What I Wore: Clothing Swap

Last week I attended my first ever "clothing swap". A friend hosted a group of 7 women to her house last Sunday afternoon for us to drink champagne, eat tasty treats and swap clothes that we no longer wear. There are "clothing swap" rules that you can follow at these types of parties, but ours was pretty much a free for all. 

This week I wore three of the fabulous pieces I walked away with. 

My first swap score was this Chanel like jacket. I wore it last week to an Endowment luncheon for the Mini's new school. I borrowed this Forever 21 jumpsuit from my friend and paired it with Cole Haan Wedges. One would NEVER guess the jumpsuit is Forever 21. It's fabulous, and the only way I can give it back is knowing she will let me borrow it again. Thanks AS. 

Swap Score #2 was this polka dot J Crew blouse. At the suggestion of its previous owner, I tucked it into my high waisted jeans. Then I added a black Banana Republic blazer, a big chain link necklace (no longer available) and the same Cole Haan wedges.

Finally, Swap Score #3 was these Joie Skinny Cargo pants. I paired them with a black SQN Sport tank top, Levi's jean jacket (from Costco) and my favorite Dr. Scholl's slip ons (post here)

I'd say my first clothing swap was a huge success! 

Cute and Comfy

Last week I put the following post on my personal Facebook page:

"What are your most favorite sandals or flats that are comfortable for lots of walking in warm weather AND are stylish/chic?" 

I thought I would share some of the responses! Notice that there are a nice variety of styles and prices!

First are the non-sandal suggestions:

1) Sperry Top Sider Original Boat Shoe $90 2) Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Fancy $55  

3) Yosi Samra flats $77 4) Frye Cason ballet flat $157.95 5) AGL Flats $298 6) Tieks $175

And next the comfortable sandal suggestions.

1) Bernardo Matrix $135 2) K. Jacques $240 3) Sam Edelman $65 4) Birkenstock $94.95

I posted this question in anticipation of our trip to Europe at the end of the summer. And while I LOVE all these suggestions, and already own a number of these shoes, I think I've decided to go with one of my tried and true favorites, Cole Haan.

Molly Flat Thong $128

I haven't purchased them yet as I'm hoping for a Memorial Day Sale or some sort of promo! 

Cardi Couture Challenge

It's time again for another #cardicouturechallenge! This week we want to see your best chambray look! Even the Mini Fashionista is taking part in this week's challenge.



She's wearing a Crewcuts vest, Carter's chambray shirt, and Gap animal print skinny jeans. I'm wearing a chambray shirt from Aritzia, animal print belt from J Crew, J Brand skinny jeans and Cole Haan boots.

Make sure to post your photos to our facebook page and/or Instagram and use the hashtag #cardicouturechallenge. It' not too late to take place in our previous challenges either, wear stripes + plaid or jewel tones.

Get to it!

What I Wore

On Sunday I attended the barre3 holiday party. Since it was pretty much the only holiday party I attended this year, I wanted to have something fun (and new) to wear. So, as you may have guessed…the black and white ASOS dress was my pick! 

ASOS Oasis Blurred Print Dress

Here's how the outfit turned out. Thanks to fellow barre3 instructor, friend and loyal C&C reader Allyson for taking this photo! 

I paired the dress with some very old, and much loved Cole Haan wedges and my favorite accessory, Angela Caputi chainlink bracelets. Don't forget you can get 15% off the bracelets and everything at Serena Italian Imports through the 22nd using the code CCHOLIDAY13. 

A Pot of Gold

I have these Target gold sandals that I have had for at least three years. They go with everything, and I wear them all the time. That said, they have no arch support and are starting to fall apart, so I am on the hunt for a new pair of gold sandals.

Here are some options, all for under $100...because I'm not spending more than that unless I find something really, really fabulous!

These Target sandals might just do the trick. Although I am sure they will be less than comfortable and fall apart in a few seasons as well, but they are to die for cute and only $16.99. They are definitely worth purchasing, even if they do only last one summer. I tried to find them in the store, but no luck, so I have pre-ordered the online as they are on back order! With shipping they were only $22.

Xhilaration Lavada Slide Sandal $16.99

I am in LOVE with these gold glitter sandals! These could be the front runner, if the Target ones don't work. The price is still very reasonable, but "expensive" in comparison.

 

Piraya Glitter Sandals $79

These just might be the pair I would spend more than $100 for...it wouldn't be much over. I know they would be comfortable, and I love Cole Haan.

 

Cole Haan Grove Sandal $128

Do you have a favorite pair of summer sandals, gold or another color? Would love to know what they are!

What I Wore

On Wednesday I introduced you to blogger Beth and her blog Seersucker + Saddles (see blog post here). Her style is fantastic, inspiring and enviable!

This outfit I found particularly inspirational!

Given that I have every basic component of this outfit, I thought I would give it a try. So here is what I wore, as inspired by Beth! 

Cole Haan rain jacket, Banana Republic black blazer, orange striped H&M shirt, J Crew animal print belt (from Katie for Christmas), Paige straight leg jeans, and Tory Burch quilted flats. 

The stripes and animal print combination could be my new favorite! What do you think?

What I Wore - Napa Wedding Weekend

Nearly two weeks ago, my +1 and I took our first vacation together without the Mini Fashionista. We spent four fabulous days in Napa, Ca wining, dining and celebrating the wedding of our friends. I spent a lot of time planning my weekend wedding wear, so I thought I would share a few of my outfits.

