suede moto jacket

Last week I shared this moto jacket in a more polished look, and today I wanted to style the same jacket in what I would call a more cool-girl-style (I am forever trying to attain this style that I admire in California girls, #goals).  I wore this to my friend’s birthday lunch at Fashion Island and was amazed at all of the compliments I got on this simple and edgy outfit.

Last year I wore my blue denim cutoffs so much that I knew I needed to invest in more denim cutoffs for 2016. I recently add this pair (if you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen me wear them quite a bit), a white pair and black pair.  I’ve already worn all three so much and am so glad I expanded my shorts collection! If you live somewhere warm and can utilize multiple pairs, it’s great to have a loose, boyfriend fit and a more sleek pair. Both can be really versatile for different kinds of looks.

carrie bradshaw lied blog tan pumpssuede moto jacketwelby satchelgigi welby satchelcarrie bradshaw lied blogkathleen barnes

jacket (33% off and comes in 3 colors!) | similar tee, comes in 5 colors | shorts, also love these | pumps (under $20 and come in 4 colors!) | bag | sunglasses – no longer available, similar style here and here | watch | cable bracelet 1, 2, 3, 4 | ring

So now the final verdict… which look do you like better, last week’s or this week’s? I wore this jacket with denim both times, but it’s also so cute layered over a dress – a sundress or maxi dress.

Thanks so much for reading and sharing! Hope your Monday is off to a fresh start -XO –

24 Comments|See Comments

under the boardwalk

– a morning visit to the pier –

beige slipcovered sofa

– the perks of going to the groomers –

pink peonies

– trying out some indoor herbs –

bristol tufted headboard

– my slight obsession with this new slip nightie –

the deck laguna beach

– a fun local article including some of my girlfriends and yours truly –

This has been such a fun week, and honestly… I’m a little sad to see the weekend already. Is that so weird to say? Yes, totally.  BUT, on Monday I crossed off a major bucket list moment.  When we first moved to California three years ago, Christian and I made a list of all the things we hoped to do.  One of mine was to see Chelsea Handler at the Chelsea Lately show on E!. Shortly after we moved here, she stopped hosting her show, so I assumed I would never see her in that capacity. BUT, once I saw her Netflix show had begun, I scored tickets to participate in her audience and was on the moon!

My parents were in LA on Monday, so I tried to convince both my sis-in-law and my mom to come with me, but they had other plans so no problem – I was fine going solo.  I drove to LA and en route, a reader of mine contacted me who actually works for Netflix!  Long story short, her name is Caitlin and she is the BEST.  We met up after the show (Gwen Stefani was the guest – you can watch the episode on Netflix!), and she ended up introducing me to Chelsea.  I mustered all of my strength to not act like a total crazy crazy, and told her what a privilege it was to meet her and how I’ve been such a huge fan of hers for years. She was beyond lovely, kind, polite and professional – and my love and respect for her is now through the roof! You can see the photo we snapped here!

SO major thanks to Caitlin for taking my bucket list moment and making it 2979847x better.  After the show I went to my brother and sis-in-law’s house to hang out with their family (soon to be 5 in July) + my parents, and we had dinner at the coolest spot in Silverlake, Cliff’s Edge. Would definitely recommend if you’re in that area! Now my parents are hanging with me, and it’s always so fun to have them in town!

I hope y’all have a beautiful weekend – and if you have a celebrity encounter/moment that left you start-struck, please share! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

13 Comments|See Comments

one piece lifeguard cut swimsuit

Giant watermelon slice in the hooouuuuusseee! Lately Christian and I have made it a habit to try to make it to the beach on Sundays, and this past Sunday we definitely called some attention to ourselves as we walked to the beach with a giant watermelon pool float (“whoa – look at that huge piece of watermelon!”).  God bless dearest Christian, he’s such a good sport!  I look forward to floating on this adorable melon all summer long.

But let’s talk about this ModCloth swimsuit, shall we? I’ve been all about the one-piece this year. I am a huge Pilates-lover, but all my favorite studios are in Costa Mesa and Newport where I used to work.  Now that I’m working from home, it’s a little too far to go (mostly because of traffic) just to exercise.  I can’t seem to find a studio I love here in Orange SO that means the majority of my exercise this year has been walking Bailey while listening to podcasts.

