Shopbop is back at it with another fabulous spring sale, and I wanted to share some of my favorite picks early on before things start selling out!
You can get 20% off orders under $500 and 25% off orders over $500 with the code EVENT19.
I have both colors of the ribcage jeans and LOVE them. You might have seen them here and here. I also love this basic tee and have this adorable wooden bag that goes with absolutely everything in the spring and summer. I now have three pairs of this classic strappy sandal that goes with everything, and I live in these shorts all summer (unless I’m in SF… and it’s freezing). I also love this simple striped tee that comes in two colors – so cute and easy!
I have a few things in my cart and will continue to look before I check out, but know that some of these pieces won’t last so if you see anything you’ve had your eye on, I’d snag it while it’s hot!
Thanks so much for reading and happy shopping ladies! XO –
Last week I shared how I styled this blazer for an office look here, and today I am styling it a little differently but still office-friendly!
I recently went on a gigantic ASOS midi skirt haul and stocked up for spring and summer. This was one of the pieces I picked up, and I think it’s a great skirt for year-round. Midi skirts are so great for the office because they’re always appropriate and can still be styled for other occasions outside of the office.
I honestly can’t believe we are into April. I feel so confused about April weather as we don’t really have a shift very much here in Northern California, but I am keeping warm weather on the brain because I want to style pieces that are relatable for the majority of you guys! Would love to hear if it’s warm yet where you live.
– a crochet handbag that will be perfect for spring and summer from Shiraleah –
Happy Friday! I feel like I’ve been in sweatpants with no makeup on all week. I’m going to be traveling for 11 days so I’ve been trying to work ahead and prepare for being away from home while still meeting deadlines and not falling off the map. I’m always so impressed with influencers who are able to be on the ball while traveling. I find it challenging to maintain efficient work flow while also being present and enjoying time away. A balancing act!
I’m happy to say I’ve been on a real kick with daily workouts lately. I think when I think of getting super sweaty in a class or gym it feels daunting. As a woman, we think about our makeup and hair, showering and how much time that builds into the day, etc. Instead, I’ve been focusing on either walking 3+ miles a day or doing 20 minutes of this workout or this workout on silent (I also own both DVDs) + 200 crunches. I’ll do it at 9 or 10PM while watching my recorded shows and then hop in the shower right after. Knowing it’s about 30 minutes while I’m watching my show feels attainable and rewarding! I also have allergies so being on the floor often makes me breakout so I like knowing I shower right after. Do you have a trick that motivates you to get your workouts up and done?
Can’t believe I’ll be gone so long, but I feel like I’ve traveled so much less lately than usual, so rather than dread it like I can sometimes do (as an adult I’ve become so much more of a homebody), I’m really looking forward to some time away. The perk of traveling less is actually looking forward to it more, and I can totally get behind that.
Thanks so much for reading and I hope you guys have a beautiful weekend! XO –
I’m always trying to find more office-inspired outfits for you guys that still feel fun and stylish, while still conservative enough to be versatile to church, the office and more. Enter this gorgeous blazer. A great blazer can truly take you oh-so-far (just search “blazer” on this blog), and this ivory one is going to be on repeat this spring and summer!
I’m the kind of person who chose to get their ears double and then triple pierced when they were 30. Like, most people do this in high school, right? I guess you’re never too old to change it up. I wanted a double piercing in high school and my mom’s response was, “would Audrey Hepburn have her ears double pierced?” Interesting angle, but I’m no Audrey.
At Sundance last year I was at an after party and somehow ending up standing behind Maggie Gyllenhaal. She had her hair in a loose ponytail with all of these earrings in. And I thought – she’s an adult, wife and mom and still looks so rad. I forgot I had wanted multiple piercings, so I went for it!
Honestly I have no regrets and have loved the subtle edginess that multiple piercings bring. I’m too chicken to get a tattoo so this is all I’m brave enough to try!
I get a lot of questions about what earring combos I have or my tips for ear stacking. While I’m certainly no expert, I thought I’d share some of the earrings I have and my tips and picks for those of you with multiple ear piercings as well.
In the photo above I’m wearing these earrings on the same side and some huggies and studs on the opposite side. Because I knew after I got my ears pierced I would need to keep an earring in 24/7 for the first year (if I take it out for literally 24 hours it will start to grow back in), I splurged on some teeny tiny diamond studs that I wear pretty consistently in the third piercing. For the first two piercings I alternate between huggies and hoops. I think the key is keep the largest earring closest to your face and they should get progressively smaller as you work up.
And you don’t have to be matching on both sides! Some earrings are actually sold as singles, so have fun with it and mix and match. When you want to add an extra punch, add a few ear cuffs that don’t require a piercing or fake it with an ear crawler.
Do you have multiple piercings or is it something you’ve thought about adding? I polled my Instagram girls and the majority wanted to know more about earrings combinations so I wanted to throw this post together, but there is also something so classic and chic about only having your ears pierced once. I love that too – it’s really just personal preference!
