Winter wishes

Since the seasons decided to skip fall completely (last week it was too hot, today it is absolutely freezing) I'm just going to accept it.  I don't think I ever really buy new clothes when it gets cold, I just pull my coats/boots out and everything else gets layered.  I'm looking forward to Christmas shopping soon and maybe making a few of my own wishes come true in the process.

Simple shaped dresses

A connected scarf to wear long (not doubled up)  behind the neck and back, but in front of shoulders.

Gloves.  Not the stretchy knit kind, the leather outside/cashmere inside kind (mmmm)

 Coats with details.  I'm not really afraid of obnoxious bows as long as they're worn in moderation.

Boots with a slight wedge heel.  Very busy day friendly. 

 

This thing. Is that a scarf and a sweater in one? I like it.

It takes me a good three weeks to fully adjust to the time change and even longer to get used to constantly being cold, but I'm already looking forward to more rainy mornings spent cuddling and watching 80's movies (the best part of last Sunday), bundled up walks to the beach, lots of hot coffee to keep my hands warm, baking treats, Christmas lights, wrapping gifts, and the lovely smell of woodsmoke which tends to fill the evening air this time of year.  When I finally have a place of my own someday, it must have a fireplace.

Happy Winter

-C

(Images: forever21, Beso.com, Spanish Moss vintage)

Underneath it all

I am a sucker for all things pretty.  Sheer, flouncy, lacey, bow-adorned things especially.  I am able to control impulses to buy most of the time because I have a very practical side that comes in handy but I just love how it looks.  Especially some of the vintage inspired underthings that are popping up more and more.

 

Carine Gilson Gabrielle silk camisole, $675
Carine Gilson Silk-satin and lace shorts, $435
3.1 Phillip Lim Tap Shorts, $75
O Lingerie French Knickers, 13 GBP
Fleur't Lolita lace bralet, $50
KRISTINA TI - SLEEVE BRA, 112 EUR
La Perla Inverno Greta balconette bra, $225
Jean Yu Eden silk-chiffon triangle bra, $320

Daydreams lately

I'm not hard to please, my daydreams don't often consist of faraway tropical locations or extravagant pampering.  I just want to spend one of these inevitably gray & foggy SC days in a silky chemise and a big cozy chunky sweater without obligations.  I want to do...just...whatever I want.  All I require is comfort and maybe a few extras (coffee/bf/books/pillows/heat source)
Is that too much to ask?

 I can't think of a better clothing combination to lounge in

xo

-C

Lace me up

KENNY 5709 BLACK SILK LACE COMBO BLOUSON TOP, 133 GBP

Paul & Joe Festi lace mini skirt, $590

Lace Runner Shorts, $60

Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster box clutch, $2,295

Mink Lace Scarf, 12 GBP

Givenchy Leather and Lace Dress

I've been into lace since my tea party days.  Although I think the majority of lacey items I own should be worn only under other articles, I love the way it looks as outerwear too.  I tend to lean towards very feminine clothing so to avoid looking like I'm actually going to a tea party I like to wear lace with something more casual like denim. So pretty.  

-C

Forever & ever

The last time I was in a Forever 21, I remember thinking...I'm too old for this.   Maybe for the first time those bright messy racks started to get on my nerves rather than excite me, or perhaps I was just mourning the loss of my early twenties.  I have to say though, the place is increasingly diverse.  The actual store might be a little too sensory overload sometimes but the website has everything from delicate vintage-inspired pieces to studs and leather to tacky weird stuff.  I think for now it will remain a go-to for inexpensive basics and fun dresses, it might just take a little extra treasure hunting and patience.      

BASIC:

Basic Woven Shirt $16.90

Basic Burnout Pullover $19.80

Fab Skinny Ankle Jean $9.50

PRETTY:  

Flowery Filigree Chiffon Top $17.80

Sheer Lace Ensemble $27.80

Vintage Embroidery Dress $22.80

Lacy Little Black Dress $22.80

MISC:

Colorblock Wireless Bra $5.80

Double Bow Ring $3.80

Basic Woven Scarf $7.80

Mandy Platform Pumps $29.80

Happy Weekend!

-C

we play made up games / we watch clouds and planes.

I have been daydreaming about hammocks a lot lately, there's something wonderful about hanging in mid-air and I'd like to experience this more often.  Since I don't own two big, sturdy trees I've secretly been staking out other possible hammock locations.  I think an indoor hammock would be the most perfect place to read books, eat icecream sandwiches, and watch 30 rock (at the same time).  My schemes are leading nowhere, however, because I'm not at liberty to permanently alter my residence either.  I guess I'll file this one under dream house for now.
love
-C

Pretty please

Aside from wearing my favorite gold ring almost daily and always having my nails painted pale pink, I don't often combine the two colors when I get dressed.  I'm always drawn to anything super girly though, and I think gold + pink makes a perfect pair.  However, I prefer more antiquey and pretty vs. Juicy Couturey, there is such a thing as too much pink. 

The Saturdays star Mollie King dresses up for a night out at the...
The Saturdays Mollie King makes a heartfelt return to the spotlight in...

I can't forgot to mention one of my favorite little pink and gold books, pictured here. I've never heard of Mollie King before but I think her simple girly style is adorable.
xo
-C

Getaway

Currently in an airport waiting on a plane to take me to the desert.  You know which one I'm talking about.

I have a like/hate relationship with this place.  BUT my dear dear (very dear)  friend has decided to celebrate her last days of single womanhood so off we go with too many pairs of shoes and too much energy to be sitting still for an hour +

Luckily Southwest lets you check 2 pieces of luggage (bless them) but sadly none of these are in my second, unnecessary bag.

(Can't wait for some pool lounging complete with big, odd-shaped container full of brightly colored margarita concoction)

  I know people tend to act all crazy/dress differently/throw money into machines while they're in Vegas but I'm not exactly in that boat.  As much as I'm looking forward to a weekend with friends I'm also going to be on the lookout for any type of relaxation or normalcy available. OH and one thing you'll never catch me in just cause it's Vegas: the all too common high heels +  bikini combination.  Don't get me started.

Love from LV,

-C

Ballerina

Confession: I thought the sex and the city movie was super dumb. I miss that ten dollars.  But I do want a tutu.

(did they really make a second one? They did, didn't they)

XO,

C

Feels like home

Coffee shops are around every corner in Santa Cruz, and most of them have a unique personality.  Most of these local establishments are also considered art galleries, study rooms, offices, and social meeting places.  A few months ago I was invited to join a classmate here and instantly loved it, probably because it's just as inviting as a comfy living room.  Near the front door is an old refrigerator painted with pretty flowers which houses a variety of board games and chandeliers are scattered throughout the large, open room.  There are weathered arm chairs, couches, soft pillows, coffee tables and other pieces of mismatched furniture to lounge on.  The artwork is always thought provoking and beautiful, and the music is never too weird.  My favorite part is the patio which is equally homey and lovely despite the fact that it's outdoors.  The Abbey holds some sentimental value to me as well (the aforementioned classmate is now my beau) but I'm sure others can appreciate it as much as I do based on the environment alone. So cozy.
-C