Trendspotter: Chokers

As you have probably noticed by now, choker necklaces have made a big style come-back recently! When the choker trend first re-emerged last year I was skeptical. It brought back serious memories of my elementary school days and the rainbow stretchy chokers that were so popular back then. But, like most trends, I just had to find the right fit for my personal style, and now I'm totally on board. By now chokers are a huge style favorite seen on all the top bloggers and stylists as well as trendy girls everywhere!

My first choker purchase was this bold collar-style necklace (which I styled 3 ways here) which adds an edgy yet whimsical touch to a modern outfit. From there I tried out more delicate chokers, which have become my go-to pieces to keep my outfits on trend. From a simple gold chain with tiny rhinestones, to a double layer chain and cord (which I wore here, here and here), these style are delicate options that provide just a touch of edgy to your look. I also got one with a small round charm engraved with my initial "c" which I love because it is simple and delicate, and it is also adjustable to sit on my collar bone rather than being tight on my neck. 

I also like that I can layer with chokers and add another longer necklace to the mix as well. Below, I've found a few photos of some of my favorite looks for inspiration styling a choker necklace. 

This is just the tip of the iceberg, with more 90's trends recirculating into the fashion world in upcoming seasons, as seen at the recent New York and London Fashion Weeks. We are already seeing the return of velvet and velour styles on shelves, as well as throwbacks like embroidered jeans.
Are you a fan of 90's trends returning?

Check out some of my favorite bloggers and celebs rocking chokers:

Gigi Hadid. Image from instagram @ladyshadybo

happilygrey.com

theblondesalad.com

happilygrey.com

xoxo, CC

Street Style at NYFW

I had just a little time this week to head down to Moynihan Station to catch some of the comings and goings at the NYFW events. It's always fun to see what people are wearing, and this time I even caught a lot of the runway models' street style as they exited at the end of the show. Wild hair was the name of the game for the Naeem Khan runway show, and the models left looking very windswept! 

Luckily, even amid all the necessary winter outerwear, Fashion Week goers found ways to incorporate plenty of color into their style. The weather wasn't too terribly cold so attendees were able to show off their looks with open jackets in an array of prints and furs. I myself wore the vintage coat I posted about here, with leather leggings, OTK boots, and a touch of faux fur.

For more winter style inspo check out my NYFW post from last February! 

xoxo CC

Lavender Runway

Anyone else been oogling over the Paris Couture Week shows?

I was particularly struck by the Armani Prive collection of lavender pieces that evoked fairytale balls and perfect spring days with fresh flowers blooming. I love when a whole show revolves around one color because it makes the collection stand out so much more. With the Pantone colors of the year as Serenity and Rose Quartz it seems that pastels are really making a comeback this spring. 

The silky fabrics and flowy layers are so dreamy and etherial. If only I had a red carpet event to attend I would love to wear one of these beautiful dresses! 

xoxo CC

Vintage Chic

What a beautiful, sunny, freezing cold day!! I was freezing my a** off trying to get these photos done in the whipping wind -- but worth it, right? Ah, what we sacrifice for the sake of fashion. Luckily this vintage coat handed down to me from my grandmother is 100% wool and super warm. I keep seeing images from Paris Fashion Week Men's going on now, and so many of the ladies attending are wearing long tweed coats just like this one. 

I paired this coat with a navy blue teeshirt featuring a floral hemline for a touch of print mixing.  Simple black jeans and booties keep the look classic and clean when I'm all buttoned up, while pretty vintage-glam inspired earrings add subtle sparkle. From afar the coat looks like a navy and brown combo, but up close you can really see how pretty the jewel tone greens and blues are. I wanted to pick up on the blue and green in the coat with the navy tee and greenish earrings. This long straight silhouette is back in style these days so I'm embracing the vintage feel for a classic feminine look that adds a little print to my winter outerwear style. 

As I was writing this post the song Thrift Shop kept running through my head with lyrics like,

 "I'mma take your grandpa's style, I'mma take your grandpa's style,
No for real - ask your grandpa - can I have his hand-me-downs?"

"Is that your grandma's coat?"

Yes, child from the Macklemore song, it actually is. 

Coat: Vintage (similar styles 1/2/3/4). Tee: J. Crew. Jeans: J brand. Booties: Jessica Simpson via DSW. Bag: Kate Spade. Earrings: Ruche. Necklace: Kate Spade. Nail tutorial. 

xoxo CC

Manicure Monday

I just tried a new nail art look on my nails, and I'm dying to share it with you all!

 This look is inspired by nail designs spotted on the New York Fashion Week runway with a graffiti/abstract brushstroke print. I created this look using a dark navy base with white and metallic silver detail. I think it came out pretty well considering that this is my first attempt! I based my idea off of this tutorial from Cosmo, but I decided to change the color palette and create the look without actually reading the instructions. So daring of me, right? lol 

For this look I used Formula X in Majestic, OPI in DS Radiance, and Kiss Nail Art Paint in White.

Here's a step-by-step to get the look (if you do feel like reading instructions):

1. After applying a clear basecoat to protect your nails from turning blue (definitely a necessary step when using a dark color!), paint your nails with the navy nail polish and let dry. 

2. Taking the white nail polish, dab most of the polish off of the brush so that the brush is nearly dry.  Using the nearly dry brush create a few swipes across each nail in a few directions. This will create the rough brushstroke look.

3. Repeat step two using the silver nail polish. Let dry.

4. Look over your nails for any spots that need filling in, but be sure to leave some of the navy showing through as well. Touch up any spots that need it and let dry. Clean up around the edges and cuticles with a polish-remover soaked q-tip.

5. Apply a clear topcoat to seal it all in (I recently started using the Deborah Lippman Addicted to Speed and love it -- it dries so fast), and you're done! 

So easy! What do you think of the look? I think next time I would try to do fewer wider brushstrokes for a cleaner look. 

xoxo CC

Day to Night

Usually, when people are transitioning their outfit from day to night they keep the same clothing items and switch up the accessories. I did just the opposite here. After wearing this outfit here all day I wanted to change up my look before meeting friends for a late night dinner and drinks. I changed into a black jumpsuit but stuck with the same hot pink heels, bright earrings, and blue clutch I had before to keep the outfit colorful! I added a little more colorful jewelry and a leather jacket and called it a night.

Jumpsuit: Michael Stars. Heels: kate spade (love these). Earrings: kate spade. Bracelets: Gorjana and Lilly Pulitzer. Lipstick: Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie "Risk it All."

xoxo CC

Style Stalking

If you like fashion one of the best things to do during NYFW is to grab your camera and camp out in front of a fashion week event hall for a few hours. You're guaranteed to see some amazing and interesting outfits, and probably a few celebs and bloggers too. I had such a blast snapping photos of my favorite looks this past week, and taking inspiration from all of the extraordinary outfit choices. I wanted to wrap up my fave looks with another post dedicated to street style, so here you go!

xoxo CC