I love a satin slip dress (like this one, this one and this one), but I love a slip midi skirt as much or even more. You can dress it up or dress it down and it’s appropriate for any occasion – GNO, church, work, date night, a wedding, bridal/baby shower, you name it.
I love this skirt so much I bought it black and yellow as well! I just think there’s something understated yet overstated about a satin element. Also? They’re year-round, sister. Wear it with a tee or sleeveless top in the summer and layer a sweater and sock booties during the fall and winter.
And the best part? It’s under $50. Trust me, you’re not going to find a better deal than that for this quality.
What’s your relationship with satin/silk and is it someone you could see yourself incorporating more or no? If you’re looking for some inspiration, I could put some more casual slip skirt outfits together – just trying to take your temperature!
Thank you so much for reading! XO –
PS – HAPPY April Fools! This might be my favorite blog prank ever. I’d love to hear your best prank!
– an open faced egg salad sandwich as a go-to all week –
my recipe for about 3 days of sandwiches is 4 eggs, a little whole grain dijon, Greek yogurt, chives or dill, s&p
– trying a new serum that is natural and available at Nordstrom –
– ready for the weekend and a glass of wine –
– a fragrance from Skylar that feels perfect for spring –
– a lotion recommended at a girls night that I now love too, along with this one –
Happy beautiful Friday! I’m typing this from my desk at our bay window listening to Matt Nathanson after an amazing concert last night. We were able to walk to and from the venue, and it was just overall such a fun night that I think I’m still living off of that buzz. I love seeing live music and always try to see a few shows a year. So much fun to look forward to and listen to the music leading up to.
I’ve really enjoyed a quiet March and April is definitely picking up speed and quickly. Both Christian and I have a good bit of travel coming up and will be in and out. It still feels pretty wild that we have three more months in this apartment and then we will be forever done with training, forever done with school. The contract has been signed, the city and state has been chosen, our future that we have talked about for the past six years is so close we can almost touch it. The 100 day countdown has been on and you best believe we are literally counting down! I feel like Christian is going to have control over his life for the first time in many, many years and it just feels past due yet still so exciting. We’ll be sharing those details closer to the move!
It’s supposed to be a beautiful weekend this weekend, so I want to take Miss Bailey on a nice long stroll and enjoy the sunshine. It really recharges me and is also a great way to get some miles in while enjoying the city. Christian will be studying, but I have a feeling I can get him to sneak away for brunch. Everyone wants to sneak away for brunch, right!?
What are your weekend plans? I have a few things I’ll be cooking like white bean chicken chili and cornbread and vegetarian stuffed sweet potatoes. Tell me if you’ve tried any great recipes lately! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
When I shared our San Francisco Apartment Tour (video here), I was surprised at how many followup questions I got about my closet, how I stay organized, tips for small spaces, etc.
So I wanted to dedicate a separate video getting into 5 tips to help you stay on top of your closet – whether you’re in temporary living situation or you’re a queen with your dream setup (and if so, I’m jealous)!
You can see all CBL videos in the “video” category of this site. All home-related content will also be in the “home” category of CBL!
If you would like to see more videos, please let me know in the comments what you might like to see. And if you’re interested in subscribing to my YouTube channel, you’ll always be the first to know when new things are posted (and I’ll love you forever, thank you so so much!).
Thank you so much for reading and for your suggestions! Truly they’re so helpful and mean a lot to me. Big hugs – XO –
It’s spring baby, bring on the color! So many great pieces catching my eye, especially some sale picks and this maxi dress. It’s a splurge, but the kind of dress that is a showstopper. I have a feeling I’ll have to lust after it for a few weeks before I can take the plunge.
I recently finished my Sunday Riley C.E.O. serum and loved it so much that I’m interested in trying more products in the line. I’m relatively new to the brand but now I understand why people love it so much! I’ve also used the Good Genes serum and it’s great too.
Loving these slides that come in four colors, can’t get enough of these statement sunglasses, and you know if it’s leopard, I say YES! And speaking of leopard, I’ve been eyeing this bag that is 50% off for weeks. It is seriously so FAB!
A lot of good things here – in fact, this might be one of my favorite wish list roundups in quite a while. Ohhhhh I’m feeling the shopping bug! Tell me what you’re dreaming of for spring. And does it even feel like spring where you live?
I always love hearing/reading what’s in other people grocery carts. I discover so many new things, and it helps me mix it up! I did our weekly run to Trader Joe’s last week, so I photographed my staples along the way. Let’s get into it –
I did a water taste test not too long ago (does that sound crazy?) so I could determine what my favorite sparkling water was. Obviously Topo Chico is king, but it requires an extra stop, and I can be lazy. TJ’s Sparkling Mineral Water is always in my cart. I add fresh lime or a splash of juice and it’s delicious. I literally go through at least two big bottles a week. It really helps curb soda cravings.
When I start shopping, I always hit up the produce and fill up my cart first. I seriously love carrots… but not the baby kind (I feel like they have no flavor, anyone else?), so I will get two bags of those and some celery. Honeycrisp apples are my favorite, along with fresh green grapes (I’ll freeze some too to pop in white wine or sparking water/juice combos). Kale, arugula, cherry tomatoes, lemons, broccoli – all great for quick side salads for dinner.
