Talk about a Carrie Bradshaw moment! And what better time of year to pull out this beautiful dress? It reminds me of finding something to wear to all of the “winter formals” in high school and college, except I’m only, like, a year or two older now… ha!
If any of you have any holiday black tie events coming up, I felt extra glam in this floral gown. I love that the pattern could be seen in a blouse or scarf, but the length of the dress and tulle add that extra fancy. Now I just need a handsome man in a tux to take me to the symphony… it could be Dr. Barnes or maybe just my friend Jeremy – ball gown beggars can’t be choosers!
Thanks so much for reading! Hope you guys have a glam weekend – I’ve linked some of my favorite gowns if any of you have a fancy weekend coming up! And if you need any help with gift ideas for the last weekend before Christmas (can you believe it?), you can check out my holiday gifting ideas! XO –
If you give me a reason to go glam, I’ll take it there. When I was younger, I would change clothes multiple times a day until my mom would tell me, “this is the last one! This is your last outfit today.” Born this way. One of my favorite birthday gift memories was a bag full of older lady hats, gloves, glasses, etc. that my mom bought second-hand at an estate sale for me to play dress-up in. Brilliant!
SO, all of that to be said – I love a reason to get dressed up and this Lulu’s two-piece set is bringing the ooh-la-la in a big way. I love the contrast in the flouncy top and fitted skirt, and something about it feels formal enough without being over the top.
Would you guys wear something like this to a black tie holiday event, and do any of you actually have a black tie event to attend this month? I’m jealous – you guys know we’re so casual for everything out here in California!
Thanks so much for reading – hope you guys are having a beautiful week, and don’t forget to enter yesterday’s outfit giveaway! XO –
This year we will be heading somewhere snowy on Christmas Eve so my outfit will probably include a North Face jacket and some ski boots, but I feel like I usually forget to think about my Christmas Eve and Christmas Day outfits until the last minute. This clearly isn’t that big of a deal because we all know outfits are absolutely not what Christmas is all about, but, I’m going to be honest – Christmas Eve parties in your hometown and the Christmas Eve service at church is where you often bump into people you haven’t seen in years, so you want to feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing!
Growing up, we would go to the Christmas Eve service as a family, and then to my parents neighborhood party that was always held down the street (always so fun!). So I wanted to look appropriate for both but also, festive. A pop of red and/or green is sure to do the trick, and I loved pairing this chambray shirt underneath this turtleneck dress for a contrast in texture. A small detail but I love what it adds to the look! Nordstrom has everything you could possible need – sequins to beanies and boots. Casual or dressy, you can find something to help you feel your best during one of the most fun times of the year!
What do you usually wear on Christmas Eve? Do you go formal or casual? Have you checked out the adorable holiday selection at Nordstrom? Or do you use it as a reason to put on your Christmas jammies by 8PM because I 100% support that. Thanks so much for reading! XO –
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Payless. As always, all opinions are my own.
I was recently playing in my closet and trying to pair together some outfits when I saw a pink dress next to an oxblood hat lying on my bed. Two colors I would never think to pair together, but when I saw them right next to each other – I loved!
When I saw these Paylessballet flats – I couldn’t believe my delighted eyes! They reminded me so much of a designer pair that I had been eying, except these were only $20. Snagged them in both colors – boom! I love the bow detailing – they are such a perfect feminine touch to a holiday outfit. I’ve honestly been so impressed with the flats assortment at Payless (still obsessed with these espadrilles), and with the affordable prices I don’t have any guilt buying multiple colors of the same shoe!
I picked out this outfit after going to the Morning Lavender Show Room and deciding that I basically need every single thing. So many sequins, so little time! I love all of the feminine pieces, and I mean… I can’t say no to a lace crop top.
I love this outfit for a holiday party with girlfriends – mixing playful and pretty. A little ladylike, a little flirty… this is the outfit that goes with, “is this my wine glass or yours?” Something my sister-in-law and I said to each other at least 10x at Thanksgiving, it’s fine.
Switch this crop top out for a black tucked in sweater or turtleneck and you have a completely different vibe. Add a leather jacket and some ankle boots and you have a ladylike meets edgy combo that I love combining!
When December rolls around, there’s one beauty item that is a necessity – the perfect red lip. I have been swearing by Urban Decay lipsticks for years, but their most recent matte collection is hands down, the answer to my lipstick prayers. All three of their lipstick collections – Revolution, Sheer and Matte – are available at Nordstrom in so many different shades, a girl can never have enough.
Nordstrom carries so many beauty items now, you can shop for anyone from the shoe lover to beauty lover and in between. With free shipping and free returns – there’s no risk and it’s one stop shopping just in time for the holidays!
One of the four eyeshadow palettes above is a great Christmas gift for any girl who likes makeup! They last years and are all available at Nordstrom. Naked1 is for the girl who loves bronze shades, Naked2 is taupe-based, Naked3 is rose-hued and Naked Smoky can create any smoky eye you’re going for.