Thanks to this year’s wave of adorable one-pieces, I can feel confident and stylish in something that fits my lifestyle while still being super fun.  Shopping for a swimsuit isn’t easy, but when you have a versatile selection of styles, it makes a huge difference, and ModCloth has you covered!  I love how many unique styles and patterns they have, not to mention their size charts offer something for nearly everyone (insert praise hands).

kathleen barnesnewport beach piermejuri evil eye ringcarrie bradshaw liedsunseeker retro swimsuitseashell beach coverupone piece swimsuitcarrie bradshaw lied beachnewport beach pierwatermelon pool floatwatermelon slice inflatable

swimsuit (true to size), really love this one, this one and this one, watermelon float – so many cute summer accessories here, seashell coverup (40% off!), towel, love this one and this one – c/o ModCloth

So who else is addicted to the lifeguard-style swimsuit? I now want one in every color. This is not a drill. Thank you guys so much for reading! XO –

Brought to you by ShopStyle and ModCloth

19 Comments|See Comments

carrie bradshaw lied

I recently added this jacket to my closet, and I have already worn it so many more times than I realized I would! It’s such a great layering piece, lightweight with just enough warmth and racks up compliments every time I wear it. Turns out it’s currently 33% off, and if that’s not a sign… I don’t know what is.

SO, I’m going to be styling it two different ways – the second coming to you next week! I wore this outfit to church in Costa Mesa and then to lunch in Newport with Christian a few weekends ago.  California is known to have “May gray” and “June gloom,” but I actually really enjoy the cool, overcast weeks before summer hits in full force.  It lets me squeeze in a few more weeks of some of my favorite spring pieces, and this jacket is most definitely one of them!

zac posen eartha bag sanctuary white top carrie bradshaw lied orange county blogger bernardo outerwear suede jacket kathleen barneskathleen barnes

jacket (33% off + comes in 3 colors) | top, also love this one and this one | denim | bag | heels, under $20, and in 4 colors! | sunglasses – no longer available, similar here and here | gold leaf cuff | gold statement ring | index ring

Thanks so much for reading, and stay tuned for the second look in the same jacket! XO –

15 Comments|See Comments

oatmeal latte recipe

Several weeks ago I saw that one of my favorite foodies, How Sweet Eats, shared a post on an oatmeal latte that looked insanely delicious.  I immediately bookmarked it for later, and when I finally got around to making it, it did not disappoint.  Breakfast and caffeine in one mug? Um… yes please.

Check out her blog for the full recipe!  I used my Nespresso Lattissima for my favorite, rich espresso and the Nespresso Aeroccino to froth the milk – I use this little device all the time and really, really love it.

homemade oatmealnespressooatmeal latte recipe carrie bradshaw lied home kathleen barnes tufted ottoman oatmeal latte chocolate croissant carrie bradshaw lied gray cashmere cardigan

Nespresso Coffee Maker | Nespresso Frother | sweater | skirt | cup & saucer | monogram tray | similar sofa | similar coffee table, also love this one | sequined pillows – no longer available, love these and these | framed art

Thanks so much for reading! And if you want to check out some delicious recipes, I highly recommend following along with How Sweet Eats!

XO –

10 Comments|See Comments

royal caribbean cruise review

my dress, blog post here | out of office hat | rosé all day hat | see u later hat

A few weeks ago I experienced my first cruise with Royal Caribbean.  I boarded their Anthem of the Seas ship (and found out we were on a practically brand new boat!) with some of my blogger friends Krystal, Nikki, Jenn, Courtney and Summer, and being a cruise newbie, I wasn’t quite sure what I would find.

I’ve heard all of these stories about how small cruise ship rooms can be, so I was a little nervous to check into my “cabin,” but I was so amazed at how spacious it was! Honestly, it was hardly any smaller than an NYC hotel room, and I had not one but two closets (a girl’s dream, we all know this), a sparkly tile shower, a vanity with a large bulb-lit mirror, a chest of drawers, a queen bed and a balcony with two chairs and a small table. Um… did I say I was on a 5-night cruise? I should have booked the 10-night, because I was just getting settled in to my #cruiselife.

There were three pools on the ship, tons of restaurants, plenty of bars, and my favorite part – numerous options for nightlife on the boat – all planned ahead for you.  Every day we received an itinerary to our rooms of all the events happening on the boat from sun-up to sun-down. Surf stimulators, salsa classes, bumper cars, yoga on the deck, rock climbing, rollerskating – all kinds of daytime activities. We saw a small broadway show, a Journey cover band (seriously so good), movies by the pool – this boat was gigantic.

Perhaps the most fun of all was had in the Music Hall.  Every night this turned into the nightlife spot of the boat – our first night being “Groovy Town,” including disco dancers and a brief Jackson 5 performance that was too good to be true (if you follow me on Snapchat: CBLied, you saw this!).  The next night it was normal top 40 music, and our last night was “Silent Party” that may have just been the icing on the cake.  There were two dj’s wearing headphones – one was lit up blue and one was green.  Everyone on the dance floor was given a pair of headphones and you could switch “stations” to each of the dj’s, back and forth depending on if you liked what they were playing. We’re all dancing around with these headphones on, but when you take them off you just see a bunch of crazy adults dancing and singing along to… silence.  Honestly, it was probably one of the most hilarious experiences I’ve had in 2016 thus fur, and the middle-aged woman scream-singing Adele with her headphones on was the cherry on top.

