I mean… a lace LBD is always a good idea if you ask me. And the sleeves on this Lulus number make it even more fun! Fun fact – we snapped these photos on what might have been the windiest day I’ve ever experienced. Once we were done, Christian emailed me a state-wide weather warning about “extreme wind conditions,” and I couldn’t stop laughing! I don’t even want to tell you how many photos we snapped to get a few without my hair in its own personal tornado. #Memories.
But let’s talk about this dress. You can’t go wrong with black lace, and I think the bell sleeves on this dress add so much interest and flirtiness. I wish it was a top so I could wear it ALL the time! When wearing something short like this, I like a high necklace so I don’t show off too much skin. I don’t normally wear short dresses, but this dress made me want to give it a shot and thanks to Vincent’s hilarious commentary, I think we totally made the windstorm work!
You can see more holiday-perfect dresses here, and where do I begin? Can I have one of each? I also think this lace LBD would look equally beautiful with OTK boots and a fur scarf or shawl, but I wanted to pair it with a classic strappy heels for a cocktail look. I also think a draped leather jacket or black sleeveless vest (like this one) would look so great!
Do you guys have any formal holiday parties this month? That includes NYE! New Years always sneaks up after Christmas and I’m left thinking… “what am I going to wear!” If you need a cute dress, Lulus has been one of my go-to spots for years.
Lastly, I’ve been placed in a poll for “Favorite OC Blogger” by Locale Magazine. I’d really appreciate it if you would vote for me! You can vote once day (although I certainly don’t expect anyone to do that). Thanks so much for reading! XO –
Since I moved to California almost four years ago, my wardrobe has slowly shifted to mostly light colored neutrals to vibe with the beachy, laid back lifestyle here. This fall when packing for NYFW, I realized that I didn’t have a nice medium black bag to fit all of my things when I travel. The key is that I need it to be big enough to fit my phone, mophie, lip gloss, etc., but still be small enough to not be too heavy.
We all know that Nordstrom’s selection is enormous, and their handbag selection is just as fabulous with all price ranges. This bag was exactly what I was looking for. It’s big enough to fit all the things I need but small enough where I can wear it on my shoulder or across my body to free up my hands when need be. And I love it in nude! I mean… who doesn’t want to see the pink version under their Christmas tree?
Honestly, I’ve loved it so much I would absolutely consider getting another one in a different color/size further down the road.
Do you have a nice bag on your Christmas wish list? You know I want to hear! I’m sharing some of my favorite bags at Nordstrom below, and remember, the last day to get Christmas delivery for your Nordstrom order is 12/23!
Lastly, I’ve been placed in a poll for “Favorite OC Blogger” by Locale Magazine. I’d really appreciate it if you would vote for me! You can vote once day (although I certainly don’t expect anyone to do that). Thanks so much for reading! XO –
I’ve shared my cozy gift guide and hostess gift guide under $50, but today I wanted to share some stocking stuffer gift ideas for the ladies! Growing up, we opened stockings last. It was so fun because after having breakfast and exchanging gifts, my mom would remind us about the stockings – we usually forgot! I was always surprised to find some hidden gems in the stockings – a really fun surprise.
These items start as low as $8 and then climb to a few more luxe pieces, depending on what you’re looking for. I have this mug and eye mask and think they’re the cutest things ever (the mug is the perfect size!). I have these eye patches on my Christmas list, and this pillowcase is a new addition and I am in love with it.
This neutral eyeshadow palette would look good on everyone, and this matte lipstick (I love Safe Word Matte) has been my go-to all season! I just bought this zip pouch for myself for travel after mentioning it in Tuesday’s post! I have a big trip coming up in January that I know it will be perfect for.
If you guys would like to see any certain theme of gift guide, I’d love to hear. I love putting these together – they help me with my own shopping for loved ones!
Lastly, I’ve been placed in a poll for “Favorite OC Blogger” by Locale Magazine. I’d really appreciate it if you would vote for me! You can vote once day (although I certainly don’t expect anyone to do that). Thanks so much for reading! XO –
This time of year is definitely a busy travel time for many, and while I can’t make it back to the South for the holidays, I’ll be traveling with Christian and my brother’s family for our own white Christmas adventure! We’ve had fun creating our own little traditions during these residency years, and this year I’ll be packing for a long weekend in the mountains.
