Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Gift Guide | Under $50

This week’s first gift guide is all about gifts under $50 and some of my favorite picks for the ladies. Things for the guys is coming Friday, I promise!

To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.

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

11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

You guys know how much I love Necessaire, and this little introductory set would be great for someone who likes clean skincare and essential oils.

I have this big tumbler and love it so much, along with this tissue box cover. I use them regularly and I think they would be such great, practical gifts!

A cool candle or candle accessories, while a little generic, is usually a crowd pleaser. And I know it’s a gift I’m always happy to receive.

I have and love these fuzzy house shoes that can also be worn outside the house. I’ve heard from friends that this pajama set is where it’s at (they say to size up a size!) and this is my all-time favorite bra. I have multiple.

For more gift guides, check out the “gift guides” tab at the top of this site, including last week’s gift guide under $100. And more to come… as early as Friday. Thank you so much for reading and if you have a particular gift guide you’d like to see, please let me know in the comments! XO –

2 Comments|See Comments

Home Office Reveal | Updates

When we first moved into this house, I was super lucky to receive certain pieces and home accents that put me in a fast turnaround to share content. I am so grateful for the generosity of many brands and designers, so I happily obliged, but it means that I rushed into a few pieces that I hadn’t quite sorted through yet.

Like the original desk (seen here). I couldn’t find a desk I loved, so I bought an inexpensive one a a placeholder so I could at least get my office functional. And I don’t regret it because I used it for well over a year, and I was thankful to be able to be able to feel comfortable and focused in this space!

BUT, I kept rearranging things and trying new layouts and finally was like… this is still off. So I moved my black boomerang chairs downstairs, brought these safari chairs upstairs and sold the pink desk chair and placeholder desk. I splurged on a fancy lamp when I saw one randomly on sale, I invested in a huge, dreamy desk and added these delicious cashmere throw pillows. I also found this super cool African stool at a furniture market, and it fit right in.

I also sold the Ikea Vittsjo shelving unit that I’ve been able to use for so many years (the best $80 spent ever!) and replaced it with a heavier duty iron shelving piece from my childhood bedroom. And I love that it reminds me of the home I grew up in.

You can see all of the room reveals shared thus far under “home –> house tour” at the top of this site. Linkable items are at the bottom of this post!

This setup feels much more like “me,” and I really love how much of a difference these subtle changes made, while still keeping the contrast and neutral energy I find calming and not distracting.

Thanks so much for reading! And more of our space under “home –> house tour” at the top of this site. XO –

3 Comments|See Comments

Gift Guide | Holiday Glam

A gift guide/wish list combo for the glam girl today. Bring out the sequins!

More on my favorites and why below. To shop, click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

When it come to sparkle, bring on this $40 dress, these booties and these earrings really grab my attention. I love some sequins at the right moment… love, love, love.

I have these shoes in leopard (styled here and here), and I’ve almost bought the gold soooo many times. They make any simple outfit more fun and are actually really comfortable thanks to the fit and block heel.

I think this top and this top are so pretty and year-round pieces. The tie shoulder is so pretty and you could dress them up or down really easily. And of course… this top under $60 looks super fun in a Rinna-party kind of way.

Who has a holiday party on the calendar? I can’t wait! Thanks so much for reading and you can find all gift guides at the top of this site under “gift guides.” XO –

No Comments|See Comments

5 Favorite Levi’s & Why

I love denim so much, I mean – who doesn’t? And Levi’s have been a go-to favorite brand of mine for many years because they’re classic, timeless, reasonable priced and hold up incredibly well.

So I thought I would dive into some archives and share 5 of my favorite Levi’s and why. Mama loves an ultra high waist so prepare yourself for several pairs from the Ribcage Collection. They’re pretty much the best.

When it comes to sizing, if a pair of Levi’s has any stretch in the blend, I order my usual size. If the denim is 100% cotton, I will size up one size.

Some of these jeans I’ve had for many years, so the washes may not be exact to the ones linked, but the silhouette and product name is the same. Just to be transparent!

Ribcage Denim – No Distress, also available here – TTS

This is my most recent addition of Levi’s, the Ribcage in a classic wash with no distressing. They are mega high waist, have some stretch and also look mature and chic. A++, would buy again in a heartbeat. They also look really cute with the hem cut off!

