fall leaves in california

If you follow on Instagram or saw this post, you know that we have delightfully had several rainy days in the past few weeks which means we have finally had an actual fall… just in time for Christmas! I’m not complaining – I’ll take it any way I can.

I recently got this black maxi dress, and I know I’m going to wear it all the time.  It’s fabulous on its own with the scoop back and slit but I think it looks equally cute layered with a sweater or chambray. A cotton maxi dress is such a versatile piece and worth finding the right fit because it take you through the entire year!

the best black bootiescarrie bradshaw liedblack caviar chanel jumboc & c california maxi dresssam edelman blake bootiecarrie bradshaw lied blogkathleen barneslayering over a black maxi dress

 

dress, also love this one (40% off) and this one | sweater – also available here (30% off) | booties40% off in brown, my favorite pair under $100! Also available here | bag, similar style for less here | earrings

And of course, happy Friday! I can’t believe it’s already time for NYE. In case you missed it, I shared several ways to amp up your New Year’s Eve outfit in yesterday’s post. I hope it inspires you to put together something fun from your closet!

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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nye-outfit-ideas

And just like that, we’re looking at NYE! I wanted to share some outfit ideas that might help you when looking in your closet this weekend for something to wear. These are outfits shared on CBL under the “Fashion” category or on Instagram. I had so much fun pulling my twirliest looks for you guys!

Here’s to celebrating all that was in 2016 and looking to the future. May 2017 be your best year yet!

off the shoulder dress

blog post here | dress here

Kathleen Barnes

blog post here | dress here

carrie bradshaw lied

blog post here | skirt here

styling a black midi skirt

blog post here | top, skirtsilk duster

carrie bradshaw lied blog

blog post here | similar skirt here

herve leger dress

blog post here | similar dress here

velvet wrap dress

blog post here | similar dress here and here

bodycon dress

blog post here | dress here

blue ball skirt

blog post here | similar skirt here

black crochet dress

blog post here | dress hereon sale under $25!

tulle midi skirt

blog post here | skirt hereon sale under $25!

burgundy feather top

blog post here | top here

nyfw

blog post here | dress here

nye outfit idea

blog post here | top, skirt

what to wear NYE

 Instagram here | tee, skirt – on sale, similar blazer here

rose gold midi skirt

Instagram here | sweater – on sale in 4 colors, similar skirt here and here

silver pleated midi skirt

Instagram here | sweater available here and here, similar skirt here

sequined jacket

Instagram here | bomber jacket here and here

Christian is working this weekend, so I’m still not exactly sure of my plans, but it might involve packing since I’m heading on a fun little sister trip on the 2nd. If you have big NYE plans or traditions, I’d love to hear – I’m always looking for new ideas!

Thank you so much for making this year one of my favorites of my career. You. Rule.

Have a fun (and safe) holiday! KXO

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nordstrom annual sale

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 – comes in black too! | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 – I have this sweater and have worn it at least 10x already

 

Nordstrom is having a HUGE post-holiday sale with items marked up to 50% off, and I couldn’t help but round up some of my favorites while I was shopping. Just when you think you’re all shopped out… they reel you back in! A few more things from the sale that I’m loving:

 

And of course, even more sales:

Abercrombie40-60% off site-wide

Ann Taylor – up to 70% off clearance and 40% off full-price with code SHOP40

Anthropologie – extra 40% off sale items with code TAGTIME

ASOS – up to 50% off

Banana Republic – extra 60% off sale items

Baublebar – up to 60% off sale items

Bloomingdale’s – up to 75% off select items

Express – up to 60% off clearance

GAP – up to 60% off winter items + additional 30% off with code WISHLIST

J.Crew50% off sale items with code THEBEST

J.Crew Factory – extra 40% off clearance with code SHOPCREW

LOFT50% off everything with code TREATS

Nordstrom Rack – up to 75% off clearance items

Rebecca Minkoff – extra 30% off with code HEY2017

Shopbop – additional 25% off sale items with code TREATYOURSELF

Sole Society – up to 50% off select styles

Victoria’s Secret – buy a bra, get a bra with code GETBRAS

Thanks so much for reading – hope you score some sweet deals! I can’t believe we’re already back to the grind… how did the weekend go by so quickly! All in favor of rewinding the clock say aye! XO –

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hill bros coffee cups

I love awards season. A reason to bring out the party treats and comfy clothes with girls, pick our favorite gowns and red carpet looks and root for our favorite films and tv shows.  With the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show being earlier this month, it only kicked off the fun, and I’m excited to prep the house for the glam nights ahead.

