So this morning I shared the news of Nordstrom’s major sale going on now through 5/31. Confession: I tried to prep and pick my favorites the night before the sale began… and literally none of the items I listed were on sale.
A) Yikes.
B) Story of my life, champagne taste on a beer budget.
C) I’ve got to fix this!
SO, now that the sale is underway, I’ve picked some Nordy’s faves that actually ARE on sale. I’m sorry about that guys, honestly, I was laughing when I was double-checking my picks and was like… “WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!?”
So I couldn’t finish the week off without correcting myself! Above are some steals that are worth checking out and tell me if you score something major! Thanks so much for reading and for your patience – XO –
Oh snap – Nordstrom is having their half-yearly sale starting TODAY! Snag up to 40% through May 31st with free shipping and free returns.
Basically a shopaholics dream scenario, so get to scopin’ out the scene. Above are some of my favorite picks. This dress comes in so many colors and this bag, I mean… it’s adorable.
So much to choose from. Last year I snagged some designer jeans, Frye boots and cashmere… can’t wait to see what ends up in my cart this year (Christian if you’re reading this, as Melissa McCarthy would say… “look away!“).
Tell me what you score! Thanks for reading y’all. XO –
Cheers! Why not start off a Monday with a little wine? The best. I’m always excited to try out a new bubbly or Pinot Noir, and today I’m sharing my favorite bruschetta recipe with a new bottle from Gloria Ferrer.
In our house, weekend nights are meant for quick dinners, comfortable clothes, good wine and good movies. The night we enjoyed this light dinner on the patio, we realized that neither of us had ever seen Good Will Hunting. 9 Oscar nominations and we’ve never seen it!?!? That’s a problem. It was so good – so long, but so good. It felt crazy to see Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in this movie, knowing that they had written the screenplay, produced the film, acted in it and the film had been released by the time they were 27. I’m the same age and it makes me feel so #basic.
But back to the booze. This pinot noir was so smooth and to participate in the Be Glorious Photo Contest, I struck a pose with my Gloria Ferrer and my favorite accessory of the moment – tassel everything! I can’t get enough of these tassel bracelets and the necklace is a perfect addition. I know these pieces will be my summer staples, and now that I have a crisp new vino, summer nights can’t come soon enough!
Don’t forget you can enter your photo by striking a pose with your fave Gloria Ferrer bubbly & fashion obsessed and tagging #GloriouslyGlam #BeGloriousContest.
Thanks so much for reading! Tell me your favorite wine – I’m always looking to try new vinos! XO –
Pop fizz clink – it’s the weekend! Christian has made plans to pick up some coffee truck lattes and head to the beach for a surfing day, and I look forward to unwinding and watching him in his element.
Let’s talk about some of these parts of Friday’s Five. First of all, these bins are my latest obsession. I have makeup everywhere – eyeliners in julep cups, lipsticks on a tray, a makeup bag in a drawer, the list goes on. These little bins are the perfect containers to store underneath my sink and stay organized. I LOVE them.
Secondly, Brazilian cut bikinis. Can we talk about this? While in Miami, I met some of the team behind the mega fabulous Issa de’ Mar bikini brand. I was telling them how intimidated I was with the tiny Brazilian bikini bottoms and they shared that your eye is drawn to fabric. Therefore, too much fabric can actually make you appear larger. Interesting. I wore a teeny tiny bikini while in Miami, but I don’t know if I’ll have the courage to rock this number in the real world. However, I’m lucky to have a husband who gives me the confidence to rock anything – so we’ll see if I pull out this number tomorrow for our surf date!
What are you guys doing this weekend? Do share. Thanks for reading – XO –
As a full-time working gal + blogger, I love any outfit that can quickly take me from the office to cocktails. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to work with a clutch and stilettos in my work tote so I can make the quick change in my car on the way to an event or happy hour.