Ribcage Denim with Distress

I ordered my usual size in these but some of the reviews do say they felt they run small – so heads up on that. Clearly… I can’t get enough of this style. Also seen here with a raw cut hem.

Ribcage Denim – Dark Wash

I told you guys there were a lot of ribcage and… I have multiple washes. So facts are facts, my friends.

Classic 501’s – I ordered my usual size but could have sized up for a more comfortable fit

One of the first pairs I bought. They aren’t super high waisted but high enough, cropped, easy to wear with a bodysuit or chunky knit… they just always work. They also look incredibly cute with booties in the fall (seen here – scroll a smidge). A win and come in multiple washes!

Levi’s Wedgie Icon Fit – love the classic wash too – I ordered my usual size but could have sized up for a more comfortable fit

These are a truly classic pair of Levi’s that will be around for decades to come. A great “intro” to the mom jean, clean lines, high waist, slim leg.

Are you a Levi’s lover also? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the classic denim. I know it’s not for everyone, but you gotta admit they’ve been a staple for a reason. Iconic brand! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

4 Comments|See Comments

Gift Guide | Under $100

It may not even be Halloween quite yet but here we are with our first gift guide of the season! I think people are starting to shop earlier and earlier, and honestly I get it. I have already made a big dent in Hudson’s gifts… mostly for selfish reasons. Christian and I both get pretty busy with work in November and December and it also happens to be both Hudson’s birthday and Christmas. The more I can get done and off the list, the more I can enjoy my time with him!

BUT I still have many others to shop for. So I’ll be sharing themed gift guides every week from now until the holidays, and you’ll be able to find all of them (including inspiration from years past) at the top of this site under “gift guides.”

Starting with… gifts under $100! To shop, simply click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.

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

11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20

Some of my favorite gift ideas are the super versatile ones. Like this wooden bowl that can be used for anything, all year long. Or a beautiful diffuser, kettle, wine chiller, cashmere scarf (ok this one is over $100 but this one is under) or beautiful coffee table books.

Think about the person your gifting and if they love fashion, home, accessories or all things cozy and it will help guide your selection.

See you Friday with another gift guide for the glam girl! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

No Comments|See Comments

Easy Trader Joe’s DIY Gyro

I shared this easy recipe on Instagram last week, but I wanted to share it here also so it was easier to find! My friend Nicole told me about these easy Trader Joe’s gyros, and I have to say I was impressed and shocked. They are really good and taste restaurant-level to me.

INGREDIENTS:

gyro meat – I use two slices for one gyro but you can use less or more

tzatziki sauce – you can make your own if you’re ambitious

pita bread – or garlic naan or Middle Eastern flatbread

optional:

chopped red or green onion

cucumber

tomatoes

fresh parsley

Greek seasoning

DIRECTIONS:

Warm gyro meat slices for 30 seconds (as instructed on box). Warm your pita or bread and layer up your gyro.

ENJOY. That’s it. Seriously easy, wildly delicious and I feel confident it will surprise you. It really surprised me!

If you make it, please let me know what you think! You can find other similar recipes here and here. Thanks so much for reading and find more recipes and cocktails under “home –> food & drink” at the top of this site. XO –

10 Comments|See Comments

Friday’s Five | Santa Sack

– the rain bringing a few last backyard hydrangeas –

– using this gorgeous crystal biscuit jar for business cards –

– moving this gorgeous Regina Andrew lamp to a guest room –

– finally bringing out our happy news to display –

– the cutest Santa Sack for Hudson’s surprises from Santa –

Happy happy start to the weekend, my friends! Thank you so much for your kind words and support in our little announcement post earlier this week. While it was a treat to take some time to celebrate with our nearest and dearest, it also feels really freeing to share it with all of you so I don’t have to worry about misspeaking or sharing a too-revealing angle, etc. Only one more week until we are halfway to meeting this little one, and that brings me unspeakable joy.

I can’t get over these Santa Sacks. They come in a variety of colors with or without personalization, and Santa can leave his gifts in them on Christmas Eve. I just got Hudson’s in, and I can’t get over how beautiful it is. Seeing this under the tree is going to be such a treat this year, I can’t wait. I’ve already started shopping for him for his November birthday and Christmas… but I will be pushing out some gift guides starting next week for all of us to shop from as well!

