High Waisted Shorts

Wearing high waisted shorts like these always brings to mind Taylor Swift. She was key in the popularization of high waisted shorts (at least in my mind) and the style channels her personality so well. Whimsical prints, like the owls on this tee, also seem iconic of her style (the We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together video, anyone?) making this whole look very reminiscent of TSwift. Bright earrings pick up on the hearts scattered through the t-shirt's print and neutrals balance perfectly with the dark wash shorts. 

For a day spent running errands a comfy and cute outfit was essential and a touch of whimsy and sass a bonus so I could feel confident and also have a little fun with it. A good magazine passed the time while I waited for my car to be fixed, and my owl tee garnered a few compliments while I picked up some groceries and birthday gifts.

Shorts: American Eagle. Tee: Urban Outfitters (owl print on a dress here). Sandals: J. Crew (suede version). Earrings: Kate Spade. Faux Chan Luu bracelet: local find, only $40. Bangle: Parkleigh in Rochester, NY. Necklace: Dogeared. Sunglasses: Ruche.

xoxo, CC

Lilly Green

Lilly Pulitzer is such a summer classic. Every year I admire the new summer line, although I'll admit that I'm not big on wearing bold prints head-to-toe. So, I usually opt for some of her print-less pieces such as this easy dress. This teal-green hue has been taking over my wardrobe recently and I'm loving it as a summer color. The fabric and relaxed fit of this dress make it such an easy throw-on that doesn't even need much accessorizing, and I really love the racer back style with the gold ring detail. 

I opted to wear the dress with classic pearls and a chunky gold bracelet that accentuated the preppy Lilly vibe, but this dress could also be worn with a jean jacket and statement earrings, or even as a beach cover up with sandals and a floppy hat. I think next time I wear it I am going to dress it up with my funky and bold coral-pink drop earrings...

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer. Clutch: J. Crew (colorblocked option). Shoes: Splendid. Bracelet: J. Crew Factory. Pearl earrings: old. Necklace: Dogeared. 

xo, CC

Window Shopping

On my recent trip to New York, despite the challenge of packing light, I had a fun time dressing casually but feeling cute for days spent walking and walking and window shopping. My tired feet forced me to purchase a pair of running sneakers on the second day, but despite my inner fashionista resisting the athletic look, sacrificing a bit of style was totally worth it so that I could keep walking and sightseeing comfortably. Luckily, my outfit was casual enough that it even looked okay. The casual cropped and stripy tee felt like perfect city-wear, especially when paired with high waisted jeans and a smart bag.

I couldn't help myself but to snap a few photos of the incredible styles and displays I spotted in stores and window fronts, so I'm sharing a few of those below. They were all very inspiring, adorable, or awe-striking to me (that inner fashionista was having a field day!), so I hope you like them too!

Tee: Splendid. Shorts: American Eagle. Sneakers: New Balance. Sunglasses: Ruche. Bag: Kate Spade. Necklace: Kate Spade. Bracelets: Kate Spade and my own creation. 

1. Nanette Lepore metallic-heeled booties
2. Kate Spade notebook in the Madison Ave. store.
3. Giuseppe Zanotti heeled booties
4. Zebra Louboutins and clutch
5. Christian Louboutin storefront
5. Jack Rogers store
6. Christopher Fischer J'adore sweater at Olive & Bette's.
7. my favorite silk top in Kisan in SoHo
8. bird themed window display on Madison Ave.

xoxo, CC

New York

This past week I spent a few days in New York City exploring, since I have never seen anything beyond the busy Times Square area before. Since I knew we would be doing a lot of walking, packing light was key so that I could carry all of my luggage with me between trains and hotels. I managed to fit everything into my houndstooth backpack by deciding to re-wear some pieces, such as jewelry, shorts, and shoes, from one day to the next.  I had a fun trip including sightseeing, wandering, catching up with friends, and doing some window shopping. I was also excited to take my new Kate Spade cross-body bag for a spin in the city.

