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.

navy shirtdresssteve madden heelsdkw stylingritz carlton rancho miragebalayage hair extensionsava sandal

photos taken at Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage

dress c/o Hutch, similar options here, here and here | bag – Chanel, similar look for less here | heels – Steve Madden (sold out), love these | necklace – H&M, love this one | sunglasses | cable bracelet 1, 2, 3, 4 | gold bangles | gold alligator bangle

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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wayf shift dress

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!

ladora bootiedenim jacket around the waistburgundy dresscarrie bradshaw liedcarrie bradshaw lied blogwayf shift dressbalayage hair brunette

photos by Jenny Megenney

 

booties c/o Isola, get 20% off your order with code CBLISOLA20 | dress (comes in 2 colors!), love this lace version | denim jacket | bag | sunglasses | watch | cable bracelet 1, 2, 3, 4

What was your first pair of ankle booties you pulled out? Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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blush off the shoulder top

I’m going to be honest, I’ve been wearing sweaters even though it’s (still) hot outside because… I am who I am. I love a closet shift just as much as the next girl, but sometimes I have to be realistic! We’ve had the well known “Santa Ana winds” coming through Orange County, so on days that I know I will be in outdoor temps, I have to prep my transitional real-weather looks.

This off the shoulder top is one of my favorite colors, a light beige-pink that is so versatile. I recently bought these heels at Nordstrom because I saw them on the queen of shoes, Jenn of Haute off the Rack! They were so cute on her teeny feet, so I knew I had to have them. I think they’re going to go with everything and add a little more interest than your usual nude ankle strap heel.

I actually snagged this entire look from Nordstrom, which is my favorite one-stop-shop for finding pieces at all price ranges – under $50 to luxe investment pieces. I mean… where else can you buy a designer bag AND $12 sunglasses on the same visit!? Because seriously, I’ve snagged both there. Christian, look away!

prada saffiano bagraw hem jeanscarrie bradshaw liedbalayage hairava sandalscarrie bradshaw liedtransitional fall outfitblush off the shoulder topsteve madden ava heelnude strappy sandal

photos by Vincent Elejorde

 

top (comes in 3 more colors here!), also love this one and this one | denim, if you’re in between two sizes I would size down | heels | scarf – found in store, similar option scarf | similar bag for less here | sunglasses | watch | cable bracelet 1, 2, 3, 4

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

In partnership with Nordstrom

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NYFW street style

If there’s a leather skirt you need in your closet, this is the one. I bought this skirt from Zara years ago, and I still manage to wear it every fall and winter.  It looks great with a crop top to a turtleneck, and I’ve worn it with strappy sandals, ankle boots (blog post here), and over-the-knee boots.

It is a super flattering length and a versatile piece that belongs in your arsenal of staples.

And secondly… can we talk about these gold doors?! How gorgeous! Nikki and I passed them when we were walking to get a quick dinner the first night we landed in New York, and we both agreed we’d have to come back to snap of a photo of their majestic-ness. Gold and pink – is there anything better?

kathleen barnesrockstud bagblack pleated leather skirtcarrie bradshaw liedcarrie bradshaw lied blogblack crop topjulie vos gold chainlink braceletcarrie bradshaw lied

photos by Angie Garcia

 

skirt – Zara (old), nearly identical here and here, love this short version and this one is on sale! | similar crop top here (on sale!), here (on sale!), here (on sale!) and here | bag | heels (60% off!), also available here – revamped version here and I have and love these | gold chainlink bracelet | gold alligator cuff | sunglasses | gold bangles | lipstick in Bittersweet

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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antiqued mirrored vase

– fresh white roses from C –

the couple next door

– a new book I can’t wait to devour! –

salt water taffy

– maybe the best taffy I’ve ever had –

decorating with pumpkins

– beginning the white pumpkin party in our house –

clean water initiative

– the most amazing mug that starts my day remembering how blessed we are and to give back to those who need help, thanks to The Her Initiative and Aria Paperie

Hey Friday – I come to you by way of watching The Voice blind auditions. I’ve never really watched more than bits and pieces of this show, but it’s so exciting! I literally have butterflies the entire time, wanting each contestant to get the feedback and opportunity I know they’ve dreamt of their whole life.  I think I’m getting too emotionally invested over here.

