For the next few days, Shopbop is offering a major discount on select pieces. When these kinds of sales roll around, my biggest pieces of advice is think about the luxury/higher end pieces you’ve been lusting after and take advantage of the amazing shipping!
THE DEAL:
20% off orders under $500 | 25% off orders over $500 | code: STOCKUP18
My advice for this sale would be to take advantage of the Stuart Weitzmans, DVF’s, classic Eberjey pajamas, Rebecca Minkoffs, Karen Walkers of it all. You can get a fat discount on these pieces that you will wear for years! When searching the sale, you can scroll through on your own or you can select the designers you really love to see what is included in the sale. That’s how I prefer to shop because I can go straight to the brands I love! Levi’s, Self Portrait, Yumi Kim – the gang’s all here.
I have and love this denim jacket and wear it with everything. These are always my go-to pajamas because they’re both chic and incredibly soft. I bought these boots three years ago and thanks to some boot protector spray they’re still like new (and go with everything). I’ve loved this fabulous wrap dress all season, and everyone needs a timeless pair of heels like these. Love these designer dupes. I can’t get enough of coin necklaces right now, and these sneakers are my most worn in SF because they’re so comfortable.
I’d love to hear what you have your eye on and if you plan on perusing this sale! You guys… it’s a good one! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
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necklace 1, 2, 3 | denim (I sized down) | top – N12H | similar bag here and here | similar slides here and here
Last weekend I snuck away to Monterey for my first visit in several years. I had a little staycation with my sister-in-law and nephews! I have stayed at the InterContinental Clement Monterey before with Christian, but this time we booked one of their larger rooms with a pullout sofa for the kids.
The first night I hung solo and attended an event for the collaboration between InterContinental and Audible. They presented the Stories of the InterContinental Life collection, curated by Brendan Francis Newnam of “The Paris Review” podcast. There was a fireside chat about John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, which is set on the very street that the hotel sits. We listened to writers discuss Monterey and the book over cocktails. In select other cities, InterContinental and Audible are discussing other books handpicked to highlight each particular location.
We had the best time! There’s a reason this is the place I always stay when I’m visiting. The location cannot be beat. You’re right on the water and walking distance to restaurants, shops, the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, you name it.
One thing I definitely remembered from my trip with Christian… breakfast at First Awakenings. You guys, the huevos rancheros, gigantic pancakes filled with granola, raspberries and coconut and the eggs benedict? Wowza. I went solo before my family got in town and then it was the most practical choice for the morning before we left town… so yes, I ate there two mornings in a row!
Another restaurant we popped into for dinner was The Fish Hopper. It was right down the street, kid-friendly, and has tables right by the water. It was the most unintentionally gorgeous dinner!
And our visit to the Aquarium blew me away. I haven’t been to an aquarium in so long, but after hearing so much about this one I was so excited to visit. We saw every room, every tank, all the little penguins – it was amazing!
Have you ever visited Monterey? I got some messages from you guys on Instagram that some of the other InterContinental locations where some of your favorite vacation spots!
I’ve now stayed here for both a couples getaway and a family-friendly weekend. I was amazed that the hotel really met all of our needs on both visits. We had the best time before heading down to San Luis Obispo for the rest of the weekend.
Thanks so much for reading and sharing, and be sure to check out other travel posts in the travel category of this site. XO –
A few weeks ago I spent some time in my favorite Northern California destination… Sonoma County. I mean, I’ve already made it up to wine country twice in the 2.5 months I’ve lived here, so now it’s becoming a monthly mission!
Ever since we moved to California, I’ve paid more attention to wine labels when I’m shopping. After visiting some of these gorgeous properties and learning about all of the details that go into making a great bottle of wine, I’m definitely partial to those vineyards and the teams behind them. I now have such a larger appreciate for all the time and research that goes into the wine industry!
October is actually Sonoma County Wine Month, and over 200 wineries and affiliated businesses are participating throughout Sonoma County. You can see some of the offerings here! And my favorite fun fact: you can fly right into Santa Rosa by way of Alaska Airlines (which I’ve done before and it’s so great and easy), and up to a case of wine is actually included as part of your free luggage allowance on flights out of this airport. What other airport can say that? Amazing.
We got to tour this property and spend a nice amount of time learning about the growing and maintaining of the grapes and vines. Seeing rows and rows of vines, it really takes your breath away. We learned about the trained falcons used to help protect the grapes and that there’s a flock of turkeys that roams the vineyards… which you know I love. We drank their Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon (both delicious), and had the gorgeous farm-to-table picnic that you see above!