You guys know I love a glass of wine, but it’s always nice to offer multiple beverages for your guests (especially when they’re driving to you… and driving home).  I have become quite the coffee lover over the past few years, so I’m sharing Hills Bros. Cappuccino’s #CapptheNight Campaign to share how I would set up for an awards show get together!

To me, cappuccinos and chocolate go hand in hand, so it’s nice to have some sweet bites after the richer hors d’oeuvres to finish the night with.  The Hills Bros. Cappuccino Single Serve Cups I chose are English Toffee flavored, so they pair so deliciously with these chocolate covered toffee bites!  I really want to try the Salted Caramel – yum!

hill bros coffee podskathleen barneslong haired mini dachschundcarrie bradshaw lied homecarrie bradshaw liedjuliska berry and threadhill bros cappuccino carrie bradshaw lied home

What’s your favorite awards show to watch? I was one of those girls who screamed when Leo finally won an Oscar last year. #truestory

If you have a Keurig and want to try these single serve cups, you can find them at your local Kroger or Shop Rite (store locator here). They’re also offering a coupon here for $1 off every box that you buy.

Lastly, I wanted to share the #CappTheNight Sweepstakes runs until  2/28/17 where you can enter for your chance to win one of six award season prize packs AND the chance to win a $2,500 shopping spree! You can enter to win below –

#CappTheNight Awards Season Sweepstakes

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

Brought to you by Hills Bros. Cappuccino

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christian and kathleen barnes

photo by Beth Morgan

Christmas weekend is finally here – I can’t believe it! We are headed to the mountains for a cozy (and hopefully snowy!) weekend to celebrate this beautiful holiday, what it means to us and reflect on the past year.

This season is filled with joy, love and generosity, but it also can be an emotional holiday.  It brings memories spent with loved ones who are no longer here, and while we know they have the best seat in the house celebrating in heaven with Jesus, we still feel their absence.  I always try to take a moment to say a quick prayer for those with healing hearts.

And of course, let us rejoice together the birth of our Savior.  “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6  One of my favorite songs sung at church every Christmas Eve.

Lots of love to each of you, and thank you for helping to allow me to manage CBL full-time. I truly never thought this would be my career when I started this blog six years ago, and after working in a corporate office for five years, I recently told Christian that I think I am happier now than I have ever been. I owe a huge part of that to each of you! Thank you for your support, advice and friendships over the years. Honestly I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to truly show you how much you guys mean to me. I am so overwhelming appreciative.

Love love love and Happiest of Holidays to each and every one of you! XO –

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flocked christmas tree

It’s time to get in the spirit because it’s Christmas WEEK!!  I don’t really go all out with holiday decorations in our home. We live in a small townhouse so there’s only so much you can do without a mantle, notable front door or mailbox… buuutttt we still find ways to get festive.  Nothing is better than sipping coffee by the Christmas tree.  Got to have it!

I wanted to share some of my favorite things to do with my family over the holidays, no matter where we are.  Sometimes there can be some lulls in the day between the eating and lounging, so it’s nice to have some activities up your sleeve in case everyone hits a wall.  We all have so many memories of how our families celebrated growing up, and now it’s time to have some of our own!

carrie bradshaw liedtop holiday moviescarrie bradshaw lied homeella fitzgerald christmas recordchristmas cardschristmas carolershow to hang christmas stockings on the railingflocked christmas treecarrie bradshaw lied holiday cardtiffanys blue ornamentred flannel pjs

flocked Christmas tree via King of Christmas

1. Christmas Movies.  This is a no-brainer, and last year I put together my favorite movies here.  This year I want to see Office Christmas Party, and we just watched Miracle on 34th Street for the first time in almost 20 years

2. Hot Chocolate Contest.  Everyone things they have the “best” recipe, so I like to put it to a test.  Homemade marshmallows and all!  Right now this one is my favorite.

