Silver

Photos by Magnolia.

When I was younger I used to wear all silver jewelry, but in recent years I've switched to mostly gold. Since the switch I sometimes find it hard to incorporate some of my old silver favorites into my outfits, so they end up not getting as much wear. Today though, I went for all silver for the first time in ages. Starting with my shiny silver sandals I built up with matching jewelry and a bag on a silver chain. Simple black and white provide a classic background for the metallics and a bright red lipstick adds a touch of color. Loose separates like these are perfect for looking chic on these super hot days we're still having in New York! 

Top: Zara. Skirt: H&M. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (similar 1/2) . Shoes: Chocolate Schubar. Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters.

xoxo CC

Always Room for Dessert...

"There is always room for a another pair of shoes like there is always room for dessert!"

This cute little tag came with a pair of silver sandals that I ordered for a friend's wedding, and I had to save the tag because it is just too funny! You could say shoes and dessert are some of my favorite things.... and there is always room for dessert. 

I switched bedrooms in my apartment this month and have been spending most of my free moments trying to get my new room organized and put together. The new room has big sunny windows, but came at the sacrifice of a decent closet so I added a hanging clothes rack to my room. The bottom shelf of the rack has proved a handy space to store shoes, don't you think!? I like that it is a nice way to organize and display my shoes so they can inspire me to put together coordinating outfits. Between my small closet, under-bed storage, and this new space there is certainly room for another pair of shoes any time.....
Right?

Tag and silver sandals: Chocolate Schubar. L to R, Booties: Ralph Lauren via TJMaxx. Black sandals: Ellen Tracy via Century 21. Flower sandals: Poetic License. Nude Heels: Steve Madden. Pattern Sandals: Coconuts by Matisse. Floral Espadrilles: Lilly Pulitzer for Target.
Calendar: Metropolitan Museum of Art.

xoxo CC

Leopard Meets Stripe

These shorts have so much attitude! I love how bold they are with stripes on the front and leopard on the back. Finding the right top to wear with them was a little challenging: I wanted something feminine that wouldn't clash with the bold shorts. I finally tried them with this lacy top, and it was just the combination I had been looking for! Keeping a neutral color palette was essential to let the patterned shorts shine without screaming, so to speak. And I know you just saw this clutch… but I'm so obsessed with it, it goes with everything and is the perfect mix of casual and chic! Plus, how cute are the stripes on stripes?

p.s. If you follow my blog, some big changes are taking place for me… Next time you hear from me I'll be posting from the big city!!

Shorts: Maison Scotch (similar, jeans). Top: American Eagle. Jacket: Nordstrom (similar). Clutch: Ruche. Shoes: Chocolate Schubar via ModCloth (love these).

xoxo, CC

Window Shopping

On my recent trip to New York, despite the challenge of packing light, I had a fun time dressing casually but feeling cute for days spent walking and walking and window shopping. My tired feet forced me to purchase a pair of running sneakers on the second day, but despite my inner fashionista resisting the athletic look, sacrificing a bit of style was totally worth it so that I could keep walking and sightseeing comfortably. Luckily, my outfit was casual enough that it even looked okay. The casual cropped and stripy tee felt like perfect city-wear, especially when paired with high waisted jeans and a smart bag.

I couldn't help myself but to snap a few photos of the incredible styles and displays I spotted in stores and window fronts, so I'm sharing a few of those below. They were all very inspiring, adorable, or awe-striking to me (that inner fashionista was having a field day!), so I hope you like them too!

Tee: Splendid. Shorts: American Eagle. Sneakers: New Balance. Sunglasses: Ruche. Bag: Kate Spade. Necklace: Kate Spade. Bracelets: Kate Spade and my own creation. 

1. Nanette Lepore metallic-heeled booties
2. Kate Spade notebook in the Madison Ave. store.
3. Giuseppe Zanotti heeled booties
4. Zebra Louboutins and clutch
5. Christian Louboutin storefront
5. Jack Rogers store
6. Christopher Fischer J'adore sweater at Olive & Bette's.
7. my favorite silk top in Kisan in SoHo
8. bird themed window display on Madison Ave.

xoxo, CC

Denim & Dots

What's a great way to cure the rainy day blues? An adorable head-to-toe blue toned outfit! These navy polka-dotted jeans are dear to my heart but they can be so hard to match with. The dots are a cream color, not bright white which makes the challenge even harder. Enter the chambray shirt. Perfect. I am usually wary of wearing chambray with denim jeans, but the contrast of the washes and the polkadot detail eased my qualms. To keep the outfit a touch dressy I added wedge sandals and blue tones jewels. 

I love those mornings where I don't have to wash my hair, especially on rainy days when it would just dry all frizzy anyway. It saves me so much time that I actually get to enjoy a little time for myself in the morning, and either savor a big breakfast, or hop on my computer, or even take a few photos like I did today before heading out the door! 

Polkadot jeans: J. Crew, similar, similar. Chambray: Rails. White ruffle top: Lilly Pulitzer. Earrings: JoJo Loves You. Necklace: similar, similar. Sandals: Splendid. Bag: Ruche. Bracelets: Urban Peach, Kate Spade, my own creation.

xoxo, CC

Summer Peplum

What is better for summer than an adorable sleeveless peplum top and bright colored jeans? I'll be honest I was very skeptical of the peplum trend for a very long time, but when I tried on this top last summer my mind was changed. It has such nice structure, and a beautiful scooped back. I also love that the stripes change angles as the circular part of the peplum goes around the body. The fabric is super comfy, and I love that the black stripes are a very soft charcoal color so it is not too harsh for summer.

I got these darling shiny silver shoes last summer to go with my bridesmaid dress in a friend's wedding. She asked us to get silver shoes, and I was specifically told I was not allowed to get heels (because I would tower over everyone else in the wedding haha), but I wanted to get something with a slight wedge that I would be able to wear again. These sandals fit the bill. I have worn them many times since the wedding and I love the laser cut details at the heel. They are so unique and yet classic at the same time. 

How lovely is it that the lilacs are blooming! They smell so nice when the breeze blows as I am sitting on my deck. I really love this time of year. 

p.s. I didn't realize until I was uploading these photos that I wore a very similar version of this outfit a few months back, with some more seasonal substitutes. Funny how the combinations we love keep coming back around :)

Peplum top: Tart. Jeans: Joe's Jeans. Shoes: Chocolate Schubar via ModCloth, similar, similar (also love these and these). Bag: Emma Fox via TJ Maxx. Bracelets: Brandy Melville and Kate Spade.

xo, CC