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!
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:
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!
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.
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 –
– still being amaze at the view from Top of the Rock in NYC –
– and a rooftop brunch –
– missing my brother’s mini dachshund Pollack after keeping her for two weeks –
– and coming home to the September issue of Portico Jackson (and no, I do not deserve a spread… who do I think I am!?) –
– 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 –
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!
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.
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).
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)!
5. Layer in some wooden accents. An accent tray here or a wooden bowl with fruit there.
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!
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!
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
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!
Taking things to the dark side today… that’s one of the many things I love about fashion (and this blog!). You don’t have to put yourself in a “box” of one style category – preppy, girly, edgy, classic, etc. You can be all of it! Isn’t that what Carrie Bradshaw would tell us to do? To wake up and be whoever you want to be, dress however you feel?
Fashion should be fun – always!
I love this classic slip dress. You can wear it so many ways – with a chunky knit sweater, leather jacket, shirt tied around the waist… check out some more inspiration here. Sexy, simple and seriously comfortable – it’s a win, win.
Thank you so much for reading! Sorry last week was a bit of a quieter one. I’ve been in New York for fashion week (if you follow on Instagram or Snapchat: CBLied, you may have seen some of the ridiculous snaps!), BUT when I get home this week, I’m going to hit the ground running. I promise! XO –
I’ve been on the hunt for a bomber for the past few weeks – if you guys follow me on Snapchat (CBLied), you may remember seeing me snap two different pink options. With y’alls help, I settled on this metallic pink lady, and she’s quite comfy (and shiny)! It’s not a pink ladies jacket (I’ll forever be dreaming), but it might just be the next best thing.
If you haven’t already seen, bomber jackets are everywhere for fall, and they’re really the perfect lightweight jacket for cool evenings… before it’s actually like, real cold and you need a real jacket. And this squad tee – I am loving all these hilarious tees right now at Nordstrom! I have this one too, and they’re all really soft.
About a month ago I shared my back-to-school beauty favorites, and I loved hearing all of your feedback (and your own favorites), so I thought it was time for some fall picks!
I’ve gotten some crazy fabulous fall mailers that I am so excited about – and a lot of it is lipstick (because you know I am a lover of a great lip). Today I’m sharing some of my favorites from Urban Decay, L’Oreal and Smashbox –
LIPS:
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick Palettes – for the bold lip girl, this palette is for you! Each palette has a dozen shades from the massive Vice collection, so no matter what kind of mood you’re in, this kit has it all. I really love this palette for travel (it will 100% be in my NYFW beauty bag).
L’oreal Exclusive Colour Riche Privee Collection – love love love! Six L’Oreal Ambassadors customized their ideal lip shade, and you can choose between JLo, Julianne Moore, Eva Longoria, Liya Kebede, Blake Lively and Doutzen Kroes. My personal favorite nude in the lineup would be Eva’s (sun-kissed nude) and for a little more color I really love JLo’s (a deeper berry shade).
Urban Decay’s Vintage Capsule Collection – this lineup is bringing back nine of UD’s original lip shades from 20 years ago – very cool! When I worked in social media for Urban Decay, fans would ask about these shades ALL of the time, particularly Oil Slick (a sheer black) and Pallor (a really flattering lavender gray). I’m so excited to play with these!
EYES:
L’Oreal Volumious Primer Mascara – a great primer is an essential for me. I use one daily! This one is nice and thick and just one coat under a mascara really does wonders for creating thicker lashes.
Urban Decay’s Naked Ultimate Basics – I use my Naked1 and 2 Basics palettes every single day. I use them for my eyeshadow as well as my brows, and sometimes even to contour! I love matte shades, and this matte eyeshadow palette contains 12 brand new must-have neutrals. This palette is neutral enough for all skin tones, and I know it’s currently sold out but keep tabs on this baby because trust me, you need it.
COMPLEXION:
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer – I know I’ve blogged about this before here, but it’s because it’s the best. And I’m not the only one who thinks so – it’s won numerous awards and has over 5k reviews on Sephora.com. This formula fills in lines and helps to make your foundation or beauty balm go on so silky smooth – it’s like a real-life airbrushed filter. For your face. All day.
