A few years ago I shared some of my favorite Christmas movies here, and I thought I might try doing the same for fall! This time of year, especially when it hasn’t yet cooled down in California, I find myself lighting an autumn candle and popping in a movie that gives me those crisp fall feels.
I realized when putting this together that apparently Julia Roberts and Meg Ryan lead the pack. Queens! Stepmom might be my #1 in this lineup, but the others are close behind. Silver Linings Playbook makes me so happy, and Bradley Cooper isn’t too bad to look at either.
Do you have any movies you find yourself watching this time of year? Some others I love are Notting Hill and Little Women. I’ve never seen St. Elmo’s Fire but I’ve heard it’s a good one to! Would love to hear any recommendations.
And last but least, thank you so much to the sweet feedback from my career profile on Sunday at The Everygirl! I’m such a huge fan of the site, have been reading it for years and loved sharing some insight into the questions I’m frequently asked about blogging full-time. I hope it was helpful to some of you guys!
I must start this post by saying that even when we first started dating in college, I thought Christian had great style. He always showed up for our dates dressed like he walked out of a catalog, and he has no problem putting together looks for himself.
However, once he started his residency he barely had time to feed himself, much less buy clothes. So I’ve gladly taken that off his plate and used it as my excuse to try to get him to step out of the box a little bit! Thankfully Nordstrom has such an amazing selection and carries all of his favorite brands – Patagonia, Levi’s and Sperry to name a few.
Some of my tips for shopping for your guy are:
1. Figure out the brands he likes/trusts and try to stick to them.
Some of Christian’s favorites are listed above! When you find something that fits great consider getting it in several sizes or patterns.
2. Learn how to shop for his build.
This was probably the biggest help for me. Christian, the lucky guy, is long and lean. I buy him slim fit everything. It makes a huge difference. I also have used Nordstrom’s Men’s How-To’s and Style Advice section because I’m not as well-versed in mens fashion but try to do what I can to educate myself!
3. Order a lot and let them try on things at the house on their time.
With Christian’s crazy schedule, I love ordering from Nordstrom because I can just order a TON of different pieces and send back whatever styles he doesn’t like. It makes life so easy because he can try on at home on his own time and I don’t have to drag him to a mall (which he’s only allowed me to do like… three times in ten years). I also feel like when he can try things on at home he is a little more likely to try things out of his comfort zone. AKA I can convince him to keep a few items that are more on-trend!
on her: sweater – runs big, also love this one and this one | scarf – love this plaid for the holidays! | denim – I would recommend sizing down | similar mules here and here (30% off) | bag, love this look for less | similar sunglasses here, splurge here
I had so much fun shooting this with Christian and Bailey I told him I would be dragging him into posts more often and he gave me some serious side-eye… but really did have a good attitude. God bless!
Do you shop for your guy? I’d love to hear any of your tips for sneaking in some of the newer trends while still keeping the dudes happy. Thanks so much for reading – XO –
– some new Lisi Lerch earrings that I have a feeling I’ll be wearing with everything –
– trying out Artis Brushes for the first time after hearing so many great things –
– C coming home with white hydrangeas (my favorite) –
– attending a gorgeous brunch event for the launch of Studio McGee x Gathre – a collection of stylish tablecloth mats (love this print!) –
– having a work buddy to help me with some long days in the office –
Weekend here we are again! Except this weekend is Halloween weekend so it’s a little extra fun! I plan to enjoy some quality time with Christian and work ahead a little bit because I leave Monday to go home for a week to visit family. I realized recently that in almost five years I’ve only been home for funerals and weddings, so this will be my first time to visit just because.
AND while I’m there, I’ll be hosting a little meet-up/shopping event at Frock Boutique in Oxford on Thursday 11/2 from 4-7PM! So if you are an Ole Miss girl or live in Oxford, I would love to meet you!!
Tell me what your Halloween plans are! I am hoping I will leave some candy for the kids and not eat all of it myself… mini 100 grands are my weakness. Have a fun (and safe) weekend! XO –
This was definitely one of the comfiest outfits I wore when I was in the UK. The weather wasn’t quite chilly enough to need a full coat, but a sweater dress and cashmere cape was juuusssst right!
When I had originally packed this look, I had folded the cape just so, so that I could belt it in a certain way, etc. Well I forget how windy it can be out in the country with no buildings to block the breeze. So as I was basically fighting this cape in the wind like an ungraceful crazy person, I surrendered and just thought… hopefully I won’t look like a potato in these pictures.
