Styling Bookshelves

After this apartment tour and this bar cart post, several of you left blog and instagram comments about my bookshelf styling. I am by no means a shelf styling pro, but I’ve tried to pack these shelves with as much as I can while still keeping them looking somewhat orderly.

I like to mix up vertical and horizontal sections, while showcasing some of the more special trinkets and items,changing up the dimensions on different shelves.

While I wouldn’t let Christian bring his mounted deer head to California, we did bring these antlers.  They remind me of Christian’s family’s farm and hunting land in Mississippi…and if I have to hear about him missing duck season ONE more time…

 It was fun to mix my fashion books and pink geode bookends with Christian’s medical books and bookends.  His and hers!

These Tiffany’s playing cards are just the cutest gift ever.  A fab Christmas gift from my mom years ago.

deer antlers

I had been wanting a skull for a while and lo and behold Christian won a plating contest at the hospital, winning a prize…and this fun little guy (we named him Hector).

More about this little eiffel tower here.

More about this vintage globe here.

I just wanted to show some more detail of the shelving and how I try to visually break up each section, while still utilizing the shelves for storage.  Don’t be fooled…inside that basket on the upper shelf lies a ton of loose receipts!

Please feel free to leave any questions or suggestions in the comments below.  Thanks so much for giving your feedback and inspiring this post!! XO –

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One Year Anniversary

 

I can’t believe it’s been one year.  Since we’ve been engaged, we’ve welcomed two nieces and a nephew, we got married, Christian interviewed for residencies in 14 locations across the United States (you can read about that here) and graduated medical school, we packed up our entire lives, moved across the country and both started new jobs and our marriage together.

All of that to say, this year felt pretty easy and a whole lot of fun!  Christian and I have learned so much about each other and ourselves in the almost seven years we’ve been together, and he’s truly like my other half.  We’ve been through so much together and he’s my constant, my rock, my security blanket, my home.

I wanted to have some photos taken to capture where this year has brought us.  I wanted to have some memories of the beginning of our marriage in this beautiful new place we call home and was so thrilled when he was onboard with the idea!  The poor guy works around the clock and with only four days off a month, spending one of them hopping rocks in front of a photographer was such a special act of service (my love language) and I am so thankful.  More cheesy bragging on this guy I’m lucky enough to call my husband here.

 

I was honored to have the beautiful and talented Breanna Holderby capture these photos in Malibu.  She is such a delight to work with and if you’re in the LA area, I couldn’t recommend her enough!  You can also check out her blog here.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for photos from our anniversary trip to Santa Barbara and the wedding cake topper that made its way all the way from Mississippi to be eaten on our one year anniversary.  Do any of you married ladies out there have advice for how to stretch the newlywed phase for more than a year?  I would love to hear!

Thanks for being a part of this journey with us.  XO –

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Friday’s Five

– some new sparkly statement necklaces –

 

– couch and snuggle time with Lula LaShonda –

– adding a fun monogram sticker to my planner –

– Mississippi notepads from my sister-in-law –

– the sweetest petit fours from my mother-in-law for our wedding anniversary – brought all the way from Mississippi! –

 

Other mentions:

We have finally we have left for our anniversary trip to Santa Barbara!  Thank y’all so much for your awesome recommendations and tips – I so appreciate it!  I have been researching vineyards and tasting rooms and with the advice of many, I think I’ve narrowed it down to a few.  I’m ready to kick my feet up, let someone else do the driving and sip some vino!  But let’s be honest…aren’t we all ready for that everyday?  I’m looking forward to turning off electronics and enjoying the scenery.

Y’all have a fab weekend and don’t forget to enter the Foxy Originals giveaway! XO –

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White Peplum Top

 
I have loved my strapless peplum top so much (featured here and here), so when I saw this Asos peplum top with sleeves (!!), I knew I wanted in.  Thanks to Scoutfit, I was able to bookmark the top until it was discounted, saving me time and money.  I got the exact top that I wanted for $20 less by bookmarking it and waiting until I was alerted that it was on sale.