Smashbox Studio Skin Foundation – designed to last for 15 hours (that’s no joke), this foundation is the kind you wear for long days when you need to look great from sunrise to sunset. I’ll be wearing it to NYFW for sure, and it’s lightweight enough that it doesn’t cake like so many foundations do.
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil – I’ve been so excited to try this! This is a blend of 15 essential and plant oils that moisturize the face and create that dewy, youthful skin we all want. This primer sits on top of your skin to smooth its texture, while it absorbs directly into the skin to hydrate and boost moisture. This is good stuff (and good for you!).
Urban Decay UD Pro Brushes – these brushes are cruelty-free and the handles are from recycled aluminum. Synthetic brush hair doesn’t hold onto bacteria the way animal hair can, so synthetic brushes are not only easier to clean, but also more hygienic for your face (which you should always treat like gold!). Some of my must-haves: the contour definition, finger brush and the eyeshadow brush.
Have you guys tried any of these products? I’d love to hear what you think! And if your a lipstick lover, please look into some of these lip shades. I think you will love them – the formulas are so rich and nourishing, I’m so excited about pulling out some darker shades for fall!
Thanks so much for reading – hope you guys had a wonderful long weekend! XO –
– a short visit to Oxford, Mississippi for the burial of our sweet Edie’s ashes –
– a walk around the Square with my Dad –
– and back home after several weeks of travel –
– gearing up for a long weekend at home with my guy (and a binge-sesh of The Night Of) –
– catching up on work and treating myself to happy hour for one –
Reunited and it feels so good! I’ve been home all week and have a few more days before I head to New York. It’s been so wonderful to be back in my space and routine. I always feel like my best self when I’m home – it’s the control-freak in me, I confess.
Christian is on call this weekend, but now that he is senior call I can tell a big difference. In years past, “on call” meant Christian’s pager was going off constantly and he would be in and out all 24-hours of the day. Lately it’s meant a few calls here and there, but rarely something that takes him away all day. This is a huge milestone (or at least I think so)! We won’t be going far from the house this weekend so that he can stay close to the hospital, but after traveling so much, I have no complaints.
AND, some exciting news – Morning Lavender is having a summer sale and several of the pieces from the CBL for ML collection are marked down up to 50% off with code Summer2016! Cute cute cuuuuttteee – if you’re looking for any off the shoulder pretty things, they have you set!
What do you guys have planned this weekend? If you’re laying low like me, I recommend The Night Of on HBO. It’s like Serial-podcast-turned-TV-show. Amazingness! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
Can you believe Labor Day weekend is here? Could summer be coming to an end already!? One of Christian’s coworkers is getting married this weekend (my sister is also celebrating her wedding anniversary – 11 years, cheers!), and it got me thinking about… what on earth am I going to wear?
I’ve shared with y’all that since moving to California several years ago I gravitate toward light, breezy colors. Over the years, light pinks, creams, gray and white fill the majority of my closet. Of course, when you’re a wedding or engagement party guest, you want to steer as far away from whites and creams as possible! It’s the bride’s time to shine, and I usually prefer to wear a fun color instead.
SO, I thought this coral jersey dress would be the perfect late summer cocktail dress for a wedding. This little dress comes in eight colors! You know it’s a popular pick if it’s offered in every color of the rainbow (insert praise hands), which means it looks great on lots of body types because of the draping of the material.
Like everyone else, I’ve been wearing off the shoulder tops since this spring – I’m addicted! I’ve always loved this style, but it used to be so hard to find. Not anymore, my friend! Nordstrom has so many great pieces, and with fall around the corner, there are still so many pieces to work into the season.
For those of you wondering about the bra situation, I recently shared my favorite undergarments including strapless bras here. Check out the scrolling widget above for more picks than just these three – and all of them are under $100!
Do you have a favorite top from summer that you can’t stop wearing? Mine would probably be any white off-the-shoulder number. All day.
