Last week, I went on my first duffy boat picnic with some girlfriends and lots of Seven Daughters Wine and let’s just say – it was a party! I’ve rented duffy boats for my old job when we would have business opportunities come into town, but I mean, load up your girlfriends and rent a boat by the hour and it’s a different kind of day.
I am loving this wine-in-a-can trend, and it’s one of the best accessories for an outdoor event. Picnics, bbq’s, outdoor concerts, beach days, pool time, duffying – cans are so easy to throw in your bag! We brought Seven Daughter’s recently released Moscato cans, and they were the perfect bubbly to pair with a cheese plate and fruit (and lots of other snacks we had in tow).
I brought along some sparkling water and lemons in case anyone wanted a spritzer – I love a summer spritzer!
Thanks so much for reading! Have you tried wine in a can yet? What are your thoughts?
And if you’ve had your own duffy day or booze cruise – do tell! I’m still trying to see if I can find an airbnb-on-a-boat situation, how fun would that be!? XO –
– finding these barely worn Sophia Webster Angeline heels at a consignment store for 1/4 of the price-
– a beach day with my favorite guy –
– and some of my favorite girls! –
– the most amazing meal at AnQi that I can’t stop thinking about (and am sad all my leftovers are now gone), if you’re in the OC area I would highly recommend this spot for the most delicious Asian Fusion I’ve ever had –
– a new addition to our living room wall, the sweetest cotton watercolor from Anna Cate Home, it reminds me of my grandmother’s house in the Mississippi Delta! –
Happy Friday! Last Friday I was welcoming some of my Louisiana girlfriends town and today my sister and her family have arrived for some Southern CA family time. They’ll be spending the majority of their time in LA with my brother’s family (I’m always the afterthought as the sibling with no kids… if you can relate, please comment so I know I’m not alone!), but I definitely plan to pop in and hang out with everyone – it’s rare to have all the siblings and cousins in one place!
I had a lot of fun being a tourist in my own city over the past week – renting a duffy boat on the Harbor (more about that Monday!), hopping around Newport Beach and riding bicycles to dinner. Now I am trying to kick the work mode in high gear before I leave town – and I’m thankful to have the Olympics to keep me company! What is your favorite sport to watch?
And I can’t go without oogling one more time about this new print. Isn’t it the sweetest? The gold frame is so fabulous too – I love how much it makes the wall pop.
That’s about all I have for now – I hope you guys have a beautiful weekend! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
Christian and I knew we wanted to travel as much as possible when we got married, and when we moved to California six months after we were hitched, it made it even easier to take weekend trips to places we had never been. I’ve now been working on Carrie Bradshaw Lied full-time for almost a year, and it’s made the opportunity to travel much easier. Even when it means I have to leave Christian behind because his schedule is not as flexible (insert sad face).
Last week I teased that I was heading on an international adventure soon, and today I wanted to share that I’ll be heading to Geneva, Switzerland to explore and share my experience with all of you! I will be traveling with the Geneva Tourism. While I visited Zurich almost ten years ago, I know there is so much more of Switzerland to see.
I am sharing some of my tips for packing light – the more I travel, the more I learn, so scroll down for my best advice!
1. Plan Ahead
I plan out every outfit ahead of time. This means it might take me longer than most to pack, BUT I am almost always fully prepared for my travel days and don’t have to spend time thinking, “what am I going to wear today?” It also eliminates packing unnecessary items that I don’t need and that will take up extra room in my suitcase.
2. 4-Wheel Suitcase
I used two-wheeled rolling suitcases foreevvvvveerrr, until my large, checked luggage wheel broke and it was time to replace it (I always go with Samsonite or Travelpro for checked luggage). I replaced it with a four-wheeled Travelpro, and it made my two-wheeled rolling carryon feel so heavy once I had to pull it again! I knew when it was time to replace my Hartmann carryon, four wheels was a must. This new Henri Bendel lady just glides without putting any strain on your upper body. It’s a major upgrade, and I am so excited to start traveling with it!
3. Protective Cover
If you’re going to have nice luggage, you have to think about how you will protect it in different scenarios. Now that everyone carries on, I like to be prepared if I have to check my bag at my gate, and a protective cover can mean everything! This Henri Bendel piece comes with one, but if yours doesn’t – don’t fret, Amazon has tons of great options. I keep it rolled up in my suitcase just in case I need it.
4. Shoe, Lingerie and Laundry Bags
I’ve used these since high school, and it’s a no-brainer. Who wants the bottom of their dirty shoe to be right next to their underwear and pajamas!? I separate all my items – shoes, undergarments, dirty laundry, jewelry, etc.
5. Slippers
When I stay at a hotel with disposable slippers, I usually stash the extra pair and keep them in a shoe bag to take on my next trip.
