Day to Night

You may remember this ASOS dress that I posted last year (here). This past weekend in Walla Walla I wore the dress during the day paired with my Michael Kors flats that I bought earlier this summer at Consign Design. It was perfect for walking around the Whitman Campus, for Katie's award ceremony and for wine tasting. We will be sure to post a trip recap soon! 

That night I didn't want to wear the white jeans and blouse I had planned on wearing, so I took a Zara skirt that Katie had given me on the trip and put it over the dress.

Suddenly the dress became a top, and I took the outfit from day to night! Have you ever worn a skirt over a dress? It was a first for me. 

I paired it with these Manolo Blahnik cork wedges that Katie recently found for me for our birthday - she got them on MEGA-SALE (and this is no exaggeration). 

What I Wore

Yes, you read the title correctly! Today is a "What I Wore" post, and it's not coming from Katie. Gasp! I actually dressed myself in something other than workout clothes. Can you believe it?

Let me start at the beginning. Last week in Sun Valley I made a trip to my favorite store on the face of the planet (no exaggeration), Consign Design. I happened upon these fabulous, unworn pair of Michael Kors sandals. At $55 I knew they had to be mine! 

Here's a close up!

And here is how I wore them for the first time, just last night when The Mini Fashionista and I met a friend and her son for dinner.

I paired them with my white Target Merona shorts (from last summer) and a Cynthia Steffe Top I bought on Gilt Groupe ages ago. Nothing fancy, but appropriate for the 85 degree weather and a casual dinner. 

"Time" for an Update

I've had this Michael Kors watch for years...6 at least. I like to think I was on the forefront of the big gold watch trend. It has told some serious time - can you imagine working 24/7 for 6+ years?

We were recently out to dinner in Georgetown at our FAVORITE (no exaggeration) restaurant - Pizzeria Paradiso - and a post-pizza and beer walk turned into more than just window shopping. Enter this rose gold beauty. 

I think it's only available in store (I did a robust Internet search), but there are lots of other options if it's time for an update to your wrist. Here are a few of my favorites (all available on Nordstrom.com)

Splurge vs. Save

I love the big watch trend. I've definitely taken some liberties with my husband's watches and incorporated them into my accessory rotation. Of course a Rolex Submariner would be nice to wear every day...but at several thousand dollars, and that's just a starter, unless it was left to you by your grandfather it's not likely in the cards.  

Enter Michael Kors. The guy made a timely entry into the market. When's the last time you walked down the street and didn't see a girl sporting an oversized MK, complete with arm party. Exactly. So if your pocketbook isn't up for the splurge of the Rolex, these might be just the thing to keep you looking on trend and on time. 

Blake

Large Lexington

Blake

Invest in Quality

Michael Kors was quoted as saying "Learn to invest in the best quality you can afford and wear pieces in different ways." The man has it right. Know your budget and get the best possible quality of clothing and footwear within that.

Speaking of Michael Kors, have you checked out his recent ready to wear collection? It's chic, full of color and print and more affordable than I would have guessed. Some of the items are even within my budget (and some....not so much).

Let's start with the ones not in my budget...all of these are $1500+

And now for the more "budget friendly" items.

I'm obsessed with this navy leather motorcycle jacket! It's $429, which isn't completely unreasonable for a leather jacket.

The rest of these pieces are all well under $200!

Check out the Michael Kors website for more fabulous fashion, both within and out of your budget!

P.S. I really missed Michael on the last season of Project Runway. Zac Posen just didn't cut it for me!

What I Wore

For New Year's Eve we celebrated in style with friends at the Lodge Dining Room in Sun Valley. I love any reason to get dressed up. We were in bed well before the clock struck midnight, but it was a great time nonetheless. 

Here are a few photos of what I wore. I didn't end up "Renting the Runway. Instead I shopped in my own closet (and my mom's). 

1) Chain link bracelet (borrowed from my mom, I think it is Michael Kors), Nixon Camden rose gold watch, a Christmas gift from my +1.

2) Fur stole (my great grandmother's) and Phillip Lim 3.1 black dress purchased at Seams to Fit for an incredible $99 (last seen here).

3) My current favorite hair style, a sock bun! Stay tuned for a sock bun tutorial and video blog. 

4) ASOS polka dot tights and Vince Camuto Zella heels. 

And one last photo of me and my +1! 

Happy New Year! 

Bringing to the Beach - Kate Collins Interiors

Happy Wednesday! Today's guest post comes from Kate, a dear friend of Katie's from college and blogger and designer extraordinaire behind Kate Collins Interiors. 

Hi everyone!  I'm absolutely honored to be guest posting today on Katie and Regan's blog. I am a huge fan of Cardigans & Couture and of the two incredibly stylish twins who are the geniuses behind the blog.  

