Carrie Bradshaw Lied

What I’m Glad I Registered For

1 – ruffled bowl, plate, mini bowl | 2 | 3 – also have and love these | 4 – kettle, bowl | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

I’ve had this post on my mind to do for months! I’m excited to finally pass on some wedding registry tips now that I’ve been married almost five years.

One of the best things I did when I registered for our wedding was… taking my sister-in-law instead of Christian. That sound harsh, but I’m serious! My SIL had been married for a few years, and I thought she would be really helpful. She knew what she wished she had registered for and what she received that she didn’t use that much.

To be honest, Christian was a-ok with skipping the hours of walking up and down aisles of kitchen products. At the end of the process, we had hundreds of dollars of credit leftover. I handed it over to him and said, “go crazy!” He ended up getting some extra knives, grilling tools and a Yeti cooler. See? Everyone wins.

With all of that being said, let’s get into my most loved and used items! In the appliance world, our Vitamix and Nespresso VertuoLine are used the most. What I have and don’t use much at all are my food processor (I ended up returning it) and KitchenAid. It hurts my heart that I never use my beautiful KitchenAid, but I end up using my handheld mixer so much more because it’s so quick, easy and lightweight.

The best advice my SIL said was to invest in nice pots and pans. She couldn’t have been more right. I chose Viking because my family is from Greenwood, Mississippi (the Viking HQ), but Calphalon is another great brand. I use these every single day and have recently added some MacKenzie-Childs pans to the mix too!

I chose Juliska as my everyday china, and we really love it. We’ve since added the loaf and muffin pans, cups and saucers and so on to our collection. It’s great because Christian knows that extending the pattern is always a great gift idea, and it’s available at Bloomingdale’s and Amazon.

My favorite serving pieces are hands down MacKenzie-Childs and Annieglass. I use them all the time, and even after several years I cherish the unique and beautiful pieces. It always feel special to pull them out.

Last but not least is the least glamorous but still important tool – a hand drill. C and I are about to move for the fourth time in five years, and this baby comes in handy each time!

If you’re married, what are some things you’re glad you registered for? What are the item you never use?

Single gals, what is the piece you know you definitely have to have?

Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –

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3 Tips for Mixing Metals for Entertaining

A while back I was talking about mixing silver and gold in place settings and tablescapes and asked via Insta-Story if you guys would be interested in more on this topic. The response was a go, so here we are!

I have shared tablescapes before here and here, but this one is a little more October-themed with the pumpkins and touches of black and white.

There are a few things I think help when pulling off mixing metals, and they are:

1. Try to keep it balanced.

If everything was gold with only one silver piece, it might look out of place. Try to keep it fairly even when mixing tones. Annieglass is one of my favorite brands for beautiful, bold platinum and gold pieces, and I really love how they play off of each other for a beautiful (and dishwasher safe!) table.

2. If you can incorporate something that is two-toned, even better!

I love that these affordable wine and water glasses mix silver and gold. They always seem to anchor in a mixed metal setting.

3. Don’t think too hard about it.

There is so much inspiration to mixing silver, bronze, gold, etc. online – there are no rules! I love this article, this fashionista’s post and this designer’s perspective. Allow yourself some time to place things, move them around, remove and replace them with something else. Play with it a little bit until it feels right to you.

Below I styled one place setting with silver flatware and one with gold. I was kind of leaning toward the gold, but I thought it was neat to share both so you can see how you just play with it until it feels right.

How do you guys feel about mixing metals in your home and when entertaining? Is it something you would be willing to try or do you lean toward staying consistent with one tone?

When I registered for our wedding (more about that Wednesday!), I chose platinum. I stand by my decision because I tend to decorate with more silvers than golds, but I’ve slowly been adding some gold accents in the mix and I think they play off of each other pretty well.

Thanks so much for reading and sharing! XO –

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Friday’s Five

– the most darling personalized pink slides from Flat Four Studios –

Happy Friday! This week’s highlights includes a lot of personalized pieces… because I’m Southern on the inside which means I love my initials. This is true.

I’ve been home for the past three weeks and it has been so restful. I love to travel… but I also really love to be home. It just so worked out that I was able to stay in California while Christian’s schedule was relatively mellow, so it’s been nice to go back to our at-home routines. Buuttttt… you guys know I only stay in one place for so long. Off we go this weekend! Luckily C’s schedule is pickup up as well so we have unintentionally planned the chaos well.