I layered some sparkly necklaces with it and added a fun touch by attaching my Chanel brooch (given to me on my wedding weekend from my sweet mom) to my Baublebar necklace.  I love attaching brooches to necklace when I can make it work – such a fun and unique touch!

 

top – Asos (c/o Scoutfit), similar tops listed below / skirt – Express (old) / heels – Forever21 / watch – Michael Kors / bracelet – Derng (c/o) / bag – Chanel / pave necklace – Baublebar (c/o) / sparkly bib necklace – Etsy Vintage / brooch – Chanel / sharktooth ring – Favery (c/o) / lipstick – Urban Decay Turn On

 

 

Thank y’all for reading and don’t forget to enter the Foxy Originals giveaway!  Come back tomorrow to see how I use Scoutfit to snag steals and deals on my favorite online picks. XO –
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Friday’s Five

– a Sunday drive down Rodeo –

– these gorgeous pieces of jewelry from Molly Jane Designs (you may have seen them on instagram) –

– a stop by Sprinkles Cupcakes in Newport –

-almost two years later, still being so glad I splurged on this Horchow headboard (also mentioned here and here)-

– these flats from Shop Prima Donna –

Happy weekend (finally)!  I am excited to have a relaxing fall weekend and prepare for a visit from my in-laws.  Christian finally has a week off and since I couldn’t take off of work this round, it was a perfect opportunity for Christian’s family to come in town!  He’s going to show them around town and I’ll spend some time with them in the evenings and then C and I will pack up for a much needed vacation weekend.  It will be so nice to be around family as I’ve found myself a little nostalgic for the South lately.

Tell me what you’re up to this weekend…and please watch the Hello Ross Dog Pageant.  Amazing.

Thank you for reading! XO –

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Happy Halloween from the Crazy Pet Lady

 
Happy Halloween from the cat witch, hobo dog and crazy pet lady who dresses her pets up in Halloween costumes!!

I mean…is there anything else to say?  Crazy about these fur babies.  I hope y’all have plenty of candy today and have a fun and safe Halloween!  XOXO –

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Halloween Favorites

1.  Jack Skellington cupcakes – yums!

2.  This cat lady costume that has my name written all over it (obviously).

3.  This lions mane that has Bailey’s name written all over it.

4.  The Food Network’s pumpkin carving contest – Chopped host Ted Allen nailed it with this one!

5.  This year’s American Apparel’s Halloween costume competition in full force, inspiration from last year (like these fab trolls) here.

6.  Forked eyeballs made from donut holes…yes please.

7.  Black bean cat crudités, because I just couldn’t resist sharing.

8.  Watching the best Halloween movie of all time, Hocus Pocus!

I just wanted to share a few things that have me excited about Halloween this year!  What do you have up your sleeve for the holiday!? Thanks for sharing – XO –

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The Man Behind the Blog

When I first spotted these man behind the blog posts of vmac + cheese, I knew Christian needed some much deserved (but not desired) spotlight, except I wanted to be the one to feature him!

Christian is the man behind the camera whenever there are fashion/outfit posts shared (more about that here). He has honed his photography, sounding board and patience skills, and I don’t know what I would do without him.  Some of my favorite CBL decisions have been suggestions from Christian and he always amazes me with his willingness to help. Recently he came home from a 15-hour day to say, “I was thinking about your ____ post today, and I think you should approach it from this angle…”  I was so touched that he was thinking of ways to help me during his hectic day.

Enough gushing!  After asking him multiple times to participate in this fun little spotlight, he finally obliged.  I give you, the man behind Carrie Bradshaw Lied.

I just love the man.  Best friend for seven years and husband for one – he gets me!

And he was totally right, I would 100% request Nene Leakes.  Or Shirley MacClaine.

