It’s been a while since I shared some books that are on my reading list (I shared this post two years ago), and since there is still one month left of summer I wanted to put it out there! I keep a note on my phone of books that are recommended to me, suggestions from others in the digital industry as well as books you guys have told me are really good! From business to steamy beach reads and LOL-worthy, the gang’s all here.
I read this book of Mindy’s years ago, before I even got addicted to The Mindy Project (it’s hilarious if you’ve never watched – available on Hulu!). I knew I had to read her next book and was so excited to get a copy for my birthday!
Several people I respect have shared that they read this book and this book. Judging by the reviews… yeah, they seem pretty incredible.
Have you read anything this summer that you loved? I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
Some of you may have seen this scarf tutorial video on IGTV, but I also wanted to share it on YouTube and my blog as well!
I love styling scarves and have many of them. I think they’re so fun, and can be super inexpensive and versatile. After getting a lot of questions from you guys, I wanted to put together a video sharing some of the different ways I like to style a scarf on my head, around my neck and on the bod as a top.
It’s a little long, so feel free to fast forward to get to the desired style you’re looking for. I hope you guys will like it! I’ve already gotten messages from several gals that they’ve discovered how to play with their own scarves at home after watching this on Instagram which makes me so happy!
Thanks so much for reading and watching, and let me know if you have any requests for future videos/tutorials! XO –
There are only three days left in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and there are still some great pieces left!
I think the best purchase I made this summer in the sale was these jeans. I haven’t hardly taken them off, the high waist fit is perfect and I loved the cropped ankle for summer and fall. I sized down one full size, and you can see my size guide for the pieces I purchased here!
This sweater comes in five colors and is the kind you never want to take off. In my opinion, Free People makes some of the best cost-per-wear sweaters in the biz.
I’ve seen these heels on some other girls and they look so chic. I haven’t taken the plunge yet, but the nude is so tempting. If I was going to make one more splurge this weekend, these would be it.
I’ve never tried Cashmere Mist, but I’ve heard so many great things about it. I think this is the perfect time to try it out!
I’ve been wearing my trench coat nonstop this summer because of the weather in San Francisco, but this trench is such a classic year-round piece. If I didn’t already have one I would totally be snagging it!
I got the shorts version of these pajamas and I am already obsessed. The fabric is so soft, they’re the perfect travel pajamas for when you’re a guest in someone’s home.
You can see all of my NSale posts by clicking the “NSale Picks!” page at the top of this site. Don’t forget items will continue to be on sale through 8/6, and then the prices of everything will go back up. So far, Nordstrom has not been restocking items this year (#tragic), so if you see it… snag it!
Thanks so much for reading, and I hope you guys have a beautiful weekend! XO –
This little striped dress and this classic San Francisco house… I feel like I’m having an SF moment.
I think wrap dress are one of the most flattering dress styles on women. I love that they’re snug and flowy in all the right places!
I thought this dress was versatile in the way that it layers with a trench for a more church/office/bridal, baby shower occasion, or you can ditch the jacket for girl’s night, date night or a wedding.
You may also recognize this trench coat from this post. I have a few different trench coats (my pride and joy being the vintage Burberry one I scored on eBay), and while I think trench coats are classic and go with almost everything, I feel like I’m going to be fully embracing them this year because it’s crazy windy here. You don’t even want to know the outtakes of me in the dress nearly flashing the passersby. Literally!
While I feel like it’s been going on for months, this is the last full week of markdowns from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I was thumbing through some of the pieces still included yesterday, and I saw there were still so many great travel pieces on markdowns. Cashmere, adorable travel bags, headphones, the best sneakers, luggage and passport holders. It’s all there, okurr!
You can see all of my NSale posts by clicking the “NSale Picks!” page at the top of this site, including this post with a size guide of everything I purchased. Items will continue to be on sale through 8/6, and then the prices of everything will go back up. Word on the street is that they’re not restocking items this year (#tragic), so if you see it… snag it!
Keep in mind there are still free returns so when purchasing clothing, if you can’t do it in-store I would recommend trying two sizes and sending back whichever one doesn’t fit.
Thank you so much for reading, and I’d love to here what you’ve snagged so far! XO –
After I bought my first pair of Levi’s several years ago… I now almost exclusively wear them. I love the fit, I love the high waist and they’re so classic timeless. They’ve been cool for so long! Ask your parents… you know they wore them in college.
I wanted to put together a post styling denim on denim to show how I like to wear this trend. Personally, I like to mix two different shades of denim when wearing them together. I also think a chambray shirt would look so cute with these jeans! I love this one that is listed for under $25!
