In Bloom

What's the best way to spice up a white on white look? Floral sneakers of course! I have been all about finding that balance between dressy and casual lately, by pairing pretty tops with comfy sneakers (like I did here). Adding a belt in the middle of this look ties together the dressier top and the more casual bottom half. I wore this faux leather and chiffon jacket last week as an indoor layer, but today it was finally warm enough to wear it as my outdoor jacket! I love the way it looks layered over a white chiffon top, almost as if they were a set.
The grass is green, the trees are in bloom-- spring is definitely here in the city! I wasn't originally excited about the fence in the background of these photos (I really just wanted the pretty flowering trees!), but I actually don't hate the way they came out since it adds a grittier feel to the scene that fits well with the outfit's casual meets girly vibe.

I also tried out a new makeup kit by Mally, and I really love the way the eyeshadows look! They are darker than I typically wear so I was a little apprehensive, but I ended up loving the look. It is subtly smoky so that it is still appropriate for daytime wear. The kit includes two eyeshadow sticks, a mascara, foundation, and a lip gloss. I am wearing the full kit plus a little bit of blush in these photos :) 

Top: Zara (old). Jacket: Fate. Jeans: H&M. Sneakers: Gola (similar). Belt: J. Crew. Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters. Earrings: Gorjana. Makeup: Mally 'The Good Life' kit in Fair.

xoxo, CC

Stacks of Sweaters...

'Tis the season for stacks of fluffy warm sweaters! And I'm not joking, since there is minimal storage space in my NYC apartment I have stacks of sweaters all over my room--the windowsill, the floor, my step stool (which literally never gets used for anything other than hosting stacks of clothing)... you get the picture. But it's okay, because winter is all about surrounding yourself with warm cozy things, and if I'm not currently wearing a cozy sweater it's nice to see them piled close by waiting to layer on and warm me up. 

Since many of my favorite winter sweaters are in neutral tones I put together a few outfits featuring ways to wear winter neutrals. Layering with knits, little pops of color or sparkle, and mixing textures are some of my favorite ways to keep cozy neutrals anything but boring. Check out some of the ways I've styled these sweaters:

Sweaters from top left: Vintage Havana, Jamison, Francesca's, Paizlee, Wooden Ships, Athropologie.

Get the look:
1. leggings/sweater/wallet/shoes/earrings
2. scarf/sweater/hat/bracelet/socks/necklace/booties/jeans
3. sweater(or this)/sunnies/bracelet/bracelet/socks/jeans/lipstick/booties
4. sunglasses/chambray/sweater/necklace/lip stain

xoxo, CC

Floral and Rips

Introducing my favorite purchase of the spring: ripped white skinny jeans. Not only are these probably the most pricy thing I've purchased this spring, but they've likely gotten the most use as well (aka totally worth it). Distressing at the knees adds a fresh take on the classic white jean look, and I've been pairing these with everything from a simple tee to a silky top. Today I brought out the sweeter side with this loose floral top. 

The pleated style, square neckline, and flutter sleeves make this patchwork-print top fun and adorable. With the lacy details, I've been able to both dress it up and dress it down for different occasions. I purchased this top at my favorite French store, Promod, where I spent most of my money while I was in France a few years ago (oops). They have fun whimsical and trendy styles that are totally affordable, and totally can't-live-without. I still wear the pieces I got there all the time. I was excited to discover last summer that they've begun opening stores in the US! 

A pink bangle and beige shoes finish the soft look while accenting the colors in the top.

Jeans: Jbrand. Top: Promod 1/2/3. Sandals: J.Crew 1/2 Necklace: Kate Spade. Bracelet: Kate Spade. Ring: Gorjana. 

xoxo, CC

Orange Dinner Dress

Last week some friends and I decided to treat ourselves to a fancy dinner at a delicious restaurant. We wanted an excuse to get dressed up, wear those heels that always sit in the closet and indulge on delicious food, no limits. This textured orange dress was the perfect pick for a fancy dinner with my girls because it is both sexy and sophisticated. The tight fit is counterbalanced by the knee length and modest neck. A white denim jacket and striped clutch maintain the crisp color palette. I paired the look with some sandals for the earlier part of the evening before changing into a pair of nude heels for dinner. 

Do you remember this dress? I picked it up for less than $10 at the Gilt City Warehouse Sale that I shared with you a few weeks back.

Dress: Best Society (1/2/3/4). Jacket: Gap. Clutch: Ruche (1/2/3). Necklace: BaubleBar. Sandals: Franco Sarto. Nails: Essie Turquoise and Caicos. 

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

White Wool

This skirt is my favorite for early spring, as evidenced by the fact that I wore it in a post  around this time last year. I am always a little hesitant to wear white in winter (although I always love it other people!) but once we hit March and I have spring on my mind it seems like the perfect time to bring out this wool skirt. The air is still chilly, so thicker fabrics are still necessary, but I can start to bring out some lighter brighter pieces since the snow is all melted and the sun is creeping out. 

Since the white pencil mini is a bit formal pairing it with a casual striped tee keeps the look more approachable. Also a little stripes with polkadots is always a fun mix! 

Skirt: J. Crew Factory (similar). Top: Three Dots (similar). Bag: Kate Spade. Scarf: similar. Booties: Nine West. Necklace: Lenora Dame (similar). Sunnies: Ruche.

xoxo, CC

Something Green

Since tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day I thought I'd share a bit of festive inspiration today. I felt like taking a more subtle approach this year, and instead of getting all decked out in a green outfit I'm keeping the color in the accessories. I'm never one to miss a chance to get dressed up for a holiday, but keeping it simple with a neutral palette and pops of green felt like a fresh approach. The soft white is undeniably spring-y and the leopard boots add a touch of edge to the look.

How are you celebrating this year?

Dress: TJ Maxx (1/2). Sweater: POL (similar). Bag: TJ Maxx. Boots: Matisse. Necklace: similar. Earrings: JoJo Loves You. Bracelets: J. Crew and Ruche (1/2). Nails: OPI 'Fly'

xoxo, CC