I don't know about you, but I'm seriously ready for some sun, and not the hovering-slightly-above-freezing sunny day we had today. After a few scrolls through Instagram, where it seems like everyone is at the beach, I'm ready to pack my bags for warmer locales. Here is what I'd bring!
1. J-CrewSunglasses in Betty/ 2. Dolce & Gabbana /3. Tuckernuck Tassle Earrings / 4. Eugenia Kim Fedora/ 5. Tory Burch Tunic/ 6. Butter London Polish in Jolly Good 7. Castaner Espadrilles/ 8. Calypso Tote
Here's to thinking warm thoughts!
-MC-
Friday Finds
I'm dreaming about this delicate, layerable jewelry collection, especially this bracelet!
Reason 1001 why old Hollywood was classier than today - their vacation style.
For those who love to bake, this is a game-changer.
Why featuring some greenery in the bathroom might be the best idea ever.
This blush shoe moment has me craving spring!
Happy Friday!
-MC-
8 Robes That Are Ready for Spring
Daylight savings time is officially less than one month away (but whose counting?!), and I'm craving some sunny vibes. I've already switched up my bedding for a lighter, yet still cozy feel, indulged in some iced lattes, from under a heavy throw, and am ready to trade in my robe for a lighter, brighter version. While that may be jumping a bit too far ahead (it's literally snowing as I write this!), these lightweight beauties have me ready for spring.
1. Eberjay - Super delicate and feminine, this robe can easily be bridal, but doesn't have to be limited to just the big day.
2. Oscar de la Renta (Bloomingdales) - A fun poppy pattern makes it an easy transition piece.
3. Ralph Lauren (Bloomingdales) - A total classic. I love that it looks borrowed from the boys, but is still trim.
4. Pretty Plum Sugar - This one is my favorite! I love that it comes in a light and short version. And the eye mask? What's not to love?!
5. Pretty Plum Sugar - Featuring a soft poppy pattern, this is a fun, spring-y wrapper.
6. Calvin Klein - Incredibly soft, this dove gray option is the perfect weight to wear alone or thrown over pjs.
7. Oscar de la Renta (Bloomingdales) - I love this one! It begs to be taken somewhere sunny and the bright pattern could make for a fun cover up.
8. DKNY - Sure, it's black, but it's timeless and the texture is completely luxe.
-MC-
Fireside Chic
El Nino may have tricked us into thinking about spring in December, but Blizzard Jonas has blown in to remind the East Coast what winter is all about. The wind is howling, snowflakes are frantically swirling and a couple literally just cross-country skied down our street. This winter wonderland has me dreaming of our upcoming ski trip and curling up in front of a fire. Here are a few dreamy fireplaces that are keeping me warm until then:
-MC-
Winter Skincare
It may not be snowmageddon (at least not yet), but it IS time to winterize your skincare routine. And for me that means its time to step up my exfoliation game. (Remove dull, dry skin, boost cellular turnover and help reveal a more even, healthy complexion? Yes, please!) During the warmer months I typically exfoliate approximately 2-3 times a week, but with winter and it's dry, freezing wind coupled with my hot air heating, its time to up the ante, in a gentle, skin-pampering way, of course! Here's how I keep my skin in shape when the weather turns chilly.
- A gentle exfoliating cleanser. I have tried a TON of exfoliators, but having pretty sensitive skin, I've learned to steer clear of cleansers that are a bit too gritty. (You know which ones I'm talking about.) These can be a bit too abrasive and can actually leave micro-tears. Instead I look for a gentle scrub that I can use daily. This one from VMV Hypoallergenics is amazing! I love that it has a Dry Skin option that doesn't leave my skin feeling tight and itchy.
-Toner. I know so many people are anti-toner, but I'm a believer! Some people have a mask for every skin situation, I have a toner. Breakouts? Dark Spots? General skin prep? Got 'em covered (much to the chagrin of Mr. C, the collection of beauty products that lives in our bathroom seems to multiple overnight). Right now, I'm using this one which is formulated with unbuffered glycolic acid to help cell turnover and force new, younger, brighter cells to the surface. Maybe it's just me, but I find it strangely satisfying when I see a bit of left over dirt or makeup on the cotton ball after toning. It makes me think just how much is left behind by cleanser and how my skin is now squeaky clean. I use mine twice daily.
- Clarisonic. I'll be the first to admit that I was late to the Clarisonic party. Seriously late. But having recently received the Mia 2 for Christmas, I can say that I'm thoroughly smitten! After getting a little too brush happy, I've scaled back and starting using using it every 2 to 3 days with a gentle cream cleanser, and I'm really happy with the results. Afterward, I use a toner to seal the deal, obviously.
After all this exfoliation, I layer on a lightweight cream with SPF for day or a heavier, more nourishing cream or oil at night to help lock in moisture.
How do you get your skin winter-ready?
-MC-
Realistic Resolutions for 2016
New year, new you, right? Eat cleaner! Work out more! Become a DIY wonder woman who is simultaneously present, mindful and gracious! One scroll on Instagram, and we're inundated with so many #lifegoals that it can be positively overwhelming. So much so that our resolutions can be so lofty that they are unattainable and, ultimately, unfulfilled. This year I'm tackling a series of small resolutions that I can weave to my routine in a more realistic way. Here are three of my resolutions for 2016:
1. Edit. Now is the time to edit your closet and evaluate what you have (and what you need). I'm a classic clothing hoarder. If it fits, I keep it even if I haven't worn it in forever or ever... Apartment living does not take kindly to this habit. If you don't like/haven't worn an item in years/doesn't fit/ is stained, ripped or otherwise damaged, evaluate whether it should be tossed or donated. It's not doing anything just sitting there taking up space. (I'm forcing Mr. C to do this too!) This clears up valuable real estate in your closet so you can take a hard look at your wardrobe. What do you really need? What do you need to stop buying? If your favorite items need some TLC, now is the time. Make your wardrobe work for you!