Christian and I were so excited that Succession started back this week. That show is so intense, but a great couples watch as it seems to be one of those dramatic business shows that both men and women seem to really enjoy. Of course I am fully invested in the month-long Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reunion series. That is getting seriously intense.

This weekend I have a few work things to check off my plate and will otherwise be relaxing with the fam, enjoying this beautiful weather and continuing to pray Hudson’s Halloween costume finally arrives (queue sweating). I am hopeful! Would love to hear what you guys are up to this weekend. Thanks so much for reading – XO –

3 Comments|See Comments

Our Hearts Are Growing!

As many of you may have guessed… we are almost halfway to meeting our second little one! I saw that first positive test on the 4th of July, a week before my birthday and the only gift I prayed for on my knees, morning after morning. In fact, the entire process of trying to get pregnant this time around brought me humbly closer to God in many ways, which has felt really beautiful.

We do not know the gender, but we do know he/she is healthy, and it’s been such a gift to simply relish in that miracle. I want to keep the gender a surprise and Christian wants to find out… so we are still on the fence!

I will share that while Hudson was an easy journey getting pregnant, the pregnancy was very easy, labor and delivery was great… this one made us work a little harder in every way. I have not felt my best and spent many weeks vomiting, eating crackers and drinking gatorade zero and ginger ale. Some days I could only get out of bed to get Hudson ready for the day and had to call the rest of the day off. I think some of you spotted my nausea bands (and even at 18+ weeks, some days I still need them), however we are still just so overwhelmed with gratitude that I gladly take it on. And I think knowing how much I love Hudson, it feels more than worth it.

Believe it or not, Hudson loves babies and other kids, so I really think he’s going to be a great big brother. These two will be a little over two years apart, almost the exact age difference to the day that my older brother and I are, so it’s nice to have an idea of what to expect!

my dress, also love this one and this one | boots, also love these | similar hoops under $15 | similar baby sweater and love this set and this set

I cannot go without saying to all of my ladies working on expanding their families, my sincerest thoughts and hopefulness is with you. I waited until 20 weeks to share my pregnancy with Hudson and we are nearly to that mark now mostly because I never want our happy news to make anyone feel less joyful about their own life or dreams. I’ve been there, and always had to remind myself there are not a designated amount of babies out there – one person’s pregnancy doesn’t mean there still isn’t a baby in the future for us!

If you guys would be interested, I’d be open to sharing some of the things that helped me remain joyful and patient during that trying process.

The content on CBL and social media will remain the same, I just knew it was time to share as it was increasingly becoming harder to physically hide in clothing and seeing the “are you pregnant!?” questions on Instagram let me know it was time. But just to put it out there, when you ask someone if they’re pregnant online in a public setting, you’re either asking someone private information they’ve chosen not to share yet or you’re telling them they look like they could be pregnant. It feels like a lose-lose to make a public comment about anyone’s body. When in doubt… text your sister or friend. That’s a more polite choice if you need to discuss!!

Love you guys and thank you for sharing in our joy. We are so grateful, so overjoyed, there aren’t enough words to describe how excited we are to meet this little miracle in March. Thanks so much for reading – XO –

60 Comments|See Comments

Friday’s Five | Floating Witch Hats

– using this tutorial to hang some floating witch hats –

– moving Hector around, as we do –

– a new pair of Stuart Weitzman boots that are the prettiest fall shade of green –

– new, neutral eyeshadow sticks from Bobbi Brown –

– the opportunity to put together a cheese board, which I truly love doing –

Happy happy Friday! I got back in town from Mississippi a few days into this week, and it’s been so nice settling back into my routine. I really thrive in my habits and organized schedule, so as much as I try to force myself to be a flexible person (because I do want to be that kind of person!), truly I love my paper planner.

I added some “ghost” witch hats downstair that make me so happy when I see them. We have only been in a real “house” house (vs an apartment) for two years, so each year I’m working on making the holidays more festive and adding to it. I am not a huge seasonal decor person, but I do want Hudson to feel like we get festive for holidays as he grows up! So I know hanging these witch hats year after year is going to be a really fun tradition.

I caved and bought AppleTV this week because I couldn’t stand not watching season 2 of Morning Show. I got so addicted last year and knowing that the new episodes out was killing me! I look forward to watching the second season of Ted Lasso and Truth Be Told also. Has anyone seen them?

