I had to round up some of my favorite picks with you guys! And this would be a great time to splurge on that summer swimsuit, a great pair of sandals or any of the hundreds of cute spring and summer dresses that each retailer offers. The collage above shows some of my favorites, but the scrolling thumbnails have waaayy more pretties that I adore, including swimsuits that come in multiple colors (I’m all about white and mint right now).
I have these pajamas and they are the softest, most fabulous summer pj’s I own. I also have this bag in red and it weights nearly nothing and rolls up into the tiniest suitcase-packing-worthy addition (one of my favorite travel pieces). I adore these flats and think they could be the cutest summer espadrilles!
If you’ve already snagged some deals – I’d love to hear what you scored! Thanks so much for reading – and p.s. – tomorrow there’s a new styled post coming at ya tomorrow… photographed by my amazing Dad! XO –
Bringing another dressed down post for you guys, and what I love about this outfit is that it is totally wearable. You can run errands and then meet your friends for drinks – easy, put together, fun! I’ve been wearing Sofft Shoes ever since I saw my girlfriend in a pair of their wedges and I was like, “who makes those!? I need a pair stat.”
All of their shoes are so comfortable, and while I’ve never had a pair of slip-on sneakers, I want to be cool enough to make them work for day-to-day. I love some nighttime shoes, but I’m always looking for cute daytime shoes because let’s be honest… that’s what we’re wearing the most, right?
– a pretty sunset while feeling like Marissa in the OC on the lifeguard stand –
– packing for a two-week tour of New Orleans, Mississippi and Nashville –
– excited to try a new teeth whitening kit, this one was so much better than your average white strips and you can get it 75% off with the code xoKathleen! –
This is a fun Friday because I’ve just arrived in New Orleans for one of my best friend’s wedding! Nikki of My Style Diaries get’s married this weekend and I’m so honored to be a bridesmaid on her special day. She is the most relaxed, low-maintenance bride I’ve ever met, and she has had the most amazing attitude throughout the entire process. It really shows how she is all about the marriage and not stressing too much about the wedding. I’m sure I’ll be snapping away on Snapchat: CBLied if you’re interested in some behind-the-scenes goodness!
Yesterday I left California for my two week tour de South, and I’m so excited to really catch up with my family and friends. I’ve actually only been to Mississippi once in almost three years, so I’m way overdue for a big visit! I have a nephew I’ve never met, so I have to introduce myself to the little chunky monkey. For the longest time I only had so many vacation days, and it’s such a trek to get across the country (and quite expensive because the airports in MS are so small… like, more expensive than a flight to Hawaii), so now that I am able to manage my own schedule and “vacation days,” I realize what a privilege it is to be able to take the time to do this. I definitely don’t take it for granted!
Thank you guys so much for reading – appreciate each of you! XO –
So girly we are this week on Wednesday’s Wish List! I blame it on the Pantone colors of the year (hello rose quartz), but I’m a fan of pink, so I love that it’s been everywhere this spring. So feminine!
Meanwhile, I’ll always be a sucker for tortoise anything, so this bracelet and these earrings are A+. And these shoes come in black too! This dress makes me wish I was a bride again, how pretty for a bridesmaids luncheon, right?
Some sales going on today –
BCBG – 20% off regular priced styles with code AFF20OFFS
Serena & Lily – $25 off $100+ with code SHOPSTYLE25
Lord & Taylor – 20% off regular-priced & sale items with code BIG
Ann Taylor – 40% off almost everything with code MARCH40
It’s mid-week ladies, Friday is around the corner. Hope you have a great one and thank you so much for reading! XO –
I’ve always had a love affair with shoes… this is nothing new. And when the lace-up trend started, I was all over it! I think they’re such a flattering shoe on almost any legs. I tend to stay away from “busy” shoes, as I don’t like to draw attention to my legs, but I think the lace-up look is fun and most definitely worth the attention!
This pair comes in three colors, and I love the thicker block heel – it really does add to the comfort factor. I am excited to pull these into summer and fall – I think the color is so versatile. This is another last-minute pulled together look (similar to this one last week), that I styled quickly after hanging out at the pool for the afternoon. A low ponytail is always coming to my rescue!
