The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale officially begins tomorrow for Nordstrom card holders! Don’t fear if you don’t have a card – this sale lasts for several weeks and everyone will have the chance to shop. I know so many bloggers hype up this sale every year, and probably because honestly – for most of us it’s our favorite sale of the year.
I prefer this summer’s Nordstrom sale over any other sale of the year. So I want to fully explain WHY this sale is so killer.
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1. When is it?
Tomorrow, July 13th – Thursday, July 20th:early access sale begins for card holders. I have a card (you can sign up for one here) which I love because it means I get first dibs, BUT if you don’t, do not sweat. There is so much inventory and you will have PLENTY of time to snag some amazing deals!
Tip: For those of you that hate having 13874 different cards in your wallet (I never sign up for cards), Nordstrom’s card will pull straight from your debit account which is amazing. No bills, no paperwork, no excuse to over-spend.
Tip #2: Sign up for Nordstrom Rewards. As a member, you will rack up points every time you shop, which gives you a nice little boost when you make purchases. No purchase is necessary to sign up for for Nordstrom Reward. You just share your phone number (which will also be your member number).
Friday, July 21st – Sunday, August 6th:the sale is open to everyone.
2. Why is it such a big deal? This sale is unlike any other. This isn’t merchandise that didn’t sell last year being marked down, these are brand-new styles and pre-fall selections that are on crazy markdown. The time to snag designer boots, denim, suede jackets, cashmere – it’s the real deal, people.
It’s also a great time to stock up on staples like great tees, layering pieces and exercise clothes.
4. What is CBL shopping for? This is my time to justify that item I’ve had my eye on for the past x months. And when in sizing doubt, I’ll buy two sizes and send back the one that doesn’t fit. Another major pro about shopping this sale – Nordstrom‘s return policy is bomb, so you can always try and return/exchange #NSale purchases at no cost.
Last year I snagged this moto jacket on major markdown (styled here, here and here) and I’ve worn it so many times over the past year, I think this year I am going to look to snag it in another color!
I’m also interested in expanding my leather jacket collection, so I’ll be perusing and keeping you guys in the loop!
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Thanks so much for reading, and I hope this helped some of you! You can see past Nordstrom Sale posts here or by clicking the #NSale tab at the top right of CBL.
I’ll be keeping posts updated with my recommendations starting tomorrow AND of course when the sale is open to everyone. Stay tuned to CBL for the latest details on this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! XO –
About two months ago I introduced a line of organic skincare products that I’ve been using lately called Organic Doctor®. I always look at the ingredients in my food but not in my beauty products, but now that is changing!
I introduced the different collections in this post, and today I want to highlight how to use some of my favorite products to have an at-home spa day/night. As you guys know, with Christian’s schedule he has a lot of long nights. If I didn’t have my own interests, passions and agenda… I would get quite bored.
SO, one of my favorite things to do if I’ve got the house to myself and am all caught up on work is to have a relaxing little spa night at the house. Here are my quick steps to having your own –
1. Face mask necessary. | I mean… this is a no brainer. I love this Organic Doctor® Rose Otto Face Mask because it smells so good and leaves your skin silky smooth. Sometimes I’ll add cucumbers to my eyes or a cold eye mask from the freezer if I’m feeling a little extra.
Fun fact: Christian loves a cold cucumber on his eyes. He discovered it at our honeymoon when they would come by at the pool and massage your head and put cucumbers and a cold towel across your eyes and head. At first he was hesitant, and then by the end of the week he looked forward to it everyday! I was seriously so proud of him! So if he can enjoy it, trust – anyone can.
2. The perfect robe. | Of course you can wear whatever you want, but a luxurious robe can be the cherry on top! You can find this one here (almost 40% off). I also love this one and this one.
3. Organic lotion with all the good scents. | I think the smells and sounds are what make the spa the spa, you know? I have fallen in love with Organic Doctor’s Virgin Coconut Oil Skin Lotion and Tea Tree Oil Skin Lotion. They smell good, they feel good and most importantly, they’re full of natural, organic ingredients. Best of all – totally affordable.
