Rompin' Around

I think I've found the perfect romper for every occasion.....  how awesome is this navy and white printed piece? I first shared this find a few months back when I first discovered and ordered it and let me tell you, after struggling with the sizing and fit for a while, in the end I love it just as much as I anticipated! The shorts are the perfect length, not too short, and the style and print make it super easy to dress up or dress down. I've already worn this one a few times, to work with sandals and minimal jewelry, and out for celebratory drinks paired with cute wedges and a mini crossbody. 

This time I am accessorizing with a shiny gold belt to define the waist, lace up sandals and pretty pink accents. I love the way the navy is offset by a pop of blush pink. The overall look is somewhere between girly and laid back, and it's simply perfect for summer. I like how a romper is such a no-fuss and versatile outfit that requires little matching and styling, only a few easy accessories to switch up the look for any occasion. 

While I really love this romper and have gotten so many compliments on it, it was a struggle to get the right size and fit since it runs really big in the top. The top section is meant to blouse over the waistband but I found that it was just too baggy and unflattering on me to achieve the desired look. Since I am tall and have a long torso I usually go up a size in rompers, so originally I ordered a size 8 (when I normally wear a 6 at J. Crew). Well, it was enormous, so I exchanged it for a 6.... which was still way too much fabric in the upper section. The shorts on the 6 fit me perfectly (they were a little longer than on the 4) but I had to go down another size because of the baggy top. So, long story short, I ended up with a size 4 and even still the top is really baggy. I love the romper so much I decided to make it work, so I stitched it down a bit on the inside to get the look I wanted. I also found that wearing a belt with it helps it look more proportional. Anyway, all that to say that it runs big and is a lot of fabric in the top, but I just love the print and the style so much that I made it work anyway. What do you think?

Romper: J. Crew Factory (similar 1/2). Bag: French Connection. Shoes: Steve Madden via DSW. Sunnglasses: Funoc. Belt: Target. Bracelet: similar here. Rings: H&M.

xoxo, CC

Caught My Eye...

Wow, who can believe it is the last day of March already? The good news is warm spring weather is even closer around the corner, so if you ask me it is definitely time to start preparing our closets for sunny days.

The best part about spring shopping is that #taxreturn money helping me out. On my radar right now are lace-up sandals, espadrille wedges, super ripped jeans, and fresh prints. Keeping a pastel & neutral palette makes it easy to mix and match these pieces for a versatile spring wardrobe. I already ordered the J Crew romper which I am really excited about since it seems like such an easy piece to dress up or down and wear all summer long. Next up: find the perfect lace up sandals. I like the option pictured above, but they are super pricy! I linked to a more affordable version below which might be the pair I end up getting...

Which of these items is your favorite for spring?

Shop these looks: J Crew Romper, Espadrille wedges, Distressed jeans, Heeled lace up sandal (affordable option from Chinese Laundry), Anthro Dress, Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag, Old Navy patched denim jacket, Kate Spade ice cream phone case, J Crew lace sweater, 

Weekend Brunch Romper

I know I've talked a lot recently about how I've finally joined the romper trend, so I wanted to share the other piece that helped get me on board. The thing I love about this one, besides the colorful print of course, is that from the front it looks just like a skirt. That definitely helps make the transition to rompers a lot easier!

Aptly named the "Weekend Brunch Romper," the first time I wore this romper I went out to brunch with college friends. It was a warm early April day, but some snow flakes did fall, so I wore it paired with tights and tall boots. Now, though, by the end of April I can finally wear it bare legged!

Today the sunshine is really warming things up, and I was so excited to be able to break out these orange sandals. They draw out the orange in the floral print so perfectly! Adding a white clutch and pale pink jacket really help the romper shine. The print reminds me of strolling through a beautifully curated garden, or gazing at a Monet watercolor. The colors are just so happy, I know I'll be wearing this a lot over the summer!

Weekend Brunch Romper from Ruche (I am wearing a size Large for torso length). Shoes: Kate Spade Saturday. Clutch: Spool 72. Jacket: bebe. Necklace: BaubleBar. Earrings: Kate Spade. 

xoxo, CC

Loving Lately: April Faves

Recently I've been loving:
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. So funny. I just finished watching the whole first season, and it's so good in a ridiculous and goofy way. It's weird for sure, but it's a great show when you need a little pick-me-up and a few laughs. I can't wait for the next season already!

Rompers. Something I never quite got on board with last summer, they've finally creeped their way into my wardrobe, and I don't hate it. I love the long sleeved flowy style of the Yumi Kim Liz Romper, which has such a flattering fit and a great selection of bright prints! (I know, I know, I've already talked about this one a few times...)

(original post here)

Trader Joe's frozen Scallion Pancakes. They're so good. Since I'd never had a TJ's to shop at until I moved to the city, I just discovered these delicious Pa jeon recently. I usually cook these according to the frying pan instructions along with some stir fried veggies and rice for a quick and yummy dinner.

Michael Kors perfume. My mom gave me a sample size of this perfume in my Christmas stocking, and I have fallen in love with it. It is the perfect day-to-night scent, not too sultry for daytime, but neither too soft or floral for a night out. 

Layering delicate necklaces. Like these ones from BaubleBar, Kate Spade, and Dogeared that I wear all the time. I love to layer two of them together or pair one with a long necklace for a twist. It makes a great simple statement!
More options: at BaubleBar and Gorjana. 

(original post here)

See some of my past Faves lists from October and January. 

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

Weekend Adventures

This past weekend was the last full weekend I had entirely free of work for the foreseeable future, so I spent it jam packed with fun activities. I started Saturday with delicious brunch at a newly discovered local spot called Barawine. The food there is so good, and I got to spend a few hours chatting away with college friends, including my fellow blogger girl Jennisis of Chic (check out her impeccable style!). Despite the fact that a few snowflakes started falling I decided to "dress for the weather I want" and I wore my new floral romper from Ruche!

Sunday was spent shopping along Madison Ave with two friends each on the hunt for a new bag, and we felt oh so chic to be shopping on such a well-known ritzy street! I, though, was on a no-shopping budget (thanks to these heels), but still I had fun seeing all the goodies in Kate Spade, Michael Kors, J. Crew, and various other stores along the way, eventually ending up in Bloomingdale's. That's where I spied these aptly named Furla candy bags in a rainbow of jelly colors. They're so whimsical, don't you think?

After both friends found the bag of their dreams, debated for a while, and finally took the plunge (yay!) we took a relaxing walk in Central Park on the way home. I had never seen the Central Park Zoo before, so it was fun to walk through and watch the sea lions out playing in the water. They were so cute chasing each other around and diving in and out of the water! It is still amazing to me how the park and the city can coexist so wonderfully, and the views of this juxtaposition are just lovely. So of course we snapped a few pics of the scenery as we meandered along towards home!

xoxo, CC