Diving into the One-Piece Deep End

Last spring I blogged about one-piece swimsuits. Other than a Speedo for lap swimming, I don't own a one-piece. It's been on my mind for a while - there are so many cute ones out there - but I just hadn't tested the waters (get it?). Until now. A friend recently posted a pic of her in this J. Crew suit on instagram. 

The suit looked great on her and is super figure flattering, so I figured it might work for me too. And it did! For me, the low back is what sealed the deal. I'll definitely be rotating this in with my two-pieces this summer. 

The pattern also comes in a two-piece if you're not ready to dive into the one-piece deep end. 

Kaleidoscope ring halter bikini

I also ordered these two suits and they did NOTHING for me. The full back just made me look wide everywhere. 

Gingham seersucker v-halter

This suit had the same back coverage issue, but also had the smallest top...and I'm not even in need of much in that area, so that says something. 

Retro floral ring

Just with clothing, it's important to find what fits and flatters your body best and stick with it. And sorry friends, but it probably means you're probably going to have to kiss a lot of frogs before you get your bathing suit prince.

What I Wore: Back to Basics

I bought two great staples for my wardrobe recently that are just too good not to be shared. Everyone should have a crisp, white button down in their closet. My go-to is Brooks Brothers because as much as I appreciate a good iron (and I say that sincerely), there's nothing quite like pulling an oxford shirt out of the dryer read to wear! I've got some of their regular dress shirts, but was looking for something a little longer. Their new cotton tunic, was just the ticket. 

Zara vest (old), Joe Fresh crop pants (old)
Brooks Brothers tunic, Maison Martin Margiela wedges

It has proven itself to be a great layering piece for work and weekends - as you'll see below. The second purchase were two pairs of J. Crew Pixie Pants (navy and black). These are the adult-appropriate version of the legging. The fabric is substantial enough to wear to work, is constructed of a great "holds you in" fabric, and look good on pretty much everyone. I went up a size because I wanted to make sure they weren't too tight for a professional setting. I've already gotten a ton of wear out of them. 

Brooks Brothers tunic, Uniqlo cashmere,
J. Crew Pixie Pants, Zara boots and scarf

Do you you have these must-haves in your closet? 

C & C Challenge: Jewel Tones

Last week Regan started a little fashion challenge (#cardicouturechallenge). I thought I'd follow up this week with my own for all you fashionable readers. Two weeks ago I said the sad, sad goodbye to bare legs. We had our final few days in the 60s and it was that perfect fall transition weather. And I took full advantage. There's something so luxurious about jewel tones and navy, emerald, and fuschia is a winning color combo. 

The J. Crew Schoolboy Blazer in navy paired with a navy Uniqlo cashmere crewneck, the J. Crew No. 2 pencil skirt, and old Cole Haan pumps made for a perfectly pulled together work look. 

I added some actual jewels (remember the post on Zara's great gems here and my latest Michael Kors watch here) to finish it off. 

Now it's your turn! Wear jewel tones and tag your outfits on instagram with #cardicouturechallenge or send them to us at cardicouture@gmail.com. You can do it! 

Got the Gimmies

In case you are wondering who is the winner of the Merin Designs Ketchum bag...well, you will have to read this post to find out!

I've got a major case of the gimmies (anyone else read the Berenstain Bears Get the Gimmies as a kid?).  And I decided instead of exercising my Amex, hopefully this blog post will do the trick and I'll be cured (unlikely, but one can hope). It's not specific to one area...pretty much runs the gamut.

Holiday decor for Thanksgiving and Christmas...

Turkey Pheasant Wreath

Mark and Graham Preppy Plaid Napkins

Clothes for work...

5th & Mercer Long Sleeve Dress

Zara Top with Detailing on the Shoulder

And of course, for play too...day and night. 

Hunter Original Tall Rain Boot

J. Crew Buffalo Check Shirt-Jacket

Trina Turk Edda Jumpsuit

If I had to just buy one thing, the blue dress might be the one...although the Zara top looks pretty cute.....

Gimmies still present.

Oh, and the winner is.....drumroll please....Dawn Keenan. Congratulations! We will be in touch!

What I Wore - Revenge of the J. Crew Summer Sale

Yesterday I shared with you the sweater I picked up at J. Crew when I had a little coffee mishap at work. And you thought I got out of there with just buying one thing...hah! Likely story. I had to peruse the sale section to make sure there wasn't anything I "needed." And, of course, there was! I've been feeling the Mexican-inspired/boho style that has been the thing this summer, and I'm hoping it continues into next. 

Because now I've got this embroidered pom-pom tank and it's kind of awesome. It was the perfect thing to wear on our drive down to the Inn at Willow grove to celebrate our anniversary (here's the recap in case you missed it on Monday), and I know it will make its Baja debut during Christmas. If the black and white isn't your thing, it also comes in "burnt crimson" and "autumn coral," aka burgandy and orange. 

