This week a fab reader emailed me with a post request – the best loungewear for those who want to look put together but comfortable working from home. I LOVE this concept, and honestly I’m a little embarrassed I haven’t thought of it before now!
In her situation, she had the day off and realized before her boyfriend came over that she didn’t really have any “polished” loungewear – her options were pajamas, workout clothes or 9 to 5 pieces.
I shared here that I worked in a corporate setting for many years before working in a no dress-code workplace for a few years (insert praise hands) and ultimately working at home the past year, SO I feel like my closet has been through the shifts and changes that have come with that. It definitely took me several months of being in my pajamas until 1PM before I found my groove (and I confess sometimes that still happens when I get settled into the kitchen table with my coffee), so I’m going to spill my weekday wardrobe staples today!
STAPLES:
Leggings, fitted joggers, boyfriend jeans and/or denim shorts – these are basically on rotation. Fitted sweatpants or leggings can feel frumpy, but paired with the right top you can look cute and trendy while still staying super comfy. So that brings me to…
Crop top tees and sweaters, long v-neck tees and sweatshirts – joggers are perfect paired with a cute crop top tee and bralette. A long, comfy tee is perfect with a pair of leggings and chambray, and a cute sweatshirt can be the perfect loungy duo to a pair of distressed denim shorts.
Nikes and mules. I wear these two styles with basically everything.
With a cute ponytail or braid and some “no makeup” natural makeup, I wear these outfits almost daily, and I don’t have to be embarrassed to answer the door for the UPS guy or answer a FaceTime call.
I hope some of you found this helpful! If you have any suggestions for another roundup, I’d love to hear. Thanks so much for reading – XO –
I shared some travel diary photos with Eurostar last week here, but I am excited to finally put together a formal “Guide to Paris” for you guys based on the things that Sarah Thorne and I really enjoyed! Because I spent so much time in London recently (you can find that travel guide here), I couldn’t wait to hop on the train to France. Eurostar was so fast it took just a couple of hours before we arrived and we were ready to explore!
If you’re new to CBL, you can find a lot of the travel destinations and guides I’ve put together in the Travel section at the top of this page under “Categories.” I owe a huge thank you to my sister for helping plan our activities in Paris. Thankfully we are similar travelers which made it even easier!
Because we had both previously visited to Paris on separate trips, a lot of the main touristy things we had already done, but some we wanted to do again (like The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, etc.) because really… who can see the Eiffel too many times!? So let’s get into it –
Where We Stayed:Hotel Providence – we absolutely loved it here and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to stay in a charming boutique hotel. The breakfast was complimentary every morning and we both agreed it was the best French bread and croissants we had during our entire visit! The front desk was incredibly helpful and welcoming, not to mention the rooms and balconies were darling! Big points that it’s very close to a metro station.
Sightseeing:
Tip: I would recommend buying a Paris Museum Pass. We had them and it allowed us to skip major lines, plus you feel less guilty if you just pop into a museum for 45 minutes. If When I return to Paris, I’ll be buying one for sure!
Tip: The metro system is really amazing and we did not have to uber or taxi once. Put some $$ on a metro card and zip around town with no problem!
Tip: Metro passes can also be purchased onboard in the Eurostar bar buffet, which can save you some time!
Tip: Download the CityMapper app. It will tell you where the nearest metro stations are, which lines to get on and what side of the metro to exit. Incredibly easy and makes traveling so much more efficient and stress-free. I wish I had this when I lived in NYC!
Tip: If you do take the Eurostar to Paris during your visit, their 2-for-1 offer gives travelers 2-for-1 entry to museums and galleries across the city (including the Musée d’Orsay)!
Tip: Several museums stay open late on certain nights, which is amazing! We visited both The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay after dinner and loved utilizing that time, so be sure to check the hours of the museums you want to visit ahead of time.
Palais Royal: I had no idea how beautiful this area is. Absolutely gorgeous and more than worth a visit.
Montmartre & Sacré Coeur: My sister made sure we did this, and I was so glad she did! We took the metro there and strolled along the tourist shops along the way up to the church. There was a man on the steps playing the harp which was incredibly beautiful.
Tuileries Garden: A beautiful stroll – we walked through this area before ducking into Musée d l’Orangerie to get warm!
The Louvre: A Paris must – the Mona Lisa! Even though she’s a little underwhelming… but there is so much to see in this huge museum. It was my second visit and I was surprised at how new it felt, but that’s the beauty of museums – there is always something new to see.
