Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Navy Crochet Dress at The Marlton Hotel

I had a lot of questions about the boutique hotel we stayed in when we recently visited New York for a long weekend, so I’m excited to share the details! Truth be told, Christian has never been a big fan of the big apple. He’s been three times (two of those three were interviews for residency and fellowship so they were slightly stressful), and he’s just more of an outdoorsy, land-lover kind of guy. His family owns a farm and he’s happiest at the beach or camping in a National Park.

SO, for this trip I was determined to “wow’ him with NY’s beauty! I’ve always loved this city and have been visiting with my family for years, even living here for a summer in college. We’ve had Thanksgiving dinner in Central Park, ice skated in Rockefeller Center in the snow and stood with the crowds for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – so I have countless wonderful memories in this magical city!

I wanted to stay downtown in a charming and unique hotel, so after some research I discovered The Marlton Hotel. It looked very European and nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, which was exactly what I was going for. For the record, this is not sponsored whatsoever – I wasn’t even really planning on talking about the hotel but I got so many questions I wanted to share the details!

The hotel reminded me so much of the darling spot we stayed in when my sister and I visited Paris, and breakfast and coffee was complimentary each day which was really nice and convenient. It’s certainly not spacious (I don’t think any hotel downtown is), but it was everything we needed and I will absolutely be staying there again. The bar in the hotel is also really cute, they have fireplaces and a restaurant as well. A great spot for a chilly New York visit!

I also loved the marquee lights of the awning because it was so easy to locate once we turned on the street, bonus!

photos by Paige Campbell Linden

dress – not available, love this one, this one (splurge) and this one | fishnet stockings | earrings – H&M (old), similar style here and here | booties | similar clutch here

And of course to mention the dress, I was gifted this dress and have been trying to find it everywhere online! No such luck, but I found a lot of great similar styles!

Thanks so much for reading, and if you have your own NY love story (or favorite hotel), I’d love to hear! XO –

PS – the winners of the Votivo giveaway have been announced in the original post!

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Neon Accessories

I tend to lean on neutral accessories (especially in winter), but sometimes a pop of color is just what I need for a cheerful change and a welcome of a new season. It might sound crazy but wearing a little color, whether it be a bright yellow handbag or a hot pink lipstick, can make me a little more friendly and upbeat than an all-black ensemble.

This year Henri Bendel’s spring handbags and accessories are packing some serious color, and when something has pink or tassels… you know I’m fully onboard. I’ve shopped at Henri Bendel for as long as I can remember because my mom has always been a big fan, and over the years my collection has grown from laundry and toiletry travel bags to luggage, accessories and more. Their unique and fun pieces always make me happy!

photos by Vincent Elejorde

I had to pair this hot pink backpack with my new favorite tee, because fun fact: I’ve been a huge Michael Jackson fan ever since I was in elementary school. I have the vinyls, every single album, tshirts, etc. So this shirt feels perfect!

Thanks so much for reading – and tell me, are you a color lover or do you tend to keep it neutral? XO –

Brought to you by Henri Bendel

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Olive Green Slip Dress

It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for a slip dress. I love the simple lines, the lightweight fabric and the understated sexy sleekness of the silhouette. Olive green has been one of my favorite new neutral colors to wear (in addition to navy), and I love that it matches with taupe, brown, black – honestly nearly anything.

Lucky for me (!!), Splendid has tons of spring staples in this shade available at Nordstrom, and this dress is one that I know I’ll be wearing on repeat for the next several months. I’m sharing some of my favorite pieces from Splendid at the bottom of this post, and sharing three of the dresses that I can’t wait to wear this spring!

PS – can we talk about how I feel like I took a quick visit to the South of France in this post? We discovered this little sidewalk and I was like… I just need a bottle of wine a picnic basket. Dreamy!

photos by Vincent Elejorde

Some of my favorite Splendid pieces at Nordstrom right now:

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

Brought to you by Splendid

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Fishnets and Denim

I’m heading back to New York today, but rather than go to the city again I’ll be visiting upstate NY for the first time with the MacKenzie-Childs team – I’m so excited! BUT it feels appropriate that I’m sharing some of the photos that were snapped last weekend, and even more appropriate that Paige, the talented photographer, is originally from Orange County! Two California girls running around downtown Manhattan in the snow trying to snap glam shots – I love it.

I’ve been wanting to try the fishnets under denim trend, and this felt like a great time to try it. I think the two things you need to have to pull off this look are: 1) some knee rips to show off the stockings and 2) a looser fit denim (think boyfriend jeans or “mom jeans”). The result is the perfect touch of understated cool.

To be honest, I’ve had these fishnets for who knows how many years – I’m a closet hoarder because trends always seem to come back around. I’ll be sharing another look soon with these fishnets, so stay tuned!

photos by Paige Cambell Linden

Is fishnets a trend that you’ll be welcoming back or no? And is it still cold where you are?