I made this easy dip recipe (I left out the corn) this week and I can’t stop eating it. Such a great game day dip and only 4-5 ingredients. A few weeks ago I made this dip, also easy, and it was a big hit.

We have some fun game day plans this weekend and I have quite a bit of work to check off the list, but I know it’s going to be great and I’m ready for it. I hope you guys have a beautiful weekend! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

No Comments|See Comments

Golden Goose vs. P448 Sneakers

I have been wearing P448 sneakers for several years now and had never owned a pair of Golden Goose sneakers until I actually won this pair recently playing bingo with Neiman Marcus (lucky me!). I thought I would put together a compare and contrast list for you guys because they’re so similar, yet the price point is quite different.

Where P448 wins:

The cost is so much better. Plus they go on sale pretty frequently.

I find them equally comfortable to Golden Goose.

They are a little newer looking from the start, which I truthfully prefer as a slightly more “mature” look.

Where Golden Goose wins:

The shoes aren’t as wide. They are visually slimmer which just gives a more flattering look on leg (in my opinion).

They do have a little heel lift thanks to their well known secret “hidden wedge.” This not only adds some support but also a boost to elongate the legs. And honestly… why aren’t more designers of flats doing this!? Brilliant.

I think their designs are more unique and interesting.

All in all, I don’t know that Golden Goose’s are still worth it enough to justify the twice as much price point. Am I thrilled I won a complimentary pair in the most fabulous game of bingo of my life? Absolutely. But I don’t know that I would have paid my own money for them.

I’m plenty happy with my P448’s. That being said, I have so many girlfriends who live and breathe by their Golden Gooses. So much so that they have multiple pairs. And the demand is there, so clearly… people still really love them. They ARE super comfortable and the designs are very fun. I hear you there.

If you have either, I’d love to hear what you think and if you would still spend that much on sneakers. I find that people tend to have strong opinions about these “dirty” looking sneakers. Not for everyone, and if it’s not for you, a classic and clean pair of white sneakers like this or this are always fabulous. I love that look too and it never goes out of style!

Thank you for reading and sharing – XO –

11 Comments|See Comments

Shopbop Fall Sale

Shopbop has an amazing fall sale that just started today, and the more you spend the more you save. I’m always amazed at some of the deals you can get on Shopbop if you wait for these periodic sales. You can really hit the jackpot if you play your cards right!

Save 15% off orders $200+

Save 20% off orders $500+

Save 25% off orders $800+

with the code STYLE

Below are some of my favorite picks in different categories, such a great time to snag some longtime staples. To shop simply click directly on the item or find its associated number below the collage.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24

25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32

The sale goes through Thursday, so I would recommend snagging something in your size while you can knowing there’s free return shipping (the best).

Thank you for reading! XO –

No Comments|See Comments

Friday’s Five | Bringing Out Some Halloween

– attempting to play florist for a friend’s dinner gathering –

– the sweetest angel frame from Anne Neilson Home –

– bringing Hector down for the month, love to see him again –

– gathering my pumpkins slowly but surely… –

– pulling out the paper bats for different parts of the house –

Who doesn’t love October? The leaves start changing, the sweaters are being pulled out, Halloween and fall decorations come out, and I’ve already eaten at least 10 pieces of “mini” candy and nearly a whole bag of candy corn. Life is good.

Hudson and I are heading on an adventure together to see my parents and sister’s crew. They are in a new home that I haven’t yet seen in person, so we can’t wait to visit and walk down to the lake to catch some fish! I’m also greatly looking forward to not cooking and cleaning for a few days – truly, this is one of my favorite perks of travel.

I’m working on our festive Halloween front door slowly but surely. I did manage to order Hudson’s costume as well as a personalized trick-or-treat bag, along with getting a head start on his birthday and Christmas gifts. These next few months go by so fast that I just want to make some moves while it’s on my mind!

I ordered these witch hats and plan to hang them in a certain spot in the house. Since we moved two years ago, each year I add a little bit, add a little bit, etc. Eventually I’ll have all my themed goodies! I want Hudson to remember having fun holiday things in the house.

What are you up to this weekend? Do you have any favorite Halloween decorations that you’re excited to bring down? Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

No Comments|See Comments