Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Guide to London

I spent the first two weeks of October exploring London and Amsterdam, so I’m really excited to hit the ground running with my favorite things that we did (while it’s still fresh in my memory!). Thanks for being patient with my lesser posting last week. I almost stayed up into the wee hours of the morning putting together a Friday post, but I knew you guys would give me grace if I chose to sleep instead!

I had so much fun soaking in all the history of England, and Marissa and I stayed with the oh-so-sweet Haley of Sequins and Things. She has been living in London for several months now, and thanks to her knowledge and advice of the city, we were able to zip around pretty quickly. She was the most gracious host and is truly a beauty inside and out!

This post is just photos I took with my camera. If you guys are interested – I’d be happy to do an Instagram roundup from this trip. My camera is pretty heavy, so I chose to ditch it on many days and just document with my phone.

Some of my favorite things we did –

Sightseeing:

Big Ben, Westminster Abbey (take the tour if you want some history – it is pretty amazing), London Eye: they’re all together so you can hit the trio on foot!

Tower of London + the Crown Jewels: purchase the headset tour. SO fascinating! You could easily wander through this for several hours, so allot your morning or afternoon to it.

View from The Shard: go for a cocktail or dinner. You have to be dressed (as in no tennis shoes, no hats, etc.), but the view of the entire city is magical!

Notting Hill: I mean… the cutest area ever. There is also a great shopping area over here as well!

Buckingham Palace: the Queen is in Scotland from mid July to early October, and during this time you can pay to tour 19 of the rooms of the Palace. Unfortunately for us she came back the day before we arrived in London, so while we were unable to go inside the Palace, we opted to go on the carriage tour which was also fascinating! If you are in London during the July to October stretch, I hear the tour is incredible.

Kensington Palace + Hyde Park: this is where Will & Kate reside, and it’s quite beautiful nestled by Hyde Park. We walked around the property and then had afternoon tea at The Orangery – where the light poured in from the windows. Gorgeous!

Eating:

Farm Girl (Notting Hill): healthy and delicious if you’re looking for some avocado toast, gluten-free pancakes and so on. Was a nice break from fish & chips and pub food!

The Orangery (Hyde Park): I mentioned this above, but it was absolutely gorgeous and if you’re looking for that perfect photo of afternoon tea in London, you’ll find it here with the white tablecloths and natural light pouring in from gigantic windows.

Sketch: we also had afternoon tea here and it was the most unique atmosphere. After all the social media hype, I couldn’t wait to check out Sketch for myself. I thought the atmosphere exceeded my expectations, but as for taste, it wasn’t my favorite.

The Dorchester: we all agreed that The Dorchester tea was our absolute favorite. We were nestled in a table in the back right next to a woman playing the piano, and we lingered there for hours. We had two gals with us that were gluten-free, and they were amazed at how delicious the GF tea options were (they said they were far better than the other alternatives they had). The ambiance and the tea selection was top notch, and the piano was just the cherry on top. If you only have one afternoon tea in London – this is the place to do it!

Sticks & Sushi: very cool sushi spot in Covent Garden. I’ve never seen a sushi menu presented like a tiny coffee table book – just as pretty as it was tasty!

Churchill Arms: the London restaurant that has been pinned on Pinterest over and over again. For a spot this iconic, you’d think it was traditional English food, right? It’s actually Thai food!

Busaba Eathai Soho: this place is right off Oxford Street, and if you’re looking for amazing Thai food – it’s your spot. Perfect place to settle in after shopping at Selfridge’s!

Borough Market: a foodie’s heaven. This food market closes at 5PM, so plan on brunching big by hitting several different booths!

Shopping:

Harrod’s: Oh. My. Gosh. I had NO IDEA that this department store is not just a store… it’s like a small village. It’s enormous! I’m talking multiple floors and over 20 restaurants huge (we ate at a Lebanese restaurant here and it was phenomenal). They have an entire section dedicated to Christmas, and I could have spent hours here.

Oxford Street: this kind of felt like the Times Square of London, but the really fab stores are actually on a few streets off of this main shopping hub. Dior, Chanel, Fendi Louis Vuitton – your designer window-shopping dreams will be made here!

Covent Garden: my favorite shopping day. There are all kinds of markets selling art, jewelry, etc., and there are several streets of shopping. It’s were I bought my Burberry poncho/scarf!

I’m sure there’s MUCH more to London – and if you have any recommendations of your own, I’d love to here! These are the things we touched on while we were there, and if you would like to see an Instagram roundup as well, please let me know! I plan on sharing my Amsterdam tips as well – so more to come.

