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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

Travel Diary; Capsule Wardrobe in Milan

Remember this dress from my fall capsule wardrobe? The cozy sweater material is a dream to wear, and this taupe color matches with so much, including pink and burgundy tones which I incorporated into this look with a scarf. Neck scarves like this have always lent a European vibe to an outfit in my opinion, and they are back on trend right now so I had to try out the look while in Italy. It's kind of nice the way they replace a necklace and act almost as jewelry while adding a touch of color to your look. 

I also love that while the dress is a long midi length it has a high slit up each side that adds a sexier flash of skin. I usually am careful to wear a heel with midi length skirts to balance the length, but somehow this dress looks awesome with flat sneakers too. And believe me, sneakers were necessary for a day walking in Milan!

We had a blast finding local street food for lunch after a morning of shopping. I had seen Spontini pizza on Instagram before the trip, and knew I just had to try it. It was SO worth it! (We even went back the next night to pick up slices for dinner!) After our Spontini slices we headed a few streets over to a spot my mom had heard of called Luini that serves mini fried calzones, which again were amazing. Talk about an indulgent pizza lunch!! And since it was my mom's birthday we had to top it all off with fancy gelato cones. Yum, yum, and more yum!
For dinner that night I dressed up this outfit by changing into these lace up flats, also from my capsule wardrobe, and we headed out for another delicious meal.

Shopping is cardio, I deserve this pizza.

Outfit // Dress: Ruche. Jacket: Zara. Neck scarf: vintage. Sneakers: Keds. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Sunglasses: Anthropologie. Lip: BareMinerals "Cherries on top."

Spontini Pizza at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

Double fisting fried calzones!

We found this cool courtyard with interactive colored circles all over.

The entryway to our Airbnb apartment building had such a tiny door! 

xoxo, CC

Travel Diary Milano; Playing Tourist

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

The second full day in Milan was spent exploring the Duomo of Milan and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele shopping center, which are both stunningly beautiful structures. I was particularly struck by the beautiful mosaic floors in both buildings and the intricate detail put into each element. It is hard to see all the carvings and statues that make up the Duomo, but their numerity and intircacy is astounding. We had a touch of blue sky and sunlight which lit up the stained glass windows of the Duomo and the glass ceilings of the Galleria for a stunning effect. 

I wore this grey ruffle tee, which has been a favorite of mine for years (see here) and luckily is totally on trend with the recent ruffle comeback. Seriously, have you noticed how ruffles are everywhere suddenly! I love it! I also finally broke out these awesome glitter-toe sneakers that I purchased for the trip, and I was so thrilled with how comfy they are, not to mention that they matched with so many marble monuments and mosaic floors that lead to great photo ops. This casual look was perfect for a day of walking around and sight seeing.

That night we had an incredible dinner at La Maniera di Carlo, which featured delightfully inventive food served over multiple courses. Everything was presented with such care and creativity it made the dining experience very exciting, and it was all very tasty. I loved the presentation of one appetizer served nestled in a bonsai tree, made to look like tiny apples fallen from the tree. How cute is that! 

Outfit // Top: H&M (similar). Jacket: Zara. Jeans: 7FAM. Sneakers: Lipsy London via Asos 1/2. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff.

The Duomo

A stained glass window cast colofrul light into the Duomo.

Inside of a pretty pink church next to the Duomo, part of their museum. 

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele left, the Duomo, right.

Inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

These floors though! 

An appetiser at La Maniera di Carlo - rose ricotta inside a cripsed pasta.

Cheese stuffed cherry tomato "apples" fallen from the tree.

This dish served in a jar releases a plume of smoke when the lid is removed!

xoxo, CC

Strolling Soho

Earlier this week I had a chance to get downtown and stroll around Soho for a bit. I love the Soho neighborhood, which is filled with beautiful architecture, high end shopping, and fascinating people-watching. Everyone in the area seems so stylish, and I love being inspired by everyday street style. It is also fun to do a little window shopping at the designer stores to catch up on the latest trends. 

Since I was on a casual excursion and planning to do a bit of walking I layered up in casual pieces like this sassy graphic tee and drapey jacket. I am living in these 7FAM "feminine boyfriend" jeans lately, they are just so comfortable and easy. I love that with a rolled up hem they pair so well with flats, sandals, and booties alike. Since it was still a pretty warm day I opted for sandals that color coordinate perfectly with the jacket! And just to continue with the matching theme, I wore sunglasses and a soft red lip, just like the glamorous Marie Antoinette on my teeshirt.

Tee: Zara (similar 1/2). Jacket: Jack by BB Dakota (similar 1/2). Jeans: 7 for All Mankind. Shoes: J. Crew. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Sunglasses: Anthropologie. Earrings: Gorjana. Lip: Bare Minerals "cherries on top."

xoxo, CC

Cropped

Photos by Paige Bryant

This is actually a look I wore earlier in the summer, but it got a lot of love on Instagram so I wanted to share it here since we are still having weather hot enough for this crop top look! This weekend was all in the 90°s, so even though September is here and fall fashion is hitting stores it's totally acceptable to wear your summer favorites one last time before cooler weather hits. 

When it is hot and humid in the city it is hard to imagine wearing anything other than crop tops and linen like this! I like to balance the edgier cut-out look of the top with a classic A-line skirt in a soft pastel shade. Adding a thin choker necklace plays off the more urban vibes, while comfy gold sandals tie it all together. I think this look achieves a perfect balance between the urban trends and my own girly style with a classic touch. 

Stay cool peeps, fall is closer than you think.... 

Top: similar 1/2/3. Skirt: Loft (similar). Shoes: Splendid. Earrings: Gorjana. Choker: very similar/more options/2/3. 

xoxo, CC