Bailey 44 dress was an instant hit with me once I tried it on.  I tried on a small (S) and I think it was TTS.  It definitely hugged all of my curves in the right way.  The stretch jersey fabric was very soft and comfortable and I love the ruffled hem on the skirt.  The dress comes in a black and grey striped motif that would work for any occasion.  I can definitely see wearing this dress with some black or grey tights and bright, bold jewelry.  This dress gets two thumbs up from me.  I just added this one too my wish list.

Sumana Dress…$198.00

This dress caught my attention as soon as it arrived online.  I love all of the colors in this dress…it’s a beautiful combination.  I tried on the dress in a small (S), but I should have tried on an extra small.  After reading the reviews, it seems that some ladies were able to go down a size.  So grab a couple of sizes if you are interested in this one. I think that this dress would be flattering on any body type.  The cut of the dress is similar to a tunic.  I would wear this dress with tights and boots in the winter and some cute strappy sandals over the summer.  Tanvi Kedia, an Indian designer, created this spectacular beaded and embroidered pullover dress.  Do you know if she has ever partnered with Anthro in the past before now?  I was just curious.  This dress gets two thumbs up from me…I hope that this dress will be around long enough for me to grab one.  This one is on my wish list too.

Split Diamonds Shift…$188.00

This Tabitha dress has been very popular among Anthro lovers and there aren’t many of them left online.  I tried this on last month and there were only a handful of them left in the store tonight.  I love the diamond embroidery in the front of the dress and the exposed zipper in the back of the dress.  This material of this dress is made out of a heavy textured cotton that would is perfect for the cold weather.   I tried this dress on in a size 4 and it worked for me just fine.  This dress gets two thumbs up from me and an add to the wish list.

xoxo Natasha

Holiday Sweepstakes and Giveaways

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been signing up for various holiday sweepstakes and giveaways and I wanted share some of my favorites with you all. I figure that if I can’t win, I would love for one of my fellow bloggers to capture one of these great prizes.  I’ve listed 12 sweepstakes in the spirit of the 12 Days of Christmas.  I can’t believe Christmas is just around the corner (11 days and counting).  Anyways, if you get a chance, let me know about any amazing sweepstakes/giveaways that's coming up!  Good luck everyone!

1. Victoria Secret – VS Reward Card

What’s the Prize: A chance to win a Victoria Secret Reward Card worth $10, $50, $100 or $500.

Entry Frequency: Once a day per person

Contest End Date: December 15, 2011 (expires very soon)

2. Oprah – Holiday Favorites Sweepstakes

What’s the Prize: I was very excited about this one! A chance to win a collection of Oprah’s favorite things including an iPad 2, clothing, sporting equipment, a laptop computer, kitchenware, and more.

Entry Frequency: One time per person

Contest End Date: December 19, 2011

3. Neiman Marcus - 12 Days of Handbags Sweepstakes

What’s the Prize: A chance to win daily prizes of designer handbags, or a grand prize of all 12 of the handbags awarded daily, a prize worth $17,550.

Entry Frequency: Once a day per person

Contest End Date: December 19, 2011

4. Anthropologie Holiday Giveaway

What’s the Prize: A chance to win one of 20 various gift packages over 20 days.

Entry Frequency: Once a day per person

Contest End Date: December 21, 2011

5. Banana Republic - Gifts Come In All Sizes

What’s the Prize: A chance to win a 1-year lease on a MINI Cooper Coupe.  In addition, other winners will win a Virgin Airlines flight, Banana Republic Gift Card, or a donation made on your behalf to the Boys and Girls Club of America.

Entry Frequency: Once a day per person

Contest End Date: December 24, 2011

6. Real Simple - 2011 Holiday Giveaway

What’s the Prize: A chance to win $15,000 cash (how awesome is that?)

Entry Frequency: Once a day per person

Contest End Date: December 31, 2011

*You can also enter online at www.myrecipes.com or www.cookinglight.com or www.realsimple.com or www.allyou.com.

7. SeaWorld - 25-Day Holiday Giveaway Sweepstakes

What’s the Prize: A chance to win $25,000 cash or daily prizes including $2,500 in plants, a VIP experience with Jack Hanna, $2,500 cash prizes, a $1,500 Fathead gift card, and much more.

Entry Frequency: Once a day per person

Contest End Date: December 31, 2011

8. Moviefone - Merry Movie Giveaway Sweepstakes

What’s the Prize: A chance to win one of 2,001 free movie tickets.

Entry Frequency: Once a day per person

Contest End Date: December 31, 2011

9. Carrabba's Italian Grill - Holiday Sweepstakes

What’s the Prize: A chance to win $5,000!

Entry Frequency: Unlimited entry per person

Contest End Date: December 31, 2011

10. J.Crew's Madewell and Bliss World Gift-Yourself Getaway Sweepstakes

What’s the Prize: A chance to win a 2-night trip for two to New York, a $500 Bliss World LLC gift card, and a $2,000 Madewell gift card.

Entry Frequency: Once a day per person

Contest End Date: December 31, 2011

11. Simon Malls - Holiday Sweepstakes

What’s the Prize: A chance to win a $10,000 American Express Gift Card.

Entry Frequency: One time per person/email

Contest End Date: January 02, 2012

12. Vogue - Coach Holiday Sweepstakes

What’s the Prize: A chance to win a trip to New York City to tour the Vogue offices and Coach archives, a $2,500 Coach shopping spree, and more. In addition, one winner will receive a $1,000 Coach shopping spree and another winner will receive a Coach handbag.

Entry Frequency: One time per person/email

Contest End Date: January 06, 2012

*This contest is open to any legal resident of the US and over the age of 18.  However, there is line in the rules that says  the promotion is void in Florida.  Obviously, I'm not happy about this at all.

xoxo Natasha