Carrie Bradshaw Lied

REVIEW | Hi-Rise Flare Pant

I shared a SKIMS vs. Amazon dress review not too long ago here. Today I’m bringing you a full review of my favorite black pant: Spanx Hi-Rise Flare.

I have had these pants for years and they remain a favorite time and time again. Every single time I wear them, I get a comment about them or my outfit. Countless friends have bought a pair for both themselves and their sisters, daughters, etc.

They are so smoothing and comfortable, but also quite elongating which is the best. Add a heel and we are talking model legs!

Let’s get into it –

SIZING

I would recommend ordering your usual size. They have a pull-on style (no pockets, buttons, or zippers), and when you’re pulling them up you’re going to think, “these are too small.” But once they’re pulled on, you’ll see they fit perfectly.

If you size up, I would worry that the waist will be too loose.

They come in regular, petite, and tall inseam and sizes XS – 3X.

MATERIALS

They’re machine-washable and 4-way stretch (4% elastane). They wash perfectly (hang dry) – which is so convenient.

COMFORT

They’re super stretchy and a thick material that makes them really comfortable for hours of wear.

COST

$168 and come in black and navy. I have been wearing this same black pair for over three years and the wear I’ve gotten out of them? Definitely worth it.

You can get 10% off + free shipping/returns with my longtime Spanx code KATHLEENXSPANX.

SIMILAR STYLES + WHERE TO BUY

Luckily these Hi-Rise Flare pants are a part of Spanx’s Perfect Collection which has the same style of pants in different leg silhouettes –

Thank you so much for reading! More product favorite deep dive reviews coming – XO –

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Wednesday Wish List | My Closet Staples

This week’s wish list is centered around some of my personal core closet staples. To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

I love turtleneck anything and everything, always. When you live in the South, sleeveless turtlenecks are even better!

I recently got this long-sleeved striped top and love it. It’s super soft, it’s got the rolled neck and sleeves and is the kind of top you really can wear year-round. In my book, stripes can be worn almost as often as a solid.

I have several shirt dresses from Tuckernuck and this chambray one always gets compliments.

If you have a camel bag and a black bag, you’re set.

I’ve had this watch for at least 7-8 years and I still think it’s so gorgeous. There’s truly no watch I’d rather have.

I wear these slides all the time. I also have a different version of these and usually wear them all summer.

I’m sharing an individual in-depth review of these pants later this week, I wear them with so much. I call them “the pants that give you supermodel legs.” I love the crop flare version too!

I have worn this skirt on Instagram here, it’s so great. Washable silk for $50!? What’s not to love?

Thanks so much for reading and stopping by! I threw in a few more favorites below – XO –

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LTK Spring Sale

LTK is currently offering a spring sale from a few brands that I love, so I wanted to share some links to picks and share the sale info with you guys!

This means LTK has exclusive deals in-app from participating brands through 3/12.

details here

code: ANTHRO20LTK

details here

code: LTK20

details here

Abercrombie code: AFLTK

details here

code: LTK20

I have more picks on my LTK profile. You can also access them on this website by clicking the menu bar in the upper left corner and selecting “shop my Instagram.”

Full list of participating brands:

Aerie | 25% off sitewide with code LTKSPRING

Abercrombie | 25% off sitewide with code AFLTK

American Eagle | 25% off sitewide with code AFLTK25

Anthropologie | 20% off purchases $150 or more with code ANTHRO20LTK

it Cosmetics | 25% off sitewide

Madewell | 20% off purchase with code LTK20

Pink Lily | 25% off sitewide with code LTKSPRING

Stanley | up to 40% off with code LTK

Tarte | 30% off sitewide with code TARTELTK30

Thank you so much for reading and checking in – XO –

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Wednesday Wish List | Recent Faves

I had a mini Q&A on Instagram Stories earlier this week, and some of the questions prompted some “best of” type of product recommendations that I thought would be worth resharing here!