If you search “Levis” on this site, you’ll find tons of posts with different styles and how I styled them, including this post that is a fit guide to the some of the pieces I wear the most. This pair is a new addition to my closet, and I haven’t stopped wearing them since I got them.
Fun fact: did you guys know you can find some seriously amazing deals on Levi’s at eBay? You can get a major price cut and get the exact same styles. They have a huge selection!
And don’t forget that you can check out the most current promotions on their Daily Deals page… I’m talking like, 60% off Macbooks, discounts on camera equipment and TV’s. Okurr! AND know that over 80% of the products listed on eBay are actually brand new.
Thank you so much for reading! And if you have ever scored amazing things on eBay, I want to hear about it! I once got a vintage Burberry trench for $100, no joke. One of the best steals of my life!
Last week, I had the privilege of visiting a new place for the first time with NetJets and Four Seasons… the gorgeous island of Anguilla!
Originally when I was arranging this trip, I’d only been living in San Francisco a week. I thought, “am I going to be too scatterbrained to travel 10+ hours across the country on this work trip?” The past month has surprised me in terms of being challenging (as you guys know from this post), and I was hoping this week in Anguilla would be an opportunity to slow things down and get some fresh Caribbean air.
Before I get into it… I have to say this was one of the most refreshing, gorgeous and jaw-dropping trips of my entire life. Growing up in Mississippi, visiting Mexico and the Caribbean were quick flights and a favorite spring break destination for the fam. I haven’t been in several years due to the travel time from the West Coast. I am so so SO thankful that I was able to experience this island.
We flew to the island on NetJets, the first and largest private aviation company in the world. What I learned about this company is that members can purchase a certain percentage of a type of aircraft. That percentage grants a certain amount of hours a year on that class of plane for a 5 year duration. You can’t just buy a single flight or charter a plane Kardashian-style. However, if you need less than 50 hours of flight time a year, there is a program for that… so this is clearly my new #lifegoal. All of this essentially means that all 700+ planes are actually owned by NetJets customers. How incredible is that!?
This was my first experience flying private, and I will just say that it was literally sad when the flight is over. And I’m confident I’ve never said that about a flight before!
When we walked onto the Four Seasons Anguilla property. Wow. I knew it would be beautiful, but this was on another level. I quickly found out on social media that many of you honeymooned here, and I can’t even imagine what an incredible experience that was! This would be an ideal honeymoon, babymoon or anniversary trip. The property is so large with multiple pools and restaurants, giving lots of options and plenty of privacy. There are rooms with balcony plunge pools, private villas and breathtaking views of the insanely gorgeous Caribbean water. Bonus points to find out that one of the beaches below the property is called Barnes Bay!
The service is unmatched – I was truly amazed at how friendly, warm and helpful the entire staff was – which you guys know can really affect a vacation. I experienced a deep tissue massage with Stephanie. I learned my new favorite Mezcal cocktail from Julie at the bar (Mezcal, simple syrup, lime juice on ice) and found out which was the “best” pool according to Tanisha who had all the insider scoop. The most fun golf cart rides were from Sonny. I never remember people’s names from vacations, but I fell in love with this island and its people!
If you’re considering a tropical vacation, I can’t encourage you enough to consider this resort. Anguilla blew my mind with its turquoise water, cotton candy sunsets and perfect breezy warm weather. We literally left the island so motivated to work hard so we could all visit again. I told Christian I felt guilty because my week there was one of the happiest I’ve been in a long, long time. Too bad I experienced it without him – ha!
We took a boat out on one day and I was floating in the salty sea (captured below), and I felt so overwhelmed, so grateful and peaceful… and endlessly thankful that I was able to take a week to slow down, connect with some amazing people and get what I didn’t know I needed, some beach therapy.
I came home feeling centered and refreshed. It was a trip I’ll never forget.
– being given the cat stroller that I know I deserve, thanks to my sister –
– the runner rug finally coming it and bringing a pop of color into the apartment –
– needing a new dish drying rack and finding the perfect one from simplehuman (it drains into the sink!) –
– finally getting the luxe version (these are in the NSale!) of the dupes I’ve been wearing for years, thank you mom! –
Happy Friday, friends! I got home this AM… like wee hours of the AM, from a work trip to Anguilla that blew my mind. Living out West, I haven’t traveled much to the Caribbean because of the time/distance to get there. Growing up in the South, it was much easier to visit!
