Travel Diary; Capsule Wardrobe in Milan

Remember this dress from my fall capsule wardrobe? The cozy sweater material is a dream to wear, and this taupe color matches with so much, including pink and burgundy tones which I incorporated into this look with a scarf. Neck scarves like this have always lent a European vibe to an outfit in my opinion, and they are back on trend right now so I had to try out the look while in Italy. It's kind of nice the way they replace a necklace and act almost as jewelry while adding a touch of color to your look. 

I also love that while the dress is a long midi length it has a high slit up each side that adds a sexier flash of skin. I usually am careful to wear a heel with midi length skirts to balance the length, but somehow this dress looks awesome with flat sneakers too. And believe me, sneakers were necessary for a day walking in Milan!

We had a blast finding local street food for lunch after a morning of shopping. I had seen Spontini pizza on Instagram before the trip, and knew I just had to try it. It was SO worth it! (We even went back the next night to pick up slices for dinner!) After our Spontini slices we headed a few streets over to a spot my mom had heard of called Luini that serves mini fried calzones, which again were amazing. Talk about an indulgent pizza lunch!! And since it was my mom's birthday we had to top it all off with fancy gelato cones. Yum, yum, and more yum!
For dinner that night I dressed up this outfit by changing into these lace up flats, also from my capsule wardrobe, and we headed out for another delicious meal.

Shopping is cardio, I deserve this pizza.

Outfit // Dress: Ruche. Jacket: Zara. Neck scarf: vintage. Sneakers: Keds. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Sunglasses: Anthropologie. Lip: BareMinerals "Cherries on top."

Spontini Pizza at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

Double fisting fried calzones!

We found this cool courtyard with interactive colored circles all over.

The entryway to our Airbnb apartment building had such a tiny door! 

xoxo, CC

Elevate Date Night

Turo, a peer-to-peer car sharing site, challenged me to get creative with date night ideas! Fun destinations and creative twists are what sparked my imagination, and renting a car for the night would make all of that even more special! 

What is more romantic than a luxurious picnic against a setting sun? It would be fun to rent a convertible or Mini Cooper from Turo for this excursion and pack the car with champagne, gourmet sandwiches, and a fruit & cheese plate then drive to a scenic location for a sunset picnic. Go all out with decor, packing a cozy blanket, vases of fresh cut flowers, champagne flutes, and even candles to light as the sun goes down.

I love a little print mixing for a casual date-destination like a scenic outdoor overlook. This stripes and gingham combo is perfect for a picnic, but the voluminous bell shape and pretty jewels keep it dressed up enough for a special night. Easy wedges are practical for walking through the grass while a cute blanket can serve as your dining space.

Top: Oscar de la Renta/similar 1/2/3. Skirt: similar. Shoes: L.K. Bennet. Earrings: kate spade/here. Ring: options. Blanket: here.

Another fun ideas is to have a night out on the town! Throw on your favorite dress and then, to shake things up and make your outfit even more special, raid your bestie's closet and borrow a designer handbag to switch up your look. Swapping closets with a friend makes your option infinitely wider and helps you feel fresh when your own closet gets boring. It's the perfect way to liven up your wardrobe for date night! 

Once you're all dressed up it's time to hop in the car. Pick a fancy luxury car to rent for a night on the town, and try doing a driving appetizer and dessert tour of your favorite restaurants. At each location order an app or a dessert to share and coordinating drinks--by sharing small plates at each location you can fit several culinary experiences into one night!
You'll feel like a new you with a fancy bag on your arm, like this gorgeous Dolce & Gabana gem. An off the shoulder dress is right on trend, and the ruffle detail on this one requires little accessorizing beyond a great pair of earrings. Sleek heels round out the look, and you won't even have to worry about walking far in them when you have a nice car waiting to take you to the next destination.

Dress: Amanda Uprichard. Earrings: here. Ring: Sydney Evan/similar affordable.