We also go to do something that was most definitely on my bucket list – a grape stomp! I came in second place although I was so convinced I was going to win because I was not getting out of that barrel until I had smashed every single delicious grape. Ha! This property is so stunning, and I would encourage you to look for the Cab in your area. Such a delicious and flavorful full bodied wine for fall and winter months.
This property is unbelievable (seen below in photos featuring the pink midi skirt). We were able to chat with Kate MacMurray herself and learn so much about the history of this gorgeous estate (that even has some John Wayne connections, seriously!). We drank their Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, which was smooth and silky, with views of the sprawling property that gave me major Parenthood/Braverman backyard vibes. Now when I drink this wine I know I’ll envision the estate!
And my favorite part… we were able to make our own Pinot Noir blend! I was really looking forward to this experience, and Christian keeps saying he can’t wait to try my creation. The pressure is on! It was so interesting trying to create my own red blend, and it really was the most fascinating process.
I had never tried Bear Flag wines and was excited to see what they were about! We drank their Zinfandel and made s’mores by the fire at night, and the price point on this wine is so reasonable. I think it would be an amazing gift to bring to a host or the perfect pick for game day.
You guys know I’ve been a huge Coppola fan for years. I’ve worked with them before here and here, and Christian and I drink Coppola year-round.
I had visited one of their properties before, but not the Sonoma County vineyard. I was amazed at all of the incredible Oscar and movie history that we were able to peruse after tasting wine, and it was such a unique experience! I mean, where else can you learn about wine and see the desk from The Godfather?
We were able to taste grapes right off the vines with one of the property’s Viticulturist, and helped pick fruit and vegetables from the garden on-site for our outdoor lunch. I mean… it was an experience for all of the senses (I expect nothing less from Coppola).
We spent the afternoon at their beautiful pool before returning again for dinner at the winery. I’m still dreaming about the dessert and cappucino!
I really love their Director’s Cut wines, and if you look closely, the labels are all unique and tell their own story. There is no detail that goes unnoticed with Coppola.
Have you ever visited Sonoma County? It is really such a fun couples getaway or girls trip. Christian was so envious of my time in these gorgeous vineyards that he is determined to plan another visit in October!
Let me know if you have ever tried any of these wines or if you have a Sonoma wine you’re partial to. I’m always looking for something new to try. Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
I was recently looking at my fall boot closet selection and realized I didn’t have any burgundy boots! Some of my booties have a higher heel for date night and some are for all day wear.
Well my friends, I have found the most comfortable pair of boots that checks every box. They’re burgundy (also come in black and gray), they have a reasonable heel so they can been worn all day AND night, and they are tennis shoe-level comfortable.
I remember hearing guys talk about Born shoes. I knew they were known for being versatile and comfortable, but now they have some new fall styles for the ladies that are seriously fab. I love these sock booties so much and know I’m going to be wearing them so much in the city now that I’m doing so much more walking!
Have you ever worn Born boots or shoes? Tell me what you got. And if you don’t have a pair of burgundy boots for fall, I’m telling you – they’re sooo versatile!
Ooohhhh fall is here, my friends! I am excited to start putting together some fall wish list mood boards. Who doesn’t like cozying up in a new sweater, scarf and booties?
I have been really feelin’ that sweater life and am so excited to see that this sweater has periodically come back in stock in select sizes. If you missed it in the Nordstrom Sale, know that it’s occasionally popping back in stock! I am also really loving this oversized sweater in black. The kind of sweater I’d wear three days in a row, if you feel me.
I recently bought this dress because I saw it was 40% off (runs TTS), and it’s the cutest little midi dress. Looks great layered with a blazer and sneakers or heels. I also bought these sunglasses, and they’re pretty adorable for $8. I’ve seen so many cute outfits with fishnet ankle socks so I had to get some for fall and can’t wait to style them!
I love all coin necklaces right now and this one and this one would look so pretty together. These leopard booties are going to elevate any look and this neckerchief is all my favorite fall colors!
Have you snagged any pieces for fall that you’re looking forward to styling? Gimme the scoop! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
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The red lip. She’s classic, timeless and makes a statement all on her own. In my opinion, every woman should have a red lipstick in her beauty drawer! I picked up this red lipstick from Nordstrom last year, and it’s my front-contender for a fall red lip. MAC has always been a leader in the bold lip color game, and you can’t go wrong with their lipstick.
