Cold Front Coffee Date

 Coffee date… with my computer! Fleece-lined leggings and a faux fur scarf help fight the below-freezing temperatures, and chambray keeps this ‘everyday’ look classic and casual.  I like pairing layered necklaces, long and short, with long loose tops because they dress it up and add some definition (I’m constantly wearing this gold bar necklace I recently purchased at an adorable—and affordable—boutique in upstate NY). Layers are essential this time of year in New England, so I added a cozy blue thermal under the chambray, which creates a nice textured and layered look, and tall cable knit socks with my no-nonsense winter boots. These fleece-lined leggings are so comfortable and perfect for any casual outing, like a trip to the local coffee shop, or even for hanging around the house when it’s just too cold to go outside! With a hot coffee in my hand I’m all set to stay warm while I write!

And can I take a moment to mention my infatuation with the faux-fur trend this winter? I love the pops of fur accents infusing this season’s cozy outfits, whether in the form of vests, scarves, wraps, or trim. Faux fur accessories are a smart way to keep your casual wintery outfits elegant and stylish without having to compromise on warmth. So naturally I had to borrow this snood scarf from my mom (and she won’t be getting it back any time soon).

Chambray: J. Crew, similar here, here. Thermal: Three Dots, similar. Fleece-lined leggings: Wholly Tara. Knee socks: H&M, similar. Boots: Sorel. Faux fur snood scarf: Garnet Hill, similar. Pearl necklace: Dogeared. Gold bar necklace: Peppermint, similar here. Chevron bangle: J. Crew. Pearl bracelet: was a gift. Earrings: Gorjana. Winter coat: Soia & Kyo.

-C.C.

Hello!

Welcome to The Little Orange Dress!

The little orange dress is a staple in my closet. As a hue that transitions seamlessly from bright colorful spring, to hot summer days, to the cooler, earthier fashion of fall, orange has more pizzazz and more cheerfulness than any black dress can muster. Orange is a color that brightens many skin tones and energizes, soothes and cheers the wearer at the same time. Orange is a color that makes people smile. Try painting your nails in a bright pumpkin, or wearing a tangerine top: every time you catch a glimpse of your fingertips or look in the mirror you might notice that it makes you feel a little happier!

Orange is a color I have always been inexplicably drawn to when I am shopping and luckily it is a color that works well on me! The trick to wearing orange is finding the right shade for your hair and skin tones. I gravitate towards lighter oranges with coral tones that are still rich in color. I usually pair my little orange dresses with gold jewelry, pearls, and aqua blue accessories. Since blue is the complimentary color to orange on an artist’s wheel, offsetting it with just a pop of cobalt or azure really lets the orange thrive.

This lovely cut-out dress is one I love to wear late summer into fall and even in winter with a cardigan and tights. Accessorized with nude heels, a sparkly statement necklace, and a faux-leather moto jacket it transitions easily from season to season. In October I wore this dress out to dinner on my mom’s birthday with a long cardigan sweater, sheer tights, and brown boots, and I can’t wait to wear it in warmer weather with heels and a bright clutch.

 I am a fervent believer in wearing what you love, being bold and trying new fashion combinations. Sometimes donning a bright daring color does just the trick to make you feel confident, courageous, and refreshed. So, next time you go to your closet, instead of reverting to your same old LBD try a bright color or a fun pattern instead. It’s amazing what a little color can do!

Dress: Modcloth, similar here, here. Heels: Steve Madden, similar. Cardigan: Gap, similar. Jacket: Pimkie, similar. Neckalce: J. Crew Factory. Bracelet: J. Crew, similar. Clutch: TJ Maxx.

- C.C.