3 Summer Handbags You Need In Your Closet

Is it just me, or is everyone on a continuous search for the perfect white handbag? While my closet boasts a few gems in terms of summery purses, i’m always looking for the next best thing. Here are my top 3:

1. The Everyday One

On sale for $99 from Rebecca Minkoff

This bag screams Miami summer. Even if you’re sitting at a desk instead of sipping a frozen cocktail, this bag is a perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. It’s the kind of throw-everything-inside-&-go bag that I love.

2. The Beachy One

On sale for $19 (yes, you read that right!) from Urban Outfitters

Ah, another great bag for the perpetually late girl. This one pairs well with a good novel, sun, & sand. Did I mention it’s under twenty bucks?

3. The Fancy One

Included in the New York Magazine x Marc Jacobs collection. $450

What’s a summer vacation without a little splurge? This dreamy tote from Marc Jacobs is on my goals board for 2019. It’s perfect for the office, the airport & even date night.

XX,

C&C

Vintage Vegas (& other summer-inspired looks)

It’s 90 degrees in South Carolina. Last weekend, I was in Las Vegas. It was 90 degrees.

When I think about Vegas clothes, I think about blingy, loud, campy outfits that speak for themselves. Vegas style embraces grandeur from both the past & present. It celebrates the weird and shocking designs that turn heads. However, I think the Vegas vibe can be adopted almost anywhere, from the pool to the cocktail bar, even all the way to the grocery store.

If you’re like me & can’t seem to escape the heat, take a look at these summer outfits:

A vintage jumpsuit & vest from my grandmother’s closet. Headband made from a cotton tank top. Shoes are M. Gemi

Gold hoops, a Kate Spade clutch, & Alice & Olivia shades add some modern flair to a vintage outfit.

Patent leather M. Gemi sandals add a bit of freshness to this vintage outfit.

Betsy’s look is perfect for keeping cool on record breaking hot days. Sam Edelman shoes, Alice & Olivia sleeveless top.

White sneakers brighten up any daytime outfit. Sam Edelman faux leather sneakers, vintage wrap top and pants.

White is always a good idea. These breezy crochet pants, white bikini & off the shoulder top are super affordable from Forever 21. Madewell sun hat.

LeSpecs shades.

XX,

C&C

Dress To Kill Code

Happy Thursday! 

As the weekend approaches, I've begun to envision my outfits for Friday/Saturday night fun.  This NYC heat wave, although thankfully dying down, has left little room for anything other than shorts, tanks, & portable fans.  I'm itching to create an ensemble hotter than the temperature gauge outside, which got me thinking: What makes a great outfit?

Breaking it down, here are my top 5 guidelines for making a killer look.  I hesitate to call them rules because to me, fashion has none! 

1. Monochromatic is always an option

You knew this one was coming.  I am the reigning queen of black-on-black and I have no intention of changing.  However, blacking out isn't the only way to rock this look.  I love an all white outfit for the summer (or winter whites!) 

Head to toe denim can be tricky, but it's another classic, all-American trend I have grown to love.  Do it right and you won't end up looking like a 90's teen or a rodeo attendee. Try pairing like colored denim pieces together, like light wash skinny jeans and a chambray button down.  Another classic look I love is dark wash jeans with a bleached denim jacket. so easy!

2. Choose a focal point

& by that I mean NOT your feet.  The most common examples are sparkly or drop earrings.  They draw attention to the face.  Another great way to center & balance your look is to set your outfit around a statement necklace.  Printed blouses or fun pants create a more vibrant look, just be mindful and keep that balance going on.  Think of it like makeup... long lashes bring attention to the eyes, & a bold lip draws the eye to the mouth and away from any other imperfections on the face.  

3. Make or break it with hair & makeup

Speaking of makeup, it's a part of your outfit, too.  Be mindful of your outfit choice when glamming up & choose a color palette either neutral or complimentary to the colors of your chosen clothing.  The same translates to hair.  A french twist & sweatpants is comparable to orange juice & toothpaste.  Boyfriend jeans & T-shirt? Beach waves and sea salt spray. you get the idea. 

4. Accessorize with caution

But not too much.  Accessorizing is a chance to show your personality.  Find the perfect bag and carry it until it's worn out.  Stack bracelets to the high heavens.  Go for a look YOU love, but don't put a bunch of jewelry together just because you love all of it.  Smaller earrings leave more space for a bolder necklace.  Hoops and a thin choker make for a balanced and proportionate look.  Bonus points for mixing metals and hues. 

5. Feelin' good=lookin' good

& don't you forget it.  Don't get me wrong, I've spent countless hours scouring magazines & style blogs to find the trendiest looks out there.  What I love even more, however, is creating a look that is totally original to my personality.

 Fashion is art. Wear something that makes you feel artistic, not what you think will gain approval or attention from others.  My point is, dress for you.  Feel confident & beautiful & make statements.  

XX, 

C&C

Sunny Disposition: Finding Your Perfect Summer Shades

Hi all! Summer is HERE!

Although shades can be worn year round, I like to think of summer as the high point of sunglass-wearing.  In addition to eliminating "squinty-eye face", they can also act as the focal point of your outfit.  That being said, you want to make sure your sunglasses mesh well with your outfit (or bikini!)

Another super important factor in choosing a pair of sunnies is making sure they are the right style for your face shape.  In this post, I'll highlight some of my favorite styles, as well as how they accentuate different faces.  Enjoy! 

1. The Wayfarer 

buy these HERE

It's a style we all know & love.  Also, how unique is this denim pattern?! Wayfarers are a great casual, beach-y style.  I find they look best on more round or heart-shaped faces, as they can drag out oval shapes and make the nose look bigger. 

2. The Enlarged Wayfarer

buy these HERE

Bold frames &  neutral lens tint make for the perfect statement shade! These are Ideal for a dressier get up & they work best with skinnier, oval-type face shapes to add depth and contrast.  

3. Winged Out & Wonderful 

PSSST...buy the less expensive version

These are some of my favorite Dior shades of all time.  They're different than anything else on the market.  They also look great on relatively any face shape, and they accentuate the nose very nicely.  Go futuristic with these winged out shades! 

4. The Round Lens

They're on sale!! Buy these HERE

These funky round shades are perfect for any boho look! Style them with flowy shirts, dresses, and layered necklaces! Perfect for long faces, as the large lenses break up the face. 

whether you buy high-end or at the flea market, your shades can take your outfit to the next level.  Go for it and try something new! 

XX, C&C