6. Portable Battery Pack
Christian upgraded me to this cell phone battery charger for my birthday, and it’s my new bff! I had a mophie that provided one full charge, but this one packs 5.8 charges and has two ports to charge multiple phones at once. I never travel without an extra battery pack!
I don’t go anywhere without this guy. My old steamer recently broke after a faithful seven or eight years, and this one is so small, much lighter in weight and steams really well. If you’re looking for a small handheld steamer, I would highly recommend this one (and it’s only $30).
Can you guys believe that we are already well into August? I feel like that happened real fast, but truthfully, summer is my least favorite time of year (I know, I know, that’s not a popular thing to say). I don’t mind the idea of putting away swimsuits and pulling out light sweaters and hats.
Fall is my favorite season of the year though, so trust – I will be mega excited for September to begin! On that note, it’s almost that time of year when we’re all looking in our closet and wondering how we can combine summer and fall for that “transitional” fall look. I think there are lots of ways to do this successfully, and choosing certain colors (think berry, olive green, rust, caramel, etc.) + layering is the easiest way to go about it in my book. Try tying a denim or military style jacket around your waist and adding some lace- up sandals – I love the stacked heel on this pair! PS – I just bought these pretty ladies and they are so pretty and comfortable. They’re a designer dupe – and the Chanel pair costs $1,500.
Trying pairing a sweatshirt with shorts for date nights, and add a pair of booties if you scored a deal on one of the great pairs in the Nordstrom Sale. Do you have a go-to transitional fall look? Do share –
Boyfriend jeans are probably my most worn style of denim. They’re incredibly comfortable and versatile, so what’s not to love? I also think they work for almost any body type, and can be dressed up or down incredibly easy.
Add a feminine top and some stilettos to balance out the masculinity of the denim – it’s the perfect combination of ladylike and cool. OR trying styling them with a loose sweater tucked in the front with a belt and pumps! Boyfriend jeans with sleek stilettos is my favorite way to to dress up the casual look. When I’m not dressing them up, I wear them with a knotted cotton tank and slip-on flats.
I styled this pair with these heels that I snagged at major discount at a consignment shop, and a bag that I recently splurged on after stalking online for quite some time. If anyone believes in the phrase #treatyoself, it’s this gal (insert salsa dancer emoji)!
denim – sold out, similar styles here (50% off!) and here (40% off!) OR you can learn how to make your own here! | cami – sold out, nearly identical style here and here | heels available here and here | bag | mirrored sunglasses – I have these in four colors and wear them constantly | watch | necklace | cable bracelet 1, 2, 3, 4 | earrings
Thanks so much for reading! If you have a favorite way to wear boyfriend jeans I’d love to hear. XO –
I had never seen the “maxi jumpsuit” until a few months ago, and I thought it was the most brilliant combination I’d ever seen! It reminded me of elementary school when my friends and I would all wear shorts under our uniform skirts so we wouldn’t be restricted in dodgeball – true story.
To have the flow and femininity of the maxi skirt but with the comfort and flexibility of the shorts. What’s not to love? So I was so excited to include this piece with the CBL collection for Morning Lavender, but of course it has already sold out for the second time. BOO! But if you’re loving this trend, there’s another amazing maxi jumpsuit in the collection (I wore it here) that is still available.
And don’t mind the bruises on my shins… I’m always collecting bruises and not knowing where they come from. It just shows how ever graceful I am!
– the prettiest rockstud heels under $70 that are one of the best looks for less I’ve seen in quite a while –
– the launch of my girlfriend Jen’s Gigi New York bag, the Jenni Crossbody! You can get 20% off with the code HAUTE20 –
– finding stalks of greenery at the grocery store, and I have no idea what it’s called but I am in love –
– finally making it to the Pageant of the Masters and being so impressed (catch a video about this here) –
– a sneak peek to some photos taken by Beth Morgan in Malibu –
Happy Friiidddaaayyy!! This one is a little extra fun because I have some girlfriends in town, and we have some fun plans ahead in the next few days! July was such a calm month, but August kicks up in a major with lots of visitors (three sets of out-of-state visitors to be exact), a trip back to Mississippi AND an international traveling opportunity that I can’t wait to share more about.
We are having an LA play day today and then I am so excited for Christian to hang out with my friends. I know it may sound crazy, but these are some of my closest friends I’ve made in the past few years and Christian has only actually met one of them. ONE! He is a head and neck surgery resident, which means I hardly even see him… and that my friends have joked that I’m “catfishing” them about being married at all. So he magically has this weekend off, and I am excited for him to meet my hilarious friends and for them to see that I haven’t made him up!
