Transitional

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

Neutrals and Neons

Opposites attract so they say, and what could be more opposite than neutrals and neons. I'll often add unexpected pops to an otherwise monochromatic outfit like this one so I can never be called boring! These bold dual-printed shorts require a simple top that lets them do all the talking, but then I like to mix things up with some bright and colorful accents. I kept additional prints to a minimum and focused instead on bringing bits of color into the look with this vibrant clutch and neon nails. Pretty pink sunglasses contributed a touch of color too, and keeping my hair braided let the ruffled top really stand out. 

These statement making shorts were last seen here with a similar white-top-and-fun-accessories combo. An easy yet exciting outfit like this, made up of simple yet unique pieces, is perfect for a stroll in the park and adventures in the city.

Top: Lilly Pulitzer. Shorts: Maison Scotch (similar leopard: here. stripe: here. Also check out some of the awesome handmade shorts you can get on Etsy like these: 1/2). Clutch: J.Crew (very similar). Shoes: J. Crew (similar 1/2). Sunglasses: here. Nail polish: Floss Gloss "international hot girl."

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

Stripes and Skirts

The Little Orange Dress is now two years going! Last week was the official "blogiversary" but I am celebrating today with this dressy skirt and pink jacket look. I wore this top last week with a more casual outfit and edgier vibe by throwing a leather jacket over it, but today tucking it into a midi skirt with pink and cream tones it takes on a softer look. I love the tailored cut of this jacket and the soft pink shade, it's so romantic especially when paired with a skirt or dress. Wedge booties are the perfect addition this time of year for a dressy look while still keeping your toes covered! A neutral and pretty palette is both festive and wintery for celebrating two years of the blog this February.

Coat: Jessica Simpson (1/2). Top: Ruche (similar). Skirt: available here, also similar. Booties: DV. Bag: similar. Sunnies: Urban Outfitters. Necklace: J. Crew (old, similar).

xoxo, CC

Stacks of Sweaters...

'Tis the season for stacks of fluffy warm sweaters! And I'm not joking, since there is minimal storage space in my NYC apartment I have stacks of sweaters all over my room--the windowsill, the floor, my step stool (which literally never gets used for anything other than hosting stacks of clothing)... you get the picture. But it's okay, because winter is all about surrounding yourself with warm cozy things, and if I'm not currently wearing a cozy sweater it's nice to see them piled close by waiting to layer on and warm me up. 

Since many of my favorite winter sweaters are in neutral tones I put together a few outfits featuring ways to wear winter neutrals. Layering with knits, little pops of color or sparkle, and mixing textures are some of my favorite ways to keep cozy neutrals anything but boring. Check out some of the ways I've styled these sweaters:

Sweaters from top left: Vintage Havana, Jamison, Francesca's, Paizlee, Wooden Ships, Athropologie.

Get the look:
1. leggings/sweater/wallet/shoes/earrings
2. scarf/sweater/hat/bracelet/socks/necklace/booties/jeans
3. sweater(or this)/sunnies/bracelet/bracelet/socks/jeans/lipstick/booties
4. sunglasses/chambray/sweater/necklace/lip stain

xoxo, CC

California

Hello! I got back from my trip to California a week ago and have been taking some time to catch up, sorry I've been absent! It was fun to see the West Coast for the first time and see where my parents are going to be living now. I got to do some exploring around the Palo Alto area and spent a whole day sight seeing in San Francisco as well. 

The weather there was actually rather chilly, no warmer than NYC, so I was dressing in layers the whole trip. My pink moto jacket was a lifesaver with every outfit, and a furry vest and printed scarf were necessary layers as well. When I was packing for the trip, keeping in mind that the fall weather can be variable, I opted for a mostly neutral palette, with plenty of layers and pieces that coordinate and can mix and match without being boring! Stripes, faux fur, printed scarf, and soft colors that easily match with neutrals bring life to a small wardrobe.

We had so much delicious food the entire time, starting with my beautiful birthday cake! In the mix of yummy meals were Burmese, Cuban, Mexican, Israeli, and Vietnamese cuisines. The Palo Alto area is dotted with delicious restaurants -- my parents won't go hungry there for sure! Of all the new foods I tried, the coconut rice at Rangoon Ruby and the chicken and plantains at the Cuban place were my favorites.

On the second full day my mom and I drove up weaving-winding roads over the mountains to reach the ocean. The views were incredible along the way, including the cliffs overlooking the ocean. We parked our car near Half Moon Bay and walked a trail down to the water to stick our toes in the waves. Layering a teeshirt, flannel, and jacket allowed me to bundle up against the coastal wind, but also shed layers to catch some sun by the pool.

The next day we hopped on a train to San Francisco. We spent the majority of the day riding around the city on cable cars and exploring. The views from the top of the hill were spectacular, and we got to see a range of the city while riding the cable cars up and down the hills (much preferable to walking!). We hit a lot of the touristy spots like Fisherman's Wharf, which provides a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, as well as China Town and the Union Square area and nearby mall. The buildings lining the residential streets are so pretty with their bay windows and mostly pastel colors.

On the last day we spent the morning exploring the Stanford University campus, which is beautiful! It is dotted with courtyards and palm trees that create idyllic scenes, perfect for photographing. Everyone was zooming around on bicycles -- I really don't think I have ever seen so many bikes in one place in my life!

We ended the day with a little treat from a fancy little Patisserie, Alexander's, and I have to say this 'chocolate pillow,' as it was called, was really delicious.

I've got more fashionable  content on the way, I promise, it's just been super busy lately! So, stay tuned!

xoxo, CC