Pink Ruffles

Happy New Year to everyone!

I know this look is a little past it's prime season by now, however I just had to share these photos I shot this fall featuring this fun ruffle sweater. I've worn the sweater more recently as well with high rise jeans (it's pretty cropped) but this look could still be pulled off with a pair of black tights and booties over here on the east coast. And for those of you lucky enough to live somewhere warm: I am jealous.

I bought this sweater with the idea that I would wear it during my trip to Milan, but it ended up being too chilly to style it with bare legs and this skirt as I had planned. The sweater was also included in my capsule wardrobe a while back and I kept with the same color scheme here in this outfit, using the taupe clutch and a black skirt to round out the look. I love the statement sleeves on this vibrant sweater so I wanted a skirt that would compliment the bold look without getting overshadowed but neither competing. A simple black skirt with buttons up the front fit the bill for statement simplicity. Ruffles have been back on trend this year and I just adore how big and bold these sleeves take the trend. They are so fun to flounce around in, it's bound to be a good time wearing this sweater!

I also love the way the button latching this clutch echoes the buttons on the skirt. Little details that bring it all together are what make an outfit really appealing and special. Altogether the outfit is sassy and sweet with details that speak to my personal style and also the current trends.

Sweater: Asos (similar 1/2/3). Skirt: mint, similar also 1/2. Clutch: similar style 1/2. Watch: kate spade 1/2. Ring: similar. Nails: Sephora by OPI, similar 1/2.

xoxo, CC

Travel Diary; Venice

Ah, Venice! One of the cities on my must-visit list, and I finally made it. We hopped on a train from Milan early in the morning to arrive in Venice around noon and wander the crowded narrow streets leading to Piazza San Marco. It was truly a charming city with its narrow winding streets intertwined with canals and bridges, although it was much more touristy than I had expected! The main route to la Piazza was lined with brandname stores, souvenir shops, and overpriced restaurants. I was very intrigued by the quieter side streets and narrow alleyways, but for lack of time we did not get to explore those much. However, the scenes at each canal crossing were well worth the trip, and the Basilica San Marco itself was quite beautiful. We even took the elevator up the Campanile bell tower to see the stunning view over the rooftops of Venice. 

For this adventure I wore this awesome floral jumpsuit layered up with a moto jacket and pom-pom trimmed scarf to fight the chill in the crisp air. By dressing the jumpsuit with a sturdy black jacket and booties it transitions it nicely into a fall look, especially since the blue and rust colors already work so well with a fall palette! I got crafty a few weeks back and added the ankle zippers myself to give myself more room to move and add versatility to the piece. I was a little nervous that I would ruin a perfectly good jumpsuit, but luckily they came out great! 

The colors in Venice were stunning at every turn, from the aqua green water of the canals, to the numerous pink and faded brick buildings, to pretty white homes with colorful shutters all against a bright blue sky. It makes for awesome photo backdrops! The canals are so picturesque, especially when a gondola glides past, expertly maneuvered by it's gondolier. I'm so glad I got a chance to explore this enchanting island! 

Outfit // Jumpsuit: Asos. Jacket: Zara. Scarf: H&M. Booties: Jessica Simpson via DSW. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Sunglasses: Anthropologie. Earrings: Gorjana.

xoxo, CC

Travel Diary, Milano Day 1

Ciao! I just got back from my trip to Milan, and I am so excited to share some of the pictures with you! We spent most of our time exploring around Milan, sightseeing and eating tons of good food. Our first full day was spent walking around Sforza Castle and Simpione Park, as well as discovering that we could not get tickets to see Da Vinci's Last Supper fresco at such last minute notice. However, we did discover a hidden garden at the back of the church, complete with a fountain and cobblestone-paved pathways. I had heard before that Milan is known as the city of hidden gardens, and this seemed to prove true! Many times I could just glimpse some greenery behind the gates of a walled private garden in the city.

Since the weather was chilly I bundled up in layers with my faux leather jacket and a voluminous scarf to combat the chill as we walked around outdoors for most of each day. Comfy boyfriend jeans and cute booties were ideal for hours of walking, and this periwinkle blue sweater (last seen here) added a cozy touch. I kept accessories to a minimum, but topped it all off with this fun colorful scarf to add a pop of pink to the look, and a berry pink lip. Whether in NYC or traveling, jeans, booties and a leather jacket makes the perfect fall outfit for a day of exploring.

Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Da Vinci's Last Supper is on display

Outfit// Sweater: Asos, now on sale! Jacket: Zara. Scarf: Yarnz. Jeans: 7FAM. Booties: Jessica Simpson via DSW. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Lipstick: Sephora Rouge Shine No 65 "hot & fun."

Sforza Castle

Michelangelo's Pieta, his last, unfinished sculpture.

Simpione Park

xoxo, CC

Shorts and Sweater Weather

One of my favorite looks is pairing cozy sweaters with casual shorts or girly skirts. Unfortunately the weather only allows for this a few times a year; late spring and early fall. We've had a slight chill in the air a few days in NYC that makes this short sleeved sweater a perfect option. I love this shade of periwinkle for all times of year, and it definitely will add a nice touch of pastel color to my winter wardrobe. It looks especially pretty paired with crisp whites, like these shorts and my new sunglasses.

I love that the sweater and shorts combo is casual but also very chic. I added some touches of leopard and shiny gold jewelry to add variation and keep the look elegant. I got so many compliments on this sweater, and I love that the short sleeve length makes it wearable in so many seasons! I am definitely packing this one along for my upcoming trip to Milan next month! But for now I will be pairing it with crisp whites and girly details as I ease into cooler weather here in NY.

Sweater: ASOS. Shorts: J. Crew. Belt: J. Crew. Sunglasses: Anthropologie. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Shoes: Sam Edelman. Earrings: Gorjana. Bracelets: kate spade. Necklace: kate spade. Lipstick: MAC 'Flamingo.'

xoxo, CC