Musée d’Orsay: So many of you recommended this museum and once I visited I understood why. It’s beautiful and not as intimidating as the gigantic Louvre. We loved visiting after dinner because they stay open late on certain days.
Musée de l’Orangerie: A beautiful little museum with Monet’s Water Lilies. Incredible!
Eiffel Tower: A must. You can drink wine and eat bread & cheese on the grass or stand on the balcony above and admire – whatever strikes your fancy (and whatever makes sense depending on the time of year of your visit). Extra points if you get to see it twinkle at night!
Notre Dame: A must. We lit a candle for my Catholic grandmother (she turns 90 this summer!) and enjoyed the beauty of the cathedral. Exceptional.
Eating:
Tip: Check around the restaurant at others dining. Most restaurants include tip in the bill so unlike in America, French patrons often do not tip as it is not expected. When I saw euros on other tables I would try to leave some as well!
Tip: We had a few places written down to try but we mostly used Yelp based on our location. It never let us down.
Café du Marche: Close to the Eiffel and delicious – great pasta!
Angelina’s (inside Galeries Lafayette or The Louvre): You guys said to hit up Angelina’s for hot chocolate… and you were correct. It was amazing! What I couldn’t seem to figure out was that it is inside the Galeries Lafayatte shopping area as well as (according to my online digging) The Louvre. Just a heads up! We had some pastries there and they were good but not life-changing. The hot chocolate for two however was divine!
O’Chateau: We had so much fun doing a wine tasting here and learning more about French wines and the regions of winemaking in France. You guys know that I love anything involving wine (my Napa Guide here), so it was really fun expanding my palette and knowledge.
Carette: Recommended by the fabulous photographer we worked with, Gabi Alves, this cafe is both darling and delicious. We stopped for coffee and sweets (pictured below), and we felt so Parisian, even just for a moment! A great cafe grab a coffee or tea close to the Eiffel.
Ozio: Another rec from Gabi, this was a fantastic lunch spot close to the Eiffel. The best pizza and pasta from our trip, hands down.
Le Petit Vendome: Yelp guided us to this delicious local spot after wandering around the shops at Place Vendome and it was beyond. I will admit it is not incredible service (so I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re in a rush), but absolutely amazing food!
Le Relais Gascon: This may have been my sister’s favorite meal of the trip. We ended up here after spending our morning at Montmartre (and the shops close to it), and it was a delicious stop with these salads topped with homemade potato chips. Enough said (check it out on Yelp!).
Shopping:
Tip: Be sure to check the Euro to USD price before purchasing an item to make sure you aren’t paying more than you would in the U.S..
Tip: The department stores in Paris offer the VAT (value added tax) refund in the basement of their department stores (unlike London), so be sure to do that before you leave if you’re buying a fancy something!
Printemps: A great department store with plenty of luxury everything.
Galeries Lafayette: Another gorgeous department store – where we had hot chocolate and also where I bought my Gucci belt (shared here)!
Paris Flea Market: We did this on our last day (which was a weekend day), and it was so much fun. We both got some special pieces I know we’ll cherish forever, and I felt very Carrie, even in the very cold January weather. A memory I know I’ll have forever.
Place Vendome: We actually wandered over to this area by default and it was stunning. Definitely worth a visit if you’d like to shop and stroll!
Shops along Rue des Francs Bourgeois: The darling girls at the front desk of our hotel suggested this area when we were looking for something to do on our first evening, and it was really fun! Plus I ran into the Urban Decay store and got to see my Lula on the wallpaper of the bathroom there… so you know that was extra fun for this cat lady.
Again, if you’d like to know what I would recommend doing in London, you can check that out that guide here.
While I don’t have any international plans on the docket at the moment, I’m always looking forward to what kind of travel guide I’ll be able to put together for you guys next!
Thanks so much for reading, and of course if you have any Paris favorites, of course I would love to hear! XO –
I’m excited to share a photo diary of my 2017 visit to London and Paris with Eurostar! After I returned from October’s visit to London and Amsterdam (you can find a London Guide here and an Amsterdam Guide here), I was beyond thrilled when Eurostar offered the opportunity to come back to London and take the train to Paris. A dream beyond my imagination!