I was really sad for the cruise to come to an end because it was such a unique and fun experience – we all left the boat talking about where we would want to go next!

carrie bradshaw lied

sandals | dress | bag

view from cruise ship balcony yes way rose hat

bag | hat | passport cover | clutch | swimsuit (comes in three colors!) | sunglasses | necklace | cuff | chainlink bracelet | sandals

palm print swimsuit

swimsuit, similar here and here | shorts | passport cover | sunglasses

floral chiffon maxi dress

dress – no longer available | clutch

yumi kim red toproyal caribbean anthem of the seas cruise

top | shorts, love these too | clutch | sandals | similar hat | earrings

strapless one piece swimsuit

swimsuit | similar shorts | bag

pink and orange maxi dress sail to sable pink maxi dress

hat | dress | bag | earrings

balcony of cruise ship out of office beach hatroyal caribbean cruise reviewwhite midi dresswayf white midi dress

dress (comes in two colors!) | similar hat | sandals | clutch | similar earrings here and here

julie vos bangles

If I had the opportunity to go on another cruise, I absolutely would – hopefully one that stopped along the European coast!  I loved how incredibly easy the entire experience was, and the fact that everything is planned for you really allows you to be carefree and totally relax.  Not to mention the convenience of it all – your feet hurt? Go to your cabin and change.  You want to drop off your handbag in the room? Done. You want a snack? Stop around the corner. I usually plan my excursions ahead of time, but knowing that I could step on the boat and it was all done for me was amazing.

I have another post coming next week from our two days spent docked in Bermuda and will be sharing my tips and recommendations for that as well!  If there is anything I’m wearing in these photos that you don’t see linked – please let me know and I’ll be sure to get you the source! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

I was gifted this trip with Royal Caribbean, but this post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own. 

14 Comments|See Comments

vice lipstick

– oogling the new Urban Decay Vice lipstick launch (have you seen this video with Ruby Rose!?) –

birthday cake for a dog

– coming home to celebrate Bailey’s belated 9th birthday with her own cake (recipe here) –

pink champagne

– taking advantage of this May gray California weather with a little outdoor happy hour and some bubbly –

orange county yacht

– spending an afternoon eating cheese and drinking rosé in Newport Beach with California Coast Yachts and pretending to be fancy –

mary kay chocolates

– the sweetest surprise from my friends at Mary Kay (yum!) for their creme lipstick that goes toward the Mary Kay Foundation –

I’m yawning as I type this – you guys, I can’t even explain how sleepy I have been all week! I keep sarcastically telling Christian I’m still on “cruise time,” (Bermuda is four hours ahead of California) but I don’t even know what my deal is. I can hardly keep my eyes open past 10PM, but of course I don’t peel myself out of bed until after 8AM, so I’m not sure why I feel so fatigued (and I’m 150% sure I am not pregnant, so no, it’s not that!). Here’s to hoping to start a week fresh and back to my old self. I get frustrated when I’m tired and I know I’m well-rested. Like… hey body, please catch up with my brain, kthanks.

I had several fun-filled events in Newport Tuesday – Thursday, so today it feels good to be back home getting some things checked off the to-do list, including making this noodle bowl for dinner this weekend and walking Miss Bailey.  I can’t believe she’s 9!! How did that happen so fast?

Christian is working and my parents are in LA this weekend, so we’re taking it easy and I need to catch up on some work after being “out of office” so many days this week. What are you guys up to? Cooking anything tasty you want to share? I’m in need of some kitchen motivation!

Thank you guys so much for reading – and more fun posts coming next week including a seriously delicious recipe that I am seriously addicted to. YUM! Have a beautiful weekend -XO –

6 Comments|See Comments

lilly dress

I had so much fun exploring Bermuda with the girls while we were docked during our cruise last week!  We were so in love with all of the colors of this little area called Hamilton – every building has it’s own cheerful shade, and you almost couldn’t wait to turn the corner to see what else you might discover.

