Scorpio Season

Because it's the last day of Scorpio season and my birthday was earlier this month, I put together this outfit comprised almost entirely of birthday goodies; this dress was an early gift and my only purchase in Milan, the adorable Zara bag I purchased with some birthday cash, and this gorgeous matte red lipstick arrived in a birthday card from my mom. To top it all off I wore my birthstone ring!

I first saw this red bug-studded bag on Instagram and was struck by how stunning it looks! I thought for sure it would be an expensive designer piece, and was amazed and thrilled to find that it is actually only $40 at Zara! The little gold bugs all over the bag (I like to think they are bees) add an edgy yet luxe touch reminiscent of Gucci, D&G, or Fendi, and the plump square shape is simply adorable. I'm not usually drawn to red, but I had to make an exception for this exquisite statement piece. 

This time of year I love to cozy up in easy sweater dresses. I love the modern cut of this sweater dress, with a high-low hem, a loose but flattering fit, and the subtle ribbed texture. It seemed to perfectly compliment the style of my new red bag, so I amped up the red details by adding a vivacious red lip and pretty hair ribbon as well. This look just screams NYC style to me, don't you think? 

Dress: COS. Bag: Zara (also love this style). Booties: Steve Madden. Bangle: kate spade. Lip: Make Up For Ever Artist Lip Blush in #941.

xoxo, CC

Travel Diary Milano; Playing Tourist

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

The second full day in Milan was spent exploring the Duomo of Milan and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele shopping center, which are both stunningly beautiful structures. I was particularly struck by the beautiful mosaic floors in both buildings and the intricate detail put into each element. It is hard to see all the carvings and statues that make up the Duomo, but their numerity and intircacy is astounding. We had a touch of blue sky and sunlight which lit up the stained glass windows of the Duomo and the glass ceilings of the Galleria for a stunning effect. 

I wore this grey ruffle tee, which has been a favorite of mine for years (see here) and luckily is totally on trend with the recent ruffle comeback. Seriously, have you noticed how ruffles are everywhere suddenly! I love it! I also finally broke out these awesome glitter-toe sneakers that I purchased for the trip, and I was so thrilled with how comfy they are, not to mention that they matched with so many marble monuments and mosaic floors that lead to great photo ops. This casual look was perfect for a day of walking around and sight seeing.

That night we had an incredible dinner at La Maniera di Carlo, which featured delightfully inventive food served over multiple courses. Everything was presented with such care and creativity it made the dining experience very exciting, and it was all very tasty. I loved the presentation of one appetizer served nestled in a bonsai tree, made to look like tiny apples fallen from the tree. How cute is that! 

Outfit // Top: H&M (similar). Jacket: Zara. Jeans: 7FAM. Sneakers: Lipsy London via Asos 1/2. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff.

The Duomo

A stained glass window cast colofrul light into the Duomo.

Inside of a pretty pink church next to the Duomo, part of their museum. 

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele left, the Duomo, right.

Inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

These floors though! 

An appetiser at La Maniera di Carlo - rose ricotta inside a cripsed pasta.

Cheese stuffed cherry tomato "apples" fallen from the tree.

This dish served in a jar releases a plume of smoke when the lid is removed!

xoxo, CC

Travel Diary, Milano Day 1

Ciao! I just got back from my trip to Milan, and I am so excited to share some of the pictures with you! We spent most of our time exploring around Milan, sightseeing and eating tons of good food. Our first full day was spent walking around Sforza Castle and Simpione Park, as well as discovering that we could not get tickets to see Da Vinci's Last Supper fresco at such last minute notice. However, we did discover a hidden garden at the back of the church, complete with a fountain and cobblestone-paved pathways. I had heard before that Milan is known as the city of hidden gardens, and this seemed to prove true! Many times I could just glimpse some greenery behind the gates of a walled private garden in the city.

Since the weather was chilly I bundled up in layers with my faux leather jacket and a voluminous scarf to combat the chill as we walked around outdoors for most of each day. Comfy boyfriend jeans and cute booties were ideal for hours of walking, and this periwinkle blue sweater (last seen here) added a cozy touch. I kept accessories to a minimum, but topped it all off with this fun colorful scarf to add a pop of pink to the look, and a berry pink lip. Whether in NYC or traveling, jeans, booties and a leather jacket makes the perfect fall outfit for a day of exploring.

Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Da Vinci's Last Supper is on display

Outfit// Sweater: Asos, now on sale! Jacket: Zara. Scarf: Yarnz. Jeans: 7FAM. Booties: Jessica Simpson via DSW. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Lipstick: Sephora Rouge Shine No 65 "hot & fun."

Sforza Castle

Michelangelo's Pieta, his last, unfinished sculpture.

Simpione Park

xoxo, CC

Strolling Soho

Earlier this week I had a chance to get downtown and stroll around Soho for a bit. I love the Soho neighborhood, which is filled with beautiful architecture, high end shopping, and fascinating people-watching. Everyone in the area seems so stylish, and I love being inspired by everyday street style. It is also fun to do a little window shopping at the designer stores to catch up on the latest trends. 

Since I was on a casual excursion and planning to do a bit of walking I layered up in casual pieces like this sassy graphic tee and drapey jacket. I am living in these 7FAM "feminine boyfriend" jeans lately, they are just so comfortable and easy. I love that with a rolled up hem they pair so well with flats, sandals, and booties alike. Since it was still a pretty warm day I opted for sandals that color coordinate perfectly with the jacket! And just to continue with the matching theme, I wore sunglasses and a soft red lip, just like the glamorous Marie Antoinette on my teeshirt.

Tee: Zara (similar 1/2). Jacket: Jack by BB Dakota (similar 1/2). Jeans: 7 for All Mankind. Shoes: J. Crew. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Sunglasses: Anthropologie. Earrings: Gorjana. Lip: Bare Minerals "cherries on top."

xoxo, CC