Today I thought we could take a deep dive in to the red lip and how you can find the perfect shade to make you feel like your ultra femme self.
Skin Tone Breakdown:
Fair | Fair skinned ladies tend to have a naturally pink undertone. You can complement that by using cool-toned red lipsticks with hints of blue or coral shades. These kinds of colors not only make fair skin look brighter without washing it out and they also make teeth look whiter. Helloooo Ruby Woo!
Light | These gals typically have more of a yellow undertone, so an orange-y red picks up the golden undertones to brighten their complexion. Loving this in Mangrove for my fair ladies!
Medium | These ladies gain and lose sun color easily, so an orangey-red works for summer (emphasizes the bronzed skin… enter Lady Danger) and blue-red is perfect for fall and winter (I love this in Russian Red).
Olive | Olive skin tends to have yellow-green undertones, so they look best in orange-y red when they’re sunkissed (like this in Le Orange) and a rust/brick red in cooler months (try this in Rouge Vinyle).
Deep | On dark complexions, a deep, bright, matte red really pops. As in true, candy-apple reds, cherry shade like this one in “Cherry Lush.” They mimic the richness and depth of deeper complexions!
photos by Christian Barnes
lip in Russian Red, more picks below! | similar striped dresses here, here and here | love this coin necklace and how cool is this one?
I dance on the line of medium and olive skin, so I usually stick to orangey-reds and blue-reds. I’d love to hear your go-to red shade! I’m sharing some of my picks below.
And before I wrap up today’s post, another product I’ve been wanting to try is La Mer. I’ve almost purchased it when shopping at Nordstrom (literally had it in my cart last week!), but have yet to try this magical product I hear so much about. The Mysteries of La Mer campaign launched earlier this month, and I think fall might be the perfect time to give my skin some luxe TLC. If you’re a La Mer lover, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experience!
Happy Friday! I’m currently writing this from Monterey, waiting on my adorable little nephews and sister-in-law to arrive. I have a fun project with a hotel in town, and a few of my people are driving up to spend the night! For four years I lived 45 minutes from my brother’s family. Now we are about 3-4 hours apart, and I haven’t seen his kids since May… which feels crazy. I didn’t realize how spoiled I was getting to see them so often, so I can’t wait to spend some time with their little boys!
This week has been a doozy (flashback to yesterday’s novel), and I’m definitely excited to get out of town and spend some time with some familiar faces. Thank you so much for all of your sweet words. I loved hearing what you’re making peace with – isn’t it incredible how much we can learn from each other when we’re willing to be vulnerable? It always blows me away, which is why I continue to spill my heart in the occasional personal post. I’m always so nervous to hit publish, but I’ve yet to regret it.
That’s about all I got this week! I hope you guys have a beautiful and relaxing weekend. Happy September! We are entering October and November, my favorite months all year. Soaking each day up. Thanks so much for reading – XO –
A few weeks ago, I went to a brunch event that had these little cards at every place setting. Each question was different, and there was no assigned seating. When I sat down and looked at this little card asking me, “What is something you have recently made peace with?” Oh boy. Where to even begin? I knew there was a reason I was faced with this little card.
We went around the table and answered our questions out loud, and my answer to this question was left on my heart all day, and then all week. Apparently all month becuase here I am, still talking about it. I shared this experience on Instagram Stories, and I loved the response I got from girls on Instagram and in emails, so I decided to bring it over to the blog for a larger conversation!
I’ve been open on this blog that I’m in a transitional phase of my life. If I’m being totally honest here – I’m not really enjoying it. Ha! I took a deep dive into some of the details here.
I’m in a place where I’m having to consciously practice gratitude and positive thinking every single day because I just can’t seem to get into a rhythym since we moved from Orange County. I don’t think I even realized how happy I was in Southern California until we moved and things have felt so different. It’s as if my emotions are dancing on eggshells and every time I bump my shoulder walking sideways into my closet (the only way to squeeze in there #smallspaces), hit my shin trying to dig in the back of some corner to find something I had to store underneath a chair or go up and down two flights of stairs 7x trying to do one load of laundry… I’m on the verge of tears.