Thanks for reading!! XO –

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Friday’s Five

– this selection of gorgeous grapes at the OC Great Park Farmer’s Market –

 

– a few candy corn sugar highs –

– finally visiting Hi-Times Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa and losing myself in their unbelievable selection –

– wishing my husband would stop loving morning donuts so much –

– these Stella & Dot earrings that are going to be my holiday staple –

This week has felt like a long one and I’m so happy to welcome Friday!  I’m looking forward to getting organized this weekend and spending some cuddle-sofa-cuddle-blanket-wine time with my two and four-legged family.I want to take a minute to apologize to any readers who had problems visiting CBL on Wednesday morning.  I had an advertisement on the site that had suspected improper coding and was warning those on certain browsers that the CBL possibly had malicious software.  This advertisement has since been removed and the brains at Google has confirmed that CBL is free of any virus-related activity!  Thank you to those of you who reached out to make sure I was aware of this problem and for being patient for those hours until everything was fixed!  Y’all are the best.

What are you doing this weekend?  Eating donuts in bed like me?  That sounds really bad doesn’t it…maybe I’ll throw some hiking and pilates in there.  Maybe.

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

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Casual Black Jumpsuit

I’ve had this casual jumpsuit for years and have usually tried to dress it up and attempt to make it work-appropriate. However it’s styled, I always feel a bit like a feminine mechanic…but it’s so comfortable and fun that I go with it!  Now that I work in an environment that has no dress code, I chose to pair it with Chuck Taylors and a sweater for a comfortable daytime look.

When we found out that both my brother and his family and Christian and myself were moving to California, my brother kept saying, “I can’t wait to see Kathleen turn into a California girl.”  He thought I would be permanently ditching my heels and living in tank tops and flip flops.  I was full of eye rolls…but no longer dressing up so much for work keeps my looks more casual in California than back home in the South.  But believe me, I still dress up every chance I get!

 

jumpsuit – AB Studio (old), similar here and here / sweater – Free People, similar here / sneakers – Converse / sunnies – Ray Ban / Chanel bracelet – Birds on a Wire Vintage (c/o) / assorted David Yurman / watch – Michael Kors / shark tooth ring – Favery (c/o) / charm bracelet – Tiffany & Co / lipstick – Urban Decay Catfight

Thanks for reading – XO –

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Neutral Faux Leather Shorts

I’ve had these LC Lauren Conrad leather shorts for a few years now and the perfection of the style and fit is probably why I’ve never been able to find a pair of black leather shorts that fit the bill.

The leaves might be changing colors where you live, but over here in California the sun is still shining and everything is still green (well except yesterday when it actually rained and brought in some chilly weather), so I’m still wearing the summer items I didn’t get enough wear out of this year!  You might remember this peplum top from this post in the Bahamas.  It’s so versatile, and I’ve really gotten so much more wear out of it than I had anticipated.  I’m thinking I should purchase it in black for fall…here’s so hoping my size comes back in stock!

 

shorts – LC Lauren Conrad, love these and these / top – Forever21 / heels – Michael Antonio / bag – linmade, custom / rose gold pave chainlink bracelet – Derng (c/o) / gold pave chainlink bracelet – J.Girls Jewels (c/o) / gold mini chain bracelet – INPink (c/o) / peacock feather necklace – boutique / monogram pendant – BaubleBar / sunnies – Ray Ban / leather vintage Chanel button cuff – Birds on a Wire Vintage (c/o)

 

Thank you for reading!  XO –

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A Week on the iPhone

We’re going to skip Friday’s Five today and recap the week in instagrams and iPhone photos.  My camera has been at the camera hospital getting a facelift (a few minor repairs) this week and I’ve been without it…the horror!  No worries, this gal splurged on a new lens and as soon as I get my baby back I’m going to be ready to roll (you can see the lens in one of the photos above!).

A week indeed!  A quick trip to Chicago, a DVR fully loaded with goodies, starting to plan a romantic weekend with my husband to celebrate our one-year anniversary and some weekend pumpkin carving plans with friends – I am feeling happy and rejuvenated this week after such a stressful week last week.   Thank you for your tips and tricks on how you stay de-stressed.  Y’all have no idea how much you really bring into my life.  I’m so grateful for all of my helpful and kind readers!

I’m excited to finally share the winner of the gift card giveaway!! Thank y’all so much for your patience…the winner is… Erin Clish!!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered.  Just like last time…never fear, there’s another fun giveaway around the corner (wink wink).  Y’all have a beautiful weekend – XO

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