With all of that being said, I’m so excited to travel back to London with Monica Vinader! I was actually in London this time last year (travel guide here), so it will be fun to go back at the same time. I’m really looking forward to some crisp fall weather and UK charm. They have a really fun itinerary for us, and I can’t wait to learn more about the headquarters of the jewelry brand I’ve been wearing for years. More to come on the blog and social media, so follow along on Instagram and Insta-Stories.

I have two more international trips planned for 2017 along with two US trips (!!). Travel is getting amped back up, but I’m excited to take you guys along with me. Hopefully that means we can get some more city guides in the Travel category of CBL!

– a personalized bottle of Tiffany & Co’s new signature scent aka month made (I’ve been a huge Tiffany’s fan since I was like… 12!) –

– some of my favorite items in this season’s Zoe Report Box of Style –

– some new party shoes that really want to be taken for a spin (also seen here) –

– a fresh new laptop case from Barrington Gifts that is going to make my travel essentials much more stylish, matching duffle and tote seen here –

Thanks so much for reading and have a beautiful weekend! XO –

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Cozy Everyday Loungewear

Let’s be honest, if I’m at the house… loungewear is usually my uniform. Comfortable leggings, a tee and cardigan. But I’m always surprised at how many leggings really aren’t that comfortable or soft!

I love the cable knit style of these Seamless Leggings from ThirdLove. I really love how they’re a little more cropped than the other pairs I own. I’ve already worn them on three different occasions since I got them because they’re so soft!

I’ve had this ThirdLove bra for several months (first mentioned here), and it’s quickly replaced all my other black pieces. I was excited to try a few more of their undergarments, and I’ve heard people rave about their 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra. I tried their Fit Finder Quiz and ended up ordering a size that is different from my usual go-to.

Truthfully, I haven’t been to a store to go bra shopping since I was probably like… 18. Who wants to walk into a dressing room with 6 bras and try them on in fluorescent lighting?! Not me.

When I got the bra in, the cup size was smaller than I had anticipated, but it was no big deal because they have a 100% Fit Guarantee and exchanges and returns are completely free. So in less than a minute, I ordered a new size and received a free shipping label to send the original one back.

photos by Vincent Elejorde

seamless leggings, love this top too! | bra, also have and love this one and want to try this one| underwear, also love these and these

It’s safe to say I don’t plan on bra shopping out of my house anymore!

I want to hear how you shop for undergarments. When was the last time you were fitted for a bra? Did you find out you’ve been wearing the wrong size for years? If you’re new to the online bra game… girlfriend, get onboard. I promise – you’ll never go back to a mall!

Thanks so much for reading and sharing. And for details on the home decor, you can check out this post or this post. XO –

Brought to you by ThirdLove

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Luxe Looks for Less

When I was shopping for New York, I came across this Self Portrait look-alike dress and I was like… in the basket!

I shared with you guys what I like to splurge on recently in this post, but statement dresses usually isn’t one of them. While statement dresses are fun and fabulous, they’re also memorable, which means that you can’t wear it as often as a designer handbag, jewelry or classic piece.

One of my favorite places to find designer dupes is actually Amazon. Remember this post? Well I found so many dresses that I seriously love… for less than $50. The best part about it – free two day shipping and returns!

photos by Michelle Preau

Have you guys snagged any dresses at Amazon before? If not, girl… get to shoppin’!

Thank you so much for reading! And OC gals – I’ll be at the Stuart Weitzman store at South Coast Plaza tomorrow night from 5 – 7PM to celebrate their fall/winter collection with Harper’s BAZAAR. Would love to see any of you who are as big of SW fans as I am! XO –

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Jeans and a Tee

Sometimes the most simple outfits can feel the best. There’s nothing wrong with wearing mostly solids and dressing up jeans and a tee. I always tell my sister, hey – Jennifer Aniston always looks fabulous and she sticks to solids and neutrals all the time!

When I was in New York last month for fashion week, I made sure to pack some casual outfits for times I would want to sneak out from the shows and events and just grab dinner and take a minute. I mentioned in this packing post that bringing comfortable lounge clothes is something I always try to remember to pack. Nothing is worse than wanting to get comfortable and realizing all you have are… dresses and pumps. Not cool!

I have this tee in white and black and it’s so comfortable and cute to wear with a pair of jeans. I’m hoping they extend the colors so I can slowly have one in every color of the rainbow!

photos by Michelle Preau

Are you a jeans and a tee kind of gal? With the right fit, there’s no reason that you can’t make jeans and a tee comfortable and stylish.