Also – I want Alicia Keys to be my life mentor. She is so infectious and something about her energy – she is so inspirational to me! I think this is my favorite song of hers, I used to sing this song in my car hard.

SO, let’s talk about the weekend, shall we? Christian and I have plans to go to the desert for a little getaway at the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage, and we’ve been looking forward to it for weeks. His stress levels have been a little higher than usual lately, so I think he really needs some time to unwind.

This week I worked on a few fun projects I’m really excited to share! A Halloween makeup video tutorial with Urban Decay, I shot some blog posts for some fun fall collaborations and I got a vamped-up mane thanks to my friends at DKWStyling! All to come on CBL. Thank you guys for supporting this little space that makes these kinds of projects possible!

AND, because you guys know I’m a lover of all things TV (I’m not bragging about this… I recognize loving television is not the coolest hobby… but I am who I am), I’m STOKED fall shows are back. I think I’m going to add This Is Us to my arsenal of shows because it looks like a good one.  What shows are you excited to welcome back?

Thanks so much for reading, and have a beautiful weekend! XO –

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high waisted black jeans

While packing for NYFW this year, I thought I would pack more casual pieces than I usually do. The first few times I went to Fashion Week, I stressed more than I should about having the “right” clothes and wanting to look/feel like I belonged in that scene (to avoid feeling uncomfortable or like the new girl).

Then I realized… pssshhhh! Who cares!?

August was a packed month for me, so I didn’t have as much time to mentally prepare for NYFW, pulling looks or borrowing luxe pieces. I knew I wanted to squeeze in more fun this time around, so bringing more casual pieces would be more more comfortable and practical.

I headed to Nordstrom to peruse their transitional fall pieces and found so many gems! I love the look of a bodysuit but have had a hard time finding one that is long enough for my torso. This one is plenty long (and runs true to size) and comes in two colors. I think it’s a great layering piece and would be perfect with jeans, shorts or a skirt. I got this bag last year and love that they’ve extended the style in so many colors and textures. The suede one is seriously gorge.

Topshop at Nordstrom has a denim collection like no other, and if you don’t have any highwaisted jeans yet… I think you need a pair. Like, now.

regan bagblack ripped jeanscarrie bradshaw liedregan bagnude ankle strap heelscamoflauge jacketrebecca minkoff green baghow to style a bodysuitstyling camoflauge

 

bodysuit, also love this one and this one | camo shirt, also love this jacket | high waisted denim, love these too | bag, also love these colors | sunglasses | cuff | watch | similar heels

Thank you so much for reading! And if you were following along all of the NYFW snaps on social media, I’d love to hear what kind of looks you gravitate towards – funky and interesting OR looks you would actually wear in your city?

XO –

In partnership with Nordstrom

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carrie bradshaw lied

All dressed up and nowhere to go?

Not so fast.

Sometimes we see pieces we love and think, “but where would I wear that?”  That’s what I love about not only this look, but also the LC Lauren Conrad Runway Collection.  It combines luxe sophistication, a little bit of edge, and everyday textures to create looks that you can wear to a date night with your guy, movies with the girls or even to work.

When I lived in Mississippi, there was a Kohl’s not far from work and I would pick up pieces from the Lauren Conrad collection for the office all the time. I love all the soft pastels and florals – five years later, I’m still loving this collection.