1) Travel clothes: Zara blazer, Old Navy striped blouse (which I blogged about here), Zara jeans and Cole Haan Wedges.

2) Wine tasting: Tory Burch blouse and shorts (Consign design) and Target wedges. 

3) Sunday Brunch- Polka dot J Crew dress (borrowed from my dear friend SW), NY&Co wedges (from Seams to Fit) and Kate Spade Franca cat's eye sunglasses. 

For the wedding I was so close to getting a dress from Rent the Runway, but I decided to shop in my own closet and save the money. Instead I wore this Trina Turk that I've only worn once (nearly four years ago). I paired it with my gold Ferragamo Sandals (also from Consign Design) and an Angela Caputi chain link bracelet. It's not my favorite dress, but no one was looking at me anyway.  The bride was stunning in Monique Lhuillier, so I guarantee no one cared about my 4-year old dress!

What I Wore

While Katie enjoys the beaches of Bali, I have been enjoying some extra time in Sun Valley. Last night I joined my mom at the Sun Valley Pavilion for a Bonnie Rait concert. Nothing like a little country music to bring out my inner mountain gal. And let me tell you,  at 62 years old, Bonnie is still rockin it!

The Sun Valley Pavilion is an awesome venue that was built for the Sun Valley Symphony. The acoustics are fantastic, and they've had some pretty big names grace the stage including Garth Brooks, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The San Francisco Ballet, Yo Yo Ma and countless others.

The weather in Sun Valley can quickly go from 80 degrees to 50 degrees as soon as the sun goes down, so my ensemble needed to cover a range of temperatures. Gingham is definitely a country style print, and an Angela Caputi chain link bracelet goes with everything. Topped off with Cole Haan pink wedges, white jeans and my pink Converse watch, and I was ready for my night on the town. 

And as the weather cooled down I topped off the outfit with another pop of pink and my Patagonia vest, because that's how we roll here in the mountains, a little fashion and a bit of function.

I hope you are all having a great week!

XOXO
C&C

What I Wore

I've really been trying to get out of my workout clothes and into all the clothes that sit unworn in my closet. "What I Wore" posts really motivate me to wear something new as opposed to putting on my over-worn favorites. 

Last week I paired this Cynthia Steffe blouse (Gilt Groupe) with my Tory Burch shorts from Consign Design, Angela Caputi Chain link bracelets (Serena Italian Imports), and Cole Haan pink patent peep toe wedges.

So, where did I go? A quick trip to Louis Vuitton to pick up my bag that was being repaired, J. Crew to purchase a pink patent belt, and then Trader Joe's to stock up on groceries.

What I Wore

As you know, Katie is usually the one to do "What I Wore" posts. That's because most days my attire consists of Nike Legend or Nike Pro pants and a tank top, and it's hardly worth sharing. Last week I met a friend for coffee and decided I would open the closet and pick out something worth sharing. So here it is. As always, pardon the inadequate photography. You're just lucky I got a shot without the Mini Fashionista or Winston (our labradoodle) in it!

Dress-Consign Design, Cardigan- J Crew, Belt and shoes- Cole Haan, Bracelets- Angela Caputi (from Serena Italian Imports)

A close up

I had a pedicure the day before and chose the perfect color, without even knowing it!

And, I even put away the MZ Wallace Diaper bag and pulled out one of my old favorites from Cole Haan. 

What I Wore to Work - Mixing Patterns

Florals and stripes, oh my! I have definitely embraced mixing patterns, but this particular combo from my closet was a first for me. I've had this Tory Burch blouse for several years and was glad to find another way to pair it in my wardrobe. 

Mixing patterns has been a big trend in Resort 2013. Here are a few of my favorite looks. 

3.1 Phillip Lim

Cynthia Rowley

Lanvin

Missoni

Thakoon

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Are you pro pattern pairing?

Last Hurrah

I am not sure if you saw the news, but Nike is selling Cole Haan. So not only have I given up my discount, but now none of my Nike friends will have a discount anymore.

Le sigh!

If I was going on a Cole Haan "Last Hurrah" shopping spree, here's what I would buy!

My friend Sara has these shoes and they are fantastic!

 Who doesn't need pink driving moccasins?

Yes, I would get this tote in both colors!

This cape/coat is fantastic!

Shoe of the Month Club

Did you know that J Crew offers a Shoe of the Month Club?

Thanks to Chassity at Look Linger Love for introducing me to this amazing "secret society"! I have dropped many a hint to my +1 about this as a gift idea. Seriously....this would be the best club I've ever joined.

In honor of J Crew's Shoe of the Month Club, I thought I would share my picks if I was currently in a shoe of the month club (not specific to any store). I decided to be realistic and choose shoes I could actually buy and wear, but maybe next week I will post my "dream" shoe of the month club. It would be filled with Louboutin, Choo, Atwood, Chanel and Blahnik!

January

Steven by Steve Madden Meteor $159.99

February

Zara Patent Leather Wedge $79

March

Marais USA Maryjane $98

April

Cole Haan Violet Air Pump $248

May

Seychelles Eye to Eye $110

June 

DVF Opal $295

July

Sperry Top-Sider $98

August

LK Bennett Madox $218

September

Tory Burch Patent Eddie Ballet Flat $178

October

ASOS LEVAN Double Bow Flat Point Ballerina $45.45

November 

Hive & Honey Tobago $69.99

December

Kate Spade Charm $325

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