Cozy in Pink for Brunch

I wore this look to brunch last weekend on a gorgeous NYC day with bright sun and a slight chill in the air. As I've mentioned before, blush pink is my favorite fall color, and I've been really embracing it this season. This cozy pink cardigan is a perfect outer layer for the sunny 60º days we've been having a lot of in NYC this fall, but will also be a great piece to cozy up in all winter long with a warm mug of tea and slippers on my feet! To play up the pink theme I wore my favorite lace up flats and cuffed my jeans to really show them off. I stuck to a basic striped tee and simple jewelry, but my fun retro sunglasses and hot pink nail polish added girly touches to this pink-indulgent look. 

Cardigan: Ruche (in beige). Top: H&M. Jeans: H&M. Flats: H&M. Watch: kate spade. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Nails: RickyColor.

Look at all those morning glories along the fence!

xoxo, CC

Fall Capsule Wardrobe

I've always been intrigued by the idea of a capsule wardrobe --especially for traveling-- so I put together this color coordinated collection of pieces that I'm excited about wearing this fall. I stuck to a mostly pink, burgundy, and taupe color scheme with a few pops of print. I included several current trends such as flare sleeves and lace-up details, as well as fall classics like faux leather and fur. A mix of textures and prints keeps the collection exciting, while most of these pieces can be mixed and matched to create a myriad of looks. With a range of shoes from heels, fun flats, or casual sneakers, I can dress these looks up or down. I made sure to include a variation of skirts, dresses, tops, and outer layers to keep the collection versatile. 

As we speak, I am packing for my trip to Milan, Italy (keep up with my adventures next week via instagram @charlotteclaraxo)! I am packing most of these items for my trip, and I love the way they are interchangeable to create different outfits. While I couldn't limit myself to stay within the capsule collection and I mixed some other pieces from my wardrobe in as well, I found it so helpful for packing to refer to a set of items that I know will match and coordinate with each other.

I have a few more posts coming soon featuring looks from this capsule collection, so look out for those, as well as posts from my adventures in Italy! 

What items would be essential to your fall capsule wardrobe? 

From L to R: bebe jacket, Francesca's collections skirt (similar), VeronicaM dress, Asos sweater 1/2, Ruche sweater dress, BB Dakota dress (similar), H&M skirt, J. Crew top, BB Dakota vest 1/2, Zara skirt, J. Crew top 1/2. 

similar bag, Lipsy sneakers via Asos, H&M flats, Bandolino heels.

xoxo, CC

Ruffle Sleeve & Stripes

How adorable is this ruffle sleeve tee?! 

I love a little extra flounce to spice up a simple striped top. It really makes this piece so much more versatile since it can transition from a casual weekend outing to workwear or a classy dinner with just a few accessories. With a statement necklace and trousers it is definitely dressy, but pairing it with ripped jeans and bright sunglasses takes it down a notch to a cute but casual everyday look. 

If you follow me on snapchat you may have seen my encounters with a local Central Park raccoon while I was out taking photos last week. Not only did I see him in the woods as I was packing up my camera, but I first saw the little guy earlier in the day perched in a tree above me as I was catching some sun in the grass by the north pond (apparently called Harlem Meer). He was attracting all kinds of attention from up in the tree and people kept stopping to watch and take pictures as he hung out in that high perch. He had the cutest little ears and eye-mask, but don't worry, I kept my distance, don't need to risk getting rabies!

Top: J. Crew (30% off currently with code TIMETOSHOP). Jeans: Sneak Peek. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Shoes: J. Crew. Sunglasses: amazon. 

xoxo, CC

Classics

Happy March!

I wore this look on an adventure downtown to see the kate spade home pop up store in Soho. I don't make it downtown very often, but I love the architecture and some of the neighborhoods you can find in lower Manhattan. I was in the mood to wear stripes and a cuddly fur vest, but I wanted to add a little color too, so my kate spade gumdrop earrings were the perfect addition. Polka dots and stripes are classic prints that pair nicely together, and I added ripped jeans to update the look. A slight orangey lip gloss nods to the coral earrings and adds a touch of color.

The kate spade home store is gorgeous, and I want absolutely everything in it (but I was pretty good, I only made one small purchase!). And don't worry, I took tons of pics-- I have a post coming your way very soon!

Even though it was beautiful and sunny, it was SO windy yesterday that my hair was flying all over the place and my ears turned bright red from the cold! A high pony was the best I could do to keep my hair under control and looking somewhat chic.

Top: H&M (similar). Vest: Chicwish. Jacket: Tulle. Bag: kate spade (striped, floral). Earrings: kate spade. Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters. 

xoxo CC

Mix and Match

5 Items, 4 Outfits, Under $100.

I love a good mix and match--and the other day I found a perfect set of 5 pieces from H&M that mix to create four totally different looks. As I've mentioned before, I don't like to wear an exact outfit more than once, instead trying new ways to match things. So I love that all of these pieces can mix and match with each other as well as everything else in my closet. The sweater, skirt, and bag combo goes so perfectly together it's like it was meant to be. The off white shade ties them all together seamlessly. I was amazed how much I actually loved the floral on floral look of the skirt and tank together once I tried it on. Since the prints are different sizes and they are both in a similar color scheme the look is not too crazy for me and I actually like how girly and bold it is. 

Once we start to get into a little warmer spring weather I can't wait to wear the shorts-and-sweater combo. I've always loved the way a slouchy sweater pairs with shorts or a skirt in transitional weather. And for another print mixing look the floral tank and striped shorts make a great summery match. I love that these pieces give me options to wear from now through summer! The two tone bag (a Gucci look-alike) is fun because it goes perfectly with whites without blending in entirely, and the neutral tone is totally multi-seasonal.

It's rare, especially at a store like H&M, for everything I took in the fitting room to work out, so it seemed like a sign to me that these items were a perfect set to purchase. Plus, this whole haul was under $100.00! The shorts I snagged on sale for $7, the sweater was on sale for $9.99 and the bag at full price is only $19.99 so I felt like I was getting a pretty good deal for four outfit options. Which look is your favorite? 

Ok, the sad news is I literally can't find any of these clothing pieces on HM.com, so I am linking to similar options (the bag is available online!). Check in store though, I find that their website often is not aligned with what they have in store.
Sweater, Skirt/option, Tank/option, Shorts, Bag from H&M. Boots: Sam Edelman (old). Sneakers: Keds. Necklace: Kate Spade.

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

Spring Favorites from Kate Spade

Licorice Heel and Dellie Wedge

Spring is right around the corner, and here in New York we can feel it already. Warmer days are already creeping in and even the groundhog says spring is on the way. It's hard to believe, but all the stores are getting in their spring collections already. At work, the racks are filling up with brighter colors and shorter sleeves. 

My favorite spring collection to look forward to (unsurprisingly if you follow me) is my beloved Kate Spade. Not only is their spring line always full of fun bright colors and prints, but their advertisements are adorable too! Ugh, they get me every time. Below is a round up of my favorite products from the line, which I would love to add to my wardrobe! While I am trying (trying) to save money I think one of those phone cases might need to be mine soon--my phone definitely needs a spring update, am I right?

Secret Admirer Heart Balloons Hallie

Cape Stripe Sequin Dress

Emerson Place Jessa

Jeweled Daisy iPhone 6 case and Jeweled Balloon Girl iPhone 6 case

Rose Intarsia Sweater

Initial Notebook and Initial Tumbler

Stripe Everyday Dress

xoxo, CC