Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Friday’s Five

– these organizational bins that are game changers for my beauty routine –

– the sweetest robe I picked up in Miami –

– coming home to this doofus –

– grabbing some matchsticks from my travels – I love collecting them! –

– trying out some beautiful (but tiny!) Issa de’ Mar bikinis –

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 –

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Classic Day or Night

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.

Do you have any quick day to night tips? I’d love to hear. Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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Wednesday Wish List

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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 –

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Stress Reveals Character

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.

Thanks so much for reading and sharing! XO –

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Friday’s Five

– 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 –

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Striped Dress with Lace Trim

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!

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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Wednesday Wish List

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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!

Thanks for reading, guys! XO –

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Tropical Maxi

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.

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 –

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Wearing White on White

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 –

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Friday’s Five

– this thoughtful surprise gift from the incredible team at Framebridge –

– this delightfully furry handbag –

– Gigi New York reading my mind –

– designing my first pair of shoes with Shoes of Prey (!!). Tassels, neon, python and hot pink… I mean = dream. –

– missing my roomies and friends from the blogger conference last weekend –

Heeeeyyyy Friday! Happy to welcome this weekend at home, the first in a while, especially because one of my closest friends from childhood is visiting for a wedding! I actually had not seen two of my childhood best friends in two years and got to see Anna in Dallas last weekend and Kady in LA this weekend – talk about jackpot. They’re those kinds of friends that when you’re together, you haven’t skipped a beat even if it’s been years. The best.

I will be in Miami next weekend, so I’m enjoying some California breeze until I travel back to the South. The last time I was in Miami I was in such awe of the beautifully blended culture (I remember feeling like chopped liver compared to the Cuban goddesses), I can’t wait to visit again. I am 100% the girl eating french fries in a muumuu in a cabana and pointing out all the pretty people at the pool. #neverchange

Can y’all believe that it is almost May… I mean, WHAT the WHAT!? I can’t believe summer is right around the corner, but I’m excited for it as adventures always seem to start in the summer. And this will be the first summer that I’m not moving in quite some time so HECK YEAH. I do not miss the annual hoarding of cardboard boxes around this time.

That reminds me, I should email my landlady and let her know we’re sticking around. Oh, to do’s!!

What are y’all doing this weekend and who has been to Miami recently? Thank you so much for reading!! XO –

PS – I have to share that World Market is offering 25% off today and tomorrow for their Friends & Family event with code FFWEB! I adore this place. For those of you who saw our home tour – I have several pieces from World Market. I think it’s time I snag C a desk!

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Embellished Midi Dress

This was one of those dresses I knew I would love as soon as I saw it. I love wearing white in the summer, and bonus points if it’s a flowy maxi with a little color. This is the kind of summer dress dreams are made of!

The top of the dress is embellished with sequins, thick threading and all kinds of “flair.” You know I love this, but since I wore my hair down, I found my locks constantly being snagged by the embellishment. Which meant I looked like I was fighting with a dress that was pulling my hair. An interesting visual if you stop to think about it. This are the things women do to look cute… I mean, WWCD (what would Carrie Bradshaw do)?

Go forward, I’ll wear my hair back… unless I one day gain the courage to get that lob I’ve wanted for a year. #haircoward

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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Gift Guide: Mother’s Day

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Mother’s Day (May 10th) is a few weeks away and you know I had to give you some of my favorite picks for that special lady (or ladies) in your life. I don’t know about you, but my mom can be hard to shop for. The reality is that if she wants something, she just buys it for herself. And that woman has a lot of stuff… so what do you get the person who has everything?

For me – it’s either a funny gift like this (obsessed) or a story. My mom has a big scrapbook where she keeps stories we write. It could be a funny story about when I had a full out #whitegirlproblems moment and my car wouldn’t crank in the Bloomingdale’s parking lot at 9pm while Christian was performing surgery and not answering my calls OR when I drank to many margaritas and ended up giving a parking lot cat a new home.

Another idea is do what my sister did a few years ago and create a little book of “Karen-isms.” We compiled all the ridiculous things my mom is known to say (ex: “stop being a hater” and “I’m awesome,” whenever she completes a project). And of course she read it and laughed at every single one, saying “um YEAH, that’s true, totally agree,” only confirming that she stands by her Karen-isms.

What are some of your original gift ideas for your mom? And don’t have time to come up with some thoughtful, handmade gift? This guide’s gotcha girl.

Thanks for reading! XO –

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Explore The Blog

Shop Around

Friday’s Five

Classic Day or Night

Wednesday Wish List

Stress Reveals Character

Friday’s Five

Striped Dress with Lace Trim

Wednesday Wish List

Tropical Maxi

Wearing White on White

Friday’s Five

Embellished Midi Dress

Gift Guide: Mother’s Day