I’m also excited to share this top with you guys because I was wearing it all over Snapchat and you guys were emailing me – then I instagrammed it here, but the liketoknow.it link wasn’t working and oy vey! SO, third time’s a charm, right?
Similar to last week’s post on beauty and skincare, I’ve been excited to share a loaded cosmetics post with you guys on some of my favorite products I’ve been trying over the past few months!
Makeup Forever – I’d actually never tried their products until recently and I don’t know what I was waiting for! Their concealers are absolutely amazing and I’m equally in love with their award-winning foundation (that comes in over 40 shades). I’d also never tried a face primer before theirs, and if you need your makeup to stay set all day, this stuff is the secret (along with a great setting spray)!
YSL Lipstick – you guys might remember the posts I shared about these colors here and here, but if you’re looking for a great soft, spring lip shade – their colors glide on like chapstick and have just the right hint of color.
Stowaway Cosmetics – this is a line that was totally new for me, and I’ve been slowly trying out a few of their products. I really love their cheek & lip rouge (worn here) and eyeliner. Plus their product sizes are great for travel!
Pixi Beauty – this little “book of beauty” palette is actually everything you need for a quick look on the go, and it’s extremely lightweight – making it a go-to for travel. Did I mention it’s only $24? Jackpot!
Urban Decay – you guys know I’m partial to some Urban Decay, and their products are the majority of what I wear, but they’ve come out with a new summer collection that is bomb.com. Their one-and-done complexion perfector is just enough coverage for spring and summer, and their new bronzers are are so golden-perfect for this time of year. Let’s not forget the super cool Gwen Stefani collection. Palettes and lipstick on point.
Becca Cosmetics – I’ve been falling for this brand over the past few months, and when I received the color correcting kit paired with concealers, it was game over. Their complexion products really are amazing, and I’ve been wearing their foundation for those days I need some extra coverage. It is gorgeous!
Hourglass – These highlighters (also known as “strobe lighting powder”) are so gorgeous. I mean, gorgeous.
Lacome – I hadn’t worn Lancome in years but this scent is captivating and these lip crayons give so much color and have really long wear. Of course, their lipsticks are still as gorgeous as ever!
If you have any beauty favorites you’ve tried recently – I’d love to hear about them! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
– the nicest surprise from a Mississippi publishing company, a book about seersucker in the South! –
– dinner al fresco on a whim –
– the cutest pom slides from Yosi that I can’t get enough of –
Friday – you’re always one pretty lady. I’m typing this as Bailey is literally waiting on the patio at 6:54PM for dinner. Giving me the full-on stare down. I’ve fed her at 7PM on the dot for the past year, yet she still follows me step by step for a solid hour leading up to 7PM. If you follow me on Snapchat (CBLied), I documented the experience as proof that she is a food-motivated stalker. Yet, I understand how she feels because I’d do the same thing for french fries, so who am I to judge!?
Christian has this weekend off (!!!), and we are excited to celebrate one of our couple’s friend engagement! Last weekend C was able to accompany me to our friend’s 30th birthday and this weekend he can celebrate Sara & Nathan’s engagement – usually I attend these kind of events solo, so when C can come with it really feels like such a treat.
It feels extra special to have this weekend together for Easter. Last year Christian got the day off last minute, so we went to church together but didn’t have anywhere for lunch because everything was booked… so who knows – we probably ended up eating Chipotle or something (chicken burrito, you know I love you). This year I was able to plan ahead and made a little reservation outside by the water after church. It probably sounds a little bananas that I look forward to things like Easter church with my husband, but when you’re flyin’ solo most of the time – it’s nice to have your partner around for some of those meaningful moments.
Tell me what you guys are doing for Easter weekend! I hope you’re spending it celebrating Jesus with your families and eating plenty of chocolate, because that is what Easter is all about (to me at least)! Lots of love to each of you – thank you so much for reading – XO –
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” – Matthew 28:1-7
It’s really easy to get in a “rut” in your closet, wearing the same kinds of pieces over and over again and not stepping out of your comfort zone. I fall victim to this all the time, and I’m always reminding myself to try new things and step outside the box!
