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 usa son is given; and the government shall beuponhis shoulder, and his name shall be called WonderfulCounselor,Mighty God,EverlastingFather, Prince ofPeace.” – 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 –
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!
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 –
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 one40% 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.
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 –
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.
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 –
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 –
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 –
– falling in love with some new lip colors from Stila, would be such great stocking stuffers! –
– watching this goof think she is 1/8 of her actual size –
– a new hairdryer that is helping me not dread blowdrying my mane, this would be such an awesome Christmas gift –
– 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 –
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.
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…
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 –
If you’ve read this blog for a little while, you might remember that the first several years of my career was spent in a corporate office where the men wore suits, so of course the the woman were expected to adhere to a dress code. It challenged me to incorporate my personal style into my weekday outfits and choose pieces that I could wear different ways after the workday.
That’s when I fell in love with Banana Republic. I could find versatile pieces that worked for the office and the weekend. This dress is an essential, and perfect for this time of year! It looks beautiful on its own or can be paired with a blazer or sweater for an extra layer. I think this would be such a great outfit for an office holiday party (or your guy’s if you’re attending his office holiday party), but then you can take the sweater off and add a fur stole or wrap for an amped up weekend holiday gathering. The best part about a classic black slip dress – it can be worn so many different ways, all year long.
And then of course, this pom sweater would be so cute with jeans too – I love mixing and matching!
Do you have an office holiday party you’re trying to put something together for? Or would you guys like to see more “work-appropriate” looks on CBL? I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
I realized recently that I didn’t have a pair of “everyday” black booties. I had a few pair with sky-high heels, but none that I could wear all day without wanting to take off. I saw this pair at Nordstrom and knew they would be perfect. They have enough height to add a some length to your legs, but are still short enough to wear for long periods of time. I love the tan color too!
Because comfortable black booties are such a staple, I wanted to round up some of my favorite casual booties for you guys in case anyone was having the same problem as me. They’re linked at the bottom of the post!
As for these photos… couldn’t help myself. Who doesn’t love a tree farm? These images were shot at Tanaka Farms, and they offer seasonal strawberry pickings (C and I have done that – so fun!), pumpkin patches and Christmas trees – honestly it’s the cutest little farm ever. We also got their twice-monthly seasonal produce boxes for a while and it was a great value (but too much food for the two of us). I always try to support local farms – it’s tastier too, so really, everyone wins.
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 –
