Thrifty

A while back I stumbled across a thrift shop, and popped in to look around and I was delighted to find that they had some really nice things at totally cheap prices! I am not usually much of a button-down kind of girl, but I couldn't pass up this Burberry shirt for $12. The cheery red plaid is perfect for the holiday season, especially when paired with a little sparkle. I layered it with an embellished tank and a pearl necklace and then pulled on my trusty brown boots for a sturdy look with a touch of fun. 

I also snagged a super cute Nanette Lepore sequined sweater dress on my thrifty shopping streak (which you may have seen me post on instagram!) and a Club Monaco shirt, all for $30. A little worn to be sure, but totally worth it. Second-hand shopping in the city can result in some great finds! 

Shirt: Burberry, thrifted. Tank: Express (similar: 1/2/3/4/5). Jeans: Jbrand. Boots: DV (similar). Necklace: Dogeared. iPhone case: Kate Spade.

xoxo, CC

Sugarplum

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! I'm bringing you another festive look today, sequins included of course. This is one of my favorite sweaters for the holidays, and adding a girly white skirt makes the look perfect for a party or just a cheery Christmas-time look. As I saw confirmed at New York Fashion Week, full skirts are a hot style trend right now, and I had to join in on the fun. This textured white skirt is a great party piece and looks absolutely adorable paired with sequins and tights.

Mixing silver sequins with my gold jewelry can be kind of tricky so I added a bracelet that combines gold tones and white, which looks nice with the silver and keeps the combo intentional. Dressing up in sparkles and fun outfits helps me get in the holiday spirit, and is my little way of celebrating in the days leading up to Christmas. Twirling in a fun skirt by the lighted tree with a pack of delicious gummy gingerbread men doesn't hurt either ;-)

Sweater: BB Dakota (similar). Skirt: available at ModCloth. Bracelet: Brandy Melville. Booties: Nine West via DSW. Ring: Gorjana. Necklace: Dogeared. Gummy Gingerbread men: Sugar and Plumm. Lipstick: Tarte, golden pink.

Somebody ate the gingerbread man's leg, ouch!!

xoxo, CC

Trim the Tree

I have always been kind of baffled by the fact that black seems to be considered a holiday color, at least in the world of women's fashion. It is dressy and classic, but it is not a very cheerful color! In the past I have always stuck to the reds, greens, silvers, and golds that I associate with holiday time, but I've been slowly coming to accept that black is another great option for holiday-party wear. There is something refined and formal about it, and it looks wonderful with gold accessories. 

I bought this black velvet-detail body-con dress despite the fact that it is way too short on me. In the past I have layered it over a tight black skirt with sheer tights to give the hem a few extra inches (tall girl probz right here), and that little trick works exceedingly well. I decided to try it another way too, tucked into my jeans as a dressy top. My co-workers were surprised to find, upon complimenting my top, that it is actually a dress tucked in! Who would ever know? 

I wanted to wear this outfit with my heeled caramel booties to break up the dark color scheme, but I knew I wouldn't survive in those all day at work. So instead I opted for basic flat black boots, and used the heeled booties as a night-out look!

Dress worn as top: similar 1/2/3. Jeans: Hudson. Belt: H&M. Boots: Steve Madden via DSW. Ring: Gorjana. Bracelet: J. Crew.
Booties: Ralph Lauren via TJMaxx. Bag: Emma Fox via TJMaxx.

xoxo, CC

Not-So-Ugly Sweater

The holidays are fast approaching! I love that it is totally acceptable to get dressed up in glitter and sparkle this time of year, so I did just that when my roommates and I hosted an ugly sweater party at our apartment. I paired my not-so-ugly sweater (I like to think of it as a dorky sweater) with a gold sequined skirt and sparkly earrings for a festive look.

I spent the day cleaning and baking, so it was nice to finally change into my festive clothes and relax at the party. I wanted to find a sweater that was just "ugly" enough to be appropriate for the party theme, but still could be dressed up to create a cute outfit. ModCloth had many adorable options that fit the description, I wish I had an excuse to buy them all! Check out the fox sweater I linked to below, it's just so darn cute.

It was so much fun hosting our friends for an night of silly sweaters, delicious cookies, and of course, photos by the Christmas tree!

Sweater: ModCloth (also love 1/2/3/4). Skirt: Tulle. Earrings: Kate Spade. Bracelet: Kate Spade.

xoxo, CC

Preppy in Pistachio

It's Throwback Thursday, so I'm rewinding to just before I cut my bangs. I wore this casual chic outfit to work one day, and I felt like it gave a very preppy vibe. The pastel pistachio color of the sweater is just so sweet, and the texture gives it a little something extra. Soft green earrings compliment this sweeter side, while a touch of leopard and sleek boots add a little oomph. I love how deliciously smooth and shiny these chocolate colored boots are, and how they go with just about everything! 

Sweater: J. Crew Factory. Belt: J. Crew. Jeans: Hudson. Boots: Frye. 

xoxo, CC

Weekend Brunch

There is nothing better than meeting up with great friends you haven't seen in a while for a yummy NYC brunch. I had to squeeze this fun catch-up with college friends in before work on a Saturday, but it was totally worth it! Sipping a tasty mocha and chatting about old times and recent life-updates was the perfect way to spend a rainy weekend morning. One of my favorite sayings is the one that goes; the best friendships are the ones where you can be separated and nothing changes. So true, right? A classic look in silky pink was easy and effortless for the occasion, and cognac accessories added a nice warm-toned compliment. I layered with my fuzzy vest because I knew I would be cold at work, and it makes an effortlessly chic statement!

Top: Ruche (almost identical). Jeans: Jbrand. Vest: Mystree, similar. Bag: Ruche. Belt: J. Crew. Earrings: Banana Republic. Necklace: Dogeared.

xoxo, CC

Remix: Sweater Blues

I wore this sweater a few weeks ago with a lacy tank peeking out from the bottom, but this time I decided to stick with the blue color scheme and play with some print. Adding a cute silky floral tee underneath gives a more playful look than the textured lace did. Plus the tee shows a bit at the neckline giving a casual layered effect. The first time I featured this sweater the look was a bit feminine and glam, but this remixed style is more playful and relaxed. Sleek black boots and gold jewelry keep a simple background for the floral print to really pop. A new 'do also helps to mix up the look! 

Sweater: Francesca's. Printed tee: J. Crew (similar). Jeans: Jbrand. Boots: Steve Madden. Earrings: Gorjana. Necklace: Dogeared. Ring: Gorjana. 

xoxo, CC