Below each graphic, you’ll see some more details about the items –

Boll & Branch Plush Collection | Weezie

These are the most loved and most used towels in our house – guests and children included. They are so thick, cozy, and absorbing… five-star hotel towels night after night.

That’s luxury! Worth the investment.

Lalo 3-in-1 | Tripp Trapp

Hudson used the Lalo high chair and he now uses it in our wishbone chair as a booster seat. It’s been a really great, well-made, transitional chair.

The Stokke I got more recently and Theo currently uses it as a high chair. It’s been great so far and I plan to use it as a booster seat to the table as the next step when he’s a little bit older!

Mid Waist Thong | Higher Power Short

These are the most reached-for compression shapewear that I would buy again in a heartbeat.

Sometimes you want a short and some outfits are shorter or have a slit, so you need something else. Highly recommend both!

These are all products that I’ve just recently started using for the first time and have been very impressed.

A $16 callout is this spray oil that goes on so quickly and lightly, it’s amazing. Hooked!

Thank you so much for checking in – XO –

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Wednesday Wish List | Spring is Coming

This week’s wishlist is spring-filled because the groundhog was wrong this year (at least in Georgia!). It has been sunshine, warm and bright the past week or two and it feels like spring might be here to stay.

To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage –

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

I love wearing dark colors but in spring and summer, I like to pivot. Like most, I love a beautiful dress that works for work, church, dinner, etc. I discovered this dress and this one and thought they looked so high-end. Love that the belt can be worn with or without.

Love the easy style and price point of this classic sunhat. I know I’m only going to be outside more and more having two little boys, so I should be wearing hats all summer. Coastal grandmother energy and functional = win/win.

These ballet flats are so luxe-looking ($65!) and I can’t get over these wedges. I love them. I have the heeled version in three colors (which are currently 20% off).

This gingham midi and ladylike blushing midi dress really caught my eye. I think I might be ordering this one.

Thank you so much for checking in and for all of your kind words regarding Friday’s post. Really meant so much to me. XO –

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Friday’s Five | Metallic Sling Bag

– finding ways to continue enjoying Valentine’s roses –

– creating more free space for playtime with my little guys –

– my first experience with spray body oil and it’s THE BEST –

– trying to see if I can eventually shape a bonsai tree –

– loving this metallic sling bag from Parker Thatch –

It has been a really sweet and peaceful week. And I even had a 24-hour bug on Tuesday, so that’s saying something!

I’ve had a work decision to make that has been looming over me. A decision on whether to start a second business opportunity or pause it for now (update 2/24: this is not referencing this website or my social media, this is a second, separate business I’m referencing). After praying about it and thinking about it for a while, I made a decision to put it to the side. I was a little bummed, but ultimately felt it was the right choice in my gut.

When you choose your family or your peace over career and money – the world will make you feel like that’s the lazy or weak way out. However, when I happened to share my choice with my small group this week, I was unexpectedly met with so much encouragement and support. And I don’t know that I had any expectations when I shared it, but then was so touched that these people who know me personally and my heart and values – they were proud of me for not following the world’s view of success and instead choosing my own view of success.

It’s really stuck with me because while I felt I was being true to myself, I was also a little disappointed that I didn’t seem to have the drive and ambition that I used to. But I think it’s because being a mother changes your priorities. All of a sudden you see how incredibly fast time moves by you, and if you don’t have the time to stop and enjoy it, you’ll miss it. There’s no rewind button on your life.

If you are a person of faith or have any interest in Christianity, I highly recommend John Mark Comer’s The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. It was given to me by my dear friend and fabulous co-founder of Grace & James Kids. When she gave it to me she said, “I wish I had been able to read this when I was a new mom,” and now I absolutely understand why she said that. Ever since I read that book, I view my choices and how I spend my time differently. It’s a game-changer.

That’s the spill of my heart this week – thank you for reading this novel! Appreciate my blog readers so much. This is a special and unique community, unlike social media. It’s deeper. Thanks for checking in and I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend – XO –

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Wednesday Wish List | February Finds

This week’s wish list is full of the pieces I’ve stumbled upon, bought myself, or have my eye on. I love these kinds of hodge-podge posts because it feels so realistic to how we all shop, right?

