Oh, hi there. It’s been a bit since I last wrote - quite A BIT actually, because, well, life. However as I type with one eye to the screen and the other to the monitor, I know that my lack of writing perfectly sums up what’s been going on. The desire to enjoy this little space is always there, but between the heaviness of the world and our current busy season of parenthood, I’ve been feeling a bit uninspired (to say the least). When I first started this little blog, it was to share a bit of classic, timeless style inspiration - art, beauty, fashion - and to navigate through a moment that didn’t quite align with my personal style. And while that is all still true, things have changed… I’ve had a second baby girl (total #girlmom) and am mostly a SAHM with freelance jobs peppered in. Ok, but you’ve been doing the mom thing for a while right? Yes, I have, but I guess I’m a mother who felt the real shift between having one child and two. It’s incredible and super fulfilling, but also overwhelming, and I’m only more recently feeling like I can come up for air, two years in. I know it sounds silly, but things like getting dressed- finding my at-home uniform, making time for old interests (reading, cooking, yoga, museums, gardening, obsessive organizing) and adapting new ones (Cricut, ecological documentaries, Pilates, podcasts) has been a bit of adventure in self-rediscovery. All this to say, I’m back and the new content will be embracing my evolved sense of self. Yay, but what does that mean, really? You can be on the lookout for real mom style, recipes I’ve tried and loved, clean beauty, going green at home, and more. If you’ve made it through to the end of this, thank you! I hope you’ll join me as I welcome this new season of modern, classic style.
xoxo
Morgan
4 Red Lipsticks You Need to Know About
Image Credit: Kevin J. Cafaro
If there was one beauty item I couldn't live without, it would be without a doubt, red lipstick (with concealer and mascara as close seconds if I'm choosy). And this fact may be why I have so many in my overflowing makeup arsenal. (What IS all that other stuff anyway?!) A bold red lip adds instant polish, ups the cool factor and is an accessory in it's own right. Here are a few of my rouge faves:
Splurge: Cle de Peau Beaute Extra Rich Lipstick #311 ($65, cledepeaubeaute.com)
Super highly pigmented, this show-stopping red lasts all day with minimal touch-ups, and the perfect cool blue-red tone is perfect for when you're in between teeth whitenings.
Steal: Sonia Kushuk Satin Luxe Lipstick in Classic Red ($9.99, Target)
True to it's name, this lipstick gives a satiny finish that instantly dresses up even the most basic t-shirt and jeans. Add stripes to channel your inner French Girl.
Splurge: Anastasia Liquid Lipstick in Sarafine ($20, AnastasiaBeverlyHills.com)
OK, not technically a lipstick...BUT although it applies like a gloss, it has none of gloss' stickiness and wears forever.
Steal: Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color in Siren in Scarlet ($8, drugstores)
When it comes to red lips, matte feels more impactful, and for less than $10, this one can't be beat!
What's your favorite red lipstick?
-MC-
Quote of the Day
Friday Finds
Image Source
The weekend can never come fast enough in the summer. Here are a few things I'm excited about this week -
- The Union Square Market has the freshest goodies around. Mr. C is currently on a honey comb kick, so I'm looking forward to checking out the weeks's sweet offerings. Here is a guide to the who's who on the market circuit.
- This easy-peasy gnocchi recipe was a perfect work-night meal.
- Humidity is par for the course on the East Coast. While I love it - especially when it stays warm after the sun goes down, humidity hair is never a good look. These ladies know the trick for lovely locks, regardless of vapor levels.
- It's officially peach season! I'm drooling over this peach cobbler.
- I'm always looking for the next book to read. I discovered this one at Barnes & Nobles the other day and have been intrigued ever since.
Italian Dressing
Image Source
There have long been two positions on style - French vs. Italian. The French certainly own all things "chic", but the Italians have glamour down to a science. (And it's not limited to Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida, although they are incredibly glam, just check out It-Girls, Olivia Palermo or Bianca Brandolini for a more modern take.) I love and appreciate that je ne sais quoi; however, I'm often drawn to the polish and sophistication of Italian style. Check out these tips to infuse a little Italian sizzle into your style:
- Embrace Your Figure - Learn what looks great on you, not just what looks great editorially. Get personal with your tailor. A few minor tweaks make all the difference.
- Stand Out with Accessories. This doesn't mean they have to be large or flashy, but instead add personal touches for a little extra oomph.
- Sneakers belong in the gym. Flip-Flops belong at the beach.
- Add an air of mystery. A golden rule for a reason.
- Details make the difference. Something as subtle as a well-manicured hand (doesn't even need to be polished, but filed, buffed, etc.) or a bold red lip show that you put in the time and effort to look your best.