Getting dressed has always been fun for me – I love playing in my closet and trying new things. There’s no reason it shouldn’t be that way for everyone! Take a versatile sweater like this one, and add some fun with these raw silk shorts or this slinky, feminine skirt. Try combining some of your closet staples with a more fun, eye-catching piece.  AND if you remember the advice from my tv host girlfriend Emily Loftiss here, wearing a statement piece is a great conversation starter (and memorable for those who meet you).

carrie bradshaw liedlight pink heelslc lauren conrad for kohlslight pink prada bagpink prada bag

sweater c/o, also love this one | shorts c/o, romper version here, also got and love this skirt | heels | bag | sunglasses

A few promo codes going on right now at Kohl’s…

9/15 – 9/25 – $10 off select women’s fall styles $50 or more with code RUNWAY

9/15-9/25 – 15% off with code SEPTFALL15

9/15-9/25 – 20% off $100 with code SEPTFALL20

PS – the RUNWAY promo code is stackable with SEPTFALL15 and SEPTFALL20!

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

Brought to you by Kohl’s 

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style week OC

This past weekend, I joined some of Orange County’s biggest fashion lovers for a fab night in Newport Beach at Fashion Island for Style Week OC! I love this NPB runway show. I shared peeks into my favorite looks from 2014 here and 2013 here (last year I missed the show when I was in New York), and something about the giant palm trees behind this runway… it’s just dreamy.

I remember when I first attended the show right after I moved here thanks to a new friend, Kat Nyugen, and I was so excited to be a small part of this Style Week scene.  Even three years later, now managing CBL full-time and hosting a meet & greet at Rebecca Taylor after the show… I still feel that way.  What I love about Fashion Island and the people who work there is how friendly and un-pretentious they are. I’ve always felt so welcomed when shopping there (not to mention eating at all the delish restaurants), and I love that – high fashion doesn’t have to be unattainable!

The runway show combined casual looks at Anthropologie and Nordstrom with luxe pieces from Rebecca Taylor, Trina Turk and Halston Heritage. There’s always a little something for everyone – and a whole lot of inspiration.

You can shop these looks at Fashion Island or if you’re not in the Orange County area, you can find some of these pieces here:

 

halstontrina turknordstrom fall 2016rebecca taylorSWOCmini skirtwhite jumpsuitpom pom taupe sweaterwhite midi skirtmenswear 2016style week OCrebecca taylor orange countyOTK boots

Thank you to everyone who came to say hi at Rebecca Taylor after the show! I loved meeting each and every one of you, and I hope y’all are as excited about fall fashion as I am.  Give me all the boots, fur and scarves!

Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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lela rose stationery

The Southerner in me can always appreciate a handwritten note.  For as long as I can remember, I’ve kept a list at birthdays and Christmas of who I needed to write, and the older I’ve gotten (when everything seems to be digital), receiving something in the mail is a thoughtful surprise. My favorite handwritten notes usually come from my grandmother, and seeing that I still owe her a thank you for a gift she gave me in Oxford last month, I knew she would love receiving one of these feminine cards.

Papyrus has a vision for products of quality inspired by a love of art and craftsmanship. Their products set a new standard of stationery with their handmade artistic designs with the high quality and attention to detail and embellishments that they’re known for.  Rooted in the fashion world, they’ve had a  presence in NYFW the past 9 seasons.

As a nod to Fashion Week, this season Papyrus is launching a brand-new designer collaboration with Lela Rose – one of my favorite shows to attend at NYFW! What’s even more exciting is that this is one of the very first fashion designer partnerships in the greeting card industry. Lela Rose’s card collection is inspired by her use of beautiful textured fabrics, feminine patterns and embellishments, as well as bold colors and patterns. I think she really captures silhouettes that complement the feminine, sexy woman – and you know I love that she’s a Texas girl.

lela rosecarrie bradshaw lied homefashion stationerywriting a thank you notelela rose for papyruscarrie bradshaw liedgreeting card