What are some ideas you have used to take date night from ordinary to extra special?

xoxo, CC 

Stripes and Skirts

The Little Orange Dress is now two years going! Last week was the official "blogiversary" but I am celebrating today with this dressy skirt and pink jacket look. I wore this top last week with a more casual outfit and edgier vibe by throwing a leather jacket over it, but today tucking it into a midi skirt with pink and cream tones it takes on a softer look. I love the tailored cut of this jacket and the soft pink shade, it's so romantic especially when paired with a skirt or dress. Wedge booties are the perfect addition this time of year for a dressy look while still keeping your toes covered! A neutral and pretty palette is both festive and wintery for celebrating two years of the blog this February.

Coat: Jessica Simpson (1/2). Top: Ruche (similar). Skirt: available here, also similar. Booties: DV. Bag: similar. Sunnies: Urban Outfitters. Necklace: J. Crew (old, similar).

xoxo, CC

Pink & Blue at NYFW

Photos by Jennifer of Jennesis of Chic

Statement skirts are always a hit at Fashion Week with long silhouettes or fun prints often a street style favorite. While I was out capturing the phenomenal street style that NYFW draws on camera I dressed up a bit too. "See and be seen," you know!

I went with this swingy white midi skirt knowing that I wanted to pair my outfit with hot pink heels. Keeping the top simple allowed for lots of color in the accessories balancing pink and blue against each other. Initially I wanted to pair the pink with a rich cobalt blue but I couldn't make the outfit work, so I substituted this pretty teal shade creating a brighter color palette. The details ended up working perfectly together, with elements such as the quilted texture on both the skirt and the clutch coordinating. While I debated a few other fab shoe options for NYFW (see them on my Instagram), I love any chance to wear these bright Kate Spade beauties! 

Skirt: similar. Top: BB Dakota. Shoes: kate spade (1/2. see the last time I wore these here). Earrings: kate spade. Bracelet: J.Crew. Clutch: 1/2.

xoxo CC

Dressed Up for No Reason

This outfit came together so last minute as I was running out the door to work one day, and I absolutely love the combo. A full skirt, cute cropped top that shows just a touch of skin, and a pretty layered statement necklace equals a fun and fancy outfit. There was just a light breeze as I was shooting photos that made the skirt dance so prettily! 

Sometime it is fun to get a little extra dressed up for no particular reason at all other than simply the delight in pretty clothes. While you're sure to catch me in an easy tee shirt-and-jeans type outfit several days a week, I also love putting on a pretty skirt and some sparkly jewels just for the fun of it.  People often ask, "Where are you going all dressed up?" and I simply reply, "Oh, nowhere, I just felt like dressing up today!" Because why not?

But, a peek of skin and a tee shirt-like top do keep this look balanced for the daytime.

Skirt: Last seen here (similar 1/2/3). Top: H&M (1/2/3). Necklace: Ruche. Shoes: J Crew (similar). Denim jacket: Gap.

xoxo CC

Paparazzi

If you enjoy people watching, like I do, New York Fashion Week is one of the most interesting times and places to do it. While I dream of getting into a show one day, there is something to be said for just hanging out outside the venue as everyone comes and goes from the shows. It's a crazy scene: people taking pictures of people taking pictures, cameras snapping everywhere, and everyone is all dressed up in their Fashion Week best. It really feels like you're surrounded by paparazzi, are the paparazzi, and also find people snapping pictures of you! Needless to say I got a ton of great photos of interesting people and inspiring outfits. I even spotted one of my favorite bloggers there! I'm sharing some of my favorite snapshots from my first day at the Lincoln Center. 

I love the bright colors and full skirts that so many of these ladies incorporated into their outfits. There were tons of lovely black and white outfits as well, and stunning shoes left and right. Everything from bold to feminine, florals and funky prints, fancy dresses and casual ensembles. My favorite outfit by far though is the one below left, the full blue midi skirt with orange heels, a casual Paris t-shirt and a leather jacket. The color combination is to-die-for, and I think she mixed dressy and causal, feminine and edgy so perfectly. Although, the floral matching skirt set is a close second. Which look is your favorite? 

 

 

And, did I mention that I saw one of my favorite bloggers, Mary Seng of Happily Grey (above), just outside the event??! I should have gone up and introduced myself (damn!), but I chickened out and snapped this pic instead. I love her outfit, as always!

xoxo, CC