When I traveled to Europe for the first time in college, we took the train to travel between Italy, Switzerland and France. It was so easy and left me incredibly jealous that getting around the U.S. isn’t as swift! On this trip, we first landed in London for a quick bit before heading to Kings Cross to explore the growing area of London. Then we quickly hopped on the Eurostar train to head to Paris. The check-in process to boarding the train took under 30 minutes, and I especially loved that you take your suitcase with you to stow away in an area on your section of the train. It makes the entire process even easier (and much faster).
In just over two hours we were arriving in Paris, and honestly it felt like 30 minutes because we were served a full lunch (including wine and dessert!) and there was complimentary wifi onboard (unlike my 8-11 hour flights). My sweet sister got to planning our day in Paris while I emailed away, and having that time to work only made the rest of our day go even smoother. We actually got so comfortable on the train that when the attendant shared we would be in Paris in 10 minutes I was like… wait, that can’t be us, we just got on the train!
The train station to our hotel was under 15 minutes, and my sister and I couldn’t get over how easy it was. This was actually her first train ride in Europe, and we are already talking about all the other places we’d like to visit. Eurostar also offers rides to Belgium (along with direct routes between London and Lyon, Avignon and Marseille in the South of France), and will soon be offering a ride to Amsterdam. If only we had that back in October – I so much prefer trains over planes!
I can’t even begin to explain what an incredible experience this was to share with my sister. I know we created lifelong memories together, and it was no surprise that she was the perfect travel companion. Of course we have taken countless trips together, but not just the two of us, so it was such a fun and special experience! I think we gave my mom and sis-in-law major FOMO though… so clearly the four of us need to plan a trip together in 2017.
If you’d like more information on what I would recommend doing in London, you can check that out here. I plan to share a full post on what we saw, ate and where we stayed while in Paris – so expect to see that next week!
And if you’re wondering where some of these outfit pieces came from you can shop most of them here.
If you follow me on Instagram… you’ve probably already seen this vest. The one I loved so much I bought it in two colors (a la Monday’s post here)!? Yeah… this is the one! I wore them both over my coats in Paris. It is so lightweight but really does provide some extra warmth.
Lucky for you guys (and me), Neiman Marcus Last Call has some amazing steals and deals, including a huge 60% off sale including clearance items and cold weather essentials starting 1/21. AND if there’s something you extra love – there are so many pieces already on major markdown. I linked a replica for this entire outfit below and every single item is reduced. I mean… yes please!
If you follow along on Instagram, Insta-Stories or Snapchat (CBLied), you probably know that I cook at home… a lot. I’ve gotten a lot of questions from you guys about certain recipes and so many of you screenshot the dishes I share SO… I thought why not try to mix in some of my favorite healthy eats a few times a month!?
I used to share more cooking posts (you can find them under the “Food & Drink” category), but I kind of slowed down because they were never my own original recipes, I was just cooking and crediting my favorite food bloggers. I’m happy to share my favorites as long as I link back to the source, so let me know what you guys think about more food and recipes and I’ll get on it!
This month I wanted to share a handful of the quick and easy dinners I’ve been making since I’ve gotten back from Europe. I definitely enjoyed plenty of baguettes and croissants, so I’m trying to go light on the carbs at home.
1. Greek Salad. I love making this for lunch, but it’s great with dinner with some seared salmon or grilled chicken. Full of fresh veggies and flavor.
2. Broccoli Rice and Shrimp “Fried Rice.” I’ve eaten this multiple times (if you follow me on Snapchat: CBLied) in the past few weeks, but it’s seriously SO yummy and really helps cure the fried rice craving I have from time to time. If you’re really counting calories ditch the cashews!
3. Chicken Nachos. I don’t even know what needs to be said besides…. YUM.
4. Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash. I wasn’t as in love with spaghetti squash as everyone else seems to be… until I simplified it. This dish is just squash, butter, garlic and cheese and seriously tastes like a rich pasta without the guilt. SO GOOD!
5. Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce. Christian isn’t really a salmon or tilapia person, but I love keeping some tilapia in the freezer for unprepared nights because it’s so easy. I was determined to change his mind and this recipe is actually on the Trader Joe’s tilapia packaging. It is DELISH. So good that C actually said, “this tastes like it came from a restaurant.” I usually serve it with brown rice and steamed veggies. Yum!
I’ll be drumming up my favorites for February. If you have any New Year favorite dishes so far, I’d love to hear! For those of you doing Whole30, I share my experience and favorite dishes here: Week One | Week Two | Week Three | Week Four.
