As someone who spent many years abiding by office dress codes, I always want to provide some office inspiration to help CBL girls feel comfortable, confident and conservative both in and out of the office.
If you search “office appropriate,” you’ll find many outfits that I thought would work for corporate gals. This look would be another one to add to that list! Just because you have to follow dress codes doesn’t mean you can’t look fabulous and incorporate some seasonal trends.
This cashmere sweater dress is a part of one of the new fall styles from Polo Ralph Lauren, and I already know it can be styled so many different ways. I consider a classic silhouette and fit like this one to be timeless and extremely versatile. It looks chic on its own. If you want to mix it up, you can also belt it with a blazer or sweater! You could wear booties, sneakers or boots with this dress also.
I wanted to show you guys how to pair it with and without a layering piece to show a glimpse of some of the versatility. And it must be mentioned that I’m so in love with this blazer for fall. SO schoolgirl chic and I am here for it.
Don’t forget you can always belt outerwear. It’s a great way to mix things up while still giving yourself that hourglass silhouette!
Do you work in a conservative office? Would you wear something like this to work? I’d love to hear what you guys are looking for in terms of outfit inspiration so I can make sure to provide it.
– a new Clarisonic that includes a facial and eye massage that I am SO INTO –
– a Lula + Bailey sweater from Le Lion that you know I am so into –
– the most gorgeous chocolate lipsticks from my Aunt Re –
Happy Friday gorgeous gals! We have had a beautiful stretch of weather this week in San Francisco, and it’s been nice to appreciate something considering there is 3 weeks of apartment reconstruction going on directly above us… I’m not going to lie, it’s been anything but peaceful (but thank GOD for these!).
I’ve chosen to take on the challenge of forcing myself to get out more, walk the dog an extra lap, say yes to the spontaneous lunch or take on a few of those errands I’ve been putting off. So there’s that! Trying to find any silver lining here –
I must mention the two pieces I’m over the moon in love with this week – this tote and this sweater. Can you even!?
We have a project to shoot this weekend that requires a little drive, so I’m looking forward to a day trip and some serenity. There’s no construction going on during the weekends and I’m sooooo grateful for that time to recharge! I can’t believe we’re approaching some of the last days of October. It feels like the time is flying by. But let’s be honest, it’s not over until I eat a couple more handfuls of Halloween candy.
Hope you lovelies have a great weekend! Thanks so much for stopping by – XO –
Happy (almost) Halloween! Funny enough, we shot these photos two weeks ago and I was specifically looking for any Halloween decorations. This particular house was all decked out, and a week later, all the houses on the block followed suit. Now the whole neighborhood is a Halloween wonderland!
I haven’t had a great pair of black pants in many years. Probably since I left my corporate life. But this pair is too good to be true. The wide leg is the perfect amount that can be dressed up or a work staple, and the high waist is perfection. They make a statement on their own!
A tip – when wearing all of one color from head to toe, try to play with textures. Here I paired leather, lace, sheer and sleek pants for a multi-textured ensemble that makes it interesting and unique, even though it’s all one color.
A few years ago I bought this leather vest from a consignment shop for $40. $40! I was elated! I thought it had every element of cool, and I just knew it would go with everything.
Flash forward two years, and I’ve worn it twice. It drives me crazy when that happens! You find a gem of a piece, thinking it will be a new staple, and then it sits unused.
Not today. I layered my masculine moto vest over a more feminine, floral, flowy maxi dress. You can belt it on the outside or let it flow (I photographed both ways so you can see the difference), and now I’m wondering how many other maxi dresses I can layer this bad boy over.
I am always telling y’all to play dress up in your own closet. I go through my closet top to bottom 3-4x a year. I know… that’s a lot. Keep in mind my closet is a large part of my job, so it’s almost like going through your work desk. BUT, doing so forces me to reevaluate my wardrobe – what I’m wearing/not wearing – and challenge myself to style things in new, interesting and exciting ways.
AND the best part? It’s like going shopping. Except you didn’t spend any money and are utilizing the pieces you already have. I know I’m always preaching this, but VERSATILITY is everything when you’re adding new pieces to your closet. In my opinion, if you can’t wear something multiple ways, really stop to think if you need it at all.