4. A candle or diffuser. | Like I said earlier, you’ve got to add the good scents to make your home a spa! I love lighting a great candle or better yet, adding some essential oils to a diffuser.
5. Hot tea or lemon water. | Cucumber water, hot lemon water, tea, wine (you do you), pick your drink of choice!
And of course, sometimes the pets want in on the R&R too!
Have you tried organic skincare products before? I’d love to hear what you think. I really recommend Organic Doctor® to anyone looking for something that has great ingredients and is budget-friendly. You don’t have to break the bank to take great care of your skin.
You can find these products online at Amazon and at CVS.
Thanks so much for reading, and tell me if I’m missing any of your spa-favorites! You can find Organic Doctor® on Facebook here and Instagram here. XO –
Last year I shared a pair of overalls I bought in this post, and to be completely honest – I have been really surprised about how frequently I’ve actually worn them. Way more than I thought I would (Christian is reading this and shaking his head right now)!
Since then, I’ve expanded my overalls collection to a few more variations of the trend, and I’m sharing some of my favorite styles at the bottom of this post. I shared in this Instagram that when I pulled out this outfit, Christian asked “is that your milkin’ outfit?” Then when I showed up in Laguna my photographer said, “you look like a Mississippi farmer.”
And I replied to both with, “DON’T CARE. I love my outfit!” Haha – I’ve been like this my entire life. I think it’s the combination of being a strong personality (this was recently confirmed in a really fun aura reading… I was full on red, aka “powerful,” passionate and competitive… am I really this aggressive? Don’t answer that.) and genuinely just loving getting dressed and putting together outfits. I mean, just ask my high school friends and teachers some of the ensembles I showed up in. Some major hits and misses, people. If you’re that girl too – you do you gf!
SO, if you are into overalls and want to try this trend, here’s my advice: roll up the ankles and show a little skin. I think overalls look great with heels or flats, and when it comes to what top to wear – I think a crop top, a knotted tee or something with a low neckline is a great contrast. If you style something bulky or thick under overalls, you’re going to feel like the Michelin man.
I also think overalls look great with both shoulders hooked or even just one shoulder strap. I wore it both ways in this post so you could see the different vibes each strap option gives. Play with it and make it your own! Be your best Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
Are you into the overall trend? Let me know if this is something you’ll be trying or if you’ve tried it, tell me how you like to style yours! I also love shorts versions and even better, dress versions!
– taking the time to cook breakfast and listen to a podcast before starting my work day –
– a new duffle bag for Christian from Leatherology that is so gorgeous I might need to steal it –
– the prettiest pom pom basket that is going to house Miss Bailey’s toys –
– new earrings from Lisi Lerch that are seriously so pretty –
– the prettiest dress that gives me all the bride vibes… five years after I got hitched, but it’s fine –
Happy Friday! This week has felt so unusual because of the mid-week holiday, so I’m feeling like… is it really already the weekend again? No complaints, but it’s sending me on a doozy!
Thank you to everyone who entered the Maidenform giveaway – so many wonderful entries! The three winners have been contacted and announced in the original post. Another huge thank you to all of the super FAB comments and tags in my beauty giveaway on Instagram. I was so overwhelmed (in the best possible way) with how many of you participated, and it has definitely encouraged me to continue hosting these for you guys!
And to those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, on Insta-Stories I showed an array of beauty and skincare products that I was giving away to someone who commented on my Instagram post and tagged a friend that they thought would enjoy following CBL. There were over 1,000 comments and some of them were seriously hilarious, reminding me that my readers are THE BEST.
Christian has this weekend off and can’t stop talking about getting some surfing in, so I see some beach visits in our future. I hope you guys have a relaxing and sunny weekend planned! Thank you always for reading – XO –
I’ve loved an arm party for as long as I can remember. I love accessories, I love jewelry, and as I shared here, I’ve been a fan of David Yurman since I went to college and discovered the designer.