To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

I bought these black/white hair clips and these fun clips a few months ago and love both. I wouldn’t say they’re as strong of a hold if you have super thick hair, but for a half-up situation or loose pull-up, they’re fab.

I loved these sunglasses so much I bought them in 3 colors – olive, pink and light blue.

Glass cocktail straws – they’re the best. Need I say more?

I loved these acrylic frames in 4×6 so much that I also bought them in 5×7. Great buy!

Contemplating getting twin beds for Hudson’s room in the future and I discovered these that are extra adorable. Love the high headboard!

Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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REVIEW | Amazon vs. SKIMS

After seeing this SKIMS dress on a few other girls, I bought it to take with me on our October 10-year anniversary trip. You can see how I styled it on vacation here.

I was shocked that when I put it on, it really amplifies any curves you have. I do have some curves and hips, but I’m talking Coke bottle hourglass. So I can clearly see why it has so many amazing reviews from women of all body shapes!

I was about to purchase the long-sleeved SKIMS version, but then I discovered this Amazon dress. So I purchased it in two colors to see what I thought. And it’s a great grab! More of my thoughts broken down into sizing, materials, cost, and the biggest differences that I noticed below.

SKIMS spaghetti strap slipdress

SIZING

I think both dresses run true to size. I ordered my usual dress size in both.

One thing to note is that the SKIMS dress is definitely a true maxi dress. The Amazon dress is listed as such, but if you’re 5’7″ or taller I think it’s going to fit more like a midi dress.

MATERIAL

At a touch, the material feels nearly exactly the same. Both are machine-washable and super soft.

The SKIMS dress is 91% modal and 9% spandex.

The Amazon dress is 95% rayon and 5% spandex.

COST

The SKIMS spaghetti strap slipdress is $78 and the long-sleeved version is $88.

The Amazon spaghetti strap slipdress is $39 and the long-sleeved version is $44.

I think both prices are fair for the product quality and fit.

BIGGEST DIFFERENCES

The SKIMS dress somehow does really cinch your waist in this hourglass, Kim K curves way. The Amazon dress has a great fit, but the waist isn’t quite as snatched as the SKIMS dress.

The SKIMS dress is definitely to the floor. So in that way, the SKIMS dress feels a little bit easier to style versatility-wise because it can lean casual (could be paired with a sneaker) more easily.

Amazon long-sleeved bodycon dress

I also shared a video of each dress and how I would layer it on Instagram.

Do you have either of these dresses? I’d love to hear what you think. I don’t regret either purchase, and I know they’ll be great vacation dresses that don’t take up much space.

Thanks so much for reading. If you have any ideas or requests for future review posts, let me know in the comments! XO –

Amazon

SKIMS

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January Top Sellers

This week I wanted to dig back into January and pull out some of the most popular pieces you guys loved!

To shop, click directly on the items or find their associated number below the collage –

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

I’ve had this watch for 6-7 years. I still love it as much today as I did the first week I got it.

These kitten heels (on sale!), these loafers, and these slingbacks are some of my most-worn shoes. Would re-purchase in a second.

I’m so impressed with this Amazon dress that is super similar to the Skims dress. I have the skims spaghetti strap dress and Amazon long-sleeved dress in two colors. Love all three.

I was so glad to see these woven side tables come back in stock. I have two and love them.

I have this turtleneck in two colors and they’re some of the softest and most flattering turtlenecks I own.

My favorite high-waisted flare pant (they give you supermodel legs), ecru overalls (on sale!), and pilates leggings.

I love seeing you guys love the same pieces I pull out time and time again. I hope you guys love them as much as I do!

Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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CBL Picks | Coffee Table Books

Last week I had a Q&A on my Instagram, and one of the questions I got and loved was about coffee table books. I’ve never really thought about what are my “favorite” coffee table books, but after walking around the house and looking at my collection – here are my top picks!

Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People

I was first introduced to the Vogue Living collection when it was given to me as a wedding gift from my cousin. They are gorgeous. I’ve since snagged another one I found at HomeGoods. You can never go wrong with Vogue!

AD at 100: A Century of Style

This book is a splurge and I got it for Christmas, but I really love it. A book I’ll enjoy for a lifetime.

Gray Malin

This book is a big-time favorite of both mine and Christian’s. The pictures are so unique, and the aerial shots are unlike anything else.

Big Book of Chic

A classic book that is just pretty.

Pretty City New York

I asked for this for a birthday one year and love it so much. Flipping through it feels like a walk through the city.

Poolside with Slim Aarons

I mean… any Slim Aarons book is stunning.

The Bergdorf Goodman Cookbook

I asked for this for Christmas and while it’s smaller than your traditional coffee table book, it’s really fascinating to thumb through. I think it would make a great gift.

Coastal California

I actually got this as a surprise for Christian for his upcoming birthday. We have so many happy memories of road-tripping along Highway 1 when we lived in California, I know he’s going to love it. And I can say that here because I know he doesn’t read my blog!

Thank you so much for reading! More home content in the “home & lifestyle” section of this site, as well as home tour-related content under “house tour.” Have a great week – XO –

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Friday’s Five | $12 Sunglasses

– loving this beautiful faux orchid arrangement designed by Babe Blooms Designs –

– loving any reason to make a charcuterie board (similar ruffled cake plate) –

– the chicest reusable bag from Katie Kime –

– a beautiful arrangement from my sweet, sweet friend Theresa –

– feeling like these $12 Amazon sunglasses were a major win –

It was a full but great week! I naively thought January and February were going to be these sweet, quiet months. LOL. Not exactly, but I’ve still managed to check myself, say no where I can, and try to intentionally plan chill time.

The more children we have, the faster time seems to slip away. And I know that will never change. But I desperately don’t want my life to be moving past me in fast forward. And that will only happen if we consistently evaluate our schedules and how we spend our time. So when I feel like I’m breezing by my own life, it’s time to step back and see what I can drop.

I watched Blonde on Netflix for the first time last weekend, and wow. I knew Marilyn Monroe’s life was kind of sad but if even 85% of that movie is true… it’s really depressing. Have you seen it? I’d love to hear what you thought.

I’ve been chatting with Christian and we’ve decided our Valentine’s plans are going to be to eat takeout or something easy and then get in bed early to watch Your Place or Mine. Guys can’t argue rom com’s on Valentine’s Day, right!? We’re getting dolled up tomorrow night for a black tie fundraising gala, so I honestly can’t imagine a more perfect weekday night than elastic waistbands in bed. Maybe there will be a box of chocolates involved – assorted always. A box of chocolates that are all the same is a real buzzkill in my book.

Some Valentine’s inspiration here and here, and my favorite Valentine’s movies here! Thanks so much for reading and have a beautiful weekend – XO –

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Wednesday Wish List | Date Night

Valentine’s Day is next week so I hope everyone has some fun plans! I am hoping to grab lunch with some girls and then have an easy night at home. Dinner or takeout in the dining room… maybe in pajamas? Or dinner in bed with a movie sounds amazing.

I did already get some goody bags for the boys and am excited to give them to them. I love that Hudson is at an age where he somewhat understands holidays. It’s super sweet.

Sharing some date night outfit picks below – shop by clicking directly on the item or finding its associated number below the collage –

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

I have a skirt from this brand and it was worn on repeat in the fall. I’ll be getting it back out when the weather warms up. It really is machine-washable silk!

I have these heels and have loved them so much. They look great with everything and the kitten heel makes them easy to wear all day and/or night. I’m tempted to get another color now that they’re on sale!

For a “holiday” like Valentine’s, I also love the idea of a pajama party – with girls, your s/o, or even yourself. Something like this and this would be so cute with a loose blazer.

I have these jeans and love them. Abercrombie has the best jeans for curves. I love their ultra high-rise styles.

Some more Valentine’s picks here. Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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