Let me know if this is something you guys would want a full post on – we could totally take a deep dive into closet clean outs!
Do you have any pieces in your closet that you have figured out how to style quite yet? I challenge you to pull them out and play dress up. Mix and match, try it with numerous different pieces until you find something that inspires you.
There’s no reason you should have fabulous pieces that are left unworn! Style them up, sister!
Blue jean baby! You might remember these jeans from this post, but they are the pair I can’t stop wearing as of late. I loved the cropped element which looks so fab with heels, and they are high waisted, which is the only kind of jeans I’ve been wearing the past few years.
Why? Because once you high rise, you don’t go back. I love that a higher waist jean really highlights a woman’s waist and hips – embrace your curves! Trust me, try a high waisted pair of jeans and tell me how you feel once you put your lower rise pants back on.
Some other high waisted Levi’s I’m in love with here and here, and you can find my size guide for Levi’s ladies here!
I’m so excited to bring you guys my first meal recipe post from our San Francisco apartment! The layout of our kitchen and breakfast “nook” is definitely different from our previous place in Orange County, so this was a fun experiment. If you guys want to see more recipe posts, please let me know in the comments!
On insta-stories, I often refer to salad and a homemade pizza as my “lazy girl special” for weeknight dinners. Some of the OG CBL readers might remember I challenged myself to eat plant-based for the month of January (documented weekly in the food category). I was truly so surprised at not only how much I enjoyed it, but also that I’ve continued to eat around 80% plant-based since that January challenge. My weakness is cheese, but when there is an almond substitute, I take full advantage.
Today, I’m honored to partner with Panera to bring one of my favorite, easy plant-based recipes to you guys. I love that Panera is committed to having a 100% clean menu (no artificial additives, sweeteners, etc.). They offer numerous plant-based options, and they have locations everywhere, so they’re an amazing resource for those who want to have a great meal without sacrificing their eating regimen. There really is something for everyone, and it’s so encouraging to see restaurants offer accessible and affordable meal options that taste good and make you feel good!
They’ve created their first-ever six part video series, Food Interrupted, to encourage people to stop and think about where their food comes from. You can watch the Plants Interrupted video here. It shows some of the incredible benefits that come from incorporating more plant-based ingredients and recipes into your diet. A few quick facts: eating plant-based has a positive impact on both your health and the environment, in addition to lowering cholesterol and improving heart health.
But first, let me give you the details on my plant-based lazy girl special – a caesar salad pizza!
For the dressing:
1-2 lemons (I use one but if you like things extra tangy, feel free to add more!)
2 garlic cloves, minced – sometimes I add more than this but that’s because I’m a garlic-lover!
1 tablespoon whole grain dijon mustard
2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
salt, pepper
For the pizza:
pizza dough – you can make your own or I buy mine from the grocery store (after all, this is supposed to be quick and easy!)
olive oil
almond mozzarella cheese
kale (2-3 cups)
romaine (one small head)
croutons – you can make your own or I buy mine from the grocery store
salt, pepper
Directions:
Pull your pizza dough out of the fridge (whether it’s homemade or store bought) and let it reach room temperature on a floured countertop. While it’s doing that, make your salad dressing. Combine the ingredients listed above and add more or less lemon to taste.
Once your dough has reached room temperature, roll or stretch it out. Lightly brush the dough with olive oil and add your almond mozzarella cheese. Bake at 425 on a pizza stone or floured baking sheet for 10-12 minutes.
While the pizza is cooking, make your salad. Rinse and chop your kale and romaine and combine with dressing. Place salad on top of pizza and top with croutons.
If you’re not a plant-based eater, you can add some parmesan cheese. You do you, girl!
Have you ever tried a salad pizza? And what is your favorite way to eat – meat lover, vegetarian, plant-based… this is a judgement free zone. I think everyone’s body is different and determining what makes you feel your best is most important. I’d love to hear the kinds of meals and recipes you guys would be interesting in seeing.
And if you have a favorite Panera order… you know I want to hear. I love their bowls and Mediterranean veggie sandwich.
When I saw this polka dot midi dress (which gives me major Pretty Woman vibes) was on sale, I snagged it immediately!