I’ve always loved their cable classic bracelets and have been collecting pieces for my arm party for over ten years. However, today I’m excited to share the newly launched DY Bel Aire Collection. Unlike the traditional gold and silver bangles, this collection allows you to mix and match not only the chain necklace colors and lengths, but also the amulets that can be attached.
I connected two black and rose gold chains to make a bracelet wrap, but you can also wear the Bel Aire pieces as chokers or long necklaces. I love the brightly colored ones for summer – so fun!
Thank you so much for reading! And tell me, have you been wearing David Yurman for years or are you new to the brand? I’d love to hear. And tell me, if you were to style the Bel Aire Collection – which color would you choose for summer? XO –
One of the most common emails that I receive from CBL readers is… “I’m heading to _____, California, do you have any recommendations?”
This can be San Franciscio, San Diego, Los Angeles, Napa, Santa Barbara… but I only live in Orange County, which is in between LA and San Diego. California is gigantic. The third largest state in the country (behind Alaska and Texas) and the most populated state in the country by a landslide. Because I don’t live in those other cities, I don’t have the full scoop on those locations BUT as for OC, I got you covered, girlfriend!
This post is FAR delayed, but it’s never too late to share my favorite spots, and I hope this will help some of you who are planning to visit this gorgeous stretch of beach towns I am so fortunate to currently call home. There are so many areas in Orange County to cover (the county houses over 3 million people in 34 tightly packed cities), but I’m going to cover my three favorite areas: Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and Old Towne Orange.
Surf & Sand | One of my favorite hotels on the water… and I’m talking ON THE WATER. You sleep with the sound of the waves! The location is perfect and you can easy walk to and from dinner, downtown, the beach, etc. They also have a really beautiful pool with views of the ocean. Can’t top that! Photos from this hotel can be seen here, here and here.
Pacific Edge Hotel | We stayed at this hotel for a weekend and were amazed with all of the recent renovations. It’s also right on the water and the view cannot be beat. You can check out our experience here.
The Montage | A beyond stunning hotel, we stayed there and you can see photos snapped at this gorgeous hotel here and here.
Casa Laguna | I’ve never stayed here BUT we almost have multiple times! It’s a really charming, recently renovated boutique hotel that is too cute for words. Just check out the photos on their website and you’ll see what I mean!
The Deck | The perfect happy hour on the beach with an incredible view of sunset and surfers. It’s also great to stay for dinner, but if you go make sure you go early enough to see the sunset!
Driftwood Kitchen | This restaurant is right next door to The Deck and also an incredible meal on the water. It’s definitely more upscale but a really special place. I’ve had their Sunday brunch and it is also really fabulous!
Carmelita’s | Everyone talks about this place and I always forget to make a reservation and refuse to wait 2.5 hours – but it’s apparently it’s supposed to be really good!
Favorite Activities:
Downtown Laguna | Honestly it’s just really fun to walk around downtown Laguna. There are tons of shops, volleyball games on the beach, gelato shops, gift shops – Laguna is my favorite spot in all of Orange County!
Art Galleries | I would consider Laguna one of the most creative/artsy towns in OC. There are so many galleries throughout the downtown area, and if you’re an art lover, this is your spot.
Pageant of the Masters | This is a well-known theater program that is offered in the summers, and it was on our OC bucket list when we moved here. All I knew was that is was historic art “coming to life.” I know this sounds insane, but you can catch a sneak peek here. It’s one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever seen!
Newport Beach
from my very first visit and post to Orange County here
The Resort at Pelican Hill | I’ve never had the luxury of actually staying here but I’ve spent a day at the pool and had lunch here numerous times and it’s absolutely gorgeous. In my opinion, Pelican Hill and The Montage have the best pools in Orange County. The views are unreal and I’ve heard staying here is just as fabulous.
Favorite Places to Eat:
Fig & Olive | I love the lunch menu here, the crostinis are just as delicious as they are gorgeous.
Lemonade | The kind of place you can take anyone and there will be something for everyone. So many options and so delicious!