Thanks so much for reading – XO –

PS – THANK YOU to those of you who have alerted me that my email subscription has been a little sporadic and wonky. Something was acting up and WordPress has helped me fix it, SO you should be receiving CBL emails again if you’re subscribed. And if you were previously subscribed and didn’t see today’s post, let me know and I can look into it. Thank you so so much!

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Embroidered Top

This is my last set (I know, finally!) from NYFW, and while I don’t usually go for embroidered tops, I think this one might be changing my mind. I love the flirty hem, and while I think the go-to choice would be to pair it with skinny jeans, I like the contrast with the casual boyfriend jeans. You guys know I am all about a great pair of boyfriend jeans, and the key is finding a “slim” pair.

Because this outfit is from a month ago (whoopsies), I have found really similar items of this exact look that are ALL a part of the huge fall sale going on right now at Shopbop (did you guys see yesterday’s post?)! Like this top? I need. Scroll on down to see the pieces I think should be on your radar, and don’t forget to scroll down to yesterday’s sale post for some of my favorite picks.

photos by Angie Garcia

Spend up to $500 and get 25% off, spend over $500 and get 30% off with code MAINEVENT16. Sale ends Saturday!

PS – the boots (and in black here!) I wear nonstop (and have been wearing all over London on Instagram) are also marked down!

Thanks so much for reading – and happy shopping! XO –

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Shopbop Fall Sale!

1 | 2 | 3 – comes in 3 colors! | 4 | 5 – also love this one | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 – comes in two colors! | 11 | 12

Oh snap! Shopbop is having an amazing sale, and this is a great chance to score some amazing deals on those fall pieces you have your eye on (of all price points)! I can’t even begin to share all the pieces I love from this sale (some higher end brands are excluded – so just a heads up), but for starters, this jacket is a great style similar to the suede moto I wore in this post that you guys loved!

I think there are so many great scarves to take your outfit into fall, and sweaters galore. I included some additional pieces I love as well in the thumbnail above!

SO, the deal is:

For THREE DAYS only, spend up to $500 and get 25% off your entire order OR spend over $500 and get 30% off your entire order with code MAINEVENT16.

Happy shopping – and thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Lace Hemmed Slip Dress

I’m finally sharing another look from NYFW, and I mean… it was definitely one of my favorites (PS – it’s on sale not one, but two places – here and here)! You can see another post from New York here. I am having a major navy moment (flashback to last week’s navy turtleneck), and even better when it combines navy and black.

It would have been predictable to pair this with a nude lip, so I thought, let’s kick this up a notch. I wore this lipstick (in Blackmail) here, but sometimes it can been really fun to play with a super bold lip. And you know what else I found? It was a serious conversation starter! I mean, sure perhaps some people walked away thinking I was the latest member of The Craft, but I’m fine with that.

photos by Angie Garcia

Thanks so much for reading! And for some of the scoop on London, you can check out my Instagram or Snapchat: CBLied. XO –

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Friday’s Five

– filling up the house with the smell of pumpkin bread –

– a beautiful surprise delivery of flowers from the amazing team at Fashion Island –

– adding a new classic bag to my collection from Luisa Via Roma – more on this soon! –

– arriving in London (it’s my first time here!) and having my breath taken away by Buckingham Palace –

– and visiting Westminster Abbey… I want to go back for the tour! –

Happy Friday! This week is a little different than the past few… we arrived in London this week, and I’m exploring the city for the first time. It is every bit as beautiful as I imagined, and much more spread out than I anticipated! But I’m learning the tube (their subway), and learning to embrace the culture like a true Englishwoman. Is that a word? If not, let’s make it one.

I am getting caught up with my jetlag, and this crisp fall weather is certainly helping. I left Orange County during the Santa Ana heat/wind storm, so having a cool breeze here is seriously refreshing.

Not going to lie – I am seriously missing C and the pets already, but thankfully I am staying a few nights with the sweetest of the sweet Haley of Sequins and Things, and she has the cutest mini dachshund rescue named Fish. I’ve found that when I’m traveling and can love on someone else’s pet, it helps to make me miss mine less. Anyone else that way? Ssshhh… don’t tell Bailey and Lu!

I have another week in Europe with a weekend trip to Amstersdam this weekend, so there will be more to come – including photos of travels and what we did (and recommend)! If you have any London or Amerstam favorites, I’d love to hear.

