Midnight Gingham

Last weekend was warm and beautiful and I wore this fun gingham dress for a full day of activities in the city. Starting with a breakfast run where I discovered this fun wing mural, then on to running errands, a street fair with tons of yummy food, followed by an impressive apartment rooftop party and then dinner out with my girls. I was comfy all through this fun-packed day in an off the shoulder dress and ankle strap flats. I had been on the hunt for a cute piece in a gingham print, and this adorable off the shoulder dress was exactly what I needed.

Gingham is a perfectly summery print that is casual yet chic, and I love the texture to this cotton & linen fabric and the girly ruffle along the neckline. To compliment the simple black and white pattern I added denim blue flats and a blue stone bracelet. Since the print is so bold I kept to a simple chunky bracelet and subdued color scheme. The loose shift fit was comfy to wear all day long on a hot humid day, and the shoulders stayed exactly in place the entire time. Plus, this dress has pockets. Enough said.

On our walk back from dinner we had fun snapping a few photos in the moody lighting of New York City at midnight.

Dress: Anthropologie. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Shoes: Aldo. Sunglasses: AJ Morgan. Bracelet: J. Crew (love this one).

xoxo, CC

Out With the Old // In With the New

Warm spring weather has started creeping in and teasing us here in New York lately, and while the official start of spring is still a few weeks away, these recent warm days have me thinking ahead towards a spring wardrobe. Each year when we hit spring I get really excited about bringing out my skirts and dresses, yet in early spring it still feels too soon to reach for the bright sundresses and floaty mini skirts. This leaves a time when it can be hard to know what to wear, when spring is in the air, yet it is not quite warm enough to turn to full-blown summer styles. It can get frustrating trying to create transitional outfits and it can make me feel sick of everything in my closet, nudging me to do a wardrobe refresh. I start to realize which pieces in my closet aren't very useful and which essentials I am lacking.

There is something about the season of spring sparks the frenzy of spring cleaning. The start of a new year, new life breathing into the earth, makes us want to mimic that and start fresh ourselves. Out with the old and in with the new, so to speak. Each year I find myself wanting to go through my closet and cleanse it of items I don't see myself wearing in the future, making room for things I still need. So, not only does a change of season mark a shift in wardrobe but it's a great time to evaluate what you have, what you need, what you don't wear, and what can be put away until next year. 

I have also noticed shifts in my style over time, whether due to age, changes in larger fashion trends, or influences from where I live and who I'm around, there are noticeable differences in my style preferences as they shift over time. These shifts also call for a change of wardrobe and a re-evaluation of what's in my closet. While I tend to be nostalgic and not want to let things go, ever hopeful that it will come in handy later on, there is a time when one must get realistic and let go of the things that are no longer useful. Clearing out the old and unused makes room in your closet for new finds and necessary essentials. It's sad to say goodbye to once loved pieces that no longer fit my needs, but I like to think that they will make someone else very happy, whether I donate or sell them, someone else will find good use for these pieces that are no longer "me".

Sometimes I hold on to items that just aren't quite right since they serve some style purpose that is deemed necessary in my wardrobe. They tend to sit around mostly unused until I am able to find a replacement that better suits my style needs and fills the necessary niche. Then, I am able to let go of the older piece knowing that it is not leaving a void in my wardrobe, that something newer and better is replacing that spot.

At this point in my style journey I am finding myself gravitating towards looser silhouettes and easy, non-fussy pieces that still have something special to them. A good mix of color and neutrals, prints and solids is essential and has been at the front of my mind as I add items to my shopping list lately. I'm finding myself becoming pickier about what I like and don't like, steering away from fussy statement pieces in favor of still unique styles that I can wear on repeat. I find that I am not wearing the shorter skirts as much as I used to, and favoring work-appropriate lengths instead -- they are just more comfortable to move around in. Pieces I can style dressier and also casually get the most use, especially if they are acceptable in the office. 

Before I buy anything I check myself to make sure that the piece meets some basic requirements to ensure that it is a good investment. I look for pieces that are easy to wear without having to fuss too much with styling them to make them work, both casually and a touch dressier. Also essential is having pieces I can feel comfortable in no matter where the day takes me. This time of year I am particularly attuned to finding transitional styles for all types of weather that don't limit me to summer (like gauzy fabrics and bright summery prints) or winter (like thick knit dresses, and dark moody colors). Finding in-between styles can be tricker than it sounds, but recently I found a few transitional spring items that I am really excited about, once the weather gets above 50 again. 

My recent purchases include a loose flowy dress in a subtle black and white print, a simple chambray skirt with practical pockets and a trendy frayed hem, and a loose cozy sweater in a fresh shade of pink. All of these finds were under $45 (two were on sale) and I know that they will get lots of wear this season. With a few new pieces like this to freshen up my wardrobe for spring I also feel better about letting go of some of the items I'd only kept around to fill the gaps in my wardrobe needs. On my wish list still are casual tops with a touch of class to them, like a subtly printed bell sleeve top in a structured fabric. These new items are all on trend without being fussy, with only subtle details that make them unique so that they are special and truly "me" and yet can still be worn regularly and comfortably in new ways. What could be better than that.