They turned out better than I had anticipated considering I had to keep my sunglasses on as I had not slept in 48 hours due to an adverse reaction to Bendadryl, so…. cheers!
Sometimes a sweater dress can seem bulky or too shapeless, but a thin belt can cinch your waist to give you a little shape. And this time of year, nothing sounds more cozy and comfortable than a sweater dress, right?
Thank you so much for reading! And for the scoop on everything we did while in London you can check out this post and you can find my guide to London here – XO –
For this week’s wish list I thought it would be interesting to share some of the pieces I’ve most recently added to my closet that I am really loving. Trying new things is essentially part of my job, and there are always some standouts that I find myself reaching for over and over again.
I got this bag right before my trip to London and wore it with everything. It’s the perfect size for travel and is one of the best Prada dupes I’ve seen. Plus it comes in four colors – I love the pink too! I snagged this white designer dupe and it also goes with everything. A little smaller in size so it’s better for nighttime but super cute all the same – and comes in 20 colors. No joke – 20 colors!
I got these jeans right before NYFW and have continued to wear them all the time because they’re so soft.
This hat was designed by my friend Erika of Whiskey & Lace and it is even cuter in person. The pom pom is so adorable and the hat perfectly represents her girly, feminine style!
I shared last week here that I can’t get over pom pom sweaters right now and I recently added this one and this one to my collection. So cute and so FUN. This cashmere cardigan is officially my favorite cardigan in my closet. Feels like butter and is that perfect color that will go with everything.
I got these earrings when they were marked down because I had the neutral pair and have loved them so much. Now they are even MORE marked down and I know they’ll be perfect for two tropical trips I have planned this winter!
Are there any pieces you’ve added to your closet so far this season that you’re really loving? I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
Over a year ago I saw someone wearing cropped jeans and booties and I was like… no. That is not ok.
Flash forward a year and here I am, loud and proud, wearing my cropped jeans and booties. So never say never, Kathleen!
But let’s talk more specifically about these jeans. I think they’re magical jeans. They are high waisted, lightweight with just enough stretch, and they’re my most slimming black jeans. I sized down because I wanted a snug fit, and I haven’t stopped wearing them since I got them. I think they work with booties and would be so perfect for date night with pumps or strappy sandals and a camisole.
I wore this on an early morning a week or so ago when the weather was so nice in the low 60s… the high is in the triple digits today (Octobers in California can be CRAZY!). So I’m just thanking God our current house has air conditioning! Our first home in CA didn’t and it was really rough some weeks. Like… really rough. Truthfully you only need AC for about three months out here but those months can be so sweaty without it. Praise Jesus for this AC!
Ah, football season. The first game is always fun and then the second, third, fourth, etc. are a little less exciting (thank you fantasy leagues)! Whether you’re cozying up at home for a weekend or having friends over for the big game, a cocktail recipe is a great way to get a party started, #amIright!?
I wanted to share a really easy fall sangria recipe I put together using Seven Daughters Moscato. So easy, so delicious and before you know it, even the dudes will be sippin’ sangria with their pinkies out.
1. Pick your alcohol of choice.
You know me, I’m always going to pick wine. I’ve shared the Seven Daughters rosé here and I extra love their Red Blend, Pinot Noir and Crisp White. I tend to drink more dry wines but there are still some great ways to enjoy sweeter wines. Their Moscato is great for cocktails because it balances a touch of sweetness with a hint of bubbles. I also love some of the recipes Seven Daughters shares for their Moscato here!
2. Bring in a fall element.
I mean, no elaboration needed. I chose apple cider – yum!
3. Garnish it up.
For this recipe I chose apples, but I also think a cinnamon stick and cranberries would be a fabulous addition.
4. Ditch boring ice cubes.
I froze some Moscato in ice cubes before hand for this recipe, but you can use anything! Why use regular ice cubes when there are circle, jumbo square and diamond trays? And yes, I own all three. I am who I am (in my defense- the diamond shaped ones were a gift from Christian!).
5. Find a pretty glass.
Ok this is a pretty basic step but still – it makes a big difference. Who doesn’t love a gorgeous glass? For this cocktail my options were this one, this one or this one.
6. Have a backup plan if like me, your home team sucks.
I mean, not to be a downer but it is what it is. Hotty Toddy!
7. Light a candle (I’ve been loving Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Vanilla!), grab a blanket and settle on in.
Pinkies out, my friends! Scroll down for the recipe –
1 cup apple cider (I used Trader Joe’s 100% Honey Crisp Apple Cider Unfiltered)
1 cup ginger ale
apple slices for garnish (cinnamon sticks and cranberries would be great too!)
