C&C Challenge

We are starting something new here on C&C called the #cardicouturechallenge. It actually came as a suggestion from my friend and fellow fashionista AS (you saw her beautiful ankles in a previous post about booties). Her idea...each week we post a fashion challenge for our readers: "wear something that delights you, wear sunglasses and sweaters, try a new combination in your closet, etc." In each challenge we hope to involve more of our readers through the various forms of social media: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. We plan for it to be a weekly challenge, but I'm not making any promises. 

So, without further adieu, here is the first ever #cardicouturechallenge. This week's challenge is to wear stripes and plaid. 

I was inspired by blogger Lacey of A Lacey Perspective to not only wear stripes and plaid, but also to replicate her outfit. 

Conveniently, I have the exact same scarf from Zara (last season) that I paired with an H&M striped shirt, Citizens for Humanity jeans and Cole Haan Boots. 

I finished off the outfit with a nude patent J Crew belt, a J Crew Clutch and a red Angela Caputi bracelet.

Now it's your turn! We challenge you to wear stripes and plaid together. Feel free to replicate a similar look or put your own pieces together. Here's the thing...in order for this to be interactive, you will have to share your posts with us through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Post your photos to the C&C facebook page, post to Instagram and use the hashtag #cardicouturechallenge.  Feel free to email your photos to cardicouture@gmail.com and we will post them for you! 

Ready, set…stripes and plaid! 

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? 

Feature Friday - A Lacey Perspective

Happy Feature Friday!

This week C & C brings you the fashion stylings of A Lacey Perspective. Lacey is the co-founder of D.C. Fashion & Beauty Bloggers, which is how I met her. And let me tell you...fabulousness! It was only fitting that I feature her this week because yesterday was her BIRTHDAY! So if you do nothing else, go to her blog or Facebook page and wish her a happy birthday! That's what we do in the blog world. We show the love. How can you not, look at this smile (and the bracelet)!

Back to her blog. A Lacey Perspective is a blog centered around her "'perspective' on women, politics, and fashion; weekly posts explore not only the role of fashion in politics but how to be chic and cost effective." What you'll love about Lacey are her outfit posts! She gets amazing vintage finds from this incredible store, Meeps (which is right near my house, but I have yet to visit--kicking myself...adding to incredible long to do list...moving to top and not showing Dr. B), and effortlessly pairs vintage with contemporary pieces. Here are a few of my favorites. For more (and I assure you, there is more), you'll have to go check out the blog yourself!  Happy weekend! (All images courtesy of A Lacey Perspective).

Zebra Pencil Skirt {Ann Taylor Loft} | Sleeveless White Button Down {United Colors of Benetton} |  Green Ribbon {belt from old dress} | Pink Floral Clutch {LouLou Boutique} | Nude Wedges {Steve Madden} | CatEye Sunnies {Target} | Gold Watch {Michael Kors}| Silver/Gold Bracelet {Yurman}| Orange Nail Polish {OPI – Don’t Be Koi With Me} | Hot Pink Lipstick {NARS Carthage}

Skirt {Francesca’s Collection} | Silk Top {Ann Taylor Loft} | Braided Belt {F21} | Fringe Bag {H&M} | PeepToe Booties {Steve Madden} | Aviators {RayBans}| Gold Watch {Michael Kors} | Bracelet {Yurman} | Teal Ring {LouLou Boutique} | Friendship Bracelet {Meeps Vintage} | Gold Braided Bracelet {street vendor at Eastern Market} |Manicure Nail Polish {OPI – Banana Bandanna} | Pedicure Nail Polish {OPI – Dutch Tulips} | Lipstick {NARS – Carthage} | Donut Bun – ALP HowTo

Kimono Maxi Dress {Meeps Vintage – 1960s} | Green Snakeskin Belt {Target} | White Clutch {Meeps Vintage} | Gold Flip Flops {Steve Madden} | CatEye Sunnies {Target} |Pink Ring {LouLou Boutique - Dupont Circle} | Silver/Gold Bracelet {Yurman}| Gold Watch {Michael Kors} | Friendship Bracelet {Meeps Vintage} | Gold Braided Cuff {street vendor at Eastern Market} | Gold Stud Earrings {Ralph Lauren} | Manicure Nail Polish {OPI – OPI Gargantuan Green Grape} | Pedicure Nail Polish {OPI – Dutch Tulips} | Lipstick {NARS – Carthage}

Dress + Belt {Meeps Vintage} | Bag {vintage Dooney & Burke} | Nude Wedges {Steve Madden} | Necklace {LouLou Boutique} | Gold Watch {Michael Kors} | Bracelet {Yurman} | Rings {LouLou Boutique} | Hot Pink Lipstick {NARS – Carthage} | Nail polish {OPI – Hey! Get In Lime}