Check out my poshmark page (user name ccnoordsy) to see what I'm getting rid of with this spring closet evaluation! Whether it's because a piece doesn't fit me how I'd like, has outgrown my needs, or simply doesn't work with my style anymore, there are over 50 mint-condition available listings to shop! 

xoxo, CC

California Christmas

Happy New Year from California! I realize I haven't blogged in a few weeks (whoops!), but now I am on vacation for the holidays so I thought I would share a few quick recent pics. I flew out to California to spend the holidays with my family and we have been exploring around the area the past few days. It has been sunny here with a slight chill, although infinitely warmer than New York, allowing me to get away with lighter jackets and dresses than I am used to this time of year!

We trekked out to Picchetti winery for a wine tasting at one of the oldest wineries in the state and then had a picnic lunch overlooking the nearby reservoir. I wore this pretty snake print boho dress in shades of pink and purple layered with my cozy pink cardigan for an extra bit of warmth. Tights and booties were necessary, but so were sunglasses! These round lenses are actually a dream to wear since they don't impede my line of vision, but they're also super cute in a retro-glam sort of way. The sunshine felt warm and invigorating but it was definitely nice to have a cozy layer sitting beside the breezy reservoir for lunch.

On the way back from the winery we stopped at the Stanford University Cantor art museum for a quick stroll through a few of their exhibits before closing time. The contemporary section was filled with brightly colored canvasses, which always draw my eye!

Dress: Anthropologie. Cardigan: Ruche (available in beige). Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Sunglasses: Anthropologie.

Artwork by Dashiell Manley, an "Elegy for whatever" piece.

xoxo, CC

Dressing Up Prints

Hello! As you're reading this I am currently galavanting around Milan, Italy! I didn't want to leave you with nothing to read while I'm away, so I put together this look featuring one of my favorite new dresses for fall. I took this piece from the capsule wardrobe that I put together last week, and I love that this dress can be worn now with bare legs, or later with tights, tall boots, and a furry jacket.

A berry lip and a romantic low bun dress up the look a bit, since prints often lend a more casual vibe to any outfit. I added a choker necklace since it doesn't compete with the lace up neckline and it also adds a trendy touch to the look. This dress is so unbelievably comfortable that I see myself wearing it regularly all season! Plus I love the fit and the fun lace up details. 

Check out my current adventures in Milan on instagram @charlotteclaraxo, and look out for blog posts on my Italy trip soon :)

Dress: VeronicaM. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Necklace: similar. Bracelet: kate spade. Earrings: Gorjana. Lipstick: Revlon "Plum Velour."

xoxo, CC

Fall Capsule Wardrobe

I've always been intrigued by the idea of a capsule wardrobe --especially for traveling-- so I put together this color coordinated collection of pieces that I'm excited about wearing this fall. I stuck to a mostly pink, burgundy, and taupe color scheme with a few pops of print. I included several current trends such as flare sleeves and lace-up details, as well as fall classics like faux leather and fur. A mix of textures and prints keeps the collection exciting, while most of these pieces can be mixed and matched to create a myriad of looks. With a range of shoes from heels, fun flats, or casual sneakers, I can dress these looks up or down. I made sure to include a variation of skirts, dresses, tops, and outer layers to keep the collection versatile. 

As we speak, I am packing for my trip to Milan, Italy (keep up with my adventures next week via instagram @charlotteclaraxo)! I am packing most of these items for my trip, and I love the way they are interchangeable to create different outfits. While I couldn't limit myself to stay within the capsule collection and I mixed some other pieces from my wardrobe in as well, I found it so helpful for packing to refer to a set of items that I know will match and coordinate with each other.

I have a few more posts coming soon featuring looks from this capsule collection, so look out for those, as well as posts from my adventures in Italy! 

What items would be essential to your fall capsule wardrobe? 

From L to R: bebe jacket, Francesca's collections skirt (similar), VeronicaM dress, Asos sweater 1/2, Ruche sweater dress, BB Dakota dress (similar), H&M skirt, J. Crew top, BB Dakota vest 1/2, Zara skirt, J. Crew top 1/2. 

similar bag, Lipsy sneakers via Asos, H&M flats, Bandolino heels.

xoxo, CC

Elevate Date Night

Turo, a peer-to-peer car sharing site, challenged me to get creative with date night ideas! Fun destinations and creative twists are what sparked my imagination, and renting a car for the night would make all of that even more special! 

What is more romantic than a luxurious picnic against a setting sun? It would be fun to rent a convertible or Mini Cooper from Turo for this excursion and pack the car with champagne, gourmet sandwiches, and a fruit & cheese plate then drive to a scenic location for a sunset picnic. Go all out with decor, packing a cozy blanket, vases of fresh cut flowers, champagne flutes, and even candles to light as the sun goes down.

