What I Wore

If you follow C&C on Instagram, you may have seen this photo I posted on Friday night. My +1 and I went out to dinner with friends, and it was the perfect opportunity to wear the new striped shirt I recently bought at Anthropologie (on sale for $30)! 

I paired it with my Joe Fresh (from JCP) shorts (similar here), Manolo Blahnik cork wedges, the Danielle Nicole Zelie clutch that Katie blogged about just yesterday (post here) and an Angela Caputi Chainlink bracelet. 

I always feel so silly taking pictures of myself to share "What I Wore", but I continue to do it, despite feeling completely ridiculous.

I wish I'd taken a photo of the back of the shirt because it has a really cool gold exposed zipper.

My Favorite Things

There are products that I tell friends about over and over again because they are just SO good that I want to share them with the world. Most of "my favorite things" I have shared on the blog before, but in case you missed them, I thought I would write a quick summary post.

Printstagram/Print Studio Mini Books- I make these little books with photos of the Mini Fashionista twice a year, Christmas and Mother's Day. They make a perfect gift for grandparents, aunts and other family members. You choose the photos directly from your Instagram account.

Printstagram/Print Studio Poster- I use the poster as a scrapbook for the Mini. I make them once a year and have the poster framed in her room. She likes looking at the old photos as much as I do. 

Blinc Mascara- If you're looking for a no-hassle, no-smudge mascara that you can take throughout your day with no re-application, blinc mascara is your answer. Instead of painting your lashes like conventional mascaras, blinc mascara forms tiny no-smudge, water-resistant "tubes" around your lashes. Once applied, these mascara tubes bind to your lashes and cannot run, smudge, clump, or flake, even if you cry or rub your eyes.

Angela Caputi Resin Bracelet- It's no secret that both Katie and I love these bracelets. We wear them with everything.

Yum Box- This lunch box works perfectly for the Mini Fashionista. It's leak proof, easy for her to open and close and dishwasher safe! They even make adult boxes now!

Merin Bags-  If you don't have one of these bags yet, what are you waiting for? I have 3! I take them everywhere with me....to the gym, on the airplane, car trips. You name it, my Merin bags have been there.

The Wet Brush- As far as I am concerned, there is no better brush for wet hair. I love it. The mini Fashionista loves it. You need one.

Trader Joe's Honey Mango Cream Shave-  Nothing fancy here. Just good, well priced shaving cream that doesn't require an extra stop at Target or a drug store.

And lastly, in honor of Easter this weekend...

Cadbury Royal Dark Chocolate Mini Eggs- I've nearly given up all holiday related candy, candy corn, candy canes, etc. But, these are just so good that I can't go through the Easter season without buying at least one bag. After over a month of temptation, earlier this week, I finally succumb and bought a bag. They are worth every calorie.

Let's Celebrate

C&C has reason to celebrate because Today is the blog's 5th anniversary! WOW! Can you believe it? Here was the first post I ever wrote on C&C...May 1st, 2009.

I begin every day (latte in hand) by checking my favorite blogs and websites dedicated to fashion and design. More often than not, I forward photos and stories on to my fashion savvy friends.e 
So, after some persuasion from a fellow blogger (thanks CYT Meredith), I've decided to start my own blog. Deciding on a name was a difficult task, but after some thought I came up with Cardigans and Couture, two things I frequently lust after. . .and only one of which I ever indulge in. Those of you who know me well know that I am the queen of deals; I find them everywhere...Target, e-bay, Marshall's, Gilt Group, and countless others. I am quite proud of my discount shopping prowess and am always happy to share my fabulous finds. My blog will be dedicated to all things fabulous, both those that I can and cannot afford.
And so it begins...

Needless to say, the blog has evolved over the last five years. I still love a good bargain, which we share through posts like Splurge vs. Save. We love to give you rundowns on all the Red Carpet hits and misses, and occasionally we share a summary of our favorite shows from Fashion Week. Those things are the same, while others have changed. In the beginning, every Wednesday was "Cardigan Wednesday" on the blog, and we haven't done that series in years. Here was the first ever Cardigan Wednesday Post.

I used to post regularly on Viviana Volpicella (one of my style icons), and we haven't featured her in a while.

I better get on that because she is still one of my style idols. Here is one of my favorite posts on her "Street Style." It's worth looking at! And, we all have Viviana to thank because she is the reason we found Angela Caputi bracelets. Here is the first post we ever wrote on them. Hard to believe it was over three years ago!

The biggest change to the blog in the last five years was the addition of Katie as a contributor! She has most definitely changed the blog for the better: building our social media presence, contributing great content and sharing her fabulous attire in her "What I Wore Posts", among many other things.

So, what do the next 5 years hold for C&C? That is something only time shall tell. I can promise that both Katie and I will continue to provide you with original content that is real and accessible through posts like Keeping it Real, C&C in the Kitchen, Splurge vs. Save, and What I Wore.

While C&C is a small blog, we have a large number of loyal followers who we appreciate greatly! So thank you for reading. Thank you for allowing us to share our lives and our interests with you.

We would love to hear any nostalgic thoughts you have on the blog...your favorite posts, your favorite C&C inspired purchases....whatever moves you. We don't often get blog feedback or "comments", so give us a little annivesary gift and tell us what you've enjoyed most about C&C over the last five years.

xoxo,
Regan and Katie
Cardigans&Couture

Products We Love

It's no secret that Katie and I have a mild obsession with Angela Caputi bracelets. Let me refresh your memory.

Even the Mini Fashionista loves them! 

This might be news to you, but Angela Caputi also makes her beautiful resin necklaces! 

Our favorite Angela Caputi supplier, Serena Italian Imports, sells them in a selection of colors including black, turquoise and yellow. I have the turquoise and love it! 

Through the end of the month, Serena Imports is offering 15% off so you too can stock up on more bracelets or get yourself a fabulous necklace! Use the code CCSUMMER15 to redeem your discount!

What I Wore - Easter Edition

I have such fond memories of Easter as a child. Egg hunts at church, bright colored dresses and hats, and, obviously, Easter baskets. This week we're at home in Idaho (Regan and The Mini Fashionista arrive tomorrow) and the weather is GORGEOUS! It was an opportunity to break out my new dress from ASOS and my bright-colored Angela Caputi bracelets.

The arrival of Spring also signals an opportunity to dig deep in the closet for warm-weather shoes! I got these turquoise suede sandals from Zara last summer. They aren't available now, but here is another pair that's kind of similar. 

By the way, if you haven't ordered from ASOS (pronounced A-Sauce, btw), it is RIDICULOUS how quickly your order arrives from over the pond. I wanted this in time for Easter so paid the $12 to have it shipped. It arrived in Idaho in two days. You read that right. I'm not sure I could travel from England to Idaho that quickly. If you're wondering about their sizing, I found the dress to be true to size. 

I hope you had a great holiday with friends and family. More updates from our "Spring Break" soon!