- Fragrance. Find your signature scent and don't leave home without it.
Who knows Italian style more than these two? Here are Dolce & Gabbana's Life, Italian Style Tips.
Need even more inspiration - click here.
Coasters - A New Must-Have
Photo Via Elle Decor
You may not have realized it, but coasters are officially having a moment. Just like a coffee table book, candle or vase, coasters add another element of style to the table. Aside from literally protecting the surface, these little squares (or circles or hearts...) show off your personality and give a well-styled vignette added dimension. Are you modern art enthusiast or a naturalist? Do you opt for an organic feel or err toward the opulent? Available at a variety of price points and endless styles, you can afford to showcase multiple facets of your personality. Right now, I'm loving any and all by Aerin (above), but also really like the idea of the classic slate, perhaps with our initials. Check out a few other fun options here:
Brooklyn Slate Co. / Etsy / Aerin / Etsy
MC Style: Winter-Spring Transition
Image via Google
Each year as we eagerly anticipate the Thaw, getting dressed each morning becomes a challenge. This year, it seems more difficult than ever - one day is gorgeous, the next is freezing, literally. Temperatures have been hovering at 43 degrees, but by mid-March the entire North East is ready...ready to put those tights away, ready to ditch that parka and ready to embrace all that is Summer in the city. This year, I'm welcoming Spring into my wardrobe with a few minor tweaks that seem to make all the difference.
- Pastel Power - Pastels are destined to be huge for Spring. I'm pairing cozy cashmere scarves in soft hues with my bolder winter jackets. The contrast between the light and dark feels polished, and the cashmere feels warm! My current favorite combination is cranberry and mint.
- Tailored, Angle-Length Pants - I recently picked up a great pair at Ann Taylor (here is a similar pair) that not only seems to match everything in my closet, but shows just a hint of ankle. That sliver of skin with a great pair of heels (or flats for that matter) instantly feels fresh and new.
- A Bold Lip - A classic red lip always works. Right now, I'm moving from my cool weather vermilion to warmer, more orange-based reds.
- Wearing White - That's right, I'm doing it way before Memorial Day. And that's okay because I'm pairing white jeans with a chunky black sweater or a classic chambray shirt for balance. However, do look for thicker denim to keep the warmth factor up.
- Cape Love - If the sun is shinning, I'll always opt for a cape moment. Look for one that cinches the waist to create definition, and opt for a sturdy, short handled bag, rather than a tote. Capes and shoulder bags do not mix well. I like to wear mine with an extra cashmere layer underneath in a coordinating shade. This way, the eye focuses on tailored silhouette.
MC Style Staple: The Jackie Headscarf
Fact: I love a headscarf. It provides instant polish and has that certain glamour factor of the starlets-off-duty from the 1950's and 60's. Plus it really and truly does keep hair in place and off the face . On a recent jaunt through the desert, I put the headscarf to the test (is there anything more fun than driving top down in a zippy convertible through the Grand Canyon?). Results: It expertly kept hair from getting knotted and was a chic alternative to the standard (read: ho-hum) baseball cap.
No one may have worked the headscarf better than Jackie in Capri. Immortalized in chambray, red and pucci patterns, Jackie wore her scarf low on the forehead, tied at the nape of the neck, with her iconic sunglasses perched on top. I love this look for humid summer days when you just can't handle the though of turning on the dryer.
Here a few scarfs to check out for summer:
Engenia Kim @Anthropologie, J. Crew, Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Kate Spade
Well Read: Coffee Table Books
La Dolce Vita - Slim Aarons
One gift I love to give and receive is a coffee table book. I love to stack them around the house, changing them out every once in a while, to reflect a certain mood, a style or a theme. I love that they can reflect different facets of your personality, secret (or not so secret) interests, and an ingrained sense of style. Mine are a mix between style and travel while the Mr. C's veer to the outdoor set. Together, I think they perfectly represent us - a little town and little country.
Here are a few favorites and a few I'm looking to add to my collection:
Object of Desire: Midi Skirt
Asos
March is here, and I'm itching for warm weather. It's need to be here, like, yesterday. I'm ready to break out the Spring clothes, and never more so than the mid-length skirt. It feels entirely fresh and modern, all the while remaining totally work and brunch friendly. I love that it works for day and night, and can be dressed up with a white button down or a black crew neck t-shirt. I'm currently coveting this citrus number from Lord and Taylor, and by coveting, I mean #cannotwaittoown. It's happening. My favorite part, the pockets! That element alone makes this a must-have for future events, shows and openings.