Thanks so much for reading and for the love! You can follow my Euro adventures (like eating beans for a traditional English breakfast and tryin’ to drink pints at the pub) on Instagram here. Have a beautiful weekend – XO –

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Steve Madden Ava Sandal

I shared this last week here, but when I was in New York, my girlfriend Jenn of Haute off the Rack had the cutest sandals on. Because she’s the shoe queen, I had to know where they were from instantly, and it was no surprise to me that they were the Steve Madden Ava Sandal from Nordstrom. I went home and ordered them instantly!

Let’s be serious, we know the shoe selection at Nordstrom is hard to beat. From the best sandals (both high-end and more affordable) to over-the-knee boots, there’s a little bit of everything. AND knowing that they are super quick to price-match anything that is reduced in price elsewhere is a major bonus! I love knowing that not only am I getting the best deal of what’s online, but also that the return policy is insanely good.

And I can’t go without talking about this fringe sweater. I mean… it’s real fun. Almost like a sweater and scarf in one!

photos by Vincent Elejorde

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

Brought to you in partnership with Nordstrom

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Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage

It’s no secret that I’m usually traveling solo or with girlfriends because Christian’s work schedule is brutal, but every now and then an opportunity comes up that he can come with. We look forward to it for weeks, and then it’s like a mini-honeymoon!

When the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage invited us to stay the weekend, it was a no brainer. I’ve stayed at the Puerto Rico and Buckhead, GA properties, and it’s always a fabulous experience. We get to the desert fairly often, but usually it’s related to one of our jobs (so it’s not completely relaxing). This time we had the vacation-mindset, and it was definitely a different experience. Fun fact: Trista and Ryan from The Bachelorette actually got married here in 2003!

When we travel, we usually try to go 50/50 exploring and laying low. This weekend we had one thing in mind: unwind. The Rancho Mirage property is so beautiful, with multiple restaurants and pools, I knew we had no reason to leave.

Christian’s favorite parts were probably the incredible breakfast at State Fare Kitchen, the lawn of games (cornhole, bocce ball, etc.) and the fire pits at night – we had one right outside our room. It was so cozy! My favorite parts were the mouthwatering dinner at The Edge (the view is as incredible as the food), the spa morning and of course… the daily candy bar in the lobby from 12-5PM.

My breakfast date (above), watching the Ole Miss game at the table.

Shop my outfits from this trip above or by clicking on the thumbnail images here!

Do you have a favorite resort where you like to stay and completely disconnect? I’d love to hear. If you have any plans to visit the California desert, I would highly recommend camping up at the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage. As Christian and I played bocce ball under bistro lights while listening to live music while we waited for our dinner reservation, and I literally thought – I am never leaving this place.

Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Everyday Fall Neutrals

Big sweaters, stretchy leggings that look like faux leather and the cutest teeny tiny crossbody bag ever – hey October! I like you… a lot. Who doesn’t love a roomy, soft sweater? I snagged this one at Nordstrom and it comes in six colors – I love the olive!

But I can’t go without talking about this military jacket from Nordstrom for the millionth time. I’ve worn it here and here, and I’ve taken it on every trip I’ve gone on since I got it. For under $70, I’ve already gotten a ton of wear out of it, and I think it’s the piece that can help transition outfits not only for fall, but also for spring.

Last but certainly not least, Spanx leggings. I’ve shared my love of their leggings before, but if you don’t have a pair, you’re missing out. I don’t wear my actual Spanx Spanx that often, but the leggings are so smoothing and have the awesome control top – it’s undeniable that they are magic. Nordstrom has an amazing selection!

photos by Vincent Elejorde

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

In partnership with Nordstrom

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Styling Navy and Black

Lately I’ve been toying with navy and black, and I gotta say – I kinda love it. In years past, I wouldn’t even think to pair this combo. But just like wearing white denim year-round, things change and sometimes you find yourself putting things together with an entirely different perspective.

Now – let’s talk about my fall essentials right now – sleeveless sweaters and leather shorts (!!). As much as I love a pair of leather pants, there’s like, a maybe two-week window where I can actually wear them in California without repeating the Ross scene from Friends. So when it comes to leather (or faux leather), shorts and skirts are definitely my preferred way to go (like this skirt).

Would you wear navy and black together? Or tell me your favorite fall fashion “rule” to break! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Glow on the Go

This post is sponsored by Revlon through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsored content that make this blog possible!

I’ve always told you guys that my makeup routine is pretty simple. I’ve always believed that makeup is wonderful to enhance your features, and a great highlighter does just that! Revlon’s PhotoReady Insta-Fix™ Highlighting Stick is so easy to drop in your purse, and it comes in two shades – Gold Light and Pink Light (swatches below). I like the peachy-gold shade to accentuate my olive complexion, and I think the pink would look fab on fairer skin tones.

