Skyline

This weekend I got to explore more of the city with some friends, and we ventured down to Brooklyn for the weekly Smorgasburg food fest. There is an incredible selection of delicious food available there, not to mention the stellar view of the New York skyline, which seemed like a great spot to take some pictures! I sampled a strawberry champagne flavored macaron, had a chicken burger for my main meal, and topped it all off with an amazing ice cream sandwich. Yum yum! And we made it back to the subway just before the downpour! (you can see the angry sky in a few of these shots).

For this casual weekend outing with a lot of walking involved I slipped on this easy printed dress and some bright pink sneakers. Sneakers and skirts is a combination I am just getting used to, but I think it'll be an essential one for walking in the city without sacrificing style. I love the way these sneakers bring out the pink in the feather print on the dress while also making the outfit undeniably comfy-casual.

Stay tuned for more of my adventures in the city, and the outfits that take me there! 

Dress: Target (similar, feather print). Sneakers: Keds. Bag: TJ Maxx. Earrings: Gorjana. Bracelet: Zulu Grass.

xoxo, CC

Country Mouse, City Mouse

Big news! The Little Orange Dress has moved to New York City!! And me along with it of course.

To start this adventure off right I am bringing you a city-inspired outfit today, featuring my first (and so far only) purchase in the city, this ruffle tee. It's a shame that summer is winding down just as I found this tee because it is definitely at the top of my favorites list right now. Its loose fitting silhouette is perfect for those hot days when you don't want anything clingy against you skin, and almost every day I've been in New York has been like that! And then the drop-waist peplum ruffle is just too cute not to want to wear it all the time. 

Since this country mouse knows very little about city life I've been keeping my eyes peeled and observing the city dwellers and taking note of their styles of dress. There are so many interesting people in the city, and so many different fashion statements to be seen! To compliment my own outfit I donned black shorts and a rosy statement necklace with simple sandals so that I was comfortable for a casual outing but wouldn't get lost in the crowd! 

Tee: H&M. Shorts: Forever 21. Necklace: J. Crew (similar in black, similar, similar). Sandals: DV via Saks Off 5th. Clutch: J. Crew (similar). Bracelets: Ruche, Zulu Grass.

xoxo, CC

Leopard Meets Stripe

These shorts have so much attitude! I love how bold they are with stripes on the front and leopard on the back. Finding the right top to wear with them was a little challenging: I wanted something feminine that wouldn't clash with the bold shorts. I finally tried them with this lacy top, and it was just the combination I had been looking for! Keeping a neutral color palette was essential to let the patterned shorts shine without screaming, so to speak. And I know you just saw this clutch… but I'm so obsessed with it, it goes with everything and is the perfect mix of casual and chic! Plus, how cute are the stripes on stripes?

p.s. If you follow my blog, some big changes are taking place for me… Next time you hear from me I'll be posting from the big city!!

Shorts: Maison Scotch (similar, jeans). Top: American Eagle. Jacket: Nordstrom (similar). Clutch: Ruche. Shoes: Chocolate Schubar via ModCloth (love these).

xoxo, CC

Shorts & Stripes

You know that feeling when you own something that is just so comfy and cute you don't ever want to take it off? Yeah, that's these shorts. They're made out of a perfect soft lounge material, while the bright color and lace accents make them oh-so adorable! I wanted to dress up the shorts a bit without getting too fussy, so a mesh sweater and a statement necklace felt just right. This time of year when the air temperature starts to cool off a little, shorts with a long-sleeve top is one of my favorite combinations. Add a touch of stripes, and the look is fit for August! 

Top: Soft Joie (similar). Shorts: TJ Maxx (similar, similar). Clutch: Ruche. Necklace: Ruche (on sale!). Shoes: J. Crew. Nails: Essie, Turquoise and Caicos. 

xoxo, CC

Birds Of A Feather

Why is it that everything is more fun in the summer? People seem to be happier this time of year and life is easier when the weather is warm and cooperative... A friend and I took some time this week to enjoy that ease and do a little local exploring. That included a cheese, wine and maple syrup tasting, perusing cute local shops and a delicious dinner sitting outdoors. For a casual Sunday outing this bird dress supplied just the look with its pale peach hue and cheery bird print. The vintage belt, from my grandmother, compliments the silhouette and the metallic shoes enhance the girly color scheme. It was funny that on the day I chose to wear this belt (I don't wear it often because it is tight!) we happened to spend some time exploring in a vintage clothing shop! 

This dress is so easy to wear during the summer, but it also transitions between seasons easily since the color is so versatile. You may have seen this dress on Pinterest styled with a jacket and booties, and it would also be adorable with tights and a chunky fall scarf, and I've worn it similarly layered up as well. (I love when I see things I own on Pinterest, don't you?!)

Dress: H&M (available here). Belt: Vintage. Shoes: Poetic Licence (and here). Bag: Kate Spade. Jean Jacket: Gap. Earrings and pink leather bracelet: Gorjana. Necklace: Dogeared. 

xoxo, CC

Let's Have A Party

"Let's Have a Party, Let's Have it Tonight! …and let's invite positively everyone." I tore this page out of a spring Lilly catalogue and saved it thinking it could be cute to frame or something! I love the optimistic spontaneity of the saying, and the suggestion is certainly intriguing. 

These little orange earrings are something I might not normally be drawn to, but I held them up when I was wearing this dress and I loved the way they looked together! The orange and navy compliment each other wonderfully, and I like that the earrings have just a little dangle and movement. 

Also, I love how flattering this chevron dress is. While it is a little short on me, every other detail is so sophisticated yet fun. The navy and white colors are so classic (it is actually navy, pardon how dark these photos are, I clearly took them at night!) and go with everything including these orange earrings, and the 'fitted shift' style is a really good fit on most people. The tshirt dress is a style that's so easy to throw on with a just few pieces of jewelry, and can take me anywhere from a casual daytime look to an impromptu evening party! 

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer. Earrings: local find. Initial necklace: Kate Spade. Bracelets: Kate Spade, Zulu grass.

xoxo, CC

Braids

I've tried braiding my hair a few ways recently, in an attempt to do something different with my hair since I always wear it either down or in a ponytail. My hair doesn't like to stay in braids very well though, which doesn't help! But it does feel good to get my hair off my face and neck a bit on those hot days, and mix things up with a new 'do. 

A side braid was the perfect finishing touch to this maxi skirt and tube top combo and emphasizes the bohemian vibe of the flowy skirt and lace. The top, white crochet lace layered over a teal-green background, is such a cute summery piece that I look forward to wearing every year. The pattern in the lace always reminds me of pineapples, even though it is actually a floral, but I like the idea of something tropical in the summer. 

A pathway through the trees seemed like a suitable backdrop for this free-spirited, hot-weather ensemble. 

Top: Urban Outfitters (option, option). Skirt: Francesca's (similar). Clutch: Spool no.72 (white available at Ruche). Sandals: Splendid. Initial necklace: Kate Spade. Bracelets: Alex & Ani, Kate Spade and imitation Chan Luu (local find).

xoxo, CC