Thank you so much for reading! XO –

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Polka Dot Dress at Greystone Mansion

I shared some polka dots recently from Napa in this post, but how fun in this polka dot maxi wrap dress? I love that it comes in multiple colors (how gorgeous is this velvet version!?). Such a fun statement dress!

When Christian and I initially moved to California, we made a bucket list of things we wanted to see while we were here. As we crossed off most of the things on that list, we kept adding new adventures. Knowing that we are moving to SF next year, the pressure is on to tackle any of our remaining SoCal items! Greystone Mansion was definitely on my list, and finding a time that we could both visit was surprisingly challenging with C’s work schedule.

When we visited LA for Labor Day, we finally made our visit to this gorgeous mansion that is hard to even describe. It is so majestic! Just attempting to envision the kind of galas and events that were once held in the walls of this home is really something else.

Another bucket list home to put on your California list would be Hearst Castle (Lady Gaga filmed this video there). It is INCREDIBLE, and the guided tour is so worth it!

photos by Christian Barnes

What’s your favorite gorgeous mansion/home that you’ve ever visited?

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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Little Red Dress

What’s prettier than a little red lace dress? I shared my love of red this fall in yesterday’s post, but today we’re dressin’ it up a little bit for the weekend okurr!

California is so causal all the time, so when I have an opportunity to dress it up, I take it. I love the peek-a-boo hem and waistline of this dress. Because there are just a few sizes left I’ve shared some of my favorite little red dresses below (almost all of which are included in Shopbop‘s sale!).

Of course I can’t go without talking about this darling little clutch. I worked with the fab team of Ki’ichkelem to design a little “Kat Barnes” hardshell clutch that makes a statement on its own. I know it would still look great in the fall with a blazer and denim. I love a great clutch for date night!

photos by Michelle Preau

AND, don’t forget you can still shop Shopbop‘s epic sale!

Spend up to $500, get 20% off | Spend over $500, get 25% off with promo code: EOTS17.

Thank you so much for reading – XO –

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This Fall’s Trending Color

With a new season comes some new trends, and red is one I’m excited to hop on this fall. I recently read this article that laid out some of this fall’s trending colors. I’m glad to see that several colors from last fall have popped their heads back in (like burgundy, blush and shades of green)!

Red is a color I love to wear but surprisingly don’t have a lot of in my closet. When I saw this sweater at Nordstrom, I knew it could be dressed up for date night or paired casually with slides for a daytime look. It comes in a ton of colors too! I have it in pink too and wore it last week here.

The neckline allows you to wear it off the shoulder or as a mock turtleneck, which is really neat. I think it would look so cute with faux leather leggings (my fave pair, recently styled here) and ankle booties!

photos by Vincent Elejorde

What is your favorite trending color for fall? I love that Nordstrom shares their best of fall collections here which helps navigate some of this season’s trends.

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

Brought to you by Nordstrom

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Transitional Fall Must-Have: Leather Mini Skirt

You guys know I’m more of a maxi skirt/dress girl, but every now and then there’s a mini skirt that steals the show. When I saw this studded leather skirt, I thought it could be the perfect skirt not only for NYFW, but also for California’s mild fall with ankle booties or OTK boots.

I styled a similar faux leather skirt last year here that had a little fringe, and I love that this one is still feminine with the peplum hem but edgy with the studs. Plus it feels like butta’.

I’m already trying to think of all the other ways I can wear it! I’m heading back to London next month so maybe it will help me achieve that London “cool girl” look they pull off so effortlessly. A girl can dream!

photos by Michelle Preau

What are your thoughts on leather skirts? I once found a knee length one (with pockets!) at a consignment store when I was still working at a corporate office and wore it ALL the time. You can definitely make a longer leather skirt work for the office!

AND, I have to share that today starts one of Shopbop‘s epic sales! Starting today:

Spend up to $500, get 20% off |Spend over $500, get 25% off with promo code: EOTS17.

Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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5 Ideas for Dating Your Spouse

As we say goodbye to summer, I wanted to share the second set of photos we snapped at the beach in July with Abbi (first post with her photos here). We had so much fun capturing one of our favorite parts of summer – actually being able to get in the ocean (it’s typically freeeeezzzzing out here)! I know when we’re in San Francisco next year it will be so fun to have these photos to remember how fun our five years in Southern California were. Not going to lie… I don’t think I’ll be ready to say goodbye to OC in May but I’m grateful to have several more months to soak it in!