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Picks

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty has started, and this is such an amazing time to try some of those products you’ve been hearing about! Some of my favorite makeup items are included in the sale, so I’m excited to tell give you my input and why it’s worth taking the plunge.

This and this are two of my favorite mascaras. I use this one during the week for a soft, natural lash and this onewhen I want to really amp it up for date night or in photos. I read once that Jessica Alba uses this eyelash curler, and since she is #beautygoals, I bought it myself. It’s amazing and I’ll never go back to a drugstore curler!

This is one of my favorite blushes (I have it in Rapture and Score), and we all know this one is an OG (I have it in Blissful). Dermalogica has been one of my favorite skincare brands since an esthetician recommended it when I was in jr. high – I’ve been using it ever since!

I discovered this tanner (I know I’m late to the game), and it’s everything everyone says it is. Don’t forget to use a mitt!

Have you guys been shopping the sale? I love that Ulta does this every year – such an amazing time to try some of their best-selling products! Thanks so much for reading – XO

Brought to you by Ulta

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Friday’s Five

– hot pink bougainvillea blooms on the patio –

– some new brow products that are seriously amazing, this pomade is my new addiction –

– a new batch of pink tulips after the last bouquet did so well –

– when the rumba runs and the animals follow me from room to room trying to escape it –

– Valentino rockstud dupes that I’m going to live in this summer –

Happy Friday! We are spending this weekend in California and enjoying the sunshine before I head back to New York next week. This time I’ll be sans Christian and traveling for CBL, so I can’t wait to share more details soon!

I’ve been trying to eat clean this week after living my best life for a long weekend – eating pasta, drinking wine and waiting in line to get Magnolia Bakery cupcakes. #NoRegrets. When it’s cold outside I seem to think all of my clothes are yoga pants and bring. it. on. When I’m feeling puffy, one of my favorite (and fastest) healthy way to de-bloat quick is to make a big batch of green smoothies each morning. I’ll sip on it all day and snack on veggies, unsalted almonds or if I’m craving something more savory I’ll make guacamole with sweet bell peppers or have a few boiled eggs with truffle salt. As long as I don’t have events or travel, I can easily be healthy – but I’m all about that YOLO life when I’m traveling!

I also am heading to Mexico in less than two weeks so there’s some motivation. Swimsuit season is upon us… can you believe it!?

I will be working this weekend and Christian is on call, so nothing too exciting happening over here but I hope you have some fancier plans! Thanks so much for reading and entering the Votivo giveaway! I plan to announce a winner next week so stay tuned. XO –

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Classic Spring Staples

It’s officially spring you guys, so it’s time to show a little leg! With that comes some self tanner and a comfortable pair of neutral heels to elongate your legs and bring them out of their winter hiding place.

You might remember me sharing my love of block heels in this post, but I love them because they give me some height but feel comfortable enough for all day wear. This strappy pair is so versatile, and while they aren’t available online just yet (but will be in April!), you can shop all kinds of block heel styles from Aerosoles here.

Some of my classic spring staples I definitely want in my closet are a neutral block heel, cotton maxi dress (if it’s got a low back or scoop back all the better) and denim jacket. You can wear these pieces so many different ways (like this jacket styled here or this dress styled here), and they are breathable, comfortable and flattering.

photos by Christian Barnes

What are your spring staples? Have you purchased something for the season that you are loving or counting down the days to wear? I’d love to hear!

Thanks so much for reading, and don’t forget about yesterday’s giveaway here. XO –

Brought to you by Aerosoles

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National Fragrance Day with Votivo

I don’t know a girl who doesn’t love a good candle. When the sun is setting, there are two things I always do when I’m home – turn on our patio bistro lights and light a candle. I’ve gone as far as to bring a small candle and matches with me when I travel. And I’m always glad that I have them when I remember to bring them!

Today is actually National Fragrance Day and I’ve teamed up with Votivo to share some of the ways I like to incorporate candles and diffusers in our home. I first noticed Votivo at Nordstrom, and when I ventured over to their website to see their vast collection of fragrances, I saw this gorgeous mercury glass candle in red currant. I had to have it. It smells so luxurious and the aroma literally fills the entire downstairs of our townhouse. It is heavenly!

I have linked every candle and diffuser I have of theirs below, but I have to chat about the Fragrance Mist in Honeysuckle. It smells so fresh, and I love to spray it in our room at night after we’ve showered. Climbing into fresh sheets in a room that smells like honeysuckle? All I need is for Southern Charm to start back already and I’m back in the South.

