Make a Statement

Make a Statement

Hey hey hey!  I’m back! Wow, it feels great to say that.  A LOT (not even exaggerating) has happened since my last post on New Year’s Eve and it’s only mid-February.  The biggest thing that happened was I decided to move back home to California.  You know how the universe gives you signs?  Well, I got mine right after New Year’s.  My new job wasn’t working out as I had hoped and I didn’t want to waste money staying in NYC while looking for a new job and trying to start a business (more on that later).  Luckily, my parents love me and supported my decision to move back (I think they secretly missed me too but won’t admit it).  Anyways, thanks, mom, for letting me have my old room back!  Dexter is happy to be back in California too.  He missed his grandparents, the wide open spaces, and the warm weather.

I don’t regret my move to NYC at all.  For most of my adult life, I wanted to live on the east coast.  Now I don’t have to think about the what ifs.  I did it and realized that it’s not for me.  And you never know?  I may end up back there someday.

So, the first order of business I conducted upon my return was to hire a new photographer for CCB Diaries.  Because, you know, priorities.  24 hours after my arrival, I met Ben for coffee for an interview.  We instantly clicked and I offered him the job on the spot.  Welcome, Ben, to the CCB family!  The weather has been terrible which really limited our ability to shoot together over the past 2 weeks.  We finally had time to shoot this look and it was so much fun.  So, let’s get to the good stuff!

I’m going to be super honest for a minute.  I hate to play favorites with my blog outfits BUT this one is my new favorite.  I think it’s because it makes such a bold statement without being over the top.  Here’s how it came to be.

I was going through my mom’s garage since that’s where most of my clothes were stored while I was in NYC and I stumbled upon a box with all of my blazers and light jackets in it.  See how important closet organization is?? But that’s another blog post.  Anyways, this jacket was in there.  I bought this beauty at Forever 21 about 3 years ago and completely forgot I had it.  I must have serious issues because this jacket is everything.  It’s two of my favorite things in one: a moto jacket and it’s camo print #winning! Before I “archived” this jacket, I mostly wore it with jeans and a t-shirt like I did here.  But I’ve also worn it with an LBD and my Charlotte Olympia ankle booties for a night out with the girls.  So don’t pass up a printed moto jacket.  You’d be surprised how versatile it can be.

Now, the fun part: the accessories.  If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen this Chanel beanie many times.  I must say, it’s the coolest DIY styling hack I’ve ever done.  I found an unconventional way to use my Chanel brooch and I’m obsessed with it.  And when it’s not on my head, it’s usually pinned to my lapel on a blazer or coat to add a touch of glam.  A little Chanel never hurt any outfit in my opinion!

This Baublebar necklace though?! I’m obsessed with it!  The best part is that it’s all one piece!  There’s also a choker that came with it but I wear it as a bracelet most of the time.  I found it to be a bit much for my taste when I wore it along with the bib necklace.  I’ve worn this statement necklace with v-neck tops, turtlenecks (y’all know I lurvs me some turtlenecks), and LBDs when I wanted to add a touch of glam.  I even wore it backwards with a backless dress once for fun.  And it’s only $68.  Get you one!

These Rag & Bone jeans have been on repeat lately.  I bought these babies back in 2014 at Intermix.  I love the fit and the suede patches are a fun touch (plus I can wear these distressed jeans to places where I shouldn’t hehe).  I rolled up the hem a bit so that you could get a full view of my ankle boots.

I bought these ankle boots at Acne Studios in the Meatpacking District back in October.  I had seen a lot of other fabulous bloggers I follow wearing them so I decided to check them out.  I was a few blocks away from the boutique one Saturday morning dropping off some shoes at my cobbler when I decided to stop in.  I thought, I’ll at least see if they have my size.  Of course they did.  Okay, let’s see if they even fit.  Of course they did.  So I bought them.  I have absolutely no regrets about purchasing these booties though.  They’re as comfortable as they are stylish and I always get compliments whenever I wear them.  I have the smooth leather version but they also come in pebbled leather as well as suede and come in a few different colors, depending on the season.  They will set you back a pretty penny ($560) but they’re worth the investment and they definitely make a statement.

On a final note, Happy Valentine’s Day!!

xoxo, CCB

Photography: Ben Decastro

Outfit Details: Chanel beanie (brooch and beanie), Celine sunglasses (old but similar here), Forever 21 moto jacket (old), Baublebar statement necklace (here), Express “One Eleven” tee (here), Rag & Bone jeans (old but similar here), Acne Studios “Jensen” booties (here), Givenchy Nightingale tote (old)