I shared this pre-owned Louis Vuitton Keepall from The Lady Bag in Friday’s blog post here, but these kinds of trips are exactly what I love this bag for. When I’m packing, I like to put all my clothing in a rolling suitcase and reserve a duffel for my makeup, toiletries, hair tools, laptop, mophie, etc. When I need some hand lotion, a hair tie or lip gloss, I hate having to go to the trouble of opening my rolling suitcase and dig through everything. This vintage bag is such a timeless travel accessory – I know I will be using it forever!
My 5 best travel tips for the holidays –
Wear your heaviest layers to save room (and luggage weight). I love a jacket around the waist! And try to weigh your bag at home if you can remember. I will step on the scale myself, then carry the bag and step back on the scale to subtract the difference. I hate feeling rushed moving things around at the counter.
Bring an empty water bottle. You can’t get through the security with water, but they don’t care if the bottle is empty! Then you can fill it all day to keep with you instead of rushing around trying to purchase another bottle.
Pack one day ahead. When I have layovers and winter weather conditions ahead of me, often it pays off to pack some pj’s and the next day’s outfit in your carry-on. I’ve spent the night in quite a few hotels c/o airlines after flight cancellations. No fun!
Cell phone battery pack. I have this one and it charges over 4 batteries worth. A life saver!
Ditch the wallet and bring a small coin purse. You don’t need that extra weight in your purse and even worse – if it got stolen what a nightmare! Pack the few cards you need, cash and coins and #liveyourlife.
You can find more of my travel recommendations here!
If you love luxury items like Louis Vuitton – The Lady Bag is such a great place to shop your dream bag. You can snag it pre-loved at a major discount with 100% authenticity guaranteed. A great time to put a little something special on your Christmas list (hint hint to the hubs)!
Lastly, I’ve been placed in a poll for “Favorite OC Blogger” by Locale Magazine. I’d really appreciate it if you would vote for me! You can vote once day (although I certainly don’t expect anyone to do that). Thanks so much for reading! XO –
Tulle is an old friend of mine – I had a tulle skirt on my wedding gown, and I made sure to include a tulle midi skirt in the CBL for Morning Lavender collection. So when it comes to getting fancy for a black tie holiday event, a red or green tulle skirt = game over!
Morning Lavender is always the source of my most Carrie Bradshaw-eque outfits, and they have the best selection of twirly skirts around. I love this burgundy maxi, and the ivory one is so gorgeous (especially if your a bride-to-be looking for party outfits). I think this would be such a great holiday party look, and what I love most is that you can still mix and match them differently throughout the year. How chic would this lace top be with a black pencil skirt?
Lastly, I’ve been placed in a poll for “Favorite OC Blogger” by Locale Magazine. I’d really appreciate it if you would vote for me! You can vote once day (although I certainly don’t expect anyone to do that). Thanks so much for reading! XO –
– a new makeup bag that has the most amazing little compartments inside! –
Happy Friday!! It feels like I haven’t posted a Friday’s Five in so long, I’m so happy to be back and at it! Last weekend was a doozy with all of the amazing sales and hosting my big bro’s sweet family, so this week I have enjoyed the quiet and working ahead. I am a creature of habit for sure, so when the opportunity came to spontaneously have lunch and get manicures with some girlfriends in Newport, I ditched my desk and went for it. Of course… I came home to a lot of work later, but being more flexible is something I’m always working on because I can sometimes be rigid with my schedule.
I want to share a recent addition to my cloffice that has me really excited. Last year I discovered The Lady Bag, a website that sells vintage and pre-owned Louis Vuitton. I have been wanting to add to my LV luggage collection (you can’t have enough duffel bags if you ask me, #justsayin’), and I wanted a keepall that was small enough to work for quick weekend California adventures. This size is the 50, and it’s perfect for quick trips or a flight carry-on. I love that they guarantee authenticity and have awesome customer service, so you know exactly what you’re getting. If you’ve been eyeing an LV bag but saving up your dollars, this is a great place to start (I love this bag)! I have some fun trips coming up in the next two months – so you’ll definitely see me with this bag on my travels on Instagram.