I love a little print mixing for a casual date-destination like a scenic outdoor overlook. This stripes and gingham combo is perfect for a picnic, but the voluminous bell shape and pretty jewels keep it dressed up enough for a special night. Easy wedges are practical for walking through the grass while a cute blanket can serve as your dining space.

Top: Oscar de la Renta/similar 1/2/3. Skirt: similar. Shoes: L.K. Bennet. Earrings: kate spade/here. Ring: options. Blanket: here.

Another fun ideas is to have a night out on the town! Throw on your favorite dress and then, to shake things up and make your outfit even more special, raid your bestie's closet and borrow a designer handbag to switch up your look. Swapping closets with a friend makes your option infinitely wider and helps you feel fresh when your own closet gets boring. It's the perfect way to liven up your wardrobe for date night! 

Once you're all dressed up it's time to hop in the car. Pick a fancy luxury car to rent for a night on the town, and try doing a driving appetizer and dessert tour of your favorite restaurants. At each location order an app or a dessert to share and coordinating drinks--by sharing small plates at each location you can fit several culinary experiences into one night!
You'll feel like a new you with a fancy bag on your arm, like this gorgeous Dolce & Gabana gem. An off the shoulder dress is right on trend, and the ruffle detail on this one requires little accessorizing beyond a great pair of earrings. Sleek heels round out the look, and you won't even have to worry about walking far in them when you have a nice car waiting to take you to the next destination.

Dress: Amanda Uprichard. Earrings: here. Ring: Sydney Evan/similar affordable.

What are some ideas you have used to take date night from ordinary to extra special?

xoxo, CC 

Bold Summer Prints

A few weeks ago I shared some of my favorite picks from the Anthropologie summer sale, so I just had to share this find with you too! I picked up this stunning skirt in store (I can't find it on their website) and I am so excited to style it for late summer and fall! I have been wearing mostly flowy and a-line skirts in the past two years, but the vibrant print and longer length of this one convinced me to try out a fitted skirt again. 

Since the skirt is so colorful and bold I opted for a plain black top with a modern cut, and my new mini square handbag. I decided to draw out the teal blue colors in the skirt by pairing some large teal stud earrings with the look. I also couldn't resist wearing my favorite summer bracelet by Hipanema when I realized that the color scheme matched so perfectly! I like that this look is very chic while also being bold and fun, and is a nice balance between dressy and casual.

Skirt: Anthropologie (similar 1/2). Top: Zara (similar 1/2). Wedges: H&M (similar: 1/2). Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Bracelet: Hipanema. Sunglasses: AJ Morgan.

xoxo, CC

Mosaic Blue

Hello from Lake George! I'm up visiting my fam (and my dogs!) and relaxing by the lake this week, and I wanted to share this look that my mom shot for me. I've mostly been wearing this jumpsuit in the city as an easy urban piece for work and fun, but I love how the comfy fabric and casual fit can also take it upstate to the lake. 

This printed jumpsuit can be easily dressed up with heels and jewelry for a night in the city, or dressed down with sandals and an easy hair do for a comfortable daytime look. Seriously, this onepiece is so ridiculously comfortable and easy to wear that I kind of want to wear it everywhere everyday. I love the mosaic print which, while it is bold, is also chic and elegant. With a pair of lace up sandals and a vintage lapis necklace converted into a bracelet this look can take me anywhere. A sleek bun helps to keep my hair off my neck when the weather is so hot! 

I mentioned recently that I love strapless styles for the summer, and this look is no exception. It balances out nicely since the legs are a little more covered yet the shoulders are exposed. 

P.S. This clutch has a built in phone battery back up so you can charge your phone in the go! How cool is that?! 

Jumpsuit: Veronica M. Shoes: Steve Madden via DSW. Clutch: TJ Maxx (available in white here, and check out this charging keychain). Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters. Lipstick: Sephora Rouge Shine color 65 "hot & fun."

xoxo, CC

Halter & Lace Ups

Photos by @tmarkova_ 

Is this halter top not the perfect boho-chic piece for summer?! I am seriously loving the print with the dynamic mix of blues and brick hues, which looks perfect with jeans or cutoffs. I love pieces that can easily go from casual to dressy with just a few accessories. I've been wearing this one as a casual top so far, but it would totally work for a night out as well. I haven't worn a halter top since I was a teenager, but the v neckline and scooped back on this one make the style a little more mature and are ideal for hot summer days. I also found the perfect necklace combo for this neckline by layering a choker and a drop charm necklace. The choker alone brought too much focus to the neck, and when I tried a long necklace it made the top seem droopy, so this mid-length combo is the perfect balance. Triangle shapes on the jewelry are repeated in the lines of the top for an intentionally coordinated look. 

These lace up sandals  (last seen here) have proven to be a good investment since I have been wearing them a ton with outfits like this one and they give me just a touch of height without being uncomfortable. They go well with bohemian looks or complete vintage inspired outfits with just a dash of a feminine feel. Plus I've been getting so many compliments on them! 

Top: VeronicaM. Jeans: Citizens. Shoes: Steve Madden. Earrings: Gorjana. Choker necklace option.

xoxo, CC