3. Play Some Records. I bought the She & Him Christmas record a few years ago, and this year I added Ella Fitzgerald. Nothing makes me happier than putting on a record and lighting a pine candle. So fun!

4. Matching Pajamas.  I fully recognize this can be kind of corny… but it’s still really fun. I bought Christian and myself a new set this year and they’re so soft – I can’t wait to wear them!

5. Pull out the Board Games.  We are big fans of Life, Scrabble and Taboo.

6. Admire the new pins on the stockings. My dad’s family grew up with this tradition, and we have all kept it going. You know those pins and medals you get growing up? The ones that end up in a drawer and eventually thrown away?  We put those on our Christmas stockings.  C and I pick up pins when we travel. After a few years, you have these adorned stockings full of memories from your entire life.

7. Go through Christmas cards. Growing up, we always passed around the stack of holiday cards to see who had gotten taller, married, had children, etc. My mom always has a fat stack of cards and it’s so much fun to go through them.

8. Ride around to hunt down the best Christmas displays. I don’t feel like I see as much out West, but it’s no secret that the South loves some intense light displays. I admire the energy and spirit of anyone willing to go all out!

9. Christmas jog.  When I was a sophomore in college, I was in a short-lived jogging phase and went on run Christmas Eve before the church service. When I got back to the house, my brother-in-law (a former college basketball player) was like, “why didn’t you tell me you were going? I would have gone with you!”  So he rounded up my dad and brother to go and told me if I was really in shape, I would go again. So I said I would… and then before we knew it, the entire family of six was on a run together.  Over the years we’ve called it the goof troop family run and it’s expanded to 10+ (including pregnant ladies).  Christian and I even went on a jog together Christmas Day on the beach in Newport the first two years we lived here!  Then you feel like you really earned that big holiday meal!

10. Read the Christmas Story Together.  It’s easy to get caught up in the presents and cookies, but I read the Christmas story every year. Usually I like to have a moment in private, reading the story of the birth of Jesus and thanking Him for all of the blessings of the year. I don’t know how I would get through the ups and downs of life without knowing there is a Higher Being guiding us.

If you have any adult family traditions that make the holidays special to you, I’d love to hear. I’m always looking to try something new!

Also, I’m planning on doing a Snapchat (CBLied) Q&A this week, so feel free to email me any questions or leave them in the comments of this post! Thanks so much for reading, and Merry Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. XO –

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carrie bradshaw lied

The camel coat has always been a staple, but it feels like this year more than ever it’s be the outerwear of the season. I snagged this one 40% off at Neiman Marcus Last Call.  The perfect camel wrap coat under $80… Merry Christmas to me (and you if you’ve also been on the hunt!).  I love that this jacket is also lightweight so I can wear it in fall and through spring.

I also snagged another black cashmere turtleneck, one of the pieces I wear most every winter.  This one is 60% off and $50.  You guys… that never happens.  Seriously!  Last Call is offering a huge last minute gift sale – 30% – 50% off your entire purchase, both in store and online! And if you have any gifts you still need to get for the crew, there is free rush shipping on purchases over $99.

kathleen barnescamel wrap coatbest black booties under $100styling gray and camelcarrie bradshaw lied blogcarrie bradshaw liedstyling a camel coathow to wear gray and camel togethercamel belted coatblack caviar chanel jumbo

photos by Vincent Elejorde

 

coat (40% off), also love this one (50% off) and this one (50% off) | similar scarf here (60% off) and here (60% off) | turtleneck – a cashmere essential! (60% off) | similar denim (40% off) | similar booties here (50% off) and love these (40% off) | love this black bag (40% off) | similar sunglasses (40% off)

Another reminder – get 30% – 50% off your entire purchase, both in store and online through 12/24 + free rush shipping on purchases over $99 with code HOLIDAY.

Thank you so much for reading and Merry Christmas week! XO –

Brought to you by Neiman Marcus Last Call

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spanx faux leather leggings

Two years ago, after owning several pair of black over-the-knee boots, I decided to splurge on my dream pair, the Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots. I’ve worn them countless times since then, have zero regrets, and if anything – wish I would have gotten them sooner!  Instead of hunting for the new “perfect” pair every year, this is my third year wearing the same pair because I know there’s nothing better out there.