True Food Kitchen | I like to take our families here because this casual restaurant is very “California” for out of towners. Healthy, nutritious and delicious – and mostly vegetarian!
The Cannery | A very “Newport” spot and a pretty view of the harbor. I’ve spotted some B-list celebrities there too!
Sol Cucina | Definitely my fave Mexican restaurant in Newport. There are always some Real Housewife spottings there, and you know I love that.
Beachcomber | A litte further of a drive but a great place for brunch, you can see some photos I’ve snapped of this spot here. They don’t take reservations, but you can wait for your table on the beach OR you can even hike Crystal Cove and then come over for brunch. The food isn’t necessarily award-winning, but the atmosphere is really cute and on the beach. Definitely an OC landmark!
Favorite Activities:
Fashion Island has a great mix of your Kitson and Brandy Melville’s as well as local boutiques.
South Coast Plaza (technically Costa Mesa) | Has your Valentino, Cartier, Hermes… as well as Forever21, Nordstrom and the basics. This is the country’s third largest mall and the highest earning mall in the States, so trust me, it has everything.
Balboa Island is also a really cute spot to visit. Very old school and they have the banana stands from Arrested Development!
Farmers Markets are always a fun activity to taste test, peruse and grab some snacks. This site covers the entire county.
Renting paddleboards or a duffy boat on the Newport Harbor can be really fun too!
I live in this area because Christian has to live within 10 minutes of the hospitals where he works because of his call schedule. While I have absolutely loved living in this charming little town (the home of Chapman University!), I wouldn’t necessarily recommend staying in this area if you’re visiting. I would recommend staying in Laguna or Newport (more visitor-friendly spots)! BUT if you are planning to leave the beach for some adventures…
Favorite Places to Eat:
Smoqued | My favorite BBQ in the area. Their nachos are on another level!
Gabbi’s | Upscale Mexican food and one of our favorite date night spots.
Bruxie | This is the original location and a spot we always take visitors. Waffle sandwiches and the best chicken tenders you’ve ever had. Some of my favorite comfort food (and they have custard milkshakes that will knock your socks off).
Lanta Thai Fusion | One of our favorite Thai takeout spots. We used to fight over the Panang Curry and now we just order double. SO GOOD!
Orange Hill Restaurant | Another one of our favorite date nights spots with sweeping views of both Orange County and LA. Bonus if you’re there around 9/10PM, you’ll get to see the Disney fireworks!
Favorite Activities:
The Orange Circle, also know as “The Plaza,” is our most visited spot. We walk or ride our bikes here, and there are shops, restaurants, bars and during Christmas-time it’s just magic.
Disneyland and California Adventure | Only a few miles from our home, we hear the 9:30PM Disney fireworks every night like clockwork. I’ve been several times and really, isn’t it always fun to be a kid again? It’s also why I love riding bikes whenever we can!
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Catching a game is always a good time. Bonus points if you get to see the 4th of July fireworks!
Anaheim Packing District | We love coming to this warehouse that has been transformed into an awesome venue with live music, tons of great pop-up restaurants and something for everyone. From indulgent and decorative popsicles and cotton candy boba tea to Cajun food, fish and chips and Indian food – you can come here with a group and everyone gets to try something different.
Center Street Promenade | This area has boutiques and outdoor restaurants and is a great area to take a group. The palm trees and bistro lights at night aren’t bad either.
I hope this helps some of you looking to visit this gorgeous stretch of California. Honestly I pinch myself regularly that I get to call this area home. Let me know if you have any OC favorites that I may have missed! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
When 4th of July rolls around it’s time to pull out the red, white and blue! Plus it always means it’s less than two weeks from my birthday, so it feels like double the celebration.
I styled this top as a dress (it’s actually intended to be a dress) on Instagram here, but for this outfit I just buttoned it halfway and knotted it at the waist. Bailey and I are in matching bandanas, and truth be told, when she’s wearing a bandana I can’t resist her. She is at her cuteness peak in a bandana!
You can find some 4th of July outfits from years past here and here, and I also think this and this would be great for the weekend. And of course this gorgeous dress if you’re getting dressed up!
