red lace midi dress

A few weekends ago I had a meeting in Venice, and Christian joined me so we could visit the canals for the first time.  It was so much fun to walk up and down the walkways, looking at all the charming homes along the canals and even spotting a mama duck and her babies swimming by!

This red dress combines so many things that I love – the midi length, red, lace – and I think it would be such a great dress for a wedding. It brings the va-va-voom on its own!

eyelash clutch red midi dress kathleen barnes red dress eyelash and lips clutch venice beach canals touring the venice beach canals

dress c/o (fit is true to size), similar here and also love this one and this one | similar heels | clutch, love this one too| earrings – Etsy, love these | x ring c/o | similar snake bracelet | sunnies

 

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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petite ginger jar

– this adorable baby ginger jar from my in-laws –

gold scissors

– the prettiest gold scissors from White Elephant Designs –

yosi samra spotted flats

– seeing spots with Yosi Samra

tortoise sunglasses with blue lens

– throwin’ shade

the her initiative

– wrapping up an indescribable week –

I can’t even begin to explain what this week has meant to my heart.  I came to the Dominican Republic this week for The Her Initiative, an organization that works to provide clean water to women and children and empower women.  What is more powerful than that?

I can’t wait to share more with you guys in the future with a full post on what this experience has exposed me to and what I’ve learned from these joyous, welcoming and loving children – there’s too much to say in just a Friday’s Five!

Y’all have a beautiful weekend and thank you so much for reading – XO –

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carrie bradshaw lied

I drive past this bougainvillea every single weekday on my drive home from work.  It catches my eye every time, and what you can’t see in these photos is that the bougainvillea bush wraps around a really tall palm tree.  I love how vibrant the blossoms are, and after it rains there will be hot pink petals all over the ground.  It only takes a week or two before it’s completely full with beautiful flowers again, and I am always amazed it bounces back so quickly!

On the drive home from church a few weeks ago I asked Christian if he would pull over so we could snap a few photos.  I think because I’ve passed by this palm tree bougainvillea hybrid so many times, these photos are probably some of my favorite that we’ve taken all summer.  We’re going on our third year living in California, and the bougainvillea that is sprinkled all over this state never ceases to take my breath away.

pink shift dress kathleen barnes wayf coral shift dress black ray ban aviators carrie bradshaw lied bloghenri bendel straw clutch with tasselskathleen barnespink shift dressorange county bloggerorange county california

 

dress c/o | clutch c/o Henri Bendel, no longer available, love this one (40% off!) and this one | sunnies | heels – Cynthia Rowley, no longer available, love thesethese and these | cuff c/o | earrings c/o | hat

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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palm leaf print dress

Christian and I were recently invited to visit the recently remodeled Miramonte Resort & Spa in the desert (you may have seen the Instagram photos and snapchats @CBLied!).  It rained a good bit on Saturday, but I couldn’t complain because we all know California needs any rain it can get! Luckily after a rainy day it stopped long enough to get dolled up for a date night dinner.

I actually have this exact same dress in a different style – I couldn’t resist because it’s so adorable!  The fabric is super thin, which is perfect with a light slip for summer nights. And in case you were wondering, I was just fine blending in with the resort’s scenery.

carrie bradshaw lied monogrammed foldover clutch palm leaf dress nude mules orange county blogger kathleen barnes palm dress

 

dress (only $50!) c/o | mules – Vince Camuto, on sale but almost sold out, nearly identical here and here | earrings c/o | clutch c/o | tassel bracelet c/o | “take me away” cuff c/o | gold, rose gold, silver bangles c/o

For those of you on the West Coast, Miramonte is currently offering a deal to those who stay for two nights, they’ll receive their third night free + $25 spa credit now through September 30th!

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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world market desk

You guys probably don’t know this about Christian, but he takes perfectionism to a whole new level. My favorite example is that it took him an entire year to buy… a vest.  He knew in his mind the exact kind of vest that he wanted, but no one was making it yet.  So he patiently waited until he found the perfect vest 12 months later.

He wants to curate his possessions into just a few things that he really, really loves, and while I do respect that, it can sometimes be frustrating when we are trying to make a joint purchase.  There is an entirely different post for a sofa reveal when we get that bad boy in!

SO, when Christian shared that he wanted a desk, I knew it would be no easy feat.  He is so particular, and I already pictured the two of us sitting at numerous desks in home stores and in and out of homes via Craigslist.