You probably "need" one too. I'm just saying. 

Forced into Fall

I'm not totally ready for summer to be over - we've had a really mild summer in D.C., making this Idaho girl really happy. But…the other day at work I spilled coffee right down my front. It was bad enough that I couldn't go all day looking like a total idiot. Thankfully we've got a lot of retail by my office and I made a quick trip to J. Crew to find something to put on. Instead of buying any random top, I decided I'd rather find something I really liked. Thankfully it wasn't a scorching hot August day because I walked out with this. It was just the thing to get me excited for Fall attire.

The shirt is party in front, business in the back. I love the mix of knit and shirting fabric. They call it a "mixed media" sweater. I know I'll be getting a ton of wear out of this come fall. It's the perfect transition piece. I'm already planning an outfit with boyfriend jeans and a pair of loafers. It comes in two other colors if this combo isn't your bag. 

I guess spilling coffee all over myself wasn't so bad after all.

What I Wore - J. Crew to the Nines

Remember the steal I got on a pair of navy patent Ferragamos at Consign Design over Christmas Vacation? Last week it was FINALLY warm enough to go sans tights, which meant it was time to break those babies out. 

I didn't realize it until after I was dressed that I was wearing J. Crew head to knee. I recently picked up the  Classic Schoolboy Blazer on final sale. It's a staple for any girl's closet. Paired with the No. 2 pencil skirt in double-serge wool and a striped silk blouse (somewhat similar option here) and I was looking ready for a nautically patriotic work day. Hey, when you've got a color palette, embrace it. 

Who else is ready to break out their spring clothes? 

What I Wore

With an abnormally warm day recently, I went sans tights one last time. I love vibrant colors...and patterns....so it makes perfect sense that this combo was a match made in work wear heaven.  

While the skirt and sweater are from J. Crew last year, you can still get your own version of this look. And these are all great basics for your fall/winter wardrobe. 

Zara Scarf

J. Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt

J. Crew  Cashmere Tippi Sweater

Put Your Name On It

I love weekends just as much as I love monograms! Happy Saturday!

What I Wore - Calling Cashmere Lovers

J. Crew is having some INSANE deals right now - especially on cashmere. Cashmere sweaters are worth the investment and a great staple to any wardrobe. I recently bought two (on major sale in-store) and thought I'd show you how I wore them both at work and on the weekends. 

Polka-Dot Sweater (not available online, but I 

bet it's still in stores - or you can call J. Crew)

Collection Cashmere Tippi Sweater

I also picked up this No. 2 Pencil Skirt in vivid jade. This is a great basic and comes in a number of colors - all on sale right now!

What I Wore - Totally Tartan

I love the holidays. And I LOVE tartan. A co-worker wore this incredible blazer to work for our holiday lunch. I don't normally buy the same thing as my colleagues, but this was too good to pass up. I've already worn it twice in the last week. 

It isn't available online, but here are store locations nationwide. It runs a little small, so you might consider going up a size if you're broad-shouldered like me. 

And if you can't find the jacket, these might peak your plaid interest. 

C. Wonder Wool Double Logo Ballet Flats

J. Crew Red Tartan Cafe Capri

Topshop Tartan Blazer

Trina Turk Dress

J. Crew Perfect Shirt in Tartan 

Are you mad for plaid?

Today is the last day to enter our Angela Caputi giveaway. Get the details here and tomorrow we'll announce the winner. 

What I Wore to Work - Mixing Stripes

A new J. Crew opened in downtown D.C. just a few blocks from my office on F Street last week and of course I had to do a drop by (and you should too if you live in the area). 

Since we just got a new house and have got a wedding and a honeymoon coming up, I really shouldn't be shopping, but I couldn't resist the No. 2 pencil skirt in deck stripe. We all know I'm a sucker for stripes. As soon as I tried it on I'd had my first outfit picked out. Horizontal stripes and vertical stripes do work. 

Here are a few other ways to mix stripes.

via Atlantic Pacific

via Wendy's Lookbook

via A Lacey Perspective

Are you a fan of stripes + stripes? 

Bali Bound

For our honeymoon in just over six weeks we are Bali bound! Of course it has me yearning for bright patterned tunics, light-weight dresses, and new bathing suits! Thankfully we're getting married at the end of the Summer, just in time for everything to go on sale. Here are a few things I've got my eye on.

Yumi Kim Dress from Bloomingdales

Tory Burch Print Silk Long Caftan

J. Crew Silk Dervish Paisley Tunic

Gap Tribal Print Top

Old Navy Geometric-Print String Bikini - $14.97 each

Trina Turk Alto Cinco Short and Ximena Blouse