I hope you guys are planning a fun and safe weekend. Christian is on call this weekend so we’ll be laying low, but I love any opportunity to take some time to stop, relax and remember all the brave men and women who have served for our freedom. Something we so often take for granted, but as we all know, freedom isn’t free. Whenever I see someone in uniform (usually in the airport) I always make a point to stop and say, “thank you for your service.” And even then – it’s not enough!
As someone who doesn’t have any family members who have served, I’d love to hear if there are other things we can do as bystanders to help support these men and women. I’d love any suggestions from those of you who have lived it!
I wore this dress this week in Laguna Beach, and it felt like the first day of summer all over again. When it comes to summer outfits, ModCloth is one of my favorite sites for cheerful, fun and unique looks that are sure to turn heads. I styled one of their swim looks last year here!
Walking from my car to a restaurant I got three compliments on this dress. Three! It’s so cute with the ruffle shoulder straps and hem, and I love that instead of just being floral, it has photos of different floral bouquets with the names written underneath. So charming.
I’m sharing some of my favorite dresses from ModCloth at the bottom of this post, and you guys – there’s a little big of everything. Maxi, midi, mini in stripes, floral, ruffled and off the shoulder… plus the adorable bag on major markdown that I ordered for myself this week. It’s shaped like A FISH!
Are you guys getting ready for the weekend? I am going to be sharing some holiday-inspired looks over on Instagram, so if you’re looking for some outfit inspo, come visit! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
Shapewear. A topic that we don’t really talk about, but a kind of undergarment that is in most women’s drawers. There’s no reason we should be shy about it! I discovered shapewear in college, and regardless of your size, it provides support and helps create a smooth and sculpted silhouette that just makes every dress fall more beautifully.
I’ve added this Maidenform Endlessly Smooth Firm Control Convertible Slip to my collection, and it’s proven to not only be versatile, but also beautiful, sleek and comfortable in design. It also has optional shoulder straps that can be formed into criss-cross, halter or traditional shoulder straps. They can also be removed for a strapless slip.
In addition, I have Maidenform’s Firm Foundations Thigh Slimmer shorts and they are the perfect companion to any dress or skirt. This was the first style of shapewear I owned and a design I’ve been wearing for almost ten years.
My third and final favorite undergarment piece would be the half slip. So often I will wear a dress and readers ask, “what are you wearing underneath this? I ordered it and it’s so see-through!” Um… A SLIP YOU GUYS! I often pair a slip with summer dresses, and the Maidenform Undercover Slimming Firm Control Skorty comes in both black and nude. It provides not only the benefits of a slip but also a some thigh slimming control, serving double duty.
AND, today I’m offering three CBL readers the chance to win their pick of these three undergarments! Scroll down to see how you can enter to win.
AND after sharing my full relationship with shapewear, I am excited to team up with Maidenform to offer THREE CBL readers the chance to win whichever of these three styles they would like to add to their own undergarment collection!
To enter:
Competition will start on June 29 at 12am PST and will end on July 5 at 12AM PST. Winner(s) will be contacted via email. All entries will be verified, so please follow the steps below!
Thanks so much for reading and entering! XO –
* Update 7/6: The winners have been contacted! They are Pamela Lozano, Kalley Leer and Maggie Dircio. Thank you SO much for everyone who entered! *
Disclaimer: By entering, entrants confirm that they are 18+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s terms of use. Hanesbrands, Inc. and Maidenform are the prize sponsors only.
It’s no secret that I am former pageant gal (shoutout Miss Mississippi Teen USA… a million years ago), so I have a few beauty hacks up my sleeve. Some of them are still useful today, others not so much. And by not so much I mean roller ball booty glue to keep your swimsuit from moving around while you’re onstage. Again… not as useful.
BUT today I want to share some of my favorite beauty tricks that I still use all the time. And of course, if you have any hidden secrets up your sleeve, spill it ladies!
1) Toupee Tape for Body/Fabric Tape | This is my favorite by a landslide. What is going to be stronger to hold that dress to your chest than the tape that holds a man’s toupee to his dome!?