Other than that, I plan on staying home this weekend and cozying up with my pets! We are planning on decorating the Christmas tree and stamping our holiday cards this weekend… so the season definitely feels like it’s begun. I want to try to do my shopping ahead of time this year so I can really enjoy the upcoming weeks without worrying things will get there in time. You can find some of my holiday gifting guides at the top of this page under “holiday shopping.” Have you guys put up your Christmas tree?
Last but certainly not least, I have announced the winner to the beauty giveaway – so head over to that post to see if you won!
Lastly, I’ve been placed in a poll for “Favorite OC Blogger” by Locale Magazine. I’d really appreciate it if you would vote for me! You can vote once day (although I certainly don’t expect anyone to do that). Thanks so much for reading and have a beautiful weekend! XO –
We have an L-shaped bedroom, which allows me to have a little nook space that I’ve called my “cloffice” ever since we moved in. Before you all start feelin’ sorry for Christian – he uses the majority of our spare bedroom for his workspace (and sometimes I take over that area too… but I promise I don’t leave a mess!), so we share!
For the longest time I had this hanging rack and a desk in this nook (you can see the different setup here), but I found myself cozying up in the guest bedroom workspace more often than my cloffice, so I thought I should make better use of the area and add some storage. Until now, we only had one dresser in our house. We have shelving, but no drawers. So I wanted something functional, beautiful and big!
There were so many beautiful options at Joss & Main, but when I spotted this dresser on sale,I knew it was the one. Then I realized it is actually made by the same company as our headboard, so it really was meant to be. When it came in, it was even more fabulous in person that I had envisioned, and this gold ornate mirror was the cherry on top. It ties in so well with our bed and side tables (you can see that setup here), and has transformed the room.
The dresser has made the entire room feel bigger, and I love that when I wake up in the morning, it’s the first thing I see. I really feel like Carrie Bradshaw, with my money where I can see it… in my cloffice!
I love the street style aspect of tennis shoes or flats with dresses and skirts, so last week (when the temps were warmer), I pulled out these Hush Puppies tennis shoes to style with a wool skirt. I’ve shared before that my legs are probably my least favorite feature of mine, so I usually lean toward a heel to elongate my athletic gams. I thought a midi skirt would be more flattering than a short skirt (although I totally love that look on other girls!), and I have to admit… I’m thinking – why haven’t I been wearing this more often?
My go-to casual style usually involves a tee, jacket around the waist in case I get cold and flats or mules. I think these tennies will be a perfect addition to my weekday casual, and alternating a skirt instead of jeans is a nice change. What’s your casual?
A little background – Hush Puppies has been around since 1958, and I love that the brand really focus on both comfort and style. And of course… the company is named after its beloved basset hound. You know I love that! These shoes come in four colors, and I really love the taupe suede too – so cute! I also think they would look great with jeans and sweaters, which is perfect for this time of year.
Thanks so much for reading and don’t forget to enter the beauty giveaway! XO –
It’s no secret I love a handbag new or old, black or white, big or small – and sometimes when you have your eye on a particular item, finding a deal on a pre-loved version can make you love it even more knowing that you got a steal!
That’s how I feel about this black beauty from Vestiaire Collective. Christian actually surprised me with a Chanel Jumbo in beige for my birthday, and I’ve absolutely loved the size! I have a smaller Chanel bag, and it’s great for a night out – but ultimately I like to have my wallet, lip gloss, phone, mophie, etc. for everyday – so I like a medium-sized handbag. I’ve loved the larger bag so much, I’d been thinking it would be worth saving up for the black version.