Enter World Market’s new customize-your-own desk feature!  Christian was able to shop between 15 different options to design a desk that suited his preferences, and bonus points for me because it looks so great.  I love that it has both drawers and shelves, and the desk is plenty big to hold both our HP and Christian’s laptop.

juliska berry and thread cup and saucer mens sperry gold cup loafers HP Sprout computer juliska berry and thread world market customize your own desk world market desk yellow lab

You can snag this desk at World Market, or shop between tons of different options to find the perfect beauty that fits your needs.  You can see my desk here and here.

Below are my favorite picks!  Stay tuned for a full room reveal coming soon.

 

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

This post in in partnership with World Market, a brand I love! I have so many pieces in my home from World Market.  As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the affiliate posts who make this blog possible.

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carrie-bradshaw-lied

I’m always looking for new ways to keep our home organized and clean, while still visually appealing and livable. While I would live in an all-white, mirrored haven if I could, Christian is always reminding me that our home should be comfortable and lived-in (and on the inside I know he’s right athough it pains me to admit).

SO, today I’m teaming up with Seven Daughters Wine to share 7 ways we combine design and function in our house.

ikea-ektorp-ottoman

1. Ottoman Storage

I love this ottoman (I snagged it for $25 on Craigslist) not only because it has clean lines and is comfortable (we almost always have our feet propped up whenever we’re sitting down), but also because it has this great secret storage.

We move it around often, so I don’t want to load it with books or anything heavy, but it’s perfect for extra blankets. And is there anything better in life than curling up with a blanket and a cold class of Chardonnay, propping your feet up and watching the Real Housewives?

The answer is no, no there is nothing better.

basket-holding-magazines

2. Baskets

I’m all about some baskets. On the floor for magazines, on bookshelves to store items that aren’t display-worthy, in the bathroom to hold magazines, extra toilet paper, you name it. I have purchased baskets from Home Goods, Ikea and even Goodwill – and I love them each for their different style and design.

I love this basket (on sale) and I’ve almost bought this one like, 10x.

DIY-chalkboard

3. Chalkboard

My mom actually made this tall chalkboard for me in college with leftover wood and a little chalk paint (although this could be another great, inexpensive option), and I’ve been using it in every house I’ve lived in since. I love that it looks cute but I can also use to send strong messages to Christian. Like… “please organize the stacks of paper on the breakfast table by Wednesday or consequences shall follow.”

A different kind of “honey do” list.

diy bulletin board

4. Pin-up Board / Bulletin Board

My mom also painted this white frame in college and strung wire across the back. We use it to clip up pictures, cards, concert tickets and other mementos, similar to a bulletin board.

It always seems to be a focal point when guest visit our house, and I love that some of my favorite pictures hang there. This is a really great similar option for those who don’t feel like trying to make their own (no shame in that!).

acrylic serving tray mirrored tray acrylic serving tray

5. Trays (Acrylic | Mirrored)

In the same way I am a cat lady (and dog lady), I am a tray lady. I love trays. Painted, acrylic, antique, mirrored, any way you serve ‘em. I find them pretty to sit on a dresser or coffee table, and I will also move them around to keep things fresh.

I like to serve snacks or appetizers on trays, display jewelry on them, stack candles in them, etc.

apothocary jars ikea vittsjo shelving

6. Apothecary Jars

I’ve had these large apothecary jars for years and we use them to collect matchbooks, wine corks (I’m adding to the collection by drinking wine as often as possible… because I must contribute to the décor #duh) and bottle caps. I think they look so pretty while actually being usable storage.

I’ve also seen people fill them with lemons and limes, pinecones, soaps, shells, candy – there are so many ways to style them! I love this one and these.

seven daughters chardonnay styling kitchen shelves pelligrino

7. Kitchen Shelving

This metal shelving piece used to be on our patio when we were living in 850 square feet and we were trying to make it work (it did not work). When we moved to a larger home, I wanted to put it in the kitchen for the appliances we have that I wanted to display.

Christian thought I was a little cray, but was willing to let me give it a shot. I love it. I love that I can see some of my favorite (and often used) appliances and kitchen items without having them clutter my counter space.

carrie bradshaw lied

 

Those are my functional décor tips – do you have any that work for you? I’d love to hear – we’re always looking to streamline our space in a pretty and effective way!

Thanks so much for reading – XO

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nordstrom anniversary sale picks under 100

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

 

I’ve shared my early access picks here and here, and my free-for-all picks last Friday here, but today I wanted to share my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale steals under $100.

This is a great time to snag some killer boots, luxe cashmere and designer denim at a serious markdown.  There’s also a great coat selection for those of you in colder climates!  I try to not even look because let’s be honest… no one really needs a coat in Southern California.

