Friday Finds

This week has positively flown by!  It's starting to actually feel like spring, and I'm thrilled to finally put away (for real this time!) my winter coat.  Here is what I've been obsessed with this week:

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- Pound Cakes are arguably the little black dress of the cake world.  Dress them up with strawberries and heavy cream or go purist and plain.  Ether way they are delicious every-single-time.   Check this out for more ways to style this culinary classic.  I'm drooling over this one!

- One of my good friends recently purchased her first home, and I'm dying to see it!  I love the idea of giving more than just a standard bottle of wine or flowers.  This housewarming gift is perfection.  

- T Magazine is always a pleasure to read, and this recent story from the Men's Fashion issue by Andrew O'Hagan was so well-written, so on-point, so everything, I had to read it aloud to Mr. C., who wholeheartedly concurred.  Everything Mr. O'Hagan writes is pure pleasure.

- I've always appreciated a good hat, but thus far, my wear has been limited to the beach and the slopes.  I'm lusting after this one and dreaming of all the places I could wear it.  

-Just discovered this gorgeous instagram account, and it's making me want all grey everything.  

Happy Weekend!

-MC-

Style Edit: Made in the Suede

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Leather is amazing.  It's incredibly chic, sexy and a modern classic in it's own right, but this spring I'm lusting over it's temperamental sister, suede.  Easily nicked or stained, it's completely impractical, especially in these sweet nuetral hues, but it's that delicate nature that really makes it special.  Like leather, suede instantly infuses extra sizzle to even the most basic pieces.  A white cotton crew neck tank or a pair jeans could work with any of these (minus the skirt, of course).  Not ready to fully commit to one of these Halton Heritage pieces?  All you need in a simple suede clutch (Clare V. has some beautiful ones) to effortlessly dip into the 70's trend.

-MC-

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Hello, April

March is the toughest month to get through.  You think March, Spring!  But lo and beyond, March comes in like a lion and stays that way the whole time. That is why I'm so excited for a fresh a fresh month and a fresh start.  Here's what I'm excited about for this month:

-Punchy Hues.  Bold lipstick - check.  Bright pedicure - check.  This color is in current rotation.  

- Bare Legs.  Once you go bare, you can't go back.  And what better way to show off a newly nude leg than this skirt or this dress.

-Chic Reads.  This book is currently on my nightstand.  

-Brunching.  There is just something about warm weather than makes brunches all the more fun.  I'm currently on a pop-over kick, and I'll be trying these treats out for Easter (wish me luck!).

What are you looking forward to this month?

-MC-

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Friday Finds

This last week has truly been a whirlwind of events, crazy weather and travel.  After a super speedy trip to the West coast (more on that later), I'm dreaming of sunny days ahead.  Here are a few finds to tide us over until Spring officially arrives.

- March means Irish Soda Bread.  Check this out to see if your favorite version is a true classic. 

- One my favorite childhood movies, The Sound of Music, just celebrated its 50th anniversary.  While, of course, the singing is the star of the show, I always loved the incredible homes and grounds where the movie takes place, and the rolling hills surrounded by the Austrian Alps, feels very spring-y to me.  Check this out for a glimpse into the movie's incredible filming location. This one is my favorite, and this is a close second!

- I can't wait to host an Easter Brunch for the table top decor alone.  Swooning over this tablescape, ok, and these sweet guys too. 

- Nothing says warm weather like a cold glass of iced tea.  Today we're taking advantage of a few hours of sunshine to make sun tea.  This step-by-step makes nailing the proportions super easy.  

- I couldn't be more excited about the Spring Suede movement.  Need some inspiration?  Check this out.

Happy Weekend!

-MC-

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Friday Finds

TGIF!  Here is what I've been loving this week:

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- This is probably the most gorgeous dessert.   It's basically Spring in sugar-citrus form.

-I've loved Jamie King since forever, and after reading this, the girl crush is stronger than ever. 

-This spread was total eye candy. 

- Michael Kors ads are always dreamy, but these might be the best to-date.  You can view the complete Spring Collection here; I want basically everything. 

- I begrudgingly watched this show and am now entirely addicted. The before and afters are incredible!