And then sometimes… you even find a little something in your closet that makes you feel as fun and flirty as one of the beautiful illustrations –

carriebradshawliedchicwish floral dresscarrie bradshaw lied blog

stationery | slipcovered chairs | pom pom blanket | table – antique (DIY makeover here) similar style here and here | painting – by my madre | similar hide rug | similar maxi dress here and here | cashmere scarf | cup & saucer | earrings – sold out, love these and these | floral dress | nude pumps, look for less here

 

Thank you so much for reading! And you can shop the entire Lela Rose stationery collection at Papyrus here.. XO –

Brought to you by Papyrus

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view from the top of the rock

– still being amaze at the view from Top of the Rock in NYC –

mimosa

– and a rooftop brunch –

dappled dachschund

– missing my brother’s mini dachshund Pollack after keeping her for two weeks –

portico jackson

– and coming home to the September issue of Portico Jackson (and no, I do not deserve a spread… who do I think I am!?) –

cowrie shell necklace

– snagging this cowrie shell statement necklace at H&M –

Happy Friday! I wanted to share a Friday’s Five last week, but I had just gotten to New York Wednesday evening, and it just didn’t feel like I had enough personal time to put together the kind of post I wanted to put together. SO, I’ll save all the goods for today!

I came home to two happy pets and a sweet husband who had left roses by the bed for me (and had stocked the refrigerator with food!). The. Best.  I spent Wednesday in my usual OCD routine of deep cleaning the house and doing laundry, so from Thursday on I’ve been able to focus on catching up with CBL and enjoying my normal life before… going to Europe for two weeks in October!!  It kind of just came together really naturally, and while sadly C cannot join (no surprise there), I’ll be traveling with one of my closest blog friends.  I’ve been fortunate to travel to Europe a few times, but we are visiting some countries we’ve never seen, so it will be a bucket list adventure!

I was so honored to be in the September issue of Portico Jackson (only available to those in Jxn, Mississippi). The majority of my life these days is digital, but my dream job (and first job!) was to work at a magazine, so holding paper in my hands is the most rewarding feeling.  I have a portfolio of pieces I’ve written for different publications since college, and now to add stories printed about me feels utterly bizarre.  I’m truly honored.

This weekend will be a quiet one before a sweet getaway with Christian next weekend, but before that comes Style Week OC! I’ll be a the Fashion Island runway show at 6:30 tonight, but I’ll also be hosting a meet & greet at the Rebecca Taylor store at Fashion Island from 7 – 9PM tonight! If you’re in the Newport Beach area, I would love, love LOVE to meet you!

Thank you so much for reading. I hope all of you have a great weekend – XO –

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incorporating fall into your home decor

Today I’m sharing my tips for incorporating fall into your home decor with Seven Daughters Wine (and it doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy a bunch of stuff).  Because who doesn’t love a little vino while decorating!?

Especially since I’ve lived in California, bringing some seasonal changes into your life largely depend on choice, as we all know that we kind of have one season out here. The temperature has definitely dropped in our neighborhood lately, so we have had all the windows and doors open again – it was magic after a hot summer! AND it made pulling out these fall decor elements that much more fun.

SO, let’s get into it, shall we? Some of my favorite ways to add some seasonal touches in our home without breaking the bank –

1. Add some fur. It’s no secret I love faux fur, and a heavy fur blanket and/or some pillows add a warm and rich element to any room. I love these Mongolian fur pillows, this blanket makes its way all throughout our house, and I found some rabbit fur throw pillow cases (repurposed from a vintage jacket) on Etsy years ago that I still move in different rooms depending on my mood!

three legged cat white mongolian fur throw pillow rabbit fur pillow

2. Toss some chunky blankets in the mix.  I am somewhat of a blanket hoarder – I can never have too many! Adding a chunky knit blanket to a sofa or chair instantly adds some coziness to any space.

beige knit throw blanket seven daughters wine gray and white blanket carrie bradshaw lied home labrador retriever sleepingdecorative ladder