I write this post from my desktop computer, as I somehow spilled half a cup of coffee on my work laptop on Monday morning and it’s currently drying out in front of a fan. The screen won’t turn on and of course I had a great computer repair place in Orange County… but I don’t live there anymore so every obstacle, every challenge feels more complicated and magnified because I have to start over. It feels like I can’t catch a break these days, and knowing I’ll inevitably be starting all over in a handful of months when we move… feels exhausting. Sidenote: I hate moving and have always struggled with change.
It’s been that kind of season, if you feel me. A season where I’m feeling unlike myself, emotionally delicate, holding my breath for the next mishap that normally I would power through but these days makes me crumble.
So what is something I have recently made peace with?
Clearly… I’ve not yet made peace with this transitional time. But something I am working on every single day is focusing on my path. I told Christian in one of my tear-filled broken moments last month (poor C… tending to my many meltdowns is becoming all too familiar) that I felt like I decided to run a marathon with all of my friends and they’re 5 miles away from the finish line and I’m still stretching.
He said, “More like you’re all on a hike and you are stopping to smell the flowers before you get to the rocky peak where the flowers don’t grow but the views are good. Some people only want the view and some people only want the flowers. We want both, so we can’t really compare ourselves to people with other aspirations. They’ll do what’s best for them and we’ll do what’s best for us.”
Which brings me back to this quote:
“For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin – real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.” Alfred D. Souza
I do feel genuinely happy for all the wonderful people in my life who have all the things I’m desiring right now – stability, fellowship and support from their communities, a home (with a yard! and a laundry room! and maybe even a garage!), holidays spent with their families, kids and so on. I truly am. I’m just not there yet.
And rather than focus on all the things I don’t have, I really need to appreciate what I do have. We don’t have as many responsibilities or bills, so we feel comfortable splurging on ourselves and others. There aren’t nap times or diaper bags so we can ride Vespas all over town and have wine with lunch without worrying about pumping and dumping or daycare pick up. With no yard or greenspace outside, we’re walking the dog 3 – 4x a day uphill but hey – we’re toning those glutes! Living in a small apartment so there isn’t as much to clean, no “housework” or landscaping to maintain. We can go to 9PM dinners without worrying about the babysitter and can be completely selfish with our time.
Would I trade all of these things for more space, a house, community and maybe a baby Barnes? Of course. I’m ready for that phase of my life… but we’re just not there. I’m actively working on making peace with my path. It’s unlike yours and yours is unlike mine. And that’s ok. In fact, it’s wonderful! We can all learn from each other, and truly appreciate achievements and milestones when we reach them.
These obstacles are our lives. It’s a part of our story, and an important part. I know it will be revealed to me why I had to go through this overly emotional and challenging chapter. Am I enjoying it? Nope. Not really. Is it going to make me smarter, stronger and more grateful when the next chapter starts? Definitely.
So now I want to ask you – what have you recently made peace with? Life isn’t all roses. Frankly, I know I learn the most from the harder times. They’re important and character-building. So let’s all learn from each other.
Thanks so much for reading and sharing! Big hugs to all my girls in a transitional phase right now. XO –
Not too long ago I stumbled upon this article about the proper way to burn candles, and while so simple, it made so much sense. I had no idea I was burning candles incorrectly for years.
It’s a bummer when you get a new candle, start to burn it and notice the wax is funneling or it’s creating a black ring around the candle jar. Especially when you’re burning a gorgeous, expensive candle. I want to get every drop out of them! The ones you’ll find around our house are from Votivo and Capri Blue, and at the bottom of this post I’m sharing my favorite candle scent and how YOU can win your own luxe candles (scent of your choice)!
I discovered three important steps in my research that I now always abide by when burning candles.
Burn Time
Especially for a candle’s first burn, they should burn for at least one hour per inch of container diameter. So, if you bought a new candle that is 3 inches in diameter, you should burn your candle for at least 3 hours (though not more than 4 at a time).
Wax has a memory, so you want to burn your candle so the melted wax spreads all the way out to the edge of your container. That way, when you burn your candle the next time, it will remember to melt all the way out to the sides. Another solution for easily doing this is finding candles with multiple wicks.
Below is an example of what not to do!
Trim Your Wicks
Trim your wicks to 1/4 inch before lighting, and try not to burn for more than 4 hours, otherwise carbon will start to accumulate again (queue the black smoke and that not-so-pretty black rim on your candle jar). I’m trying to actively be better at this. It’s definitely my biggest candle downfall! I think I need this set in my life for easy trimming.