I’ve had an account with Vestiaire Collective for years and will peruse some of my dream bags from time to time, so when the opportunity to work together arose, I knew I was 100% up for it and knew exactly what to look for. I love that they allow sellers to list vintage or pre-loved items for sale, but ultimately every item purchased goes through a team of experts to guarantee authenticity before it’s sent to the buyer. So you know you’re not only getting a great deal, but you’re also getting exactly what you’re paying for.
You can buy and sell on Vestiaire Collective, and I have a few bags I’ve considered selling (one is listed on my sale page!).
Do you have your eye on a designer item you’ve been dreaming of? I’d love to hear what’s on your lust list! And hint hint… the holidays are just around the corner.
Happy Cyber Monday! I hope everyone has a nice plate of leftovers for lunch today. I plan on one more feast-y meal, and then I’m challenging myself to a few weeks of clean eating so I don’t have to lie on my bed to button up my jeans. #challenge
I’m sharing some of my favorite picks in the different categories that I usually break down my shopping in. You can just click on the item and it will take you straight to it! I also linked each piece at the bottom just in case. Scroll down for the full list of Cyber Monday steals AND don’t forget to enter the beauty swag giveaway with products valued at $600!
WORLD MARKET: 15% off $50+ | 20% off $100+ | 30% off $200+
I hope you guys find some amazing steals! So far I’ve snagged some items for Christian, and a few too many pairs of boots (like these otk boots that are 40% off with code CYBER40). Whoops!
BLACK FRIDAY is here! Yesterday I shared all the best sale codes and discounts from the early Black Friday sales, BUT today the sales have really started, so I wanted to share some of my favorite picks from my favorite retailers! AND scroll down for a giveaway with products valued at $600…
YUMI KIM: 30% off site-wide through Cyber Monday with code THANKS
WORLD MARKET: 25% off all furniture and more with code FURNMORE
AND to celebrate this weekend of sales, I wanted to host my second beauty and skincare giveaway! I was so excited that you guys loved the first giveaway so I’m hosting second giveaway with products valued at $600!
1. Follow me on Instagram (if you aren’t currently) here! IF you’re not on Instagram, “like” the CBL Facebook page.
2. Comment on this blog post with what you’re hoping to snag during Black Friday and Cyber Monday and which beauty product you would be most excited to try! AND include your insta-handle (or name on Facebook) so I can be sure you followed!
Don’t forget I will be posting the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals all weekend, so be sure to visit CBL for the scoop! You can also find all of my holiday gift guides at the top of this page under “holiday shopping.”
Thanks so much for reading! XO –
12/2: And the winner is… Samantha Goble! Thank you so much to everyone who entered! More fun giveaways to come –
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope all of you are spending today with someone you love… even if you’re like me and can’t be with everyone. Home is where the heart is, and hey – if you’re also away from the majority of your family today, just use the opportunity to make new memories! Christian and I have been eating Chinese food every Christmas Eve and now I funny enough, I actually look forward to our church –> sweatpants –> Chinese food tradition.
BUT, let’s talk about shopping. Because we all know Black Friday is tomorrow, and a lot of the sales have already begun! Above I shared some of my favorite gift items that are already on major markdown, but I wanted to share a longer list of retailers offering discounts today. I’ll be updating this post all weekend with new info, so be sure to check back!
I think one of the best ways to tackle a big sale is to breakdown what exactly you’re looking for. For me, it would be:
1. Gifts under $50 for friends, nieces, nephews, in-laws, hostesses, etc.
2. Luxe Gifts for those extra loved someones.
3. Gifts for guys – they’re so hard to shop for!
4. Stocking Stuffers.
5. And of course… treat yoself.
So now… let’s get into it:
SHOPBOP: 15% off $200 | 20% off $500 | 25% off $800 with code GOBIG16
NASTYGAL: 30% off all-black styles (so creative – I love it!)
YUMI KIM: 30% off site-wide through Cyber Monday with code THANKS
Thank you so much for reading! And don’t forget I will be posting the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday dealsall weekend, so come on over for the scoop! There might even be a fun giveaway planned (hint hint)! You can also find all of my holiday gift guides at the top of this page under “holiday shopping.”
Now go do something more important… like cut yourself a second piece of pie. #nojudgement XO –