Now I have a fridge full of rosé, I just need the girls to drink it. Cheers to the weekend! And don’t forget that the #NSale ends this weekend, so now is your chance to scoop up anything you’ve had your eye on before the prices go up! You can see all of my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale posts at the top of this page under “Nordstrom Sale Series.” Have a beautiful weekend you guys! XO –
I’m always trying out new beauty products, and even though I’ve told you guys I’m more of a clothes-girl rather than beauty-girl, I want to share my favorite products every now and then in a “Beauty Lately” series. You can see all of these posts and other beauty faves in the “Beauty” category of CBL!
I have some skincare and makeup items I’ve been really loving the past few weeks, and I wanted to put together a favorites roundup just in time for back to school! Let’s be honest… I’m a feewww years past going to school BUT the end of summer and start of fall will always feel that way! I love hearing the sound of the football team practicing when I’m walking Bailey, the pumpkin everything that starts coming around and the packs of pens and pencils ready to be picked up at Target…
SO without further chatting – let’s dive in (because it’s going to be a long one!) –
SKINCARE:
Clarisonic Mia FIT (on sale through Sunday!): I’ve been a longtime lover of Clarisonic. My mom gave me one yeeeeaarrrsss ago that I continue to use, but it’s on its last leg and this little lady arrived just in time for a fresh start! I like to use my device 1-2x a week to really get a good scrub on my face and neck. Nothing cleans your face like a Clarisonic.
Thayers Witch Hazel: I call my sister “inner hippie,” and she has lots of natural tips and tricks that I’ve shared interest in (more about my guru sister here!). For my birthday she put together a package of some of her favorite things and this was one of them. I use it as a toner, and I have to say… it smells amazing.
Oribe Texturizing Spray: I’ve heard so many girls rave about this product so I knew I wanted to try it out! I really love the scent, and it acts as a dry shampoo but I think it also helps add volume. I don’t use it as often as I’d like because it is expensive, but it’s good stuff (better than my usual drugstore dry shampoo pickup).
Diptyque Rose Lotion: Also a little on the pricey side for a lotion, but I save this lotion for date nights or special occasions and it smells intoxicating. You can’t go wrong with Diptyque candles or scents – they are phenomenal.
L’Oreal Purify and Mattify Clay Mask: Is there anything better than a hot shower, fluffy robe, face mask and glass of wine? That is literally my mecca. This mask smells like a visit to the spa and I love love love it. L’Oreal has a new collection of face masks and while they are all amazing, this one is my favorite!
Kate Somerville Moisturizer: I’ve loved Kate Somerville from the first time I tried it, and their cleanser and moisturizer is one of my favorites for everyday. They’re luxe and nourishing but not as heavy as most intense moisturizers. I visited their salon in Beverly Hills a month or so ago and it was the most fabulous facial I’ve ever had. If you have a chance to visit – I can’t recommend it enough!
First Aid Beauty: Another skincare brand I really love (their SPF is my go-to), I’ve been trying their Illuminating Moisturizer and it has a little shimmer that’s really pretty for daytime. I also love this hydrating serum of theirs, and I use it before applying face lotion.
Le Labo Solid Perfume: I’ve never tried a wax perfume, but this tiny container packs a lot of fragrance and it’s cruelty-free and vegan (which I extra love). They have all kinds of fabulous scents, and I’ve been wearing the Santal 33 which is gender-neutral (I love a masculine scent), and this one has some sandalwood. So good!
I warned you guys this was a long one! Scroll down for my beauty picks!
BEAUTY:
Urban Decay: You guys know I have a love history with UD, and their fall lineup packs a serious color punch. They have a new collection of liquid liners that is beyond fabulous (I love a liquid liner), and their one-and-done complexion cream is one of my favorites this summer. They’ve also recently released some color correcting liquids and I LOVE them!
Pixi MultiBalm: I have this lip balm in several colors, and I’m really loving it! My favorites are the Baby Petal and Wild Rose, and I usually layer it with a lipgloss.
T3 Whirl Trio: I had seen so many beauty girls using this wand, and I wasn’t convinced it was any better than the wands I have. I was so wrong! This wand has three interchangeable barrels and heats up super fast. It holds curls all day and night – and for me this is HUGE. My hair is very fine and doesn’t hardly hold any curl, so a product that can make volume last is a big deal for me! The price is steep, but when you think about what you would spend on three quality wands, it’s actually a great deal.
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer & Matte Liquid Lipstick: If I need my makeup to last for a long time, a primer can make a gigantic difference. I’ve heard Smashbox has a great primer, but it wasn’t until I tried it myself that I was convinced. And I talked about my love of matte liquid lipsticks in this post here, but I they are incredible. They are incredibly long-wear, and I love how many neutral shades they offer. My favorites so far are Stepping Out, Babe Alert and Dream Huge.
