Finding Mexico in NYC

Over the weekend I discovered the cutest taco restaurant... the decor and natural lighting make you feel like you're truly on vacation and not in the middle of chilly New York. Anyone who knows me knows I love Mexican food more than just about anything else (with Thai being a close second) and Tacombi served up delicious fresh tacos out of a VW minibus parked in the middle of the restaurant space, along with delectable guacamole and strong margaritas. When you first walk in, the VW bus is the first thing you notice --it's not every restaurant that has a vehicle parked in the middle of their space, retrofitted as a kitchen none the less. Then the casual bright decor sinks in, the metal tables, cement floor, painted walls and white tiled bar lined with bright juice dispensers and real pineapples... I fell in love instantly. 

The decor and the natural light streaming in through several skylights make the space feel truly authentic as though you have been transported somewhere tropical. Everything about it feels bright and fresh with vintage undertones and a laid back vibe. Notice the checkers and backgammon game boards printed of several of the table tops! And the strings on lights! I felt right at home and have to say I certainly plan on heading back soon! They have three locations throughout NYC so I plan on visiting the others as well -- as long as they have bright colorful decor along with the delicious food I'm sure I'll love them just as much!

I've been wanting to share more blog posts like this on places I've tried and liked in NYC, what do you think, should I add a blog series on restaurants and places to try? Let me know if that's something you'd like to see more of! 

Tacombi, 267 Elizabeth St. New York, NY 10012.

xoxo, CC

Floral and Fur

Happy Friday!

I styled this skirt before, for early fall, but since it incorporates so well with darker colors and thicker textures, I wanted to show off how well it works in winter despite the pinks and florals. 

The colorful floral skirt brings a touch of brightness into these winter days, but it is grounded by the balance of a thick faux fur vest reminding us all what season it is. The chambray top draws out the shades of blue in the floral print maintaining a cool tone throughout the outfit. Of course an extra pop of pink with my favorite blush bag was necessary just to defy the winter cold a little bit more. Balancing winter staples with more colorful prints makes for a fun combination to help ward off the winter blues -- while still giving a nod to the season's best staples. 

Also, wouldn't this be a cute look for a casual valentine's day? All that pink would be perfectly appropriate for a day celebrating love--and it's only two weeks away believe it or not! What are you planning to wear? 

Skirt: H&M (get the look 1/2/3). Chambray top: JCrew. Vest: Chicwish. Bag: French Connection via Marshalls. Boots: Sam Edelman.  Sunglasses: anthropologie. Earrings: anthropologie. Wrap bracelet: similar. Choker necklace: similar. Hair clip: similar.

xoxo, CC

Sometimes Backwards is Better

Happy weekend!
While I'm back in snowy cold New York, I want to share one last look from my Cali trip with you. The weather there was a bit chilly as well, so it was necessary to bundle up in cozy sweaters and jackets, like this adorable fuzzy piece I picked up on my trip. Not only is this little jacket adorably chic, but it's actually pretty warm too since it is fluffy on the outside and lined with a cozy sweatshirt material on the inside. I kept getting compliments on this piece everywhere I went! 

This cute little tee from Anthro is super trendy with it's lace up detail, and I just adore the pale blue color. But guess what? I'm actually wearing it backwards! It is meant to be worn with the lace up as a detail in the back, however I thought it looked cuter flipped around. The way the seams run vertically up the top just didn't flatter me when worn the correct direction, but when I put it on backwards the lace up detail draws the eye away from those seams making it a super cute tee! So I say who cares how it is supposed to be worn, if it works better worn your own way then do it, because sometimes backwards is better! Putting your own spin on things can make them genuinely better and more uniquely you, and it's totally trendsetter material. What do you think, would you purposely wear something backwards to get the look you like?

Top: Anthropologie, get the look: 1/2/3. Jacket: Anthropologie/very similar here. Sunglasses: Anthropologie. Lip: Marc Jacobs Beauty. Necklace: identical here. Earrings: Anthro.
Please forgive the poor quality of these photos! iPhone cameras at dusk are not the best... :(

xoxo, CC

Pink Ruffles

Happy New Year to everyone!

I know this look is a little past it's prime season by now, however I just had to share these photos I shot this fall featuring this fun ruffle sweater. I've worn the sweater more recently as well with high rise jeans (it's pretty cropped) but this look could still be pulled off with a pair of black tights and booties over here on the east coast. And for those of you lucky enough to live somewhere warm: I am jealous.

I bought this sweater with the idea that I would wear it during my trip to Milan, but it ended up being too chilly to style it with bare legs and this skirt as I had planned. The sweater was also included in my capsule wardrobe a while back and I kept with the same color scheme here in this outfit, using the taupe clutch and a black skirt to round out the look. I love the statement sleeves on this vibrant sweater so I wanted a skirt that would compliment the bold look without getting overshadowed but neither competing. A simple black skirt with buttons up the front fit the bill for statement simplicity. Ruffles have been back on trend this year and I just adore how big and bold these sleeves take the trend. They are so fun to flounce around in, it's bound to be a good time wearing this sweater!

I also love the way the button latching this clutch echoes the buttons on the skirt. Little details that bring it all together are what make an outfit really appealing and special. Altogether the outfit is sassy and sweet with details that speak to my personal style and also the current trends.

Sweater: Asos (similar 1/2/3). Skirt: mint, similar also 1/2. Clutch: similar style 1/2. Watch: kate spade 1/2. Ring: similar. Nails: Sephora by OPI, similar 1/2.

xoxo, CC