This little sidewalk lined with palm trees might be my favorite little part of our neighborhood. Whenever we ride our bikes from our house to the Circle, we always make sure to cruise down this part, soaking up each palm tree on each side.
Of course this time I couldn’t hop on a bike in this mini skirt from Nordstrom, but it was worth it because let’s be serious, it’s super fun! I styled a longer fringe skirt last year here, but this mini version feels young, modern and flirty, and I know I can easily carry it into summer. For a casual look, it can be paired with an easy tee and bomber or for a more dressed up look you could pair it with a sleek turtleneck and tights.
I think every girl should have a leather skirt (mini or pencil) in their closet. I have one from a consignment store in Birmingham, Alabama that I still pull out regularly!
I think we all go through different style “cycles” in our lives, and this happy hot pink number is totally screaming early 20’s Kat. In college I was all about bright colors, 87 bracelets and fun patterns. As I’ve gotten older, my closet has slowly shifted to neutrals, solids and versatile pieces. The best part? There’s nothing wrong with either (and you can have both!).
I think it’s amazing when ladies can commit to a “style.” My sister struggles with finding her style niche, and I always tell her to channel her favorite celebrity style. Envision what they are usually seen wearing when sifting through your closet. Similarly I’m always coming to her with balanced eating (being able to eat one Oreo instead of 8) because she’s the dietician… so we have quite different talents! Speaking of hers, if you want to see my interview with her on her field of work you can check that out here.
BUT, back to the clothes – I can’t really commit to the neutral girl or the neon girl… I choose to be both. Building a wardrobe on versatile neutrals is always smart, but having some bright and happy pieces in your closet are never a bad idea.
Have you committed to a certain “style” or are you all over the map like me? I’d love to hear… and it would help me put together looks for you guys! Thank you so much for reading! XO –
– the hairbrush I’ve wanted forever living up to its praise –
– missing this morning view –
Happy Friday! I must admit it feels nice to be writing this at my own desk (with Real Housewives playing, no doubt), but there is certainly a piece of me that is sad my European sister adventure has come and gone. You look forward to a trip for so long and then I always get a little said 3/4 into the trip… because I know it will be over soon. I’m the same way with meals!
Christian has a surprise long weekend off, so even though I’m still in no makeup/top knot mode, we might be off to a little adventure this weekend… and let’s all say a quick prayer that it’s not camping.
Other than that, I don’t have anything interesting to share – this week has mostly been the game of catch-up work and sweatpants! Thanks so much for reading and have a beautiful weekend! XO –
Simplifying is a topic that I am always striving to have more of. I confess, I’m a lover of all my “things,” and while I think material possessions can bring you joy, they shouldn’t be the source of your happiness. My sister is a minimalist, and I’m constantly amazed at how easily she can toss something that doesn’t serve a purpose or bring her joy (she is one of those Marie Kondo converts).
Today I’ve teamed up with Seven Daughters Wine to share 7 of my own tips for de-cluttering and simplifying your home while still holding onto those cherished items that decorate your space. You can create a new, fresh space for the new year – the perfect time to tidy up! Scroll down to see my tips –
1. Trying keeping your side tables as tidy as you can. Christian has helped me stick to this! It’s so easy to clutter up all of your counter space with picture frames, knickknacks and so on, but the things you actually need are a lamp and a coaster. Keep these side tables as clean as you can for a neat, polished look.
2. You don’t have to have anything on the coffee table. For the longest time I felt like I always had to have a tray or books on the coffee table. Actually, you don’t have to have anything. If there are side tables with coasters, you can free up your coffee table to prop your feet up. C helped me pick out this coffee table years ago for this exact purpose!
3. Try vertical storage. I have used this ladder that my mom made for storing blankets since college. I love that it is decorative, but also practical. I once read someone say, “if it doesn’t have multiple purposes in our home, it goes.” A good motto to decorate by!
4. Commit to a color scheme. To simplify a space, it’s great to commit to a color scheme or layout. For our living space I chose shades of white and blue.
5. If your bookshelves look too cluttered, reverse the paper covers. I saw a interior designer on Instagram with built-in bookshelves in her bedroom. All of the books had clean, white, covers and the overall look was clean, yet cozy. If you’re worried about not knowing which book is which, you can write the title in the same location in a fine black pen.
6. Keep the kitchen table clean. Centerpieces are great for festive dinners, but the rest of the time I try to keep our breakfast room table clean. It encourages us to use the table not just for eating, but also working, reading or enjoying a glass of wine.