This pretty little dress is a perfect example. On the hanger, I wouldn’t think to try it on. But I love the crisp collar with the crochet and the peek-a-boo sheer paneling. You guys know I love combining feminine pieces with a little edge, and this dress totally nails it. Ladylike mixed with cool – I love it! Not exactly your Easter dress, but I’ll be sharing some more Easter-appropriate looks in Instagram!
dress – Morning Lavender Boutique | heels, similar look for less here | similar clutch here and here | sunnies, similar look for less here | cable bracelets 1, 2, 3, 4 | gold leaf bracelet c/o | lipstick in Firebird c/o
Thanks so much for reading! And if you have a ladylike/cool girl combo favorite, please share. I love getting inspo from you guys! XO –
These roundups might be bad for my shopping habits, but I can’t help myself! I’ve been loving a crisp chambray or light blue as much as white this spring, and I love pairing it with a pop of color – like turquoise or red.
All of these California girls around me have that “cool girl style” that I’ve been so inspired by. That effortless this look took five minutes style. Off the shoulder, maxi everything, chambray and cotton are some of my favorites to achieve this casual spring style, and this year blue has taken over my wardrobe – perhaps thanks to it being one of the pantone colors of the year?
What are some of your spring favorites right now? All of these picks are under $100 with the exception of one item – real girl style. Thanks so much for reading! XO –
I know that most of the styled posts that are featured here are with full makeup, styled hair and a complete look, but sometimes it’s nice to take it back a few steps and have some real talk. I don’t always have 45 minutes to get ready. In fact, I usually spend about 15 minutes getting ready and it goes a little something like this –
Unstyled hair in a ponytail or top knot with a little bronzer, blush, concealer and lip balm. If I have the time for mascara – awesome, if not, I curl my lashes and grab some cute sunglasses and head out the door. This look was from Sunday when I did just this and pulled out a “hero” piece I wanted to wear – the trench vest (only $40!). From there I decided on a crisp pair of white denim shorts and was torn between a tee or chambray top. Ultimately I chose the chambray (because it’s crazy soft and comfortable), threw on some booties that go with everything and voila! Instant outfit.
A simple beauty routine + choosing a hero piece and dressing around it is almost always how I get dressed day-to-day, and I thought it would be fun to share a more casual (and realistic) post with you guys!
If you guys liked this more casual look – let me know! I’d be happy to share some more dressed down posts if y’all would be into it! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
I’ve been meaning to put a post like this together for you guys for so long (!!!), and I’m so excited to finally share some of my favorite skincare products I’ve been trying lately. I’m fortunate to be sent a lot of beauty products to try – some I love, some I don’t love. I’ve always been more of a clothes girl than a beauty/skincare girl, but I’m trying to expand my knowledge of products, and hopefully I can help any of you who have been looking to expand your regimen too!
This is kind of a novel – so feel free to skip around and see what catches your eye –
First Aid Beauty – I’ve loved this brand for a long time. Nearly every single product I try of theirs I love, and my absolute favorites are their lip therapy (this tube was attacked by my friend’s pug puppy, but nonetheless I’m still using it!), blemish patrol pads (I use them on my back), cleansing body polish (great in the shower!) and their intense hydration cream. Honestly – I love pretty much every single thing they make. Big fan!
Tula – a new brand I’ve been trying lately and I am really loving how gentle their products are. I have pretty sensitive skin, and I can really tell their day/night cream is moisturizing and nourishing while still being mild. The face mask is also really fabulous – and they make a great under eye cream too! You can get 25% off your order on their site with code: kathleen25.
Kate Somerville – I’ve been using Kate Somerville products for quite some time and I definitely have some favorites. The ExfoliKate treatment is an amazing exfoliant and her eye creams (like this one and this one) feel so luxurious, a thick eye cream without being too thick. Clearly I’m not the only one who thinks this because they’ve been winning awards for years! I’ve also been to their clinic on Melrose and it’s gorgeous. You can always know that you’re getting what you’re paying for with this line.
