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Happy April! Who else is pumped that it's finally officially spring!

After the teasingly warm weather we had back in February, it finally warmed up above 55º again this past weekend. I took the opportunity to wear this flowy peasant dress that I added to my spring wardrobe recently. I love the drop waist and peasant style tiers that make this dress ideal for early spring. The loose oversized fit is counterbalanced by the sheer fabric allowing your shape to show through despite the voluminous draping. I paired it with over the knee boots for a transitional look (and to hide my pale legs!), and added a faux leather jacket that was only barely necessary in the sunshine. Altogether the look is a little bit edgy yet still soft and romantic.

I spent the afternoon browsing the Affordable Art Fair in NYC and strolling in the sunshine along the highline in the sun. The wind just about blew me away when we were up on the highline getting the breeze straight off the Hudson, but in the sunshine the weather was impeccable. Perfect dress weather! The all black and white vibes of this ensemble are very city chic, but the tiered flounce and loose fit keep the look feminine and casual. The simplicity of a monotone look and comfy dress is just what I've been waiting to wear now that it's beginning to warm up! 

Dress: Scotch and Soda (similar). Jacket: Zara. Boots: Sam Edelman. Sunglasses: Anthropologie. Lip: MAC. Bracelet: similar.

xoxo, CC

Floral and Fur

Happy Friday!

I styled this skirt before, for early fall, but since it incorporates so well with darker colors and thicker textures, I wanted to show off how well it works in winter despite the pinks and florals. 

The colorful floral skirt brings a touch of brightness into these winter days, but it is grounded by the balance of a thick faux fur vest reminding us all what season it is. The chambray top draws out the shades of blue in the floral print maintaining a cool tone throughout the outfit. Of course an extra pop of pink with my favorite blush bag was necessary just to defy the winter cold a little bit more. Balancing winter staples with more colorful prints makes for a fun combination to help ward off the winter blues -- while still giving a nod to the season's best staples. 

Also, wouldn't this be a cute look for a casual valentine's day? All that pink would be perfectly appropriate for a day celebrating love--and it's only two weeks away believe it or not! What are you planning to wear? 

Skirt: H&M (get the look 1/2/3). Chambray top: JCrew. Vest: Chicwish. Bag: French Connection via Marshalls. Boots: Sam Edelman.  Sunglasses: anthropologie. Earrings: anthropologie. Wrap bracelet: similar. Choker necklace: similar. Hair clip: similar.

xoxo, CC

Mix and Match

5 Items, 4 Outfits, Under $100.

I love a good mix and match--and the other day I found a perfect set of 5 pieces from H&M that mix to create four totally different looks. As I've mentioned before, I don't like to wear an exact outfit more than once, instead trying new ways to match things. So I love that all of these pieces can mix and match with each other as well as everything else in my closet. The sweater, skirt, and bag combo goes so perfectly together it's like it was meant to be. The off white shade ties them all together seamlessly. I was amazed how much I actually loved the floral on floral look of the skirt and tank together once I tried it on. Since the prints are different sizes and they are both in a similar color scheme the look is not too crazy for me and I actually like how girly and bold it is. 

Once we start to get into a little warmer spring weather I can't wait to wear the shorts-and-sweater combo. I've always loved the way a slouchy sweater pairs with shorts or a skirt in transitional weather. And for another print mixing look the floral tank and striped shorts make a great summery match. I love that these pieces give me options to wear from now through summer! The two tone bag (a Gucci look-alike) is fun because it goes perfectly with whites without blending in entirely, and the neutral tone is totally multi-seasonal.

It's rare, especially at a store like H&M, for everything I took in the fitting room to work out, so it seemed like a sign to me that these items were a perfect set to purchase. Plus, this whole haul was under $100.00! The shorts I snagged on sale for $7, the sweater was on sale for $9.99 and the bag at full price is only $19.99 so I felt like I was getting a pretty good deal for four outfit options. Which look is your favorite? 

Ok, the sad news is I literally can't find any of these clothing pieces on HM.com, so I am linking to similar options (the bag is available online!). Check in store though, I find that their website often is not aligned with what they have in store.
Sweater, Skirt/option, Tank/option, Shorts, Bag from H&M. Boots: Sam Edelman (old). Sneakers: Keds. Necklace: Kate Spade.

xoxo, CC

Charmed: One Necklace, Three Ways

I bought this charm collar necklace when September's NYFW had me thinking of ways to spice up my outfits with unique and interesting pieces. Chokers have been making a big come back, but they will always remind me the 90's and 2000's when I wore them with bell-bottoms and blue eye shaddow (thanks fashion, for bringing back the awkward memories...). I have mostly avoided the choker come-back, but this particular piece stood out to me. The dangling charms and structured gold wire brings a certain elevated edge to the piece that I like. That edgy yet sophisticated feel adds an element of 'cool' to your outfit, and I'll bet you'd never guess where it's from: Banana Republic!

One thing I was unsure about was what types of necklines I could wear this necklace with. It turns out that it works perfectly with a few different styles. I love the way it compliments a high neckline by bringing a bit of sparkle to the neck and resting just along the fabric. This is my favorite way to wear it, with high neck dresses, tanks, and crewneck tees. I like that it blends in with the neckline when they fall at the same spot, but still adds a unique touch.