7. Try to tidy up your bedside table. This is of course very similar to #1, but the same rule can be applied to your bedside table. If you have some drawers or closet space to store your knickknacks, it’s very calming and serene to keep your bedside table as tidy as possible.
And afterwards you can pour yourself a glass of wine and toast to your fresh space! I am certainly not the expert on simplifying (although I wish I was!), but it’s something I’m always working on! If you have any of your own tips, I’d love to hear. Thanks so much for reading! XO –
1. I have two Louis Vuitton Keepalls, and they really are the ultimate travel companion (no offense, Christian). I love bringing them on our West Coast road trips, and I know they are bags that I will treasure for a long time. If you want to shop a pre-loved version, The Lady Bag is my go-to (more on my experience here).
2. I just bought this belt in Paris last week, so maybe it’s technically 2017, but let’s let that slide. I resisted the urge to buy this belt for quite a while because I felt like every blogger had it… but I caved. I know I’m going to wear it for years to come, and I have no regrets (plus I got a little discount thanks to the euro to usd conversion!).
3. I bought these on a whim in the fall, having no idea that I would wear them almost daily. I have been wearing the Aviator shape for so long that this round version was a fun twist. Love the other colors too!
4. These designer look for less kitten heels really add sophistication to any ensemble. I have been telling my mom to get a pair!
6. It took me a while to buy a denim jacket but this one can be worn with basically everything. I don’t know why I waited so long!
7. Christian surprised me with this ring for our 4th wedding anniversary, and I wear it almost every day. It’s such a beautiful statement piece, and I have the matching earrings from college!
8. I’ve wanted this brush for years but I felt silly spending that much on a hairbrush. I asked for it for Christmas and received it from my parents… and it’s heavenly. My hair gets so tangled, and this combs through it like butter. I am officially in love.
9. I’ve loved this scarf so much I bought it in pink for my mom as a Christmas present! It’s just the most fun. I love the gray version!
10. A birthday gift from my sweet! I love our memories of hunting down this bag (a dream of mine for almost 10 years), and while I know C was rolling his eyes majorly on the inside, on the outside he was very supportive and sweet to fulfill the dream I’ve wished for for… a decade. I store it on a dresser where I can always see it from the bed! HA – it’s like my love story to a handbag. Ridiculous, I’m fully aware… but it’s the truth!
11. Like probably every girl my age, I had a pair of Uggs in college. A pink pair no less! When I graduated they went in the dumpster along with some of my Nike shorts I lived in, so when I considered buying a new pair this year I didn’t know if I could take the plunge. I live in a townhouse where I have to leash and walk Bailey every time I let her out, so half the year I throw on flip flops and the other half of the year I’m looking for something a little warmer for our 7AM strolls (yes – I’m always in a robe, #keepingitclassy). I bought this pair and am almost embarrassed how much I love them.
12. I found this wallet discounted at Gilt, so I bought it for myself… having no idea how happy it would make me! I mostly buy neutral bags, so pulling out this happy, hot pink wallet always brings a smile to my face.
13. Similarly, when I recommend this small coin purse for travels here I thought, I actually need this. The compact I use to store cash & cards when I travel doesn’t have a zipper, so it means spare change is swimming around in my crossbody bag. I took this one to London and Paris and it was perfect!
SO, I’d love to hear what some of your favorite closet additions were in 2016! If you liked this post and would be interested in seeing a home decor or beauty version, let me know and I can work on that! Thanks so much for reading – XO –
When I shared this office style post last month, I loved hearing your feedback on putting together more office-appropriate looks. I worked in a corporate office for five years, so trust me – I feel you on creating outfits that capture your personal style and align with HR’s dress code.
If your office has a casual Friday or allows denim, I think this look would be great. Otherwise, you could trade out the denim for a pair of black skinny pants (these were my favorite and they’re on sale for $40 – I think I had four pairs!).
I also have at least five crisp white button-front shirts. They go with everything, and this one is definitely the most fabulous one that I own. I think it would look so chic with a pair of leather pants or a leather skirt. Ooh la la!
jacket – currently 50% off! I would recommend sizing down. | white shirt (literally feels like silk, so amazing!), also have and love this one | denim | heels – old, similar styles here (40% off) and here (under $50) | bag, similar look for less here | sunglasses | similar brooch here and here | watch
Thanks so much for reading – and if you’d still like to see more office style looks, let me know in the comments! XO –