Hourglass Foundation Stick & Brush: I shared my love of this duo on Snapchat (CBLied), but it’s a combo of foundation and concealer in one, and it is magic. They say the formula adjusts to your body temperature to seamlessly blend into your skin, but I’ll tell you this – it’s so silky and blends incredibly easily. Perfect for quick foundation – it literally takes seconds to blend! I mean, just read the 1,000+ reviews. This is not a drill!
Ok, my novel has concluded! Do you guys like these beauty roundups or is it overwhelming? I want to find the most efficient and helpful way to share my skin and beauty finds with you guys from time to time, so if you have suggestions, I’d love to hear!
I know you guys are probably thinking, “is she ever going to stop talking about this Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?” I get it. It’s a LOT… but the sale officially ends this Sunday, so this is your last chance to score a major deal on that item you’ve been lusting.
I always use this sale as an opportunity to get a splurge item I might not have taken the plunge on at full-price. I’ve actually snagged a pair of Frye boots almost every year! I think my go-to items during this major sale are probably boots and denim. SO today, I’m sharing some of my favorite picks from the items left in the sale, and you can see more than just the pieces in the collage in the scrolling widget above.
I’ve said this before, but when I moved to California from Mississippi, I slowly stopped wearing as much black. I guess living in such a beachy place made me subconsciously lean toward lighter, breezy colors. BUT, when I slip on a great pair of black jeans (I love this pair I just got – so stretchy and comfortable) I usually think, “why am I not wearing more black?”
Another truth to share, I bought this sleeveless drape vest from the #NSale, and I wanted to wear it with this look. It was about 90 degrees and I put it on and felt like the sweat started dripping instantly. I couldn’t do it, which is why you see me carrying it in literally ever photo BUT my intent was to share that you can always layer a sleeveless vest over a sleeveless top (love this one – so versatile!). And that tidbit remains true!
Thanks so much for reading! And if you want to see my favorite picks that are still available in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale you can check out last week’s post or all of my #NSale posts at the top of this page under “Nordstrom Sale Series. (including yesterday’s post of this midi dress).” Don’t forget – the sale ends this Friday! XO –
I don’t usually gravitate toward bodycon-style dresses, (who wants to have to think about standing up straight and holding your stomach in all night, right?) BUT this t-shirt dress is so comfortable, so soft and just thick enough that you can ditch the Spanx and just #liveyourlife. And let’s be honest, ruching always helps!
I love James Perse, and when I saw this dress on major markdown at the #NSale, I knew it was worth a shot. I’ve actually scored some of their tees at TJ Maxx, and I wear them constantly. There really is some magic ingredient in their material… it’s a cotton/Lycra mix, but the perfect thickness. And made in the USA – you know I love that!
Hope you guys had a great weekend, and thank you so much for the sweet comments on Friday’s post. Some gave me chills. It just reminded me how lucky I am to have readers and friends like you! Love you, mean it – XO –
– missing our little cabin from last weekend’s visit to Sonoma (pj top | bottoms) –
– sisters reunited from a weekend apart –
– adding these beauties to my fall lineup, also available here (and marked down in a few sizes here!) –
Happy Friday! It’s been a quiet week but in the best way. One of those weeks where you only put on makeup one out of 5 days – those are the best! I’ve seen the results of my Nordstrom Sale binge-shopping as the boxes come trickling in. While some pieces didn’t work, most of them did (!!), and it has me longing for those fall days ahead (mostly so I can wear this wrap).
Last weekend we were in Sonoma – you’ve seen some of the photos if you follow along on Instagram! I tried my best to step back from work and unwind with Christian. I have to remind myself that while my job is 24/7, he only gets four days off a month. On those days, I really try to put the phone down and enjoy my time with him. That’s not to say I do this flawlessly… but I’m always trying to be mindful! The road to being a better partner never ends, and there are always things we can do to improve the relationships that mean the most to us (because often they are the relationships we take for granted).
This week I’ve had a few moments where I’ve had a memory or thought-provoking rush of emotion surrounding my niece Edie. It’s been almost six weeks since she left us, and almost every single morning or evening I take Bailey outside, I see several monarch butterflies. It is such a beautiful but also deeply sad feeling, and sometimes I wonder if our hearts will ever be the same. I’ve been looking at flights back to Mississippi for the burial of her ashes, and I’ve just felt a little blue. I hear her giggle or coo in my head and can feel her tousled, fine hair. I remember the silky smoothness of her olive legs and her tiny feet that always had the sweetest socks covering them. I can feel her little doughy soft patches on the back of her hand. I miss her, and I know my brother and sister-in-law miss her even more.
That’s about it for now. August is around the corner and it’s going to be a busy bee month, so I think the distraction will be good for me. Thank you guys so much for reading and following along. I hope you have a beautiful weekend! XO –
