Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Friday’s Five in Mississippi

– driving by some of the antebellum homes downtown on my visit home –

– meeting my mom’s new 5-year-old cat, Piper, that she rescued from a shelter after she fell in love with my Lula (and she is quite the snuggler if you saw my Snapchat (CBLied) of her lying on top of my head, #casual) –

– admiring my parents majestic bedroom –

– and another gorgeous home, you know I can’t help myself! –

– a quick stop in Greenwood before heading to Nashville –

One week into my #TourdeSouth, and it feels really great to be home. I spent the first few days in New Orleans, then onto my hometown of Columbus, MS and a quick stop in Greenwood, MS before heading to Nashville today for the weekend to catch up with my pregnant bestie who is due with her first baby in less than a month! I can’t wait to see Kady preggers – she’s like a sister to me, so it’s so crazy for me to think she’s going to be a mom in just a few weeks! She’s going to be a natural, I know it – but I have to see this pregnant belly in person.

I’m hoping to do a whole recap post of my two weeks here at the end of the the trip, and my sweet parents have been such awesome troopers taking all my photos (and getting Christian off the hook, which he’s totally fine with). Both mom and dad have photographed blog posts and all my insta snaps of my #TourdeSouth, so thank God for them!

Because I’ve been in three different towns in Mississippi this week, I do feel the need to address all of the news about the controversial law that recently passed. I absolutely do not support the Governor in this initiative to discriminate anyone for any reason. I was not raised that way, and everyone that I’ve spoken to in Mississippi is honestly embarrassed and disappointed at this misrepresentation of so many of us from this state. I think Ellen Degeneres said it perfectly – this is about human rights and I will always support equal rights for everyone.

I SO appreciate all of y’alls sweet comments and recommendations on my trip down South – like always, you guys are the nicest. Don’t forget there are still some awesome sales going on if you’re in the shopping mood! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Ruffled Pink Off the Shoulder

Pink ruffles – loved ’em when I was six and still love ’em today. This pretty little dress comes in multiple colors, and you guys know I can’t get enough of the off-the-shoulder trend right now. I’ve always loved the style, but it was so much harder to find – now it’s all over the place!

I plan on wearing this little dress to a rehearsal dinner with Christian next week in Oxford, and I think it’s such a great piece for a brunch or dressy casual evening event (or my favorite invitation dress code: “snappy casual,” just kidding – snappy casual – like, could that be more confusing?!). I also had a reader this week inquire about dresses for graduation, and I think this little piece could be a great dress to wear all day for graduation festivities.

dress c/o, different colors available here (25% off right now with the code FRIENDS) | similar heels, also love these | clutch – Charming Charlie (old), love this one and this one | sunglasses c/o Henri Bendel, sold out, similar pairs here and here | cable bracelet 1, 2, 3, 4 | “take me away” cuff c/o | tassel earrings c/o BaubleBar (sold out), also love these and these, necklace version of these earrings here

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

PS – Don’t forget about Tuesday’s amazing 25% off sales! They’re still going strong –

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Wallet on a Chain

I have loved traveling with this little midi dress because it folds up to nearly nothing (taking up no suitcase space), and it’s so colorful and fun – perfect for a bridesmaids lunch or day of shopping! Mara Hoffman always nails it with her cheerful and fun prints, and this same silhouette now comes in this print, of which I am mildly obsessed with.

But let’s talk about the other love of my life – handbags. When I splurge on a great bag, it’s usually a bigger, everyday bag. You think – “I want to be able to use expensive baby everyday, the bigger the better!” BUT, I carry clutches and small crossbody’s all the time. This bag from Luisa Via Roma is like a wallet on a chain, big enough to hold your wallet necessities plus a cell phone and lipstick. I have honestly been shocked at how often I’ve worn this little bag since I got it, and now I’ve realized that smaller crossbodies and clutches can be just as essential as a great tote or satchel.

photos by my Dad (in our driveway!)

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

PS – Don’t forget about yesterday’s amazing 25% off sales! They’re still going strong –

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Friends & Family SALES

summer sales

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Both Shopbop AND Bloomingdale’s are having their seasonal friends & family sale, which means both full-price and sale items are 25% off with codes:

Shopbop: INTHEFAM

Bloomingdale’s: FRIENDS

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 –

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Styling Slip On Sneakers

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?

photos by Kim Le Photography

Thank you so much for reading! XO –

brought to you by Sofft Shoes

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Friday’s Five

yosi samra lara flats

– my new favorite flats, how cute are these silver espadrilles? –

orange county sunset

– a pretty sunset while feeling like Marissa in the OC on the lifeguard stand –

packing a suitcase

– packing for a two-week tour of New Orleans, Mississippi and Nashville –

teeth whitening kit

– 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! –

wallet on a chain

– the smallest, cutest little lady –

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 –

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Wednesday Wish List Under $150

spring wish list

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

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 –

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Ankle Wrap Heels

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?

heels c/o Steve Madden, and don’t forget to check their coupon page for deals! | top c/o, also have and love this one | shorts, also have and love these | bag via Jessica Buurman, also love this one and this one | earrings – I’ve had these for over 5 years, I feel like they go with everything! | sunglasses c/o, also love these | cable bracelets 1, 2, 3, 4

Thank you so much for reading! XO –

Brought to you by Steve Madden

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Spring Makeup Favorites

carrie bradshaw lied makeup

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)!

BareMinerals – their mascara and liquid eyeliner are no joke. I mean – lashes for days with this stuff!

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.

Sigma Beauty – another line that has amazing mascaras – I love all three kinds!

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 –

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Friday’s Five

– a much needed beach break from technology –

– some spring cleaning for a fresh start –

– 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

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Black Crochet Dress

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!

photos by Kim Le

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 –

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Wednesday Wish List

chambray off the shoulder top

1 (comes in 5 colors!) | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 (comes in 3 colors!) | 8 | 9 | 10 (only $12) | 11 (comes in 6 colors!)

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 –

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Explore The Blog

Shop Around

Friday’s Five in Mississippi

Ruffled Pink Off the Shoulder

Wallet on a Chain

Friends & Family SALES

Styling Slip On Sneakers

Friday’s Five

Wednesday Wish List Under $150

Ankle Wrap Heels

Spring Makeup Favorites

Friday’s Five

Black Crochet Dress

Wednesday Wish List