I also love that the candles are a soy-blend wax, and Votivo is offering a fun giveaway to two CBL readers, so scroll down to see how you can enter!

photos by Christian Barnes

AND to celebrate National Fragrance Day, Votivo is offer 15% off all purchases through 3/21 with code VTFRAGRANCEDAY17.

Tell me if you’re candle-obsessed like me! And if you want your own Votivo candle, two CBL readers will win their own Votivo set valued at $75!

To enter:

1) Comment on this blog post with your favorite candle scent.

2) Follow CBL on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (and share your username in the comment!).

Update 3/31: The winners are… Nichole and Rachel!! They have been contacted and will be claiming their prize. Thank you so much to everyone who entered – more fun giveaways soon! XO –

Brought to you by Votivo

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Navy Jumpsuit

This navy jumpsuit from Banana Republic is such a versatile spring piece for day to night wear. It is perfectly appropriate for most work offices, but add a bold lip and the right clutch, and you can definitely take it to a date night level!

Spring is such an energizing shift from winter, both emotionally and environmentally. The extra hour of daylight (!!), sunshine, flowers, pastels – it’s such a fresh change. With that comes spring cleaning, and some of the spring staples I like to always have in my closet are great pants (both skinny and wide leg), dresses, light sweaters and classic outwear pieces (like a trench coat and denim jacket).

Banana Republic is a great place to stock up on crisp classics and their spring selection is serving some major seasonal inspo!

photos by Vincent Elejorde

jumpsuit c/o Banana Republic, also love this one and these pants | clutch c/o Banana Republic | similar heels here and here | similar cuff here, here and here | similar sunglasses

Brought to you by Banana Republic

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Friday’s Five

– trying a new eye product from one of my favorite skincare brands, Dermalogica –

– a sparkly new tea kettle that makes me want to drink more tea –

– happy hour on the patio –

– the smell of a fresh basil plant –

– packing for NYC –

Happy Friday! This week has breezed by all too quickly, and I’m writing this update from chilly New York. It’s been in the 70s/80s all week in California, so here’s to hoping we don’t get sick from the intense weather/time change. Whenever I come to NY I usually get sick… I don’t know what that’s about! It’s worth it though, who doesn’t love this city!?

I spent most of the week working ahead so I could unplug with C during this long weekend trip for his work. With the delightful time change, I spent most late afternoons taking walks with Bailey and then finishing up blog posts with John Mayer‘s latest cd and a glass of pinot grigio under the bistro lights on our patio. We ate dinner outside every night this week, and our little patio remains one of my favorite spots of our house.

I am STOKED that S-Town is finally being released and we got to hear a preview this week! I think I have withdrawals from Sarah Koenig’s voice. I know it will be amazing, and the days are numbered until I can binge the series (and listen to those amazing Alabama accents, that’s one of my favorite things about the Up and Vanished podcast!).

This is only Christian’s third time in NYC, so I’m hoping to show him a good time. He’s definitely more of a beach boy/outdoorsy guy, so city life is not really his thing. He is most excited to walk around in Central Park because he didn’t get around to it during his first two visits. If it was warmer I would rent bikes so we could bike but regardless, I’m determined to show him why I love this place so much!

Anyone have any plans this weekend? I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading and have a beautiful weekend – XO –

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Bodycon LBD

Something about this dress is giving me major 90’s vibes, and I’m digging it. Christian (and probably every other guy out there) loves when I opt for a bodycon dress, but I’m really particular about the style because it’s not worth being self-conscious. The most important thing to remember when putting together every outfit is, “do I feel good in this?” Confidence is everything and what pulls off any look!

This LBD from Nordstrom is the perfect bodycon dress for me because of the ruching in the front. It adds a little camouflage, and the length and fit allows for smoothing undergarments if you really don’t want to worry about anything being out of place. Not into bodycon? No worries, I linked several other fab midi dress choices from Nordstrom below!

Or you can add a black vest if you don’t want to show off too much…

photos by Vincent Elejorde

I really recommend this slinky LBD if you’re looking for something bodycon, but I think the other options I linked above from Nordstrom are great options too!

Thanks so much for reading, and if you have a favorite LBD I’d love to hear what makes it so special! XO –

Brought to you by Nordstrom

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White Crochet Maxi Dress

Is there anything fresher than a crisp white dress!? I love the combo of fabric, length and bell sleeves (!!!) on this Venus maxi dress, and I know I’ll be packing it for an upcoming girls trip to Cabo.

When packing for a tropical vacation, I try to bring solid pieces. That way I can accessorize and wear them differently throughout the trip to minimize the weight of my suitcase. I think this dress would look so great with lace-up flat sandals and a big beach hat for daytime or you can dress it up like I did in these photos for a night out.

But I can already tell I’ll only be able to wear this dress once during my vacation because I know one of the girls is going to want to borrow it! No worries, I’m linking two more vacation-ready styles below –