What I love about these Julie Lopez flats are that A) they’re named Edie, and you know I love my niece, and B) the Italian leather is top notch. I mean, these babies feel like butter, not to mention their classic structure and stylish patent cap toe make them the perfect day flats. Now I just need them in nude!
For night, I just pull out this fab foldover clutch and my highest heels and just like that, I’m ready for the night.
I mean… I want it all. Lately I’m convinced that if I had cuter workout gear that I would want to exercise more (as ridiculous as this sounds, this is known to work for me – #shopaholic). I also have decided I want one of these blue and white vases, which pains me because I had the coolest urn from my mom that she and I spray-painted white. Dumb.
I am a girl in love with accessories, so this collection is no different, but this coverup is also on my summer wish list. Seriously – too cute!
What are you lusting after? Thanks for reading y’all! XO –
My mom and I were recently talking about how crisis reveals character, and I told her that I actually feel like stress reveals character. In times of crisis, I have usually been able to keep a good perspective because there’s more of a responsibility to be strong for others who are involved. I feel my attitude is centered around a team mentality, which means in times of crisis you usually have support from family, friends and so on.
Stress however, is usually more self-centered. When I was engaged to Christian and we were weeks away from living together, I was so nervous to live with someone who would really see all the sides of me – the good, bad and ugly. Christian and I were engaged in February, and a few weeks later my niece Edie was born. She has a terminally ill disease and is severely handicapped. The joy of our engagement so quickly shifted by the aching of our hearts for my brother’s family and their firstborn child. Of course now, this experience has only made me love Christian and my family so much more intensely, but at the time, my heart was broken for so many reasons and I felt particularly stressed.
One time in particular, Christian was over at my house when we were engaged and I just knew I was about to cry the tears of an overwhelmed, exhausted bride. I went to the laundry room and shut the door, sitting down by the washer and crying. After a few minutes, Christian came looking for me and was like, “what is WRONG with you!?” Now it makes me laugh, but at the time, those private moments of stress and suffocation were exactly what I did not want him to see (and to be honest, I still prefer to be by myself when I’m feeling this way).
Another time, I came home completely exhausted and overworked, tried to act like I was fine, and then got in the shower and cried tears of stress. Once again, knock knock knock, “Kathleen… I can hear you crying.” So clearly you guys can tell I have a pattern when I am extremely stressed… a private pity party.
I so admire people who can remain calm in times of stress and it’s a trait I consistently long to have. A few tips I’ve tried that seem to work for me:
Get some fresh air. This might just mean a walk around the block, sitting on a park bench for a few minutes or walking to get a cup of coffee. Often a few minutes outside in the sunshine and fresh air, focusing on my breath, can put my head in a clearer space.
Laugh. Find something or someone to make you chuckle. A few of my favorites lately here, here and here.
Relax with scent. There may be a certain lotion, incense or a candle that calms you. I love to light incense or rub a little lavender essential oil on my wrists and neck.
Got some tips for how you handle stress or any good shower cries to share? Don’t hold back.
– a mimosa and mani morning on my first Saturday at home in quite some time –
– when Christian comes home with fruit from his coworker’s yards –
– marble pajamas that are just too good to be true –
– a new day cream that I can already tell will be a summer beauty favorite –
– the sweetest surprise from the most fabulous friend that I adore –
I’m currently ringing in the weekend from Miami, the land of some of the most beautiful people. Yowza! The last time I was here was for my college bestie’s birthday four-ish years ago, and I remember feeling like I was the “real girl” in a sea of supermodels (you know you remember this SATC scene, a personal favorite).
I definitely plan on visiting Prime112 again with these California and New York girls I’m here with – the last time I was there I remember feeling super fancy when a stranger sent a drink to my table (no worries, I was years from being engaged to my dreamboat). That kind of stuff never happens to me so let me relish in my moment. I actually recently shared this story with Christian and he looked at me with attitude and gave me his usual review, “not impressed.”
I mean… sometimes I think I’ve created a sassy monster.
