Weekender: California Dreaming

It’s hard to believe how quickly time flies. I know, I know – how cliche. But I’m serious. Post-grad life is flying. Almost literally, too. I’ve been on more flights than I can count – to NYC and back again, California, Texas, Florida…the list goes on. I’ve started my first full time job (nearing my official one-year anniversary!), and work alongside some amazing people who I’m lucky enough to call my friends. Of course there are things I miss about college, but I’m overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude, hope and excitement.

If there’s anything I’m dreaming of this lazy Saturday afternoon, it’s my post-grad vacation to California with my mom. The trip was perfect – a celebration not just of my graduation from Notre Dame, but of a lifetime of support from my family, a history of special times in SoCal with my best friend (think Rory & Lorelei) and of course, a toast to all that’s to come.

Here are just a few snapshots from my trip, taken exactly one year ago. Time flies, yes, but thank goodness for our memories. 🙂

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cocoa & Lace

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Weekender

Greetings, all! TGIF 🙂

As we head into the weekend, I wanted to share a hand-picked outfit rooted in one of my favorite colors – yellow. The bright hue never fails to put me in a good mood. Try out this polished look for a happy hour and/or night out with friends. Between a peplum waist, pointed-toe pumps and slimming jeans (these J Brand’s are the BEST – I have two pairs!), these pieces create an elongated, feminine silhouette that’s especially flattering.

Cheers to a great weekend!

xx Cocoa & Lace

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  1. Club Monaco: Jane Peplum Top
  2. Kate Spade: Bow Shoppe Collar Necklace
  3. J Brand (via Net-a-Porter): 901 Low-rise Leggings-style Jeans
  4. Tory Burch: Robinson Spectator Envelop Clutch
  5. KORS Michael Kors (via Cusp): Aberly Leather Pump, black

Get Dressed

Get Dressed STRIPE

For those who know me, my affinity for dresses should come as no surprise. As we roll into spring, so too will Cocoa & Lace roll out a new feature – Get Dressed – honoring my favorite frocks of the season in all the trends you’ll love.

Happy Saturday!

xx Cocoa & Lace

1 / Kate Spade

2 / Club Monaco

3 / J. Crew

4 / French Connection

5 / ModCloth

Weekender: Winter, Take a Hike

It seems that with every weather report comes the increasing hope that a spring forecast will finally appear on the 7-day radar. Tell winter to take a hike by heading into the hills this weekend for some fresh, albeit chilly, air. My go-to uniform? Jeans, a boyfriend cut sweater and my black Burberry coat – it’s warm yet tailored so I don’t feel too much like a marshmallow. 😉

And don’t forget a pair of boots made for walkin’! If you haven’t already, invest in a comfortable pair of black or brown riding boots. I promise, you’ll go miles in what has become my staple shoe; they truly go with everything.

Here’s to a great rest of your week and fabulous start to March!

xx Cocoa & Lace

 

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photo location: Bedford, NY

Work Week Wardrobe: Follow the Tracks

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Hope your week has been great so far. Dive into the second half with an outfit that combines comfort and a classic twist. I dressed up a comfy “Perfect Shirt” from J. Crew with a full skirt to make my flannel appropriate for the office. 🙂 Pumps, a few low-key baubles and a vintage bag complete this look that’s versatile, polished, and fun.

Here’s to a fabulous rest of your week!

xx Cocoa & Lace

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Get the look:

Don’t miss the above outfit featured on CollegeFashionista.com!

Onward to 2013!

Hard to believe 2012 is coming to a close, isn’t it? For me personally, this past year feels both like a blink and an eternity all at once. I can’t believe that just a year ago, I was about to embark on my last semester of college. My classmates and I headed back to campus in January with an infinite amount of excitement en tow – it was almost electric. We were ready to enjoy a series of lasts without fully realizing the finality of graduation. With #YOLO leading the way, we charged through spring managing to balance academics with plenty (and I do mean plenty) of fun. From cruising off to the Bahamas for Spring Break to singing the alma matter with a degree in hand, this has been one heck of a year. And did I mention that life in the “Real World” also commenced? It’s certainly a change from college life, but parallels do exist. It’s about squeezing in just enough fun to make the tough days bearable, and remembering that no matter what, it’s the people that make every chapter of life worth living.

Here’s to a fabulous, prosperous, and healthy new year – live the life you’ve always dreamed of!

xx Cocoa & Lace

CL 12 29 12 New Year

  • The Toast: The Flirtini (marie claire)
  • The Dress: Morris Sequined Dress (BCBG)
  • The Party: Anywhere, USA (snapshot via Cocoa & Lace)