2) Castor Oil in Hair | I just discovered this hair mask recently and have been loving the results. Once a week I give my mane an oil treatment. I massage it into my scalp for about five minutes, accelerating blood circulation to the scalp and increasing hair growth. It also nourishes the scalp and strengthen the roots. Then I just put all my hair in a top knot for up to six hours and forget about it. I’m about out of this batch and just ordered this one. For a step by step video of how I do it, you can watch this video.
3) Coconut Oil for Makeup Remover | This is less of a secret these days, but I’ve been using coconut oil for all kinds of beauty needs for the past five years or so. This was actually something I learned from the product development team at Urban Decay! In the winters I will mix some with my body lotion if my skin is dry. Love this article with multiple uses for coconut oil!
4) Cocoa Butter Swivel Stick as Chapstick | When I worked at Southern Living, I had the most darling coworker who now lives in New York. I was a Mentholatum addict, and she introduced me to this Cocoa Butter Swivel Stick as chapstick. ADDICTED. I have one in my bedside table, one in my handbag and I use one with SPF in the summer!
5) Charcoal Powder for Teeth Whitening | I just discovered this recently after too many disappointing teeth whitening results, and I love it. I try to use it once or twice a month before I brush my teeth and you instantly see results. I also took it to my dentist and he agreed that as long as I am not using it everyday, there shouldn’t be any damage to my enamel.
I hope some of you found these tips helpful! Would love to hear any tricks you might have. Thanks so much for reading – XO
Last week I styled these jeans in a more casual post here. I wanted to share a dressed up post featuring the same pair to show one of the main reason I love this silhouette – it looks just as great with flats as it does with heels. AND, this similar pair is on sale for only $20, so also… there’s that!
I’m loving the return of the high-waisted “mom jean” because not only does it flatter girls that like to highlight their waists (confessions of a crop top lover), but it also provides a little more suck-you-in power than low-rise denim. No muffin-tops welcome here!
I think these jeans would also look fab with ankle booties, a black turtleneck and Gucci belt or a crop top and strappy sandals. They’re fun, they’re different and best of all, they’re really comfortable.
– a boho fringed throw blanket from Little Giraffe that is my new favorite blanket, AND readers can get 20% off all full-priced items site-wide with code KATHLEEN20! –
– new earrings from Kendra Scott that are perfect for summer, find them here and here –
– some new coconut products from Marc Jacobs that smell like summer in the best possible way, find them here, here and here –
– a neutral purse AND backpack that is going to be a summer bike ride essential – love that it’s convertible and can be both! –
– after a long hunt, finding the perfect denim skirt that’s under $30! PS – size down if you buy! –
Happy Friday! I think I’m still on cloud 9 from all of your incredibly sweet comments on Tuesday’s post and on Instagram. If I saw Christian for more than like… four hours this week I would have read them all to him! But I speak for both of us when I say thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Isn’t it crazy to feel like you’re friends with people you’ve never met in person? I feel that way about so many of you!
This week has been a great catch-up week. C (poor guy) has been working some really long days but I’ve just hunkered down at my desk and caught up on a lot of projects and emails. Which means I’ve been going through a lot of coffee and snuggled up in my desk chair with my new Moroccan wedding throw blanket from Little Giraffe.
You. Guys. I LOVE IT. I am a lover of all throw blankets, but I don’t have anything like this and it’s just as soft and cozy as it is cute! You can get 20% off with code KATHLEEN20, and it also comes in charcoal gray. And on that note, there are some amazing sales happening this weekend:
Bloomingdale’s | $25 off $100 with code PRIVATE through 6/25
This weekend C is on call and I have a project to work on and need to steal his Wrangler to take a big load of things to The Salvation Army. The summer clean-out this week has been real! Hoping to squeeze in some pool time in between so I can finish up this book and this book – I have like, less than 50 pages of each to read. I always stall when I don’t want books to end!
Thanks so much for reading! I appreciate you guys so much. XO –