What do you guys have in store for the weekend? I know it’s Mother’s Day weekend so some of you must have some sweet plans! And if you have yet to get mom a gift (as in your mom, not my mom although I’m sure she’d love it), check out this post from last week with some of our family’s favorite gifts that don’t cost a thing.
Have a beautiful weekend and thanks so much for reading! XO –
When I tried this dress on I thought, “if only I’d had this dress the year I was getting married!” This is one of those feminine, ladylike and polished pieces that can be such a versatile addition to your closet. Worn to luncheons, work, your own bridal showers (if you’re the bride), cocktail events – all you need is to alternate a few accessories, and it can work for almost any occasion.
Those of you who have been reading CBL for years (yes, this blog has actually been around for five years… I can hardly believe it and feel as though any of you who have been reading for the long-haul deserve a serious virtual-web-hug from me!) may remember hearing me preach that a white blazer is a closet staple. I actually wear my white blazer so much more than my black one. I think it looks crisp and stands out so much more than your standard black blazer!
And I’m still obsessed with my Anne Klein Fashion Fit watch (first shared here). I’ve discovered how stationary I am during the day and have really been trying to walk more, even if it just means taking the longer route in the office to get a cup of coffee or parking a little further away. I’ve also been wearing the lightweight black band (the watch comes with two band options which I love) when I sleep so it tracks how much deep sleep I’m getting… and now I’m turning into Christian by being obsessed with monitoring how much good sleep I get each night. Have any of you felt like this with your sleep monitoring watch, bracelet or app? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Remember that sleeveless Ann Taylor trench everyone had last year? I was late to the game, and by the time I decided I couldn’t live without it, it was sold out.
The shortest horror story in history.
That’s why I’m mega excited to have spotted this beauty that was in my cart stat. I know it’s going to be the perfect addition to my California-layer-loving wardrobe, and I’m so excited to pair it with dresses, jeans and everything in between.
What was that piece you coveted that got away? Tell me. I have mad web hunting skills, you never know… I might be able to find it for you!
I actually snagged this dress months ago but had been holding onto it for our vacation. I knew this dress on the beach would catch the most beautiful breeze and that I would feel full on J.Lo circa 2000 Grammy’s.
I remember telling C, “when I put this dress on, Kathleen disappears and J.Lo enters the room.” I’m sure he was like… “why is this my life?” It’s fine.
dress (under $40, true to size) c/o | heels – Zara, old, nearly identical here | clutch c/o | earrings | sunnies | necklace c/o | floral lei – bought by my sweet hubs
For those of you who visited yesterday, I want to remind you about this CBL bracelet stack that I seriously can’t get enough of. I worked with Busywrist to design a custom stack that is currently 15% with code CBL15. I love that it mixes both silver and gold with an evil eye – we all need some good energy, right?
Tell me what you think of the stack! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
It’s no secret I love wearing white in the summer. Something about tanned skin against a crisp white anything is just everything that’s right with summertime. This linen-blend shirt is going to be on a heavy rotation… as in I may have worn it the day after this with denim cutoffs. The best!
Another item that’s going to be my partner in crime is this new Anne Klein Fashion Fit watch. It not only keeps the time and date, but it tracks your steps, monitors your sleep and keeps up with your calories burned. This watch keeps all of these valuable details while also looking fashionable, coming with two watch bands to match any ensemble (plus switching bands is also super easy). I actually learned how to work this baby while drinking wine on my couch and was grateful it wasn’t counting my calories consumed… as that could be quite frightening.
I had two dinners tonight. Just sayin’. Here’s to hoping this fab watch will help keep me in check for the bikini months ahead!
I also want to share that I have collaborated with the fabulous Megan of Busywrist to create this adorable bracelet stack that is now available to you guys as the CBL Stack (you may have also seen it worn here). WHAT!? So fun!! Y’all can get 15% off this week with the code CBL15.
Thanks so much for reading y’all, I hope y’all had an amazing weekend – XO –