Optional: Moscato ice cubes
Are you a cocktail person!? I tend to grab a glass of wine but I love the idea of taking the time and effort to make something unique and delicious.
You can check out Seven Daughters on Facebook and Instagram and find their wine in your area here. AND the code CBL7D is good for 20% off any Seven Daughters purchase on Uncorked.com! XO –
– I always try to get Christmas ornaments on my travels – my recent trip to London was so quick so I snagged this one here! –
Happy Friday! It’s been a bit of a quiet week around here, so I’ve really tried to enjoy the silence. All the construction on our townhouse has been completed (hallelujah!), so I don’t have to wake up to hammering in the walls and my noise-cancelling headphones have been stowed away. Christian has moved onto a different work shift that has him working until around 9PM each night, so I basically hog the entire day to myself which means I can get a lot done at my own pace.
I’ve done this before, but I’ve tried to start back with a gratitude journal and am making Christian participate as well. Each night we write down five things we are grateful for that day (and sometimes I can only think of three things but that’s ok too). I was motivated after watching this video and thinking, Queen Oprah is right. As sometimes an overly ambitious person, sometimes I find myself focusing too much on goals rather than appreciating what’s right in front of my face. So I’m hoping this habit will continue to allow me to slow down, value all the good I have in my life and learn to be more content (a little more on that here). Have any of you kept a gratitude journal?
This weekend C gets one day off so we plan to head over to Laguna and enjoy a little time at the beach. I’ve got one more week in California before I head on another adventure, more on that soon!
– some glitter fun just in time for the holidays from my friends at Urban Decay –
– some pom pom sweaters (left, right) that are so cute I can’t stand it –
– finally tossing Christian’s laundry basket from college and upgrading him to this gigantic two-sided one (this man creates a lot of laundry… I don’t know how he does it) –
– some of the cutest handmade earrings from Burdlife –
Thanks so much for reading and have a beautiful weekend – XO –
If you’re like me, it might not quite be fall in your neck of the woods. Southern California is known to have mild summers, but the heat kicks up around September/October. Just in time for sweaters and scarves (#sarcasm)!
That’s why lightweight layering pieces are my go-to, and a utility jacket is the perfect layering piece for brisk nights, transitional fall weather or traveling. I almost always travel in the fall/winter in a jacket like this one because it’s so comfortable and the hood is a bonus for airplanes!
I’ve been wearing jackets and coats from Bernardo Fashions for years (throwback to one jacket two ways in this post and this post), and their pieces continue to last season after season. I love that this jacket has a little bit of a high/low hem that makes it perfect for game day stadiums or travel, and I can’t wait to wear this piece on my next trip.
jacket c/o Bernardo Outerwear (I would recommend sizing down) | denim | top (old) – nearly identical one here (under $12) | booties | bag | neckerchief – vintage Dior, love this one and this one | lip in Fawn | sunglasses
What is your idea of the perfect fall jacket? Is it colder where you live? I think you can’t go wrong with a military jacket.
It’s been a little while since I’ve shared a wish list, so I’m excited to share some of my fall cravings with you guys!
My latest obsession is cropped jeans with ankle booties (hint: there’s a style post with this look coming soon). Something about it feels so fashion forward yet still approachable. I am also so excited berets are back in style because I literally have a black one from high school that’s been tucked away all these years. Bringing that baby back out!
This bag is the prettiest black bag I’ve seen this season and I can’t get enough of pom pom sweaters (also have and love this one).
What is on your fall craving wish list? Have you hopped on the beret or cropped jean wagon yet? Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen some of these photos already from my trip to London last week with the Monica Vinader team! It was my third time visiting this gorgeous city (my second October visit coincidentally!), and I’ve been wearing Monica’s jewelry for years – so it was an extra treat to see the magic behind-the-scenes.
Whenever I travel to Europe, I’m incredibly jealous of my East Coast friends. In only 5-6 hours they can be in London. It takes West Coasties up to 11 hours to make the journey (this is when C would sing “cry me a river” to me). The past few times I’ve been, I’ve been able to get my jet lag under control from the get go and it was a non-issue. This time the 8-hour time difference really did me in BUT you guys recommended Unisom and it is MAGIC. Thank you to everyone who sent suggestions my way!
We spent the first two days in London and then traveled out to the countryside in Norfolk to tour the headquarters of Monica Vinader and have dinner at Holkham Hall which blew me away (photos of both of these adventures below!).