For a more statement look that definitely evokes a 90's vibe, I paired the collar necklace with a low scoop neck top. Anything that exposes the collarbone, like a scoop or v-neck tee, will show off a choker and draw attention to the neck. For this look, I paired a long tank with slouchy distressed jeans and ankle booties for a tough-girl look offset by soft curls and hot pink lips. 

The third neckline that I discovered works incredibly well with a charmed choker, is the split-neck or button-down style. The shirt itself comes up high on the neck but with an opening at the front it allows the necklace to peek through and add a little sparkle. I like the subtlety of this combination and the way it incorporates the necklace into a dressier, more formal outfit.

Necklace: Banana Republic (also like this and this). Earrings: Gorjana.
High Neck: Top: Zara. (1/2/3) Jeans: H&M. Booties: Jessica Simpson. Lip: BareMinerals "Risk It All." with Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush "So Jelly" gloss.
Scoop Neck: Top: Three Dots (black/white/navy). Jeans: H&M. Lip: BareMinerals "Risk It All."
Split Neck: Top: Old Navy. Jeans: J Brand. OTK Boots: Sam Edelman. Lip: e.l.f "Pink Umbrellas."

xoxo, CC

Printed Winter

I find that in the fall and winter my wardrobe tends to get a little drab in terms of colors and I end up wearing a lot of solids in greys, blacks, blues, and whites. It's so noticeable when I put away my summery dresses and bring out the warmer pieces how much darker the closet looks! I am therefore always on the lookout for cute printed pieces for winter, especially if it adds a little color to my wardrobe.  When I found this top on sale at Anthropologie this fall it seemed like a perfect fit. The print uses plenty of black for pairing with dark jeans and jackets but still has bright fall colors like orange and green to give a little pop. The floral print is festive and multi-seasonal, while details like the trim at the neckline and longer sleeves make it a perfect fall piece. Adding OTK boots and a moto jacket leave no doubts about this top's ability to transition seasons easily.

Anthro is seriously such a dangerous store for me... no one should ever let me in there without first confiscating my wallet so I am forced to leave empty handed! I wish I could buy half the store every time I go in there. Shopping the sale rack makes me feel at least a little bit better about my choices, but seriously, I am not allowing myself back in there for a very long time now! Just a few of my other favorites in the store included this gold polkadot skirt, fun ombre sweater, and adorable zodiac pouches.

Top: Anthropologie (similar 1/2). Jeans: J brand. Boots: Sam Edelman (similar). Jacket: Zara. Earrings: Gorjana. Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff. Lip: Lipstick Queen 'Frog Prince' (see my review post here).

xoxo CC

Urban Floral

The flowers are blooming here in NYC! And all this sunshine has lured me back up to the rooftop to catch a few rays in some peace. 

I shared this romper a few weeks back, and I can't get over how awesome it is (I have been saving up for it all the while). I simply adore the colorful print and flattering fit! Last summer I was still not convinced about rompers, but this one has changed my mind. Just looking at the print makes me feel happy! The great thing about this style and print is that it works over many seasons. It's bright enough and short enough for summer, but with a black background and long sleeves it can be layered on cooler spring and fall days as well. I have been wearing it with tights and boots so far in the early days of spring, but I am also excited to pair it with wedge sandals later on.

As I've learned, rompers can be tough to pull off. The wide-legs on these shorts give it a skirt-like look for a flirty feel, while still offering enough coverage (I've seen many a romper that is way too short and cheeky for my comfort!). As someone tall it can also be really hard to find a romper that fits lengthwise. I had to go up to a size large for my torso to fit, but luckily this style is still flattering even in a size up, so I definitely recommend it to all you tall girls out there! I'm seriously obsessed with this stunner, and believe me it is going to be a favorite this summer :)

How do you feel about rompers?

Romper: Yumi Kim (wearing a size Large for torso length). Boots: Sam Edelman. Earrings: Banana Republic. Necklace: BaubleBar. Bracelets: H&M. Rings: H&M. Nails: Butter London Sprog. Lipstick: BareMinerals Cherries on Top.

xoxo, CC

All Black … Almost

As a resident of NYC I feel like I am beginning to embrace the infamous all-black look… but with my own little twist of course: I always add a little pop of color. Here, it's the red sleeves on this charcoal-black cashmere sweater. (I posted a pic on my instagram recently of another all black look adorned with a bright scarf). I can't seem to stay away from color! Baby steps, people, baby steps. I also bundled up in my oversized evergreen scarf in an attempt not to freeze to death while taking photos! 

I've been on the hunt for the perfect pair of OTK boots for a while now, and I finally found exactly what I was looking for: these boots are a matte black (not shiny!) and have a practical silhouette with a slight heel. They actually come above my knee (barely! tall girl probz…) and the heel is nice and thick for comfortable walking all day. And with a little saving up they were within my price range! We all know I'd love a pair of Stuart Weitzman's, but a girl can dream, right?

Sweater: Garnet Hill (similar). Jeans: JBrand. Boots: Sam Edelman (shiny here). Scarf: Pimkie (1/2). Clutch: Ruche (similar). Sunglasses: Ruche. Necklace: Kate Spade. 

xoxo, CC