For snacks – I eat a string cheese probably every day. I also love hummus to go with my veggies and hardboiled eggs. I love popping my own popcorn in this handy device too! I’ll add different seasonings – sometimes salt flakes and olive oil. Other times cajun seasoning… I just try different things! If I’m really going for it I’ll melt a few tablespoons of butter and drizzle that on top, but I try to save that for movie nights.
When it comes to snacking, I try to keep it as easy as possible so that I’m not tempted to reach for unhealthy things.
I like plain Greek yogurt because I’ll use it in dishes in replace of sour cream, but I also like to toss a few small flavored ones in my cart in case I need a snack or I’m extra hungry in the mornings (I’m not a big breakfast eater).
Cauliflower gnocchi is one of my favorites of the many cauliflower options at Trader Joe’s. I’ll mix it with their gorgonzola gnocchi and the sauce is enough to cover both bags. BUT if you’re only cooking the cauliflower gnocchi, I do not follow their directions. I just pan sear it in a few tablespoons of olive oil until it’s lightly browned one each side. When I cook it like their directions say to, it’s always soggy and just… not good. Of course their cauliflower rice and pizza crusts are great too!
Their pomegranate white tea is SO good if you’re a tea drinker!
Now that Bailey is into the double digits and we walk so much to and from the park, we have a “4 o’clock snack time,” and I’ll give her one of these every afternoon. I feel better about it because it’s limited ingredients, and she now sits by the treat jar and waits for it. I’ve created a monster!
Now let’s get into those #treatyoself items…
Christian’s favorite guilty pleasure – their truffle brownies. I have made them numerous times for parties and just sprinkle some powdered sugar on them. Everyone asks me for the recipe… and they’re just from the box! Sometimes I’ll throw in chocolate chips, but they’re excellent on their own.
Lisa Allen shared on her Instagram that combining TJ’s vegetarian chili + queso made an amazing dip, and now I both love and hate her because it’s incredible and I’m addicted. Christian thought it sounded gross at first. Then I made it and now he loves it just as much as I do. It’s so good and great for a party!
If it’s a special weekend or we have guests staying with us, their frozen chocolate croissants are so good you’ll think they came from a bakery down the street. I’ve also bought their chocolate croissants in the bakery section, but Christian and I agree these frozen ones are better. You just have to remember to pull them out of the freezer the night before so they will rise!
And while we’re talking desserts, you can’t beat their peanut butter cups. Love the dark chocolate ones too! But I have to pull a few out and put them back in the cabinet. Because if I bring the container to the den… it’s over.
Tell me what you thought about this post and I can try to do them more often! If you have a favorite Trader Joe’s item, I know everyone reading would love to see in the comments! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
Ok… I realize this might not work for everyone’s office. But let’s dissect it here. I loved hearing from you guys that office looks are helpful, so I’ve really wanted to try to continue bringing looks that would work for multiple places. Would I have worn this to my previous corporate job? 100% yes. But it was in Newport Beach and there was no dress code.
SO to those of you who do have a dress code, you could wear this same type of look but with a turtleneck instead of a sheer top. Or you could wear the turtleneck and no vest. If you’re looking for something more casual, you could easily wear a tee and sneakers with the same look. Make it your own! Regardless, I think a leopard midi skirt is so versatile and most importantly, fun. Because our closets should represent who we are!
– trying some new natural beauty products for the first time, especially this glow & go palette –
– finding a new DVD set of one of our favorite shows on eBay and snagging it up as a fun surprise (watch this clip as a taste) –
– flowers from Christian that make the whole house smell amazing –
Happy Friday! We have had a week of exceptionally beautiful weather and I absolutely do not take it for granted. After so many months of gloom, it’s incredible how much more energy I have with better weather. I wake up faster, I smile more, I get more done, I’ve exercised every day… it’s wild how much of an effect weather can have on your day-to-day life.
Christian has been spending the weekends studying for his board exams, so I plan on getting some long walks in with Bailey, working ahead for the week and getting some meal prep done. I managed to sneak on a few lbs while it was raining nonstop by being too unmotivated to grocery shop, meal prep or cook. So now I’m working on shaving that off and thankfully, I have much more motivation! I plan on making this crockpot quinoa enchilada dish that we both love, Chrissy Teigen’s Cacio e Pepe and a pot pie (I usually do 1/2 chicken and 1/2 veggie). Pot pie is probably one of our favorite comfort meals. The more veggies I can pack in there, the better.
I mentioned this on Instagram, but my sister recently got me hooked on the Ear Hustle podcast, and if you like any of the other podcasts I’ve shared (part one, part two and part three), then you’re going to love this. Trust me!
That’s about all for this week! It’s been kind of quiet yet really peaceful with the sunshine. I can’t believe we are already almost to April… crazy! Tell me what you have going on or any good movies you’ve seen lately. With Christian locked up and studying all day I get a little bored. Thank you for reading and sharing! XO –