What’s your go-to holiday beauty look? I just ordered a gigantic makeup organizer (featured in yesterday’s gift guide), so I’m ready to roll over here! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
In my family, we got to our stockings last and I was always so shocked at all the amazing stuff my mom would manage to squeeze in there. An unexpected surprise year after year!
Ok, maybe a few of these are too big to shove in a stocking, but still… this makeup organizer must be mine!! I actually went to the Container Store recently to try to put together a large makeup organizer for myself and was shocked at how expensive it was adding up to be. For plastic. A friend told me to check online and I couldn’t believe this contraption only cost $20! I added a few extra drawers for additional storage.
I have this eyeshadow palette and it’s my daily go-to for neutral, matte shades – plus it’s small and really easy to travel with. These slippers come in three colors and seriously – they’re so cute!
What are some of the best things you’ve gotten in your stocking? Mine are probably jewelry and beauty products (I love getting those individual face masks!). Thanks so much for reading, and don’t forget you can see all of my holiday gift guides here and at the top of the blog under the page titled “Holiday Gifting.” XO –
I’ve shared with you guys before, but for three years I worked in a very corporate setting. I’m talking no leggings, men in suits, banking corporate. Then I moved to California with the most casual workplace setting ever, and my entire closet changed! BUT, my best friend back home works in a formal workplace (she inspired this post), and I’ve thought of her when thinking of holiday outfit inspiration to share with you guys!
This Alice Hope blouse and skirt are great mix-and-match separates that can be dressed up with a fur scarf, vest or trimmed blazer. Some sparkly earrings and fab heels and you’re looking both festive and appropriate.
I’m so excited to invite you guys into our home to share my 7 Holiday Decorating Tips with Seven Daughters Wine! I love getting festive without totally interrupting the decor of our home, so today I want to show some subtle accents I’ve added to achieve that.
Most years I wait until Thanksgiving weekend to pull out the Christmas decorations, but I admit this year I put up the tree a little earlier than that. I think it’s because this King of Christmas Flocked Tree made all my tree dreams come true! I was amazed at how easy it was to put together, and a pre-lit tree is seriously as dreamy as they come. Last year we had a real tree, and while I loved the smell the cleanup was never-ending. I have chosen to go with the artificial tree and light a pine-scented candle instead!
SO, let’s get started. Some of my holiday decorating tips –
1. Have a visual in mind before you start decorating the tree.
I’ve made the mistake of just going for it in years past, and while that’s not a bad thing by any means – if you’re looking to achieve a cohesive look, having a vision always helps. This way you can place your ornaments strategically. Last year our tree was much more colorful, and this year I chose to keep it more neutral – all with only adding 10 more ornaments and hanging them mindfully.
2. Get creative with stockings!
My family’s tradition is to put pins on the Christmas stockings. You know those pins you receive for various accomplishments or trips and you think…. “this will look great in the kitchen drawer until it inevitably gets thrown away!” We always put these little charms on our stockings, and it’s always a hit for guests to check out when they come over.
And one day, when I’m a “grown up,” hopefully I’ll have a mantle to put them on!
3. Add some festive pillows for a quick (and easy) holiday touch.
The fastest and easiest way to add some spirit – toss in some pillows! This sequin pillow and reversible “naughty or nice” pillow always come on in December.
4. Make use of the free resources around you.
You don’t have spend a ton of money on flowers. I like to cut a few sprigs of greenery outside and use pinecones to decorate and brings in that touch of nature that brightens a room.
5. If you have a bar or bar cart, use those wheels to your advantage!
Our small bar cart has wheels and I roll this baby all around the house for different occasions. Add some white candles, gold accents and Seven Daughters Wine and you’ve got a Christmas cart that you can move anywhere you’d like! And I had to include Bailey’s photo-bomb… those eyebrows!
This bar cart is currently sold out, but when it becomes available again I plan to do an entire post about it – stay tuned!
6. Stay true to some traditions.
So I realize they might look a little creepy, but growing up these Byers Choice Christmas Carolers were always placed on the dining room buffet at Christmas time. My sister and I would always argue over which little girl caroler we were, and I’ve started a little collection myself (and added a Lula and Bailey)! My mom of course gave me the daughter caroler without thinking that I don’t have a daughter, but that’s ok… tis the season!
7. Wreaths aren’t just for the front door.
I love a wreath and place them all over the house! This little sparkly one (with matching garland) is placed in a different place every year. Last year I used it as a centerpiece, and this year we decided to hang it on the ladder with some leftover burlap from our Christmas tree topper!
Cheers to one of my favorite times of year! This year I plan to spend plenty of time curled up on the sofa with a big fur blanket and a glass of Seven Daughters Pinot Noir (cue “these are a few of my favorite things“). What are some of your favorite ways to decorate for the holidays? I’d love to hear your traditions and home touches.