With a highlighting stick, I like to swipe across my cheekbones, below the arch of my brows, my cupid’s bow and sometimes the inner corner of my eye to illuminate and enhance the features that draw the eye. If you’re looking for a more visual guide I think this is great for showing contouring vs. highlighting. With this product you can also highlight your collarbones if you’re wearing something slinky or strapless! Blend it in with a brush or even just your fingers, and it takes seconds. Voila! You’re freshened up from the desk to drinks in no time.

Revlon’s formula actually has light-filtering technology that creates a re-touched look. Another thing I really love about highlighters is that you can add just a little for a natural, luminous touch or you can layer it for a more dramatic, strobed look. It’s simple and quick, and you can toss this beauty in your bag for a quick touch of glow on the go!

Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Fix™ Highlighting Stick in Pink Light & Gold Light | check CBL on Monday for outfit details!

Do you have a love of highlighters? If you’ve tried Revlon’s, I’d love to hear what you think!

Thank you so much for reading! XO –

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Natural Beaded Rows

You GUYS. I am so excited to share this post because I know I’ve been pretty open about my hair and how I’m always looking to improve my mane, but I’m about to tell you my full hair story. Grab your coffee, because I’m going all in –

Truthfully, I never thought much about my hair until I was Miss Mississippi Teen USA in high school. When you are a state “titleholder,” you have a mentor/sponsor/coach for the year that you are representing your state. My mentor recommended getting hair extensions for Miss Teen USA, something I’d never considered… and so the love affair for big hair began.

I had individual beaded hair extensions, and while it was an all-day experience (I remember handing the stylist each bundle of hair, my beauty low-maintenance mom looking on with both curiosity and probably a little disbelief. Hello 2005!). Afterwards, with my new mane, I felt great!

After I had those extensions taken out in college (let’s be real, my college self could not maintain hair extensions), I purchased a pair of clip-in extensions and have been wearing both clip-ins and halo extensions for the past six or seven years. More about that here.

I have fine hair but a good amount of it, so while (thankfully) I have enough hair to go extension-free most days, I don’t have much volume and am always wanting to add some fullness to what I have going on. After wearing clip-ins for so long, I felt like I was ready for something a little more permanent, but I only wanted to go forward with it if I knew it wouldn’t damage my hair. Having less hair long-term was not something I wanted to risk!

I reached out to Danielle at DKWStyling last year to ask some questions about Natural Beaded Rows – a method of hair extensions I’d never heard about until moving to Orange County. She was really helpful to provide some information on the extensions and the application that she has invented herself (more about it here), and was kind enough to also offer other ways I might be able to achieve the fullness I was looking for.

Cut to last week (!!), when I decided to take the plunge and visit Danielle at her gorgeous salon on the Pacific Coast Highway. The entire process took less than three hours, and I was trying to find excuses to stick around because the salon is so gorgeous (and the team there is seriously so fun). You can actually watch some of my experience here and read about it on DKWStyling here!

Besides the fact that it didn’t take nearly as long as my previous experience, I couldn’t believe how much hair she was able to add and how light it actually was. My extensions are in a horseshoe shape, which is how Danielle was able to add so much fullness in just 1 and 1/2 rows of extensions (for reference I usually used at least three rows of clip-in hair extensions in the past). If you watch her pin up her hair in this tutorial (at about 1:58), you’ll see how the row of extensions is placed in the scalp.

photos taken at Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage

We ended up keeping the hair pretty long for now (about 3-4″ longer than my hair length), but when I have the beaded row tightened in two or so months, I might cut the length closer to my own hair length. I just thought this mermaid mane would be fun to try!

If you’re in the Southern California and have had interest in getting hair extensions that aren’t damaging to your hair, I highly encourage you to connect with Danielle. She has tried almost every method of extensions and has been working with hair for her entire career. She is extremely knowledgeable and beyond helpful with all kinds of hair dilemmas! I had so many questions for her, and she answered all of them with her honest experience.

If you have your own hair saga – I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Isola Ladora Bootie

With the beginning of fall comes… cute booties! And I’m talking about shoes, #duh.

Temperatures in Orange County have been in the 80’s all week, so this is another realistic transitional fall look featuring a dress that I loooooved last year that has been restocked (in two colors!). Sometimes just adding a different shoe can make a big difference in an outfit, so even though this look might be more suitable for warm weather, adding a bootie takes it into fall.

I love how this pair has cutouts on the sides and they come in four colors! The stacked heels adds enough height to lengthen your legs but is short enough to be comfortable for all day wear. Plus, you can get 20% off with code CBLISOLA20!