Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Friday’s Five | Rockstud

– this gorgeous coffee table book that never fails to wow me –

– these camellia branches that have been alive in this vase for almost a month! –

– trying U Beauty for the first time, fabulosity! –

– finding a new home for this rockstud beauty, the YSL is still for sale here! –

– once our bathroom remodel is complete, putting the finishing touches on this guest bedroom is my next project –

Labor Day weekend is upon us… where did August go? We had thought about traveling to Mississippi for the long weekend, but so many that we would love to see will also be traveling. So we will be figuring something else out. You never know, I’m always looking to bring out my inflatable pool!

We watched the VMA’s this week as well as some free concerts from Visible Mobile – Megan Thee Stallion and Sam Hunt. I am here for the digital concerts. Truly something so fun to look forward to, and you can actually still stream them for free on their site.

In the meantime, I have gotten crazy hooked this week on the This Is Actually Happening podcast. WOW – some of these stories are truly wild. They have many seasons, so it’s going to give me plenty of content to consume. If you enjoy story-telling, I would highly recommend it.

We had our third restaurant outing since March this week for a kids-free group dinner. Having that interaction really is so, so nice. In way, 2020 has taught us to appreciate those relationships and nights out more than ever.

Thank you so much for reading and have a beautiful weekend! I’m still working on finding some good holiday sales happening, so I will post those this weekend as well. Stay safe! XO –

4 Comments|See Comments

Wednesday Wish List | Best of White Tees

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

A highly requested post, today we are talking some of my favorite white tees available online. To shop, click on the associated number or click directly on the collage and it should take you right to the item. I have a wide array of white tees from different retailers and brands, and I love them all for different fits and styles.

Some of my go-to brands for classic white tees are Michael Stars, Goldie, Z Supply, Madewell and Halogen. I really just look for soft tees in either 100% cotton or a cotton/stretch blend. In some tees I prefer a more fitted look and in others I will size up for a loose, relaxed fit. It’s really about whichever look feels more “you!”

My biggest tip for keeping your white tees looking fresh is OxiClean. When you notice some of your tees looking dull, use the soaking instructions on the container. The instructions say to let your garment soak for 4-6 hours, but sometimes I’ll let them soak overnight and wash in the morning. Just like that, you have a brand new looking shirt!

Hope this will serve as a little guide to those of you looking to spruce up your classic white tee collection. Thanks so much for reading – XO –

4 Comments|See Comments

Leopard Cashmere

I love cashmere. You know it, I know it, Christian knows it… he nicknamed me the “Cashmere Monster” which then morphed into “Cash-monster.” A little cashmere set was one of the first baby clothing items I bought for little Hudson.

I typically go for solid cashmere, but these leopard prints from J.Crew are some kinda cute. They have a short-sleeved version that I am so here for. I bought this short-sleeved cashmere during the Nordstrom Sale, and I might be the only one who is new to the short-sleeved sweater. Living in the South, this is the way to go!

I styled this sweater with denim, but I think it would look super cute with black jeans, leather pants or layered over a black slip dress. Chic!

Are you cashmere-obsessed or not so much? Would love to hear your favorite cashmere piece in your closet.

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

7 Comments|See Comments

Blue Ridge, Georgia

dress, also love this one and this one, how cute is this? | similar cardigan here and here | similar boots | hat

We spent a long weekend in the mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia in a cabin that Christian found online. Originally we were going to squeeze in one last beach trip for the year, but decided to opt for cooler temperatures instead. Our little cabin was on a river, we were able to bring Bailey, and as always – it was an adventure!

We are still getting to know the areas outside of Athens, and the combination of having a baby + Covid has made our traveling minimal. Christian didn’t feel comfortable staying in a hotel just yet, so this was our first little getaway since May when we went to his family’s beach house.

While I don’t know that I would stay in this exact cabin again (I ended up sleeping in a bunk bed next to Hudson’s pack & play and we left when the electricity and water cut out for a few hours… still not sure when the came back on), I definitely hope we will go back up to the mountains. The air feels fresh, the temperatures are cooler, and the sounds of the quiet river was really peaceful. It’s always good to be back home, but it made me excited to plan some road trips ahead.

sweater – Mango, similar style here and here | denim | sandals here and here | sunglasses | hoop earrings

denim | similar booties | sweater | hat | bracelets

top + bottoms – Coolchange, love this top and skirt combo | similar cardigan here and here | bracelets

similar turtleneck here and here | denim | similar booties | hat | bracelets

If you have favorite places to say in the Georgia or North Carolina mountains, I’d be thrilled to hear! As we continue to explore and try new places, I hope we’ll eventually find “our spots.”