Lastly, this framed print is from Minted (has totally transformed our living room), and I want to share that they are giving one CBL reader a $250 credit toward anything from their site. Just visit here to enter!
* Update: our winner was Cassandra! *
Thanks so much for reading and Happy Holidays to all of you – XO –
PS – If you didn’t catch Saturday’s post, it’s a fun one! I’m sharing some of our holiday photos and how we designed our holiday card!
It’s Christmas card time! A few weeks ago, Christian and I got together with the beautiful and talented Taylor Cole Photo at sunset. With someone like Taylor, it only takes about 15 minutes to get over 100 frame-worthy photos. She gives great direction (which is essential for someone like me who can look like a robot if no one alerts me), and having worked with her one-on-one, this experience made me realize what an incredible wedding and engagement photographer she is (check out some of her couples work here). She created this incredibly comfortable, intimate scene and created the kind of pictures that make you want to wallpaper your house – you know what I’m talking about!
So once I selected the photo I wanted to use (no easy feat), I teamed up with Postable to create our third holiday card, and I’m so excited to send them out to our family and friends. Beyond the unlimited amount of designs, I was most impressed with their ability to mail the cards for you. This year I won’t be getting hand cramps from addressing cards, and I’m fine with it. I just loaded an excel spreadsheet with addresses and voila! They handle it from there (update on this process at the bottom of the post).
First I want to share some of my favorite photos from our mini shoot –
After days of trying to choose which photo… we ended up choosing this one! I was able to upload the addresses for all of the people who were on our Christmas list last year, and I ordered 20 cards for myself so I could have a few to keep as well as have some extras for last minute sending.
Am I the only one who loves holding onto a few cards from every year? Even though we clearly look exactly the same as we did a few years ago, it’s so fun to watch the journey year by year. I love that these photos were taken in Malibu, Big Bear and Newport Beach, and I look forward to seeing where next year’s might be from!
Thanks so much for reading, and if I could send a card to each and every one of you I would in a minute! Lots of love to all of you – XO –
*1/3 Update: I do want to share that I had Postable mail our Christmas cards, and unfortunately not all of the recipients received our cards. I cannot say that I am completely certain that this was a Postable issue or USPS issue, but in the future I would gladly have Postable print our cards but would choose to mail them myself. I always want to be completely honest with you guys and wanted to share this experience as I felt it was important!
You know those parties you go to where you aren’t sure if people are going dressy or casual, so you try to dress in between and hope for the best? This is the perfect example of what I would wear to that kind of party. A skirt or dress, styled down with a bootie and loose sweater or tee. For a little touch of glam a draped blazer or coat adds the final touch (and of course I add faux fur accents because I am who I am).
There’s something about a loose sweater with a leather skirt or fitted skirt that I always gravitate toward. The same thing with a great pair of faux leather leggings or wax jeans (my current favorite pair). Feminine, edgy, glam – if I can combine all of those elements in an outfit I’ve hit the sweet spot where I always feel confident.
If you follow along on Snapchat (CBLied), you may have seen me painting this drop leaf table a few weeks ago. I have been considering painting this piece of furniture for years, but have always been afraid that I would mess it up and regret it. It’s a sentimental piece because my mom bought it in Nashville when she was pregnant with me. When I got married we didn’t have a breakfast room table and she was considering getting rid of it, so it was meant to be!
If anyone could help me take the plunge to transform this table into something that’s more “me,” it’s Deborah and her team at Peinture Studios in Costa Mesa (check her out here – seriously, she’s the coolest). I met her at her store (and classroom if you’re interested in taking one of her workshops!), and together we looked at photos of this table and paint samples. After taking two paint samples home and mulling over them… I ended up deciding to combine the two!
This table is one coat of Country Grey Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, followed by a coat of Old White. Afterward I applied a layer of Annie Sloan Clear Wax and voila! Done. I couldn’t believe how easy it was – three coats and it was done in less than a weekend. I’d heard chalk paint was easy but this was like, really easy. And yes, I had to stage these photos because no one really needs to see me in sweatpants and dirty hair watching Friends on Netflix and splattering paint around my kitchen. So I’m doing your eyes a favor.
I used an old plastic mattress cover as a drop cloth (because we’ve moved 1389473x) and because the paint is practically odorless, I was able to paint it in our kitchen. No stripping, no sanding, no paint fumes and it practically dries as fast as spray paint. I’m telling you… easiest.
Because I had extra paint, I also chose to repaint our breakfast room chairs to match the table and used some super quick and fabulous gold leafing to accent the table feet and medallions on the chairs. I love this setup more than ever now that it feels like my own, and I’m seriously tempted to repaint every piece of furniture in my house.
If you’re in the Orange County area and interested in refreshing a sentimental piece or even a piece you’re considering tossing – you’ve got to stop in Peinture Studios and take a peek around. Trust me, you’ll be inspired!
Have you revamped a piece of furniture in your home? I want to hear about it! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