-MC-

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Designer Moment: Katie Ermilio

If there was ever a modern-classic girl, it would be Katie Ermilio.  Granddaughter of Grace Kelly's clothier, Katie Ermilio's namesake line is both streamlined and feminine.  Whether it's bold punchy jewel-tones or fresh pastels, each piece feels like something GK would approve.

Here are a few of my favorites across all her collections, and I can't wait to see what she has in store next!

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-MC-

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Friday (err, Saturday) Finds

Due to internet issues this week, this one is a little delayed, but better late than never!  Here is what's been happening:

- Currently obsessed with this Instagram account after reading this.

-Gearing up for mojito season and attempting to grow windowsill mint.  It's supposed to be heartier than other herbs (let's just say basil and oregano didn't fare so well...) and this has been a great reference. 

-Drooling over these and these and they are both on sale!

- On a bit of a cleaning spree and this makes it so much better.  Plant-derived ingredients + super yummy scent, sold. 

-Jumped back on the morning smoothie wagon.  This week we've been all about flaxseed and are adding it to everything.  A total super-food, flaxseed is supposed to reduce risk of heart disease, cancer and strokes.  Need more proof? Read up on all things flaxseed here.

Happy Weekend!

-MC-

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Modern Classic Look: Après-Ski

I think there is something undeniably and inherently glamorous surrounding ski culture - the accessories, the lodge, the cocktails.  This New Year's Eve, Mr. C and I hit the slopes for the first time this season.  Although the temperatures hovered around 25 degrees, the sun was shining; we layered like crazy and had an amazing day.  That evening we watched one of my favorite films, Charade, where Audrey Hepburn epitomizes that flawless just-off-the-slopes look with over-sized sunglasses, cozy outer wear and simple makeup.  Achieve her timeless look with these après-ski must-haves:

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-MC-

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One Piece, Three Ways: Embellished Sweat Shirt

In effort to shop my closet, I like to look for pieces that can be worn multiple ways.  Right now, I'm loving embellished sweat shirts.  With slight (key word!) adornments, these can up the glam factor in any outfit.  Here a few ways I'd style them:

#1:  Weekend Warrior:  Layered with a chambray shirt and a dark wash pair of jeans, an embellished sweat shirt adds an extra stylish layer, plus extra warmth. Double win.  The combined look is pulled together without trying too hard.  Wear this look while running errands or doing brunch.

#2:  Work Wear:  A leather skirt is another item on heavy rotation in my closet.  Depending on how formal your office is, combining an embellished sweat shirt with a leather pencil skirt is the ideal combination.  Tucked in or left out, the embellished sweat shirt effortlessly combines high and low style and offers a flattering play on proportion.  

#3:  Winter Whites:  There is something so chic about winter white.  I'd combine a pair of white jeans with this cozy sweatshirt for a simple, polished look. Wear with ankle booties or ballet flats. 

Image Source: Look 1: MichaelKors/Guess/Guess  Look2: AnnTaylor/GivenchyShopBop  Look 3: JCrew/CitizensforHumanityShopBop

-MC-

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Monday Morning Prep

Fact:  It is way easier to be a morning person, or become a morning person, if you take a few a minutes the night before to get a few things in order.  Not only does this maximize your time in the morning when you may already be feeling a little sluggish or need extra time (hello winged eyeliner), but, to me, it gets you out the door feeling ready, physically and mentally, to face the day.  Here are a few things I do to prep for a busy week day:

- Get the caffeine ready.  Whether its setting up a coffee machine, or in our case, espresso machine, or filling a kettle, this 1 minute task the night before = total morning bliss when you can just press a button and go.

- Clean up that kitchen.  Is there anything worse then waking up to a sink full of dishes?  It's like a mountain of to-dos to tackle and you're not even out of your pajamas.  Do it - it's worth it, and it never takes as much time as you think.

- Check the weather.  My obsession with the weather is well-known (and documented here), but knowing what it's supposed to be doing outside, let's me figure out what I'll wear the next day.  

- Skincare maintenance.  Sounds basic, but use this time to indulge all those lotions and potions.  Do a mask or a scrub, apply a heavy cream to your feet and wear cotton socks to let it soak in, the works.  Own "Woke Up This Way".  

- Stretch.  If you have time and want to wind down, do a few light yoga moves.  If you don't feel like rolling out the mat, just move your neck and shoulders, reach for your toes.  It releases the tension and just plain feels good.  

Have a great week!

-MC-

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