Thank you so much for reading – XO –

22 Comments|See Comments

Friday’s Five | 9 Months Old

– our big boy turning 9 months (bubble | sweater | nursery details) –

– bathroom demo has begun! –

– becoming a big fan of a new facial watery oil –

– a weekend in the mountains –

– finally getting my hands on some pimento cheese dip (and it is delish!) –

Writing to you from the mountains with questionable WiFi, but we are here! Our first outing since May, and it happens to be in the middle of the first week of our bathroom demo. Life is funny that way, but I am still trying to take some time to enjoy the view, the sounds of the river and disconnect for five minutes or an hour. Whatever I can get!

I can’t believe how fast our bathroom renovation is moving. We are so excited for a big shower. I didn’t think about it until recently, but we have had oddly small walk-in showers for our entire marriage outside of the tub shower we had in San Francisco. So a spacious walk-in shower with multiple shower heads… it is something of my dreams! I able to communicate with our contractor and designer from afar, and I look forward to seeing it when we return.

I got a lot of quality time with our little Hudson this week as he caught a cold which he then passed onto us. One night I put him down at 7PM and put myself down at 8:30PM. When he is sick, I try to wash my hands and drink Emergen-C, but to the other moms of small kids – is it even possible to have a sick baby and not catch their cold?

Itching to watch the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills finale. Our WiFi isn’t really great enough here to stream, but I heard it was so good. Who watched it?

Off to check on Christian who is fishing by the river. If you can’t tell… I had very little involvement planning this trip, ha! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

3 Comments|See Comments

Wednesday Wish List | Last Week of #NSale

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18

It’s the final week of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and I wanted to share a few of my picks that are still in stock online! My order from 8/13 actually just arrived this week. While I didn’t buy a ton of things, I am keeping everything I ordered – so there’s that!

I ordered a few pair of super soft pajamas, a wireless bra, a 3-pack of one of my favorite deodorants and three pairs of underwear. I first bought this underwear on Black Friday two years ago and have absolutely loved them, so every year I buy more whenever they get marked down. My splurge purchase was this short-sleeved cashmere sweater (still available also!) that feels so luxe and is perfect for mild Southern winters.

A great pair of Spanx, a Spanx sports bra and leggings are never going to fail you. A faux leather jacket will look great with most all outfits and I have both these booties and these booties – love ’em. I shared this PMD in my NSale Beauty Picks post, and we keep our diffuser running daily (I usually use these oils in the diffuser).

You can find all of my original picks under the “#NSale” page at the top of this site. I’d love to hear what you snagged this year! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

3 Comments|See Comments

Red Polka Dot Set | Dressing for Your Body

Let’s talk about silhouettes. I think it’s so valuable to know one or two outfit silhouettes that make you feel your best. For me, it’s a top and skirt like this set, any kind of midi dress or high waisted jeans with a fitted shirt. These are outfits that I know flatter my natural shape and therefore, make me feel confident.

I was able to quickly determined this because I happen to have the unusual job of photographing myself in different outfits for a living. But if that isn’t your chosen career (!!), I think this video is really helpful.

I consider myself somewhere between curvy and pear as my hips are my largest measurement and therefore I typically feel most comfortable in pieces that are loose and flowy on the bottom – skirts, maxi dresses, midi dresses. When it comes to pants, I like a straight or culotte leg with a super high waist to accentuate that feature.

I recently discovered these super high waist jeans designed for curves and I am obsessed (runs TTS). So much so I then bought this pair and this pair. Do you have some go-to silhouettes that you feel your best in?

Thank you so much for reading, and let me know if you style yourself with body shape in mind or not so much! XO –

11 Comments|See Comments

Friday’s Five | Handpainting a Powder Room

– the sweetest flowers from friends –

– a super cute bikini from Follow Suit that makes me want to get the inflatable pool back out! –

– painting our downstairs powder room a little wacky and loving it (art by my mom) –

– my mom adding some details to a hallway painting –

– updating our breakfast room chairs (with some lumbar pillows!) and lighting –

It’s the weekend!! This week was a busy one as I took some time off last week to spend with my parents who were visiting. I felt like our visit went by so fast, I wish they were still here. While they were here, Mom traced out a fun design on our powder room walls with chalk. Then we painted over it with gold paint, and I think the end result is so fun. And much more low-maintenance and less expensive than wallpaper.

