Montreal & Daisies

Here are few photos from my mini-vacation to Montreal last week! We stayed for two nights to enjoy the shopping, eating, and museums in the city. Montreal is one of my favorite cities because of its European feel—the official language is French, and there are amazing bakeries everywhere serving delectable pastries. The nightlife is also reputably fun!

A chance to shop in the city was long overdue for me: I made out like a bandit at H&M, found some gems on the sale racks at Zara and French Connection, and also snagged some fun summery tops at the Canadian-based store Garage. You will see some of those new additions to my wardrobe very soon I’m sure!

Nearly every single store we entered had spring pieces on display in daisy prints. Whether the print was large or small, dainty or bold, on skirts or tops or scarves, white daisies on black are definitely in for spring 2014! 

 The pics above and below were taken at the Musee des Beaux Arts de Montreal which has an impressive collection of fine and modern art (and an incredibly challenging staircase). Above, I'm standing next to a Monet! For a day of walking the city and shopping this flowy top was a comfortable and easy choice with jeans and a feminine necklace. We sure ate well too!

Top: Ruche, similar here, here. Necklace: J. Crew, similar. Boots: ModCloth, similar here, size 5.5-6 here. Winter coat: Soia & Kyo. Nails: Butter London, "Sprog."

Daisy prints: Ruche, H&M, Garage, Brandy Melville to name a few.

-C.C.

Bold Whimsical: hearts, chalkboards, and topknots

Dark, rich colors and red lips bring this girly whimsical sweatshirt into the grown up world for a day at work. But the sweet heart print will never lose its charm! Pairing it with chunky jewelry in tones of navy, plum, charcoal, and white is perfect for winter, and the jewels dress up the slouchy silhouette. With a topknot, oversize bag, and an off-the-shoulder attitude the feel is bold, confident, sassy, and feminine.

Just the inspiration for some chalkboard art!

Hearts sweatshirt: Sundry. Jeans: Hudson. Necklace: J. Crew, similar here, here, splurge here. Earrings: JoJo Loves You, similar here, here, here. Bag: Darling UK from Ruche (sold out). Boots: DV by Dolce Vita, similar.

-C.C.

Lace and Ruffles

What could be more girly and feminine than lace and ruffles and hot pink shoes?  

This sweet combination with soft delicate lace, fun sassy ruffles, and shades of pink from blush to hot, is dressy enough for a romantic dinner and charming enough to wear all day.

I’m really getting in the spirit this week! Some more Valentine’s Day inspiration:

Top: Ruche, similar options here, here, here, and here. Skirt: Target (old). Shoes: J. Crew, similar. Bag: Spool No. 72. Bangles: J. Crew, Lily Pulitzer, Kate Spade. Leather bracelet: Gorjana, similar. Pearl necklace: Dogeared.

Brownies, anyone? 

My Valentine this year, Zinnia.

-C.C.

Be Mine

When I first spotted this adorable swiss-dot top I knew it had to be mine. The details on this loose-fitting blouse are just too adorable: the pale pink color, the vertical lace detailing, the tufting of the swiss dots, the button-up back… I could go on and on. It was a little expensive so I had to be patient, but as luck would have it this beauty went on sale and I was able to snag one in my size! I rarely purchase anything at full price from J. Crew because most items are bound to go on sale eventually, and when they do have sales you can find some really great deals. I kept checking back at the store until this one hit the sale rack, and luckily it was still available!

As usual, I don’t have any major plans this Valentine’s Day—no romantic dinner, no real reason to get all dressed up. But even so I like to keep in the spirit of love by wearing something girly and pink to celebrate the day. Now that it's mine I think this new top is the perfect piece for the job, worn with skinny jeans, layered necklaces, and a structured purse. With Valentine's Day fast approaching I've prepared by painting my nails to match in a lovely light pink with a fun sparkly accent!

Swiss dot top: J. Crew (on sale!). Jeans: J Brand. Boots: limited sizes available here. Bag: Steve Madden, TJ Maxx, similar here. Long necklace: Peppermint. Short necklace: Gorjana, similar here, here. Stripe bangle: Kate Spade. Novel print infinity scarf in Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice: Etsy. Nails: Sephora by OPI "Let's Plié" (no longer available), and Milani "Disco Lights."

-C.C.