Pixi Beauty – I love the affordable price tag with Pixi, and they have some great products you can easily get at Target on your errand run. This mud cleanser is a great face wash that I keep in my shower, and I also love their toner (I think it smells like rose petals!) and lip polish.
Josie Maran – this line has some great oils, and I’ve been using the Argan cleansing oil in the shower on my arms before I turn off the shower head. I pat dry and it helps keep them smooth and soft. It can also be used as a makeup remover. If you’re into facial oils – this is a great collection to look into! I also really like their powder illuminating highlighter.
Colleen Rothschild – I was recently sent the cleansing balm, dual enzyme polish and extreme recovery cream to try out. The balm is a really gentle cleanser and makeup remover, the enzyme polish is kind of like a face mask (and can also be used as deep hydration for your hands which is pretty awesome). I thought it was really cool that you can also use the cleansing balm and layer a warm cloth over your face, which makes it feel almost like a mini facial (that smells seriously good!). The recovery cream is super thick and a really great hydrating night cream. These products are a splurge, but I can’t deny the high quality of this luxe line.
NUDE – this powder face wash is a great exfoliant in the shower, and is a vegan product which I can appreciate.
Keratin Complex – I don’t put a lot of product in my hair, but this sugar mist is perfect for easy spring and summer wavy texture.
Pop of Color – I’ve gotten to know Kristen Taekman in the past few months, and it must be said that she is even cooler than I thought she’d be. She’s naturally stunning and always dressed to perfection – so it’s no surprise her nail polish collection is spot on. I also shared a peek at some of the colors here, but I’m Pretty, Pajamas and Easy Like Sunday are three of my favorite shades. She’s recently come out with a lip stain lineup that I’ll be sharing with you guys soon!
Mary Kay – I have shared with you guys here that I am all about Mary Kay’s skincare and fragrance collections. Their Cityscape line smells intoxicating, so I was extra excited to try out their Into the Garden lineup. These soaps smell so good – a combo of lemongrass and grapefruit – and I like a body wash but I love a great bar of soap for a serious lather. Yum!
Vanity Planet – I’ve used white strips in the past, and recently I used a pack thinking it would brighten my teeth (obviously). I was surprised when at the end of the 14 days, I felt like my smile looked the same. So I was open to trying something different and I have to say, this set from Vanity Planet is the real deal. It felt a little crazy having all of the pieces in my mouth, making me feel like Mike Tyson or something (you can watch a video tutorial here), but I could really tell my teeth were much whiter. You can get 75% off with code xoKathleen!
If you guys have tried any of these products, I’d love to hear your thoughts! OR if you have a new product you’ve tried and loved, share the goodness! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
– the new “one-and-done” product from Urban Decay, which is about to be my everyday beauty staple –
Hey Friday! I’m so excited to have a sweet weekend with C. I think when I was in Atlanta with so many of my college friends and acquaintances and their partners, I really realized how much more fun I have when he’s with me. I know that I adore him, but absence makes the heart grow fonder and he’s my favorite arm candy of all! We’ve both been working so much that I think our one-on-one quality time needs some TLC, so we’ve planned an all day date on Saturday that we’ve both looked forward to all week.
As for my favorite picks of this week, I received the new summer lineup from Urban Decay this week and let me just say, this complexion perfector is all the hype and more. With more coverage than a beauty balm and less than a foundation, it’s the exact coverage I need for glowing skin that looks natural, effortless and even. Plus it has SPF! Next level obsessed. They have also come out with a new line of bronzers and highlighters which are also amazing, but this one-and-done is a shining star in my book.
We also watched the movie The Hundred Foot Journey this week, and I loved it. Christian works with several Indian guys in his residency, and I literally texted one of them after watching the movie and asked if we could all go eat Indian food together. It’s now a craving I can’t quit! SO GOOD.
I hope you guys have a beautiful weekend, and thank you so much for reading. Love you mean it! XO –
