Architectural Inspiration: Pretty Preppy

Architectural inspiration via Pinterest.

Carven cotton-blend organza mini dress, at theoutnet.com.

Dolce & Gabbana Rosaria textured-leather shoulder bag, at net-a-porter.com.

Jimmy Choo Abel patent-leather pumps, at net-a-porter.com.

Oscar de la Renta gold-plated Swarovski crystal and faux pearl necklace, at net-a-porter.com.

Darlings, what do you think of this chic space and the look it inspired?

xoxox,

CC

Pretty Plaid Pants

Darlings, CC is loving these pretty plaid pants from the Fall 2012 collections.

Photos via style.com.

Bebe

Betsey Johnson

Chris Benz

Meadham Kirchoff

Paul Smith

Rebecca Minkoff

Thakoon Addition

Tibi

Tory Burch

Tracy Reese
Which pair do you prefer?
xoxox,
CC

Pretty Personalized Jewelry

Darlings, CC is so excited to introduce you to Names Ring, a fabulous online shop specializing in gorgeous personalized necklaces, bracelets and rings.  Here's a bit about the company, which has been around since 2008:

"Each of our pieces is custom made to your specifications in our design studio. Since our unique creations are personalized for our customers no two are exactly alike. We use exclusive design and manufacturing techniques in the creation of each of our pieces to produce a stunning level of quality and presentation. Our products feature the very essence of what is important to our customers and we are honored to have been included in the celebration of their most sacred and important life events ranging from marriage, a special anniversary, birth or christening of a child to graduation.

Everything was created with strong passion and love. We take a lot of pride in our work, pay a lot of attention to detail and strongly believe in using only high quality materials.

We also believe in responsible and mindful fabrication by incorporating Eco-conscious practices in the process of metal-smithing. Whenever possible we replace commonly used chemicals with natural products. We use recycled/reclaimed precious metals in all of our designs. These metals share the same exquisite beauty of mined precious metals but are recycled and eco-friendly."

All items at namesring.com.

How perfect are these monogrammed necklace and bracelet (preppy perfection)?

And CC has the personalized "Carrie" ring pictured above and absolutely adores it!  

So fun, and more modern than the traditional name necklace.

Which personalized piece do you prefer?

Be sure to "like" Names Ring on Facebook to keep up with all the loveliness, darlings!  

Also, visit the Names Ring blog!

xoxox,

CC

Prep School

Darlings, CC is loving these preppy pieces!
Salmon Cove white cable knit sweater, at salmoncove.com. CC has and adores! Super comfy in 100% cotton and beautifully constructed.
Schoolboy blazer in navy, at jcrew.com.
The Row Schoolboy jacket, at barneys.com.
Ralph Lauren Blue Label skinny-fit polo, at ralphlauren.com.
Adidas by Stella McCartney white tennis skirt, at tennis-warehouse.com.
Halston Heritage pleated skirt, at shopbop.com.
Lilly Pulitzer Fannie Dress, at lillypulitzer.com.
Stripe sweater-dress, at jcrew.com.
Bettye Muller Blackwatch slingbacks, at anthropologie.com.
Gloverall pieced stripe scarf, at barneys.com.
Are you a prep?

xoxox,
CC

P.S. The winner of CC's Deeds and Petunia Fascinator Giveaway is the lovely Jennifer Fabulous ~ congrats!

CC’s CCs!

Today’s ABC post is double . . . Couture Carrie thinks that Coco Chanel would approve!

Part I.

C is for Corduroy

[C is also for Crest – see Part II below!]
Each fall, it seems, Dolce & Gabbana come up with the most fetching corduroy looks, and this autumn is no exception!

Photo at top left via French Vogue.

This photo - dig that wide wale blouse! - courtesy nymag.com.

Carolina Herrera also presented a variety of corded confections, in yellow ochre, burnt orange and chocolate brown - the perfect palette for hunting chic!