The number one reason I love and have loved Monica Vinader‘s jewelry for so long is because it is fine jewelry with gemstones and diamonds that is affordable. I’ve been wearing this ring for years and I recently added this bracelet and this bracelet to my arm party. Her pieces are perfect for layering, and the quality really holds up, showing the quality is more than worth the price tag.
Favorite Places We Ate:
Sketch | I visited Sketch in October of last year for tea (shared here) but we came for dinner and it was fabulous. Great wine list and extra delicious desserts!
Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen | The decor of this darling spot is from a dream. So rustic and charming, and the food is delicious. Tried to be one with the English and get the short rib pie. Was a little bit like a short rib pot pie and it was DELISH.
Berners Tavern | So many of you recommended the gorgeous restaurant attached to The London Edition and you were right – it is amazing! The art on the walls provides so much eye candy and the architecture of the restaurant alone is incredible. We had breakfast here and as #basic as it sounds, the waiter recommend the avocado toast and it was delicious with a poached egg.
Where We Stayed:
The London Edition | The lobby is gorgeous (in fact, everyone who works here is quite gorgeous) and I had a very comfortable stay here. It’s centrally located in the Soho area of London so you are walking distance to so many great restaurants and excellent shopping.
The White House in Norfolk | We stayed at this charming house in the countryside when we moved over to Norfolk and I could have stayed forever! More of a bed & breakfast ambiance, and the kind of place you could just cozy up on a sofa with a glass of wine in front of a fireplace. I actually did this from my bed when I couldn’t sleep, ha! When I walked up to my room, I watched a mother guide her young son out to a field on a horse. Am I in a movie right now?!
Favorite Activities:
River Thames Tour | This was beyond magical, drinking champagne on a gorgeous boat and learning all these fun facts about London from our knowledgeable tour guides at Thames Limo. Turns out this is the same boat this photo was snapped on and all these celebrities have graced the exact boat (Justin Bieber, Gerard Butler, Taylor Swift, Karlie Kloss, Gigi Hadid – to name a few). Of course we had to recreate the photo (shared below). Ha! Definitely recommend!!
Manicure at Cowshed Spa | I tried to squeeze in a spa treatment here last year but they were all booked up. Their salons are darling and very relaxing treat for tourists that have been on their feet all day.
Tour of Holkham Hall | I mentioned this above (and you’ll see photos below), but we toured this countryside estate and then had dinner in one of the dining halls. UNBELIEVABLE. We met the Earl’s wife, Polly, and she was so gracious and welcoming. Learning the history of these European estates that are older than our entire country is just mind-blowing to me. I watched Downton Abbey so clearly… I’m into it. I felt one with the Brits as I was like, “oh footmans, the lady’s maid, valets – yes I know all about this.” Um… in my dreams. Or rather, from my sofa.
Riding in a Bentley | Ok this one is a wee bit random, but we got to ride in Bentley from London to Norfolk and of course I have never been in a car like this before. Champagne holders, okurr! I felt like Mariah Carey for a few hours and it was a life moment.
Christian actually snapped a pic of this outfit for me in Orange County. I wore it to dinner at Holkham Hall but it was too dark to capture the look! However I snapped many Insta-Stories in it and received a lot of questions about the skirt so I wanted to share the details!
For a full travel guide to London, I would recommend this post from last year. I spent much more time in the city and it’s more helpful for those traveling to London!
Thanks so much for reading, and if you’re a Monica Vinader fan, I’d love to hear about your pieces! XO –
It’s finally time to start incorporating some fall pieces into your looks, and one of the first things I always pull out are my over-the-knee boots! Y’all know I’m a sucker for Stuart Weitzman (styled here, here and here). So today I’m so honored to share Orange County’s South Coast Plaza 50th Anniversary exclusive color of the ALLWAYHUNK boot!
Last week I attended an event supporting their Fall/Winter 2017 presentation at the SCP Stuart Weitzman store, and you guys, it’s good. Avril Graham was there from Harper’s BAZAAR, and it was so cool to have her take on fall footwear trends.
I have a pair of their flat and heeled boots from seasons past, but this pair is the perfect in-between. A little heel for that lift that makes you stand up a little straighter, yet subtle enough to easily be worn all day long. They look great worn over denim or with dresses and skirts. I really love that the color is a little unexpected from classic black.
What are your favorite style of boots for fall? Have you ever tried Stuart Weitzman? Trust me, they’re a magical combo of slimming + comfort! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