3. Add candles or diffuse essential oils – I love fir, orange and lemon. You can find other fall blends here! I’m also going to tell you my money-saving candle secret… I often buy my candles at Big Lots. They’re around $5, and you can buy several so that you don’t feel like you have to save your candles for the evenings or weekends. I have oils diffusing or candles burning pretty much all day and night. I love them (and so do pet owners).

essential oil diffuser bringing fall into your home decor

4. Add a wreath, it doesn’t have to be on the front door. Don’t get me wrong, I also love a front door wreath, but there are all kinds of beautiful decorative wreaths you can hang in your home (temporarily or permanently, like this one or this one), along with several DIY ones. I made the one below with leftover wedding programs from our wedding (tutorial here – and be prepared to laugh at the photo quality of this blog four years ago)!

making a paper wreath seven daughters

5.  Layer in some wooden accents. An accent tray here or a wooden bowl with fruit there.

antiqued serving tray wooden coasters

6. Put in a fireplace DVD – I’m serious! Sadly I haven’t had a fireplace in three or so years, so I bought this dvd as “kind of” a joke at first… and then I fell in love with it. They have multiple videos (campfire, modern fireplace, classic, etc.), and listening to the fire crackle is so relaxing.  Christian and I put this dvd in on Saturday and he fell asleep on the sofa like it was a sound machine.  Watch a clip example here, and tell me what you think!

digital fireplace fireplace dvd

7. Pour a glass of red wine or make a fall sangria. I love a crisp white wine in the summer, but as soon as the temperature drops I’m all for a rich red wine. Seven Daughter’s Rich Red Blend is one of my go-to’s for fall and winter. What is better than a blanket, real (or faux) fire and tall glass of red wine? Not a thing. Especially when The Affair comes back on soon… I am addicted to that show!

pinot noir

 

You can check out more of my home in the home category of this site (including this recent room makeover).  I also think adding decorative birch branches (like these), cranberry branches (Trader Joes always has them!), and white or gray pumpkins can be great fall touches. For the bedroom, swapping out the quilt at the foot of the bed and tossing in some fur pillows can be nice touches too.

Would love to hear any of your favorite ways to subtly decorate for fall without breaking the bank! Thanks so much for reading – XO

Brought to you by Seven Daughters Wine

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fall must haves

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 in After Dark | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

 

I just got home from almost a week in New York, and I have to thank you guys for being so patient. I know I skipped a few days of posting (not my norm) due to a busier-than-usual schedule. I almost stayed up until the wee hours of the AM to try to get some content up so I wouldn’t go MIA, but I chose to live in the moment and get some rest when I could.  BUT I’m back in my normal surroundings, and I have a lot of fun content planned for the next few weeks that I’m really excited about sharing!

So let’s talk about this week’s wish list.  Fall is around the corner (pumpkin spiced everything is on the shelves, which is like a seasonal stomach/hunger alarm – PS, did you know you could order a regular latte and just ask for a pump or two of pumpkin syrup? I just realize this, #mindblown), and it’s time to start thinking about those fall items you’ll want to snag to refresh last year’s fall collection!  I snagged these booties when they were at a reduced for a price match (so keep your eye out). They come in eight colors, and this shade is a like a blush-taupe that’s really, really pretty.

Y’all have seen me wear this jacket so many times on Instagram (and in this post and this post), it’s seriously the most practical clothing piece I’ve purchases for fall so far. I have these earrings in multiple colors, but the light pink is definitely the pair I wear the most. I got this bag in the army green leather last year and got so many compliments, army and olive green go with almost everything! I love this suede version.

As for beauty, I’m loving a plum lip, and this formula is one of my lipstick go-to’s (I love a matte lip, but I can’t handle how drying it is, this one is the perfect balance, called a “comfort matte”).

These are some of my favorite staples and must-haves. Anything I missed? I’d love to hear yours!

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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