Fine wale short mustard peacoat at left via nymag.com.

In the stores:

Akris Punto ebony corduroy coat, at Neiman Marcus
At right:
Balmain fitted corduroy jacket, at net-a-porter.com

Below:
Juicy Couture cropped corduroy trench, at Bergdorf Goodman

Amber Sun uncut cord jacket Nordstrom
Ralph Lauren Blue Label Saunders wide wale stretch hacking jacket

Go to ralphlauren.com to buy.
J. Crew stretch vintage cord peplum jacket
Roberto Cavalli corduroy pants, at net-a-porter.com
Mustard yellow J. Crew Favorite-fit stretch vintage bootcut cord.

Go to jcrew.com to buy.
J Brand 12" skinny cords. Visit pinkmascara.com
Nanette Lepore thin wale skirt, at saks.com – CC loves how it’s paired with lace!
CC’s favorite corduroy look for fall: this incredible open back Nuj Novakhett corduroy dress. Visit shoplanguage.com to buy!!
For those who are corduroy-noise averse, there are a number of "quietly" chic and fabulous accessories to choose from this season!

Runway Inspiration: Dolce & Gabbana, via style.com
Juicy Couture corduroy cloche, at Bloomingdales
Burberry corduroy cap. Go to neimanmarcus.com
Lauren by Ralph Lauren wide wale fedora - it comes in 3 colors and it's just $48 at bloomingdales.com!
Benetton magenta fine wale corduroy clutch with silver hardware – so chic!
Charlotte Ronson Aurelia suede and corduroy boot. Visit shopgoldyn.com
Part II. C is for Crest
Aaaah, Crested Beauty!

The crest is officially hot; it’s gone from symbol of family heritage to symbol of preppy pride!

Fellow Fashionista Style Addict has a lovely analysis of the gals that inspired the trend.

Visit http://confessionsofstyle.blogspot.com/2008/08/fall-preview-gossip-girl.html

The enthusiasm for boarding school fashions is not limited to the small screen!

On the runways at Givenchy (above left) and Jill Stuart, the crest was front and (left of) center!

Stella McCartney offered a shield print jumpsuit!

Photo via style.com

This image from the August issue of Teen Vogue makes CC want fall to arrive right now!!

Picnics on the quad . . . football games . . . crunchy leaves - yay!
In the shops:
Brooks Brothers gold plated multi-stone crest pin. Visit brooksbrothers.com
Jennifer Fisher Jewelry gold chain with crest
Stubbs & Wootton embroidered velvet slipper; photo via elle.com (CC warned you about this, darlings - - for better or worse, Hugh Hefner's signature look has seeped into the mainstream!)
Fred Perry Intarsia knit pink top - a great layering piece; picture it with a belted cardi!
Reyes cardigan at Saks Fifth Avenue
Urban Renewal Preppie Cardigan. Go to urbanoutfitters.com

Best Buy of the day: Forever 21 nautical sweater

For the glamour-puss:

Leaves of Grass Amoreuse chiffon top, at net-a-porter.com

Preppy button-down:

Ralph Lauren Blue Label Taylor antique striped shirt with signature crest

MUST-HAVE FOR FALL:

A crested blazer – and the options are myriad!

At left:
L.A.M.B. gray piped schoolboy blazer, at eLuxury.com
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel crest embroidered blazer, at net-a-porter.com
LaRok rouched Dean jacket. Visit winknyc.com
Loves Peace Legacy Blazer, at urbanoutfitters.com
Smythe double breasted schoolboy blazer, at net-a-porter.com

CC adores this jacket, because you can add your own adornment, be it a flower at the lapel, a handmade felt crest, or a sophisticated brooch . . .

. . . like this Fenton oxidized silver academy pin!
Victoria's Secret Pink blazer with contrast piping

In honor of the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics tonight, CC leaves you with this Ralph Lauren Blue Label Olympic Games striped polo.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post on Deconstructionism!

xoxox,

CC