I knew it would serve as a great foundation piece for almost any occasion – work, church, bridal showers, luncheons – it’s that kind of dress. So while it is adorable and chic on its own, I wanted to show how you can take a classic midi dress and incorporate some trends to make it as fashion forward as you want!
That’s the beauty of a classic dress – it can be whatever you want it to be!
PSA – if you don’t have a fitted tweed jacket or blazer, you need one. They are hot hot HOT for fall and winter, and they seriously elevate almost any outfit. Plus they’re appropriate for every occasion!
I’ve been sharing more beauty products lately (you can catch up in the “beauty” category of this site!), and it’s been fun to share some of the products I’m really loving! Today I thought I would reveal 8 beauty brands available at Nordstrom that I’ve been really impressed with.
I’ve had my PMD for a few years now (snagged that baby during a Nordstrom Black Friday markdown!), and I really see why so many people rave about it. It works. I have little bumps, also known as keratosis pilaris, and using the PMD on my arms once a week and then using a body oil really makes a difference.
I actually first discovered Elemis when I was abroad, and I’ve been using it ever since. They have some incredible face creams! I started using these resurfacing facial pads when I noticed some redness along my jawline and it quickly disappeared.
I was recently with a girlfriend who is the queen of bold lip color. She told me this ultra wear lip color really lasted all day. I had to try it to believe it and she’s right – it is GOOD. I have Chic Rosewood!
When I worked in corporate beauty, every girl in the office was obsessed with Flowerbomb. I knew it smelled great, but never took the plunge as so many ladies were already wearing it around me. Cut to three years later, I’m fully addicted.
I’d heard girls talk about these drops and wasn’t sure if I bought the hype. I love some self tanner (full post on my favorites and why here), and didn’t know if these drops could really do the trick.
So I bought them. And they totally work. AND they don’t smell like so many self tanning products do!
I must confess, I’ve had these brushes for a while, but I wasn’t sure if I was using them right. I recently had my makeup done by a professional makeup artist, and he was using them. So I asked him for his guidance on how to use them correctly and now that he emphasized gliding the product, I’m loving them!
It takes a little getting used to because you’re holding the brush at a different angle than usual, but once you get the hang of it, it really does blend your complexion beautifully. I have this one, this one and this one.
You guys know I’m UD-obsessed. I love all of their products, but there’s no argument that what MAC is to the lipstick world (although my sister and I are both in love with this lipstick in Backtalk and Liar), UD is to the eyeshadow world. I love their larger palettes (flashback to last Friday and their newest palette!), but their mini palettes are ideal for the girl on the go.
– finally trying the magical La Mer Soft Cream (pillow available here) –
– a new ottoman pouf that I’m loving in our office from The Citizenry, made by artisans in Indonesia –
– the most gorgeous vest from Once Was with detachable sleeves that I can’t wait to wear all winter –
– finally going to check out the Full House house… even though half of it is wrapped with construction tarp + notes from the neighborhood that clearly show their distaste for tourists, so that’s nice –
Happy Friday gorgeous gals! This has been a delightfully quiet week at home, which has allowed me to really work ahead, get to the bottom of my email inbox, get some workouts in… there’s something so glorious about an efficient and productive week.
The older I get, the more of a homebody I seem to become (which can be a good and bad thing). I think this is why I put so much time and energy into having a clean, cozy and functional apartment. That phrase, “outer order, inner calm” speaks to me big time.
I’m most excited today because I’m getting out of town with my boo and am going to have some time with a childhood bestie, which I can never get enough of. I think because I don’t really relate to San Francisco as a city, I’m having a harder time than usual seeking inspiration around me. Getting out of town periodically really seems to recharge my body and mind, so I’ve been looking forward to the rare opportunity to sneak away with Christian.
What do you have going on this weekend? Visiting a pumpkin patch? Going to a haunted house? Seeing a scary movie? I want to see A Simple Favor so bad! Spill it. Thanks so much for reading and have a beautiful weekend! XO –
I don’t know why exactly, but this year I am FEELING the Halloween spirit. Yesterday I shared some inexpensive Halloween costume and game ideas, and today I’m sharing something that would pair beautifully… a cocktail! Or mocktail – you do you, girl.