I definitely think there are some winter staples that aren’t worth the splurge (like beanies for example… I snag new styles every year!), but when it comes to shoes you can wear with everything for long periods of time, I think it’s worth saving up for a really great pair.

I’ve even brought them on many trips because I know I can wear them all day (and they’ll be coming to Europe with me in January!). I have both this pair and a heeled pair, but you can shop all of Stuart Weitzman boots at Nordstrom here.  And because Nordstrom always price-matches, so you know you’re getting the best possible deal! There are all kinds of heel heights available, and if OTK isn’t your style there are plenty of other styles that are equally comfortable.

kathleen barnesthe best otk bootssaint laurent sac de jourcarrie bradshaw liedcarrie bradshaw lied blogcarrie bradshaw lied blogstuart weitzman lowland bootfree people all mine turtleneck sweater

photos by Vincent Elejorde

 

boots, similar look for less here and here | leggings | sweater (33% off in 4 colors!), I also have the cream one styled here and here | similar moto jacket here and here | similar beanie here and here | bag | sunglasses

Shop some of my favorite boots at Nordstrom right now:

 

Thanks so much for reading – and Merry Christmas week! I hope all of you have some special plans this weekend (and that it involves a fireplace and lots of holiday movies).

If you’re still holiday shopping, today is the last day to get rush shipping on your orders, so check those gifts off your list!  My holiday shopping guides are all at the top of this page under “holiday shopping,” and don’t forget Saturday’s last minute shopping guides (including stocking stuffers) for the dudes. XO –

Brought to you by Nordstrom

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mens gift guide

 

1, also available here – they’re foldable! | 2 | 3 –  so classic! | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 – slim fit, best invention ever | 9 – every guy needs new underwear | 10 – I bought these for C’s bday and they’re so cute | 11 | 12

Several of these items I’ve snagged for Christian in year’s past, so they’re definitely dude-approved.  Who doesn’t have a crush on Chrissy Teigen? I’m like, “here! Eye candy AND you can cook for me one night!” They don’t even realize that you’re the one who actually wins. #score

I also wanted to share some stocking stuffer ideas that I would totally put in C’s stocking –

stocking stuffer ideas for guys

 

1 | 2 – C loves this brand | 3 | 4 | 5 – every guy needs cute socks! | 6 | 7 – a 1 lb. Reese’s, my mom gives C one every year | 8 | 9 | 10 – so great for the commuter, I have this one! | 11 | 12 | 13

Thank you to one of my lovely readers Julia for reminding me to do this post! Above are some stocking stuffers that I would absolutely get for Christian. He even saw me working on this and was like, “oohhh put a nice shaving cream on there, that’s something I never would buy but would love to get.”

Don’t forget that tomorrow is the last day to get standard shipping to get your gifts by Christmas, so really – get all your shopping in now and you can enjoy the rest of the holidays without stress!

Thanks so much for reading, and you can find more holiday shopping guides under “holiday shopping” at the top of this page. XO –

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furla metropolis mini crossbody

– a pretty new bag (Lula-approved) –

stila lipstick

– falling in love with some new lip colors from Stila, would be such great stocking stuffers! –

carrie bradshaw lied home

– watching this goof think she is 1/8 of her actual size –

t3 micro blowdryer

– a new hairdryer that is helping me not dread blowdrying my mane, this would be such an awesome Christmas gift –

blue delta denim for men

– helping Christian design a custom pair of denim with Blue Delta, I think this would be such an awesome Christmas gift! –

Happy Friday!  I can’t believe next weekend is Christmas. WHAT!? It always seems to sneak up every year! I am so excited for this year’s holiday weekend because we’ll be spending it with my brother’s family in a cabin in the mountains.  It means I get to watch a two-year old open gifts and run around – free entertainment! It’s our family’s first Christmas without my niece, Edie, and just typing that brings tears to my eyes.  We miss her every day, but knowing that she is spending Christmas with Jesus Himself makes my heart really, really happy.