Before You Blow It Out…
If you’re real fancy, you can use the tip of a screwdriver to dip the wick in the wax to put out the flame. Then use it to straighten the wick out for the next burn. Or you can use a snuffer like this one!
I wanted to photograph the glass jar that I have in our den filled with matchbooks. I started collecting them years ago, and my grandmother actually gave me some of hers she’s saved from when she was a flight attendant, traveling all over the U.S. I love reaching in to see what I pull out, where it’s from and guessing if it was originally mine or hers. A fun little thing to collect!
AND, now the most exciting part of today’s post! One of my absolute favorite candle brands, Votivo, is giving a CBL reader the chance to win 3 candles of his/her choice!
I’ve shared my love of their products in this post, but their Red Currant Collection has slowly become the signature scent of our home. It smells earthy and musk-y, and better yet, it’s Barnez-approved. Everybody wins.
To Enter (open to US residents):
1) Leave a comment with your favorite candle scent.
2) Subscribe to my new YouTube Channel (and leave your YouTube username so I can find you!).
**UPDATE: The winner is Cara Alexander! Thank you so much to everyone who entered!**
Thanks so much for reading and entering! XO –
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Another fun video (filmed in Orange County… and this video makes me miss that patio big time!) answering some of my most commonly asked questions from you guys!
A lot of these you can find on the FAQ page as well, along with some additional popular questions.
If you like this video, I’d love to hear what else you guys would like to see! I still have another video I filmed in OC to share (may or may not include Barnez), and I’m planning on putting together a San Francisco apartment tour this fall. I have a fun weekend trip coming this weekend… would you guys rather see photos of a trip or a video? Would love to hear.
You can now find all the videos on CBL in the “video” category or by clicking the YouTube icon at the top right of this site OR you can subscribe to my YouTube channel to see when new videos are posted! Thank you so much for reading and watching – XO –
Heels so nice, I pulled them out twice… in one week! Ok truth be told, these photos are from June before we moved from OC, and I forgot about them. So forgive me!
There are so many reasons I could preach about the topic of bold accessories. If you’re looking to put together a simple yet still interesting look, stick to a classic foundation wardrobe (i.e., solids) and let your accessories pop.
A great pair earrings or heels can take you a lot further than you might think. These earrings are currently on sale for $25 and I think they are so fun! They look great with your hair down and in my opinion, a pair of statement earrings (or a necklace) looks even better with your hair pulled back. Chic!
I also love a pair of statement heels with jeans or a midi skirt. You can wear a little black dress and then a great pair of heels elevates the look to another level.
And of course, one of the best reasons to invest in great accessories: they always fit. No judgement, just sayin’.
Can you get down with some bold accessories? I think this strategy is an easy go-to for the girl who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time thinking about what to wear or putting together new outfits.
If you’re looking for efficiency, find something easy that works for you and stick to it!
Thank you so much for reading! XO –
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When I was in Anguilla back in July, two of the fabulous fashionistas on the trip, Helena and Sai, had this layered necklace game that I was totally enthralled with.
When it comes to jewelry, I go through phases. I used to wear tons of bracelets and no necklaces. Later I fell in love with all things statement necklace. Then I became earring-addicted and never wore bracelets. And now I’m having a delicate necklace moment. My relationship with jewelry is all over the place.
I came home from that trip and started going through all of my necklaces, looking for what I could layer. You guys know I love Dana Seng Jewelry (shared in my FAQ and here), so I combined her pieces with a new Etsy shop I discovered and love – Simple Dainty Jewelry. She’s actually based in San Francisco!
Other shops I love for delicate pieces are Katie Dean Jewelry and Adornmonde. Below I’m sharing some of my favorite necklaces for layering (and a great coin necklace is most definitely a must).
AND before I forget! I want to answer a FAQ from you guys –
How do you keep them from tangling?
Sadly the answer is that there is no secret. I sleep and shower in most of these so I simply untangle them in the morning (gently!), and usually that’s enough to get me through the day.
Below are some necklaces that I think would look fabulous layered up! I don’t think they all have to layer up perfectly. You can see in these photos that two of the necklaces are similar lengths… so what? I switch them out and sometimes I go longer – you do you. Make it your own!
I’d love to hear if you are a layered necklace kind of girl. Maybe you’re a bracelet or earring lover – gimme the scoop!
Thanks so much for reading – XO –
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