Today I thought we could chat about dating your spouse. You’ve heard people say to “date your husband” before, right? When I first heard someone call their husband their boyfriend I thought, that is so simple yet a genius way to remind yourself to keep it light and fun.

I wanted to share five of our favorite ways to revisit that “young love” feeling in a relationship. I think even if you’ve been dating for a while or if you live with your significant other, it can be easy to forget some of those initial things that drew you together in the early days.

And of course I’m not saying I’m a relationship expert, but these are some of the things we actively try to do, especially when life gets busy and we slip into just going through the motions.

1. Make plans.

Christian one time told me that the best part of a vacation was looking forward to the trip beforehand. I had never really thought of it like that, but I completely understood what he was talking about. I think it’s the same with a date night. It might even just be cooking dinner at home and eating outside on the patio under bistro lights with candles and music while the kids are asleep. But set a date and time so you can look forward to it during the week, dedicate some alone time, plan what you’re going to wear, which brings me to…

2. Dress up.

This is actually another one of Christian’s requests – ha! When we would go on dates earlier in our relationship, we always dressed up for each other and of course over the years there is a little less effort when you see each other every day vs. just a few times a week. Just the act of getting ready and knowing it was done for each other (not for a wedding, girls night, church, etc.). It just shows that little bit of extra time and thought, wanting to look our best for each other.

3. Hold hands.

I mean… what’s better than walking around before or after dinner holding hands? Perusing windows, people watching. Something so simple, yet can evoke those early warm and fuzzies.

4. Try something new together.

This is my favorite! I LOVE trying new things with C. Sometimes this involves traveling somewhere new that we’ve never been. Other times it’s making a list of things we want to do – ice skate together, take a cooking class, see an outdoor movie, go to a concert. It’s easy to get in a routine (and I love staying in and watching movies with takeout too, don’t get me wrong), but trying something new together can stir up those fresh, new feelings of excitement and fun.

5. Give compliments.

I tend to compliment C on the same things, and he knows some of the things I love most about him… but who doesn’t like a compliment? Whether it’s on appearance or personality, a little reminder is nice to hear.

Photos by Abbi Cooley

swimsuit (50% off! Size up if you’re a long torso girl), also love it in black and white | denim shorts (run TTS), also have and love these, similar look for less here | hat | similar swim trunks here and want to buy C these

Thanks so much for reading and if you have any suggestions on this topic of keeping it fresh – I’d love to hear! I think we all have so much to learn from each other when we take the time to open up. Appreciate you guys – XO –

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The Perfect Fall Floral Dress

I’ve had this dress for a few months but have been holding onto it for fall because I thought it was the perfect fall floral piece. Here’s why –

1. It’s cute on its own or it can be layered with a moto jacket, leather or faux fur vest or trench coat.

2. It looks great with tights and pumps, ankle booties or OTK boots.

3. It’s modest enough for church yet fun enough for date night, an event or holiday party.

Because I was holding onto it for so long to bring with me to NYFW… it’s now only available in one size but don’t fear! There are nearly identical styles available here and here, and they have bell sleeves. So that’s real fun.

I’m also linking some of my favorite black floral dresses below!

photos by Michelle Preau

dress (sold out ) – nearly identical styles here and here and love this one | nearly identical booties here and love these | bag, also love this one | earrings | sunglasses, similar look for less here

Thank you so much for reading! And don’t forget to check out yesterday’s post with Who What Wear about outfit planning for the week! XO –

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Explore The Blog

Shop Around

What I’m Glad I Registered For

3 Tips for Mixing Metals for Entertaining

1. Try to keep it balanced.

2. If you can incorporate something that is two-toned, even better!

3. Don’t think too hard about it.

Friday’s Five

Cozy Everyday Loungewear

Luxe Looks for Less

Jeans and a Tee

Polka Dot Dress at Greystone Mansion

Little Red Dress

This Fall’s Trending Color

Transitional Fall Must-Have: Leather Mini Skirt

5 Ideas for Dating Your Spouse

1. Make plans.

2. Dress up.

3. Hold hands.

4. Try something new together.

5. Give compliments.

The Perfect Fall Floral Dress

1. It’s cute on its own or it can be layered with a moto jacket, leather or faux fur vest or trench coat.

2. It looks great with tights and pumps, ankle booties or OTK boots.

3. It’s modest enough for church yet fun enough for date night, an event or holiday party.