This year I wanted to make something fun and easy. Emphasis on easy – if a cocktail recipe has more than 5 ingredients, I’m not interested.
The showstopper here is clearly the eyeball garnish. The magic of lychees stuffed with blueberries! If you want some extra gore, you can put some strawberry jam in the lychee before you stuff it with the blueberry. I skipped that part as I was feeling lazy.
Ingredients
1 can lychees in syrup (I found mine at Whole Foods)
12-24 blueberries
3 cups pomegranate or blueberry juice (you can see what I used below – you just want a dark color)
2-3 limes (juiced)
2 cups Sparkling Water
Optional: Gin or Vodka
Directions
The day before, open your can of lychees. Don’t discard the syrup/water in the can just yet! Stuff the lychees with blueberries and put them in the freezer. Save at least 5 tablespoons of the syrup – you’ll use this to sweeten up the cocktail.
The day of, combine the pomegranate juice, lime juice and around 5 tablespoons lychee syrup. Taste and adjust measurements to your liking.
You can combine the juice and sparkling water in a pitcher together OR you can let everyone mix their own. I went about 50/50 with juice and sparkling water.
Add a few floating frozen lychee eyeballs to each cocktail, slide one on a cocktail toothpick for a garnish and toss in a few blueberries if you have extra. Voila!
photos by Christian Barnes
sweater | belt | denim (runs big, I should have sized down!) | abstract pillows | blanket – no longer available, similar styles here and here | tray | skull succulents via Trader Joe’s | similar rectangular serving tray | lamp – no longer available, similar style here | love these linen cocktail napkins
What do you think? Are you up for making some lychee eyeballs!?
And I must note that Lula’s angry looking face is… just the way her face looks. That black fur and those green eyes… it’s ironic to me that she’s the cuddliest cat I’ve ever met yet she definitely looks the meanest. She literally took a nap in this hat – I had to take it off of her. Unfazed!
Thanks so much for reading, and for some chic Halloween decor inspiration check out this post! XO –
Last week I couldn’t get enough of chic Halloween decor. This week we’re taking a left turn with inexpensive costume and game ideas! Hint: tomorrow I’ll be sharing a seriously easy, delicious and festive Halloween cocktail. I LOVE OCTOBER.
I have a pair of cat ears that have been in a drawer for literally eight years. After college, I only thought about my costume on the day of Halloween. To be honest, I’m usually only wearing a costume to work (I worked at a makeup HQ, so people really went all out and it was amazing!) or when I’m giving candy to trick-or-treaters. So my go-to is to dress in all black and stick on some cat ears.
When I have a little more space, I for sure plan on buying a witch hat. It feels more appropriate for my energy. Who doesn’t love Hocus Pocus!? Hellooooo!?
The best part is that most of these pieces can be shipped via Amazon Prime and they cost less than $40. Personally I’m not investing a ton of money in a costume, so a great hat, mask or set of ears is totally my vibe. Wear all black and call it a day, girlfriend! Although this costume seriously made me laugh.
If you’re an adult with no kids, some of these board games look seriously fun. Like… can I please learn how to read tarot cards and serve friends Halloween cocktails!? Yes.
What’s your favorite Halloween costume from years past? I want to hear! As well as your Halloween plans for 10/31. My favorite thing to do on Halloween (since college) is to take Bailey on a walk around 5PM and watch all the little kids in their costumes go trick-or-treating. The best!
Another little video that was filmed before we moved from Orange County… a couples FAQ!
Fun fact – I didn’t even plan on filming this but Christian got home early, and I had a videographer helping me with some projects… so I was able to rope him in. He’s a good sport, #Godbless!
Some of the questions answered…
How did we meet?
What is good/not good about being married to a blogger?
And what is good/not good about being married to a physician?
Favorite memory with each other?
When did you know he/she was the one?
For more videos, check out the video category or my baby of a YouTube channel. For additional FAQ questions, check out this video or the FAQ page! More Barnez and marriage-related post, can be found in the marriage category.
Thank you guys for reading and watching! SF home tour coming soon – XO –