On the first day I wore this light chambray sleeveless dress, minimal jewelry, and after the initial walk to the hotel had to change into my matching light blue sneakers. (The second day I actually had to buy a pair of running sneakers to keep my feet happy, and they made such a difference!) My hair ended up super wavy after we got caught in a rain storm and I also spent much of the day battling the buttons on this dress which kept trying to come loose! But even so, this light easy dress was a good choice for a travel outfit and very comfortable for walking around the city. 

Dress: Gap (similar). Sneakers: Superga. Bag: Kate Spade. Backpack: ModCloth (similar at UO). Necklace: Kate Spade. Bracelets: Kate Spade and my own creation.

xoxo, CC

White Hot

You know those days when it's 90 degrees, humid, and too hot to wear anything black? We've had a bunch of those lately, and this outfit is the perfect solution to beat the heat. Granted I wouldn't wear a long sleeve outdoors in that heat for any period of time, but this airy blouse is perfect in the evening as the sun is getting low but the heat still lingers. Wearing all light colors keeps you cooler, and also has a distinct summery feel to it. I wouldn't be brave enough to wear all bright white as has been trending this summer, but mixing shades of white with beige and black and bright gold jewelry keeps the palette varied but light. 

I've been on a bit of a Kate Spade kick recently. We sell her products where I work, and the style is both classic, bold, and girly all at the same time. You may have noticed that I wear these earrings (in this color and the bright coral) a LOT, I may be a little obsessed but they really go with everything. So, naturally I just bought them in another color today, a beautiful iridescent that I'm sure you'll be seeing me wear soon. 

Top: Ruche (similar, similar). Shorts: J. Crew. Bag: Kate Spade (on sale!). Sandals: J. Crew. Bracelets: Ruche and J. Crew Factory. Necklaces: Dogeared and Kate Spade. Earrings: Kate Spade.

xoxo, CC

Strawberry Wine & A Strapless Dress

This past week some girlfriends and I took a little day trip to visit some wineries and do the wine tastings that they offered. I had never done a wine tasting before, and it ended up being a fun activity for a gorgeous summer day. The first winery we chose was called the Charlotte Village Winery, which we picked because of the name. It is located with a picturesque view out over the grape fields to the Lake Champlain valley and the impressive mountain range beyond. Towards the end of their tasting list they have a delicious set of fruity wines which my friends and I all loved, including Peach Blossom, Strawberry, and Raspberry wines. After the tasting we each got a glass (I got the strawberry) and sat on their porch in the sun with the stunning view laid out before us. What a perfect day. 

I wore this floral spin on the LBD, which has been one of my all time favorite dresses since I bought it four years ago. Unfortunately the dress doesn't fit me as well as it used to, it is now very loose in the top, but I decided to risk wearing it anyway and just crossed my fingers that the top wouldn't come falling down!  (Luckily I got through the day without incident). I added some bright chunky jewelry, which felt right for a bright summer day, and neutral sandals to complete the outfit. 

Dress: Urban Outfitters (similar, floral, cutouts). Bracelets: Ruche and J. Crew Factory. Earrings: Kate Spade. Sandals: J. Crew. Necklace: Dogeared. Bag: Deux Lux via TJ Maxx (similar).

xoxo, CC

Retro Floral & Daisies

I promised myself I wouldn't buy another maxi dress…but then I saw this one. And while I was buying a wishlist sweater that was on sale for $7.50, I might as well add the dress to my cart too, right? Well, that's what happened anyway. 

The colors in this dress are so lovely and the floral has a very retro vibe to it. I love the t-strap back and the way it cuts low in the front (but not too low! I can still wear a normal bra with it). The maxi dress silhouette is so elongating, and wearing this swishy flowery dress makes me feel so elegant! Paired with wedges and some pretty statement earrings I've got the perfect summery outfit to wear to a friend's backyard-barbecue birthday.

Dress: Ruche. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff via TJ Maxx (similar, similar). Earrings: J. Crew Factory. Sandals: Splendid. Bracelets: J. Crew Factory, Goodnight Macaroon. Belt: Express (similar at F21). Necklace: Gorjana. Headband: J. Crew. Lipstick: BareMinerals "Cherries on Top."

xoxo, CC