2. De-clutter. A sub-bullet to the editing process but this time applied to my inbox. If my inbox is organized, my mind is calm. (Am I alone here?) Over the course of the year, I have signed up for a seemingly infinite amount of newsletters. Everyday I'm faced with sales, discounts, reminders, shop nows!, don't forgets and more. Go through these, reduce the frequency of emails or better yet, unsubscribe. Want more news/discounts/reminders later? You can always re-subscribe with no hard feelings. An organized inbox is a happy inbox.
3. Make myself accountable. I'm all about the whole "Be a Better Person" resolution, but this is vague and ultimately not that helpful. This year, I'm holding myself accountable for specific "ways to be better" - working out 2-3x per week, floss daily, blog weekly. Write it done and make it happen!
What are your resolutions for 2016?
-MC-
Orange Crush
Have you seen the new HGTV Dream House yet? (If not, check it out here.) It is seriously dreamy! Located on Merritt Island, off the coast of Florida, this year's Dream Home completely embodies modern seaside chic with calming blues and whites peppered with nautical nods. However what I love about this house, unlike so many seaside-inspired styles, is that it's less shabby chic and more sophisticated island glam. One of my favorite rooms in the space was the tangerine guestroom. Decked out in varying juicy shades of orange, it felt cozy and upscale at the same time. Check it out:
Ready to move in, too? Here are a few easy ways to incorporate this punchy color into your home (ocean view not included):
A Holiday Magnolia Moment
This past weekend, a few girlfriends, my sister-in-law and I took part in our annual holiday tradition of seeing the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. It was spectacular - the dancing, the music - it's truly an incredible #NYCMoment. This year we caught an early show, and we continued the festivities with a celebratory high tea at the Saint Regis. The tea list was extensive and each brew was served in personal kettles along with seemingly endless treats that started savory and then turned sweet. And while the treats were scrumptious, we couldn't help feasting our eyes on the stunning decor - endless rows of magnolia leaf garlands wrapped around banisters and draped around pillars. It was serious eye candy! So simple and elegant, magnolia offers a southern belle twist on traditional holiday greenery.
Here are few ways to style it:
Happy Holiday Decorating!
-MC-
Flu Fake OUt
Do you remember 100 years ago when I was writing? I know, I barely recall it either. Life got busy, as it does, and then cold season happened. In a big way. Coughing, nose-blowing, voice gone, the works. It's one of the busiest times of the year, so I pumped myself full of antibiotics and Airbourne and tackled 6 events in 2 1/2 weeks. I wasn't contagious (thank you very much amoxicillin), but I still wasn't feeling (or let's face it, looking) so hot, BUT I was able to fake it. Here's how:
- Wake Up Early. I know, I know, this sounds crazy when you're feeling lousy. Listen, sleep is important, especially when you're not feeling well, but you know you always feel the worst when you wake up and when you go to bed. Wake up even just 10 minutes earlier than usual to give yourself time to pop a couple of Advil and get the worst part over. You'll likely be moving a little slower than usual so adding that buffer will keep you on time.
- Heat It Up. Hot water with lemon, hot tea, hot showers. Embrace them all. Those extra couple of minutes are clutch here. It's amazing what some hot water can do!
- Damage Control. If you were blowing your nose like I was, you're bound to be red and raw. Opt for a super nourishing moisturizer to keep dryness in check. This one from VMV Hypoallergenics was my go-to (with this one at night for extra healing). Spot treat redness with a tinted green concealer and then top of with a nude tone. Curl your lashes and add an extra layer of mascara to your top lashes to open up your eyes. Skip the lipstick since lips will likely be dry (another beautiful side effect), but add some color to your cheeks. Look for a cream formula for a dewy, well-rested, so-not-sick look.
- Pull It Together. When you're not feeling well, there is the tendency to want throw on yoga pants and call it a day. However I'm a big believer in "If you look good, you feel good, you do good." And if there was ever a time when you need to do good, it's for a work function with your favorite magazine! (Here's looking at you Vogue.) Go for high impact, low maintenance pieces. A no-fail LBD with a blazer, cashmere turtle neck with stand out accessories or a simple leather skirt paired with an chunk knit make it look like you put in effort, plus give you the cozy factor. Double win. Also, and maybe this is just me, but I feel like my hair never looks good when I feel sick. I don't even try to force it to do anything, I simply pull it back in a simple pony or bun. One less thing to worry about.
-Drink More Fluids. But for real. Not only will you chase away that cold quicker, but your skin will thank you before AND after your sick spell.
Here's to feeling better, faster!
-MC-
Friday Finds
-Ask yourself this - are you in need of a chic-over?
-I used to think canning was a little Pioneer Woman, and honestly, it is AND it's the best thing ever. Applesauce was my gateway drug, and now I'm totally on board. Check out this for canning inspiration.
- Growing up, my family has always been full of morning people. I'm talking no alarm clock, up with the sun, annoyed that paper hasn't been delivered yet and it's 5:15, morning people. And in true nature form, I'm gradually waking up earlier and earlier, although I still often depend on my alarm clock. Check out the routines of these morning motivators to get see how much you could be doing while everyone else is still snoozing.
- And while productive mornings are incredible, it's also important to go to bed early to get some much needed rest. Case in point.
-The East Coast has really been spoiled with our Indian Summer, but alas it is starting to cool down. If the idea of shortened days gives you the shutters, read this. You may just be inspired.
Happy weekend!
-MC-