This week involved a lot of catchup work, but it felt good to get caught up to speed. I have always been someone who feels their best in a routine. Confessions of a control freak.

Our master bathroom remodel actually begins Monday! This week I was busy finalizing touches, chasing down the last few deliveries and emptying out our existing bathroom for demo day. I will absolutely be sharing before and afters with you because trust me, it’s going to be a transformation. Our bathroom is the only room in the house that hasn’t been touched since the house was originally built. Therefore, it’s a total gut job.

It’s been way more time consuming than I anticipated, but I know it will be worth it. I also feel like I’ve learned a lot about the process of renovations, some of lingo, etc. In the long run, it has been a big learning experience. When we bought this house last spring, I knew we would paint the exterior, update the exterior sidewalk and remodel this bathroom. So when this bathroom is wrapped up, we will have tackled all three in our first year in this house. And that brings me so much joy!

What I didn’t realize is how much time all of the decision making would take. Hardware, mounts, bullnose trim, marble vs. porcelain, grout colors, custom cabinet measurements… so many decisions and therefore, so much research. It has really made me in awe of people who can remodel an entire home. My head hurts… it is not my gift or desire!

I finished season 3 of Search Party and wow – it was so good! Christian didn’t enjoy it as much as I did, but I found it highly entertaining. Have you watched anything good lately? Hope you all have a beautiful weekend and thank you so much for reading – XO –

8 Comments|See Comments

Top 5 Beauty Favorites in the #NSale

I shared my top picks in each category of the #NSale in this post (you can also find it at the top of the site under the #NSale tab), but today I wanted to share more details about five of my top picks in the beauty category.

These are items I already own and love, so I know that ordering them at a reduced price during the sale is an investment that is worth it. In fact, I have some of these items in a box being sent to me any day now that I bought during the Early Access window! Yesterday the sale opened to all customers, and you can easily see what is available here.

So let’s get into my picks and why –

Oribe Texturizing Spray

This is one of my top two texturizing sprays that I use, and it smells amazing. This set of the texturizing spray + a dry shampoo together is $64. Normally this would be $96, so you’re definitely saving some coin.

PMD

The #NSale and Black Friday are always the best time to get a beauty tool marked down. I’ve been using my PMD for years, most often on my arms actually. You can save $60 on this device!

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant

I have been hooked on this deodorant for a few years now. I will wear all natural deodorants in the cooler months, but when it’s over 80 degrees I prefer to bring out my trusted Cashmere Mist.

In the sale, you’re basically getting three for a little over the price of two, so it was immediately in my cart.

Urban Decay All Nighter Spray

There isn’t a better makeup setting spray out there, and I’ve tried many. If you want your face to look fresh all day or stay put in the heat, look no further. In the sale, it comes with a little travel-sized buddy. I keep this one in my travel cosmetic pouch and then I can refill it on my own as it gets low. It’s been with me all over the world, and I’m not joking! You can save almost $40 on this duo!

Slip Silk Pillowcases

I’ve been sleeping on silk pillowcases for years ever since I heard it was great for your skin and hair. Slip makes some of the best ones out there, and I have three that I rotate between. In the sale, you can save over $50 on two beautiful caramel pillowcases! They also have the set in ivory, which is beautiful and might match your bedding best.

photos by Christian Barnes

Oribe Texturizing Spray | PMD | Slip Pillowcases | Donna Karan Cashmere Mist | Urban Decay All Nighter Spray

similar denim here and here | similar tee here, here and here | similar coin necklaces here |
office details here

Did you snag any beauty items this year in the sale? You can find my picks in each category in this post. I’d love to hear what you have had your eye on this year!

brought to you by Nordstrom

3 Comments|See Comments

8 of My Favorite Sunglasses

I am a lover of a fabulous pair of sunglasses (who isn’t?), and I wanted to share some of my favorite pairs from $10 to designer. Sometimes I feel like a splurge pair of sunglasses are worth it, and other times I don’t want my heart to be broken if I drop them or Hudson pulls them off my face. But, it’s definitely a fact that sunglasses certainly don’t have to be expensive to be chic!

Let’s break it down one by one –

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

1. Round Ray Bans

These are definitely in my top 3 most-worn sunglasses. They honestly look great with everything and are so sleek and timeless.

