Carrie Bradshaw Lied

7 Ways to Simplify Your Decor

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 –

dress | cashmere wrap | “k” necklace | pom pom blanket

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 –

Brought to you by Seven Daughters

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13 Favorite Closet Additions of 2016

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 – 50% off in 3 colors! | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13

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!

5. The best everyday bra. Period.

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 –

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Chic Office Style

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!

photos by Vincent Elejorde

Thanks so much for reading – and if you’d still like to see more office style looks, let me know in the comments! XO –

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Designer Bag Look for Less

I always have a list of dream bags in my head… some I’ve been able to save up and make come true, others might be on my lust list forever. So for those far off dreams, sometimes you find a designer look for less close enough to fill the void! I discovered Teddy Blake last year (another bag styled here), and I really love the quality of their bags.

They’re made of Italian leather (Buti), and are such a great size for travel. I wore their bags all over NYC at Christmas last year and took the taupe one to London in October! When they offered to send me a new color for spring, I knew this soft pink would be perfect. I had never had a pink handbag until about two years ago, and I was so surprised to find that it really acted as a neutral and goes with everything.

If you want to expand the color of your bags but want a color that is still going to be versatile and go with most of your closet – I think a soft pink or navy blue would be two great color options!

photos by Vincent Elejorde

Do you have a dream bag that you’ve been trying to hunt down a look for less for? I’d love to hear!

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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Friday’s Five

– being so incredibly proud of my friend Sona and her beautiful eyeshadow palette –

– the prettiest box I’ve ever received –

– a shiny new pair of kicks –

– excited to try St. Tropez self tanner for the first time thanks to Lilly Pulitzer –

– arriving in Europe with my sister for a girls trip –

Happy Friday! This week has been a special one because it’s not only the start of the new year, but I’m beginning 2017 with an incredible experience – visiting London and Paris with my sister! I’ll be sharing more of this trip on the blog when I return, including what brought us here and what we have been doing while we are here (and if you’re heading to London soon you can check out my recent guide here), but in the meantime you