In other news, I’ve been wanting to share that earlier this year Christian worked with Blue Delta to create his own pair of custom raw denim jeans.  Raw denim is actually not to be washed in the washing machine, and the best way to break them in is to wear them… a lot! A new concept for us, but C always enjoys a challenge, ha! The company is headquartered in Oxford, MS where we went to college, which we both loved. We were mailed denim and stitching samples, and after a few mailings and emails back and forth, Christian received his own carefully crafted pair.  They have locations all over the US, so if you’re in one of those locations you can book an in-person appointment! I think this would be such a cool gift for the guys in your life – we all know shopping for guys can be so hard.

Other items I think would be great gifts are linked above, and remember that if you’re buying holiday gifts online, this Sunday is the last day to get standard shipping… so try to get your shopping done this weekend if you can! I have my holiday shopping guides linked at the top of my blog under “holiday shopping,” and check back tomorrow because I’m sharing last minute gift and stocking ideas for the guys!

Thanks so much for reading and have a great weekend – XO –

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silk black duster cardigan

I remember asking for my first David Yurman bracelet (this one) for Christmas my freshman year of college. I went to Ole Miss, and I met so many new friends with these beautiful bracelets! From there, Christian added to my collection by giving me another bracelet in college, I was given a bangle as a graduation gift, a pair of earrings to mark my debutante, and so on.

They are classic and timeless, and each piece I have symbolizes an achievement or special occasion over the past 10 years.  Just last month for our wedding anniversary, Christian surprised me with this gorgeous ring, and I was floored. It’s so beautiful!

David Yurman is such a great luxe holiday gift that the recipient remembers forever.  I love that the pieces are beautiful, yet can be worn everyday with any outfit.  Even my photographer and friend Vincent told me the other day, “I love that you wear your Yurman in every photo.” But it’s because they look great with everything and they’re so special to me.

carrie bradshaw liedcarrie bradshaw liedpleated leather midi skirtdavid yurman cable braceletscarrie bradshaw lied blogblack chanel jumbo

photos by Vincent Elejorde

Jewelry: Cable Classics Bangle | X Bracelet | Cable Classic Bracelet with Pearl | Cable Classic Buckle Bracelet |  Albion Bracelet with 18k Rose Gold and Diamonds | Albion Earrings with Morganite and Diamonds | Albion Ring in Prasiolite | Cable Classic Buckle Bracelet | Cable Collectibles Ring with Diamonds

 

Outfit: Sunglasses | Similar Midi Skirt here (on sale), here (on sale) and here (40% off) | Silk Duster Cardigan, love this color | Top | Heels, similar look for less here | Bag, similar style for less here, love this one

 

Thanks so much for reading and happy holiday shopping – XO

Brought to you by David Yurman

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flocked christmas tree

This post is a little different… and definitely more fun! I teamed up with a few other ladies for a little Secret Santa gifting with Vince Camuto from their holiday collection.  And I got to team up with some of my favorite blogger girls for it (hint hint – head over to Kendall of Styled Snapshots to see what I picked out for her!).

I’ve been looking for comfortable strappy sandals with a block heel, so this pretty little gift is something I know I will wear over and over again. The block heel is so much more comfortable for longwear than a stiletto, and I love the texture of the leather.  And lucky for me these heels come in five colors.  The gold is so pretty!

When I unwrapped them, I knew just the skirt I would be pairing them with…

vince camuto mairanacarrie bradshaw liedkathleen barnescarrie bradshaw tulle skirtblack ankle strap heelskathleen barnesmorning lavender tulle skirtcarrie bradshaw lied blogcarrie bradshaw liedblack crop top sweaterstying a tulle skirt

photos by Vincent Elejorde

 

heels, also love this pair (38% off) and this pair (42% off) | skirt | crop top sweater – sold out, love this one and this one | similar earrings here and here | bag | lipstick in Bad Blood | wearing Bellami extensions in #8 Ash Brown, use code Kathleen5 for $5 off

I’ll never say no to a tulle skirt, and this one is from the CBL for Morning Lavender collection.  I can’t wait to wear these heels with jeans – I love the sleek pairing of denim with a strappy sandal!

Some of my favorite shoe picks at Vince Camuto right now –

 

Thanks so much for reading – and if you’ve played Secret Santa so far this year, I want to hear what you got! XO –

Brought to you by Vince Camuto

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