When Katie asked me if I would write a guest post on the ten things I would bring to a warm climate, I jumped at the opportunity!  It just so happens that I'm also currently enjoying some R & R not too far from where Regan and Katie are. This post helped me to get packing...well, at least virtually packing.

#1  First of all, you can't spend a second out in the bright sun without sunnies, so why not make them stylish sunglasses?!

I'm a go big or go home type sunglasses gal; the large Kate Spade Rae's fit the bill.

#2 Even though I'm all about getting a tan, I don't really like the thought of wrinkles. The second thing I would pack for warm weather is a large hat.

I'm a sucker for all things monogram so I've got to have it on my sunhat.  Marley Lilly can whip one up for me in custom colors and for a great price - $29.99

#3  Well now that I've got my hat and sunnies, I obviously need a bathing suit for the beach.  This is the part I hate, finding a flattering suit.  

I used to spend a pretty penny on a suit but lately I've been more into Target. I've found their suits to be really flattering and fun in style and colors.  A classic navy/white stripe top with pink happens to be my very favorite combo - just check out the header of my website to see. :)

#4  Now that I'm all suited up, it's time for some cover up action.  

The J. Crew Sundowner tunic in engineered stripe is preppy perfection. Plus, you could easily dress it up for a stroll around town.

#5  Speaking of strolling, I think I'll need some shoes on my feet from time to time.

Without a doubt, I would go for the Jackie Tuccia Capri Sandals in the red lizard. We are dreaming right?  At $168, I don't actually own these shoes, but in my dreams, I wear them every day. They simply go with everything.  Plus, Capri is one of my favorite places on earth.

#6  I seem to be pretty much covered for the beach but I'll need a little something for my shopping excursions in town.

I love the colors and pattern of this Mara Hoffman maxi dress; if I ever grew tired of wearing it, I'd turn it into pillows.  It's something that could easily be worn out at night as well.

#7  Speaking of the night, I couldn't possibly go without a cardigan.  

I know it's a heavy cardigan, but I can get very cold at night. I love the neutral color that will go with anything and the tuxedo collar.

#8  I'm going to need some sort of jewelry for my outfits. I would def. bring this Michael Kors watch, especially since my husband just bought me this for Christmas!!

The Michael Kors watch is more then just a useful item to check if it's close to cocktail time; it's also a great jewelry statement piece. 

#9  Because I'm on vacation and feeling in an experimental mood, I'd push my fashion limits and wear these sequin shorts for a festive night out.

I'd completely tame it down with my simple J. Crew tunic and sandals. But why not do something a little different?

#10 Finally, I get very stir crazy so I can't really be on a beach vacation without some reading material. I never leave home without some sort of shelter magazine. I would have a whole pile of back issues of House and Home...

It's a Canadian magazine that I only began subscribing to this year and it's amazing! On this dream vacation, I would have all of the issues I've ever missed of House and Home.

Ahhhh....now computer please whisk me away to a sunny place with all of these wonderful goodies! 

Kate Collins Interiors

kcinteriors.wordpress.com

Nothing Nude

When going through my shoes last week (while packing for a weekend getaway) I realized that I wish I had a pair of nude patent flats. This pair from Lanvin would be at the top of my list, but $495 for a pair of flats is a bit ridiculous. 

Here are a few pairs that are a bit more budget friendly! 

Michael Kors $150

Lucky Brand $59

These would be my second choice, and of course they are the second most expensive!

Tory Burch $178

Any other suggestions?

Katie's Summer Wish List

Since I'll be guest blogging with the arrival of the little mini any day now, Regan's summer wish list inspired me to start my venture into the blogosphere. I'll be making more frequent posts soon, so thank you for allowing me to frequent C & C while she is busy helping bring the newest little fashionista into the world. So here's what I've been lusting after as the summer season gets off to a start, what are you jonesing for?

Striped Dress - Whether it's for work or play, you really can't go wrong with stripes. Michelle Obama wore this Marc Jacobs on a recent trip to South America, and it has been on my mind ever since.

1. Kate Spade 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs

Fierce Wedges - I've been on the quest for the perfect wedge...both of these are pretty amazing. Have you seen any must-haves worth sharing?

1. Seychelles 2. Michael Kors

Colorful Trousers - I'm really loving all the color blocking this season, and a pair of pants like these for the weekend, seem like a no-brainer...the question is, what color?

Skinny Stretch Jeans by Zara

Sophisticated Satchel - Whether it's a clutch or a satchel, there's something extremely sophisticated about carrying a purse on your arm.

1. Kate Spade 2. Marc by Marc Jacob