Walking around the town, stopping for fish & chips and Corona’s – that’s the vacation life that I could chase all day!  I had this adorable (and super comfortable) dress on that was perfect for a day of exploring, and even better that it matched the town.

pom pom beach toteyellow wallpink pom pom beach bagpink wallkathleen barneslilly pulitzer dresskathleen barneslilly pulitzer alanna dress

dress – sadly it sold out super fast BUT I also love this one and this one, and there are some fab affordable green dress options here, here and here | pom pom tote, also love this one | earrings – sold out, similar here and here | hat | similar sunglasses | cable bracelet 1, 2, 3, 4

Thanks so much for reading! More fun Bermuda photos coming this week – XO –

16 Comments|See Comments

yumi kim kat maxi

Another look from our recent cruise to Bermuda! You guys know I am incapable of traveling without my collection of maxi dresses, and I think this pretty number would be a great pick for any honeymoon gals out there.  This particular dress comes in multiple prints and is called the “Kat Maxi Dress,” so I mean, I think that means it’s meant to be!

Now we must talk about these hats – pretty much the cutest floppy hat that’s ever existed.  And they come in multiple phrases! If you saw this photo on Instagram, you probably saw the “rosé all day,” which is beyond amazing. I have a sad case of email anxiety, so the “out of office” was definitely my go-to!

out of office hatcarrie bradshaw liedwhite floral maxi dresswhite elephant designs hatscarrie bradshaw lied blogbackless maxi dresscarrie bradshaw lied blog

dress, also available here in 3 prints, similar look for less here and here | hat, comes in 3 phrases! | sunglasses | chainlink bracelet | gold bracelet | gold cuff | index ring | gold statement ring | similar heels, really love these | earrings, also love these | clutch, also love this one

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

11 Comments|See Comments

carrie bradshaw lied

You know I love a great wall mural, and while on my first cruise with Royal Caribbean, this super fun Carpe Diem wall was on the boat!  Which mean all six of us girls were all about it, and I knew I had the perfect pink kimono dress that would be a match made in heaven.

What you might also be able to see is how incredibly windy it was on the boat – so keeping this flowy dress from showing my lady garments to my fellow cruise-mates was no easy feat! I absolutely love the kimono cut of this dress, and the bright pink floral print is so perfect for summer, especially if you have a vacation coming up.  I later work it with lace-up flat sandals, and it can be worn with heels for a date night.  Yumi Kim pieces are some of my absolute favorite, and this dress is no exception.

floral kimono dress pink wall gray ysl purse carrie bradshaw liedkathleen barnes pink yumi kim dress steve madden lace up heels

dress, also available here in 4 colors, similar style for less here | heels | bag – sold out, similar style here and here + look for less here | earrings – no longer available, similar here and here | gold statement ring | index ring | gold bangle | gold leaf bracelet | cable bracelet 1, 2, 3, 4 | sunglasses, similar look for less here

Thanks so much for reading! More posts from Bermuda coming this week – XO –

13 Comments|See Comments

white annie sloan painted table

– enjoying the bright light that always pours into the breakfast room in the afternoon (kitchen table DIY here) –

victorias secret bombshell

Details from Wednesday’s post:

fragrance c/o | headboard | bedding c/o | side tables – no longer available, similar style here and here | lamp – no longer available, love this one and this one | white tray, no longer available, similar here and love this one | blanket c/o | YSL print c/o | top c/o | denim c/o, sold out, nearly identical pair here | necklace c/o | statement ring c/o | gold leaf bracelet c/o

three legged black cat

– when Lula sits beside me in our chair & ottoman, and then when I leave she stays in the same spot – she’s always in a crazy position and it makes me laugh! –

travel to bermuda

– hopping off the cruise boat and exploring Bermuda –

docked boats

– and arriving back at the dock to head back to the US –

Ok you guys – I’ve now experienced my first cruise and I’ve gotta say, I had so much fun!  I was amazed at how many activities and events were held on the boat, the numerous pools, beautiful views – not to mention the gentle rocking of the boat actually made me sleep like a baby. Go figure!?

BUT I’ll be sharing a full post about that later! I got home at 11PM last night, and I’m excited to spend some quiet time with Christian for his weekend off. Not to mention I need a detox like nobody’s business. Honestly, I’m not even sure how many chicken tenders and french fries I’ve consumed in the past week… so there’s that.

What are you guys up to this weekend? And if you’ve been on a cruise, did you have so much fun!? Thanks so much for reading! XO –

10 Comments|See Comments

gift ideas for mothers day

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 comes in multiple shades | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

I shared some of my Mother’s Day picks here and here, but I wanted to share some last-minute suggestions for Sunday!

I have this bag and I love how incredibly lightweight it is.  I always toss it in my suitcase because it rolls up so easily and is such a great travel piece.  Long-lasting beauty items like a setting spray or eyeshadow primer potion (this particular one gives 100% of purchase price to charity) are so great – I use both of them almost everyday.

I have some pajamas like this and they are so soft and comfortable – I love their sets.  And this neat little guy holds a cookbook or iPad for the lady in your life who is always whippin’ something up in the kitchen!

I hope y’all have something sweet planned for your moms! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

8 Comments|See Comments