2. Pink Celine Lolas

I got these a few years ago, and I really love them. I’m not sure how exactly they’re under $100, but they’re sold by Celine and they’re fabulous. So I have no regrets!

3. Black Celines

I bought these over five years ago and sadly I can’t find them online but I found these for $11 that are pretty similar. I think a subtle cat-eye shows confidence and sophistication.

4. Oversized Square Sunglasses

These come in a few colors (I think this color is temporarily sold out) and are flattering on nearly every face shape. They are $15 and look very similar to a pair of Celine’s.

5. The Monroe

These are also in my top three most worn sunglasses. They look shockingly similar to my Celines, come in multiple colors (I have them in three colors) and are really comfortable and flattering.

I know it’s frustrating, but the link doesn’t go straight to the item for some reason. But if you search “Monroe,” they’ll pop right up!

6. Red Heart Sunglasses

These sunglasses are under $10 and come in 8 colors. So fun and also great in white!

7. Black Ray Ban Aviators

I got these many years for Christmas and know they’ll stand the test of time. There’s a reason the classic aviator shape is so loved – it adds a splash of cool to any outfit.

Do you have a favorite pair of sunglasses? I’d love to hear why they’re your favorite. And are you likely to splurge on accessories like sunglasses or keep it under $50? I’d love to hear. Thank you so much for reading and sharing! XO –

3 Comments|See Comments

#NSALE Early Access 2020 | CBL Picks

If you follow any blogger online, you know that Nordstrom’s annual Anniversary Sale is upon us. It’s like Black Friday in the summer! I was originally planning on waiting to share my picks the day before Early Access (which begins 8/13 for all Nordstrom cardholders). But with all the different tiers of shopping that are available this year, I noticed some of my picks were low in inventory… so we are just going to start earlier than I had planned!

Below are my favorites in each category. Below the collage, you’ll also find a sliding widget with a few more favorites. If you are also not available to add items to your cart until 8/13, you can store things you love in your “wish list.” When you’re able, you’ll be able to move to a swift checkout.

As the sale continue and inventory changes, I will be sure to keep you guys posted! All Nordstrom Sale-related content can be found at the top of this site under the “#NSale” tab.

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

I have these super high waist jeans and love them. I need this pair for $50 – love. And if you don’t have a classic pair of Levi’s, you can’t beat $64 for this pair. Timeless.

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

If you have every wanted a genuine leather jacket, this is the time of year to snag one. I’ve also gotten some great blazers (loving this one and this one) from the NSale in years past. This teddy coat… gimme, gimme!

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

It’s hard to resist the sweater lineup in the NSale. I tend to steer from the trendier pieces and choose one or two great pieces of cashmere that are marked down. I mean… who can so no to discounted cashmere?

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

I usually snag one or two things from the Beauty category each year. This year I have my eye on stocking up on my favorite luxe deodorant and this jumbo container of fancy hand soap.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13

I LOVE this bag – so so chic as a work bag that you can slip your laptop into. I have this horseshoe necklace, and it looks great with so many things. A simple cz band or stud is classic, and I’m crossing my fingers I can snag these sunglasses!

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

There are always so many fab shoes and boots in the NSale, and I have these in two colors and they are perfection. Great time to snag a fresh pair of workout sneakers or a classic OTK boot.

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

You know I can’t resist putting a few home items in my cart! I really like some of the wooden kitchen accessories in the sale this year, and cannot go wrong with a buttery soft blanket. We use our essential oil diffuser everyday, and I love this beautiful ocean print.

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

I love some of the beautiful tops I’ve seen in the sale this year, including this leopard number and this sleek long-sleeved shirt.

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

I definitely have my eye on this little Patagonia jacket for Hudson, and these joggers are too cute. They have some really great strollers and high chairs in the roundup too!

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

These faux leather leggings are in the sale every year and I have them in four colors. I’m not even kidding. I love them so much I got them in the maternity version too to wear last fall! I plan on snagging some of these pajamas again this year – they are my favorite, buttery soft pajamas. I think I’ll probably throw in a sleep shirt also.

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

I love this classic red dress for a piece that would be a great timeless staple. This is my favorite print I’ve seen in the sale, and I have a vintage black leather skirt and love it so much that I’m considering this brown one.

I’ll be updating this post as I find more things that I love, and when the sale is open to the public I’ll be sharing new picks as well! Thank you so much for reading this novel, and if you have your eye on something this year, I’d love to hear. XO –

11 Comments|See Comments