Now having moved to San Francisco, I feel like we’ve skipped summer because as you guys probably know, SF is has a very mild and windy summer. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining about skipping the heat, but when I stepped off the plane and felt the warm, salty air on my face, it was just the kind of therapy I didn’t know I needed. I didn’t really consider that after living near the beach for five years, something kind of feels like it’s “missing” without it. I’ve actually chatted with friends that have lived near a lake or beach and they’ve confirmed that it becomes a little addicting once you’ve lived near the water. Who knew!? Are any of you like that?
I’ve shared some photos on Instagram from our trip, but being back at the beach was just what I needed, and it was definitely hard to say goodbye! I plan on doing a roundup on the blog next week after getting some requests, so stay tuned for a little Anguilla photo diary.
Sidenote – I wanted to share the details of the pet stroller I’ve been strolling Queen Lu in because some of you have been asking! We’ve taken her out three times in it so far, and I shall continue to be the crazy lady with her animal squad walking down the sidewalk. I also received quite a few questions about the runner rug we purchased for our hallway, so I wanted to share the details here!
I’m really grateful I was able to travel during the week so I could spend this weekend with Christian. Between my girlfriend’s bachelorette party in Napa and Anguilla, I haven’t been able to explore our new city much outside of our neighborhood. We’re going to a Giants game tonight and thinking about renting some Vespas and cruising around town, so I’ll keep you guys posted!
Thanks so much reading and I hope you guys have a beautiful weekend –
I wanted to round up some of my OOTD’s that I’ve put together from the pieces I snagged in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! You can see all of my NSale posts by clicking the “NSale Picks!” page at the top of this site, including this post with a size guide of everything I purchased (not including this bra… because I love y’all but I’m not going to model a bra for you… I don’t love you that much).
Items will continue to be on sale through 8/6, and then the prices of everything will go back up. Word on the street is that they’re not restocking items this year (#tragic), so if you see it… snag it! Keep in mind there are still free returns so when purchasing clothing, if you can’t do it in-store I would recommend trying two sizes and sending back whichever one doesn’t fit.
Let me know what you’ve scored – and be sure to check out some of my favorite pieces still on sale here. Thanks so much for reading! XO –
If this pink pleated midi dress isn’t the sweetest thing you’ve ever seen… I don’t know what is.
I’ve shared blog posts dedicated to what to wear to weddings in every season – spring, summer, fall and winter – but I think this dress from NastyGal would be the perfect dress for a spring or summer wedding!
A few summers ago I was able to go on a press trip with NastyGal, and once learning more about the brand and the team behind it, I knew I’d be a fan forever. They have some of the most fun and unique pieces, and their summer collection is no different. This dress also comes in multiple colors and they’re currently offering 50% off everything!
photos by Christian Barnes
FYI – this dress runs a little big. I am wearing a small and probably need the waist altered. Other than that, it’s twirl-worthy to the extreme and the little flutter collar is like nothing I have in my closet. The white version would be so gorgeous for a bride!
Today until 8/5, Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is open to everyone! The bad news: a lot sold out to the early access folks and doesn’t appear to be restocked. The good news: there are still so many cute things available!
I’ve already shared my favorite pieces and what I bought (all available in the NSale Picks! category of this site). So this is a round up some of my favorite pieces that are still marked down and great closet staples. I bought this blazer and these jeans when the sale first started, and I’m so glad I did because I’m still loving them.
I have both these leggings and these, love them both and wear them ALL the time. Essentials!
I have these sneakers and they’re one of the most comfortable pairs I own. You can’t beat a classic cashmere scarf that comes in a ton of colors (one of my best purchases from last year).
I think every glamour queen needs a fab silk pillowcase, and when it comes to beauty scores – there are so many great pieces! I have and love this PMD (got it on a Black Friday sale a few years ago and love using it on my arms), this curling iron and this hairdryer.
Tell me what you’re looking for and what you’ve picked up! Don’t forget to check the “NSale Picks!” page at the top of CBL for the latest and greatest. Thanks so much for reading and have a FAB weekend! XO –
I’m so excited to share a little “farewell OC” video that I’ve been working on since we got settled in San Francisco. For our last few weeks in Orange County, I documented some of our last experiences. Our last visit to an Angels game, the beach, taking out a duffy boat on the Harbor, Christian’s graduation and last day of work, my last get together with the ladies, packing up the house… cue the tears!
It was my first experience editing a “vlog,” so I hope you guys like it! My intention was to film this vertically for IG TV (I think it’s a better watching experience over there because it’s full screen)… but then I ended up loving it so much that I decided to share it on my baby of a YouTube channel instead.
If you want to be in the loop for the latest and greatest in Kathleen-attempts-video-land, be sure to subscribe over there!
Thanks so much for sharing in this journey with us. And let me know if there are any specific videos you’d like to see! You can see our OC Home Tour before we packed up here. XO –
