Since I've Been Gone

I apologize that it's been so long since my last post. I've been dealing with that thing called "life" lately and some additional stress added by parenting. I'll likely write a "Keeping it Real" post in the future, but for now I'll just say, "adulting is hard" and "parenting is really F***ing hard."

To get back into blogging I thought I'd share a few of the things I've been reading, wearing (or dreaming of wearing), and dreaming of in general.

READING
1. The Last Conversation You’ll Ever Need to Have About Eating Right- This pretty much sums up my philosophy on food.

2. Stop Asking About My Kid’s College Plans- An article for all parents to read

WEARING
This dress is adorable!

Bardot Ibiza Check Dress $109

I need these sunglasses...in back and tortoise. 

Quay After Hours $55

This is the perfect summer clutch. I'm seriously contemplating ordering one. 

Mark and Graham Palm Leaf Rounded Clutch $59

I got this suit for our upcoming Mexico trip, and it's fabulous! And it's on sale! (wish I got mine at this big of a price reduction...) 

DREAMING

I'm obsessed with this house. It's extremely similar to my house...but a lot bigger and a lot more $$$. A girl can dream. 

Currently Coveting

We all have wish lists...the things you are currently coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another. Here's what my current wish list looks like.

I recently bought this J Crew Open front sweater-blazer in navy (on sale), and I LOVE IT!

Now I'm waiting for it to go on sale again to justify the purchase in at least one other color...maybe both! If you are looking for a comfy but polished layering piece, this is it! 

Did you know that Baggu now has a gingham print?

baby Baggu $8

3D Zip Set $32

My friend and I saw a woman the other day wearing the most fabulous slip on sneakers. Being the shameless extrovert that I am, I walked across the restaurant and asked her where she got her shoes. They were a grey wool version of these Vince sneakers. I love this color too! 

Vince Verrell $195

I've had my eye on a new pair of black sunglasses. Unfortunately a few of the styles that I really like are only offered with polarized lenses, which I can't wear....they give me a headache. Here are a few of the styles I'm currently coveting! 

Smith Founder Slim 2

Smith Colette 

Like Mother Like Daughter

You may remember last year when I bought this sweater/shirt from Nordstrom (post here). 

I was at J Crew a few weeks ago and came across this shirt in the girl's section, and it is nearly identical.  

GIRLS MERINO WOOL POPOVER SWEATER $65

I didn't buy it because $65 is only $3 less than what I paid for mine....ridiculous!! And, I'm not really sure I need to match my Mini. Although, if and when it goes on sale....I could be tempted. 

Currently Coveting

If you read last month's Back to School post, then you saw that the Mini Fashionista got some new  New Balance sneakers.

Having worked at Nike for 6 years, it was hard for me to have in her in a non-Nike, but these are just so cute, and they have velcro, and Nike doesn't offer many shoes in her size with velcro. 

After watching her run around in these cool kicks the last week, I'm coveting a pair for myself. 

Given how much navy and white I wear, I think these would be my first choice.

WOMEN'S NEW BALANCE® FOR J.CREW 696 SNEAKERS $85

I have a birthday coming up next week, and these are definitely on my list. 

Back to School

It's hard to believe that it's already August, and the school year will be starting in just a matter of weeks. The Mini doesn't go back to school until September 7th, so thankfully we still have a month of summer left.

If you follow C&C on Instagram you may have seen these New Balance sneakers that I posted over the weekend. 

The Mini Fashionista can't tie her shoes yet, and last year we had far too many battles over what shoes she was going to wear, so this was the solution. Aren't they cute? We've also purchased a few other things that I thought I would share. 

Her Skip Hop lunch bag has been well used the last three years, so it was time for something new.

Sugarbooger Zippee Lunch Tote

This one is actually bigger than the Skip Hop, which will be nice as sometimes the other one was a bit packed. 

She also needed a new backpack. Of course she had her sights set on something with rainbows or unicorns, but somehow her dad convinced her this was a better option (insert personal opinions of a male who never had sisters). 

Patagonia Refugio 

The Mini was actually ecstatic when we picked it up at REI. It's a perfect size for her body and will be great for school, hiking and travel. 

What's on your back to school list?

SaveSave

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! 

Jumping In

Well, I did it...I finally purchased a jumpsuit. It's currently en route to Sun Valley where I will be next week! I'm certain my +1 will totally hate it. He's not a fan of the jumpsuit or rompers, but if I like it, I'll keep it.

Who dresses for men anyway?

J Crew Linen-cotton v-neck zigzag jumpsuit (I got it an extra 40% off)

In other news, C&C is taking a one week blogging hiatus, but you can still follow us on Instagram (CardiCouture). Katie and I will be spending the next week in Sun Valley with our family. We hope you enjoy your 4th of July holiday, and we will be back on the 6th with some vacation recaps, Consign Design finds and more fun and inspiring content! 

Currently Coveting

Mother's Day is just a few weeks away, and I've got some things on my wish list. I'm hoping the Mini Fashionista and her partner in crime are reading. 

Every Mother Counts Oiselle Sweatshirt $78

Patagonia Bivy Down Vest on sale for $107

J Crew Linen Cross Stripe Tee $45

J Crew Ruffle Hem Tank $45

Kindle Voyage $199

Madewell Tidal Wave Dress $138

Then again, a massage would be nice too. 

Head-to-toe Print

I happened upon this windowpane look on Ann Taylor Loft earlier this week (here), and it got me thinking about wearing the same print from head to toe. Given yesterday's post, head-to-toe looks must be on my mind. 

I'm not sure that I've ever done it....not because I wouldn't or couldn't....I just haven't. 

If you are going to wear one print from head-to-toe, this is how to do it! 

From Hapers Bazaar

J Crew

From Pop Sugar

Sincerely Jules

Olivia Palermo

photo from Paloma AMO

Kate Spade 15

Head-toe-toe print? Would you wear it in the city, would you wear it and feel pretty? Would you wear it at the beach? Would you wear it out to dinner? Do you think it would make your ass look thinner? Would you wear print from head to toe? Could you wear print from head to toe? Tell us, tell us we want to know!

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!

Thankful Thursday

It may be Cyber Monday, but my credit card is on lock down.

Who else stimulated the economy over the weekend? I didn't even wait until Friday. I took full advantage of the sale prices on "Thankful Thursday".

First I shopped the extra 40% off sale items at J Crew for the Mini Fashionista.

1. Girl's Ruched Tee Dress in Striped 2. Girls' everyday capri leggings 

3.Girl's Millie Pull on Short 

4. Girls football tee dress

Then I hit up Zara's sale and picked up a few things for myself. Hoping they all fit.

1.Checked Top 2. Z1975 Skinny Jeans 3. Sequinned Dress 4. Checkered Shirt 

What purchases did you make over the holiday weekend?