Have you snagged a great deal? I’d love to hear!  Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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chocolate chip walnut pie

Christian is notorious for giving me cooking or baking supplies for gifts… a subtle hint to bake him something for his never fully indulged sweet tooth.  When he hinted to his parents for my Christmas gift, I was so excited to receive a pie plate and loaf pan that matched my everyday china, that I was baking pies every week.

Insert Christian nodding his head in glorious achievement.

He recently requested a coconut pie, so when I found this recipe it was game over.  So rich but so delicious, and it combines our favorite baking ingredients – chocolate and coconut!

Plus (and perhaps most importantly), it’s super easy.

homemade pie crust making homemade pie crust coconut pie recipe chocolate chip walnut coconut pie

the best chocolate pie recipe

pie plate | rolling pin | similar mixing bowls | similar towels here and here | flatware – Pottery Barn, no longer available, similar here

 

Not to mention that taking these photos made me realize my countertops are the exact color of this pie. Meant to be? I think so.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think!  Thanks so much for reading – XO –

 

 

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catalina island

My last round of photos from our trip to Catalina, this sweet midi dress feels so Southern (and it’s under $30!).  I love how it ties at the shoulders, reminding me of a dress I would have wanted to wear as a little girl.  I don’t wear a lot of kelly green, and I don’t really know why… because it’s one of those colors that when I wear it, I always love it!

I wore this to explore the main town of Avalon in Catalina Island on our last day of our trip.  Let’s be honest, the last day of any trip is always sad, so wearing a cute outfit and carrying around Sauvignon Blanc in a hydroflask definitely makes it a little less painful.

What? I did that? No way.

Way.  You can’t leave a good bottle that’s already been opened in the fridge, right?! I’m fine with it.

carrie bradshaw lied helmer handbags carrie bradshaw lied blog orange county blogger green midi dress

dress c/o, comes in one size, fits like a large medium and a midi dress on me (I’m 5’7″), save on this one and splurge on this one… and this dress isn’t green but how cute!? | bag c/o, love this one and this one | heels – Zara, similar here | earrings  – Etsy, love these | sunnies

 

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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nord

If I haven’t yammered on enough about my favorite sale of the year, it’s free game for anyone starting TODAY!  I shared my early access picks here and here, but I’ve added some new swoon-worthy pieces to today’s roundup.  Don’t forget that Nordstrom also offers home, menswear, beauty and children’s clothing – so there is seriously something for everyone.

I think this basket would look so cute with blankets stored in it, I have marquee signs from Nordstrom and I’m obsessed and this trench is just too good.

Have you snagged some swag?! Spill the deets and most importantly, have an amazing weekend.

CLOTHING

 

ACCESSORIES

 

SHOES

 

BEAUTY

 

HOME

 

MENS

 

Thanks so much for reading! XO –
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yellow maxi skirt

I can’t believe I’m just now sharing these photos from Catalina Island, but better late than never, right? You might remember this maxi skirt from this post or this crop top from this post.  I’m all about mixing and matching the pieces in your closet to create new looks and maximize your closet.  The way this skirt moves is so pretty, my only complaint is that I don’t have it in more colors!

These stairs were right by the condo where we stayed in Hamilton Cove and it was beyond picturesque.  I can’t even describe the view – Catalina is a hidden gem that you must visit if you’re in Southern California.  I think drinking coffee on the balcony here is a memory that will never leave my mind (or at least I hope not).

At least it’s almost the weekend… right?

catalina island julie vos jewelry hamilton cove avalon ca carrie bradshaw lied kathleen barnes tropical crop top

 

skirt c/o, similar here and here | crop top c/o | heels | druzy cuff c/o 15% off with code carriebradshawlied | gold cuff c/o | turquoise cuff c/o | x ring c/o | earrings, old, similar here | cable and pearl cuff | sunnies

Thank you so much for reading! XO –

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nordstrom early access sale

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

 

Last week I shared some early access picks here, but I wanted to share another round of Nordstrom steals before it’s a free-for-all on Friday! These pants I feel a seriously strong connection to (as in I’m pretty sure we are meant for each other), and I have a PMD and have really been loving it.

I’ve also been perusing the Cupcakes & Cashmere collection both here and here, and kind of want everything, but it could just be because I have a mega girl crush on Emily Schuman. Have any of you shopped her collection yet and if so, what do you think?

Note: today is also Amazon’s Prime Day – some seriously amazing discounts on all kinds of items! If you are in the market for some new gadgets, now’s your chance.  Discounted kindles, Ray Ban’s, watches and cameras.

 

AND, to you early access Nordstrom shoppers – tell me what you’ve scored so far!  Not a cardholder? Don’t sweat it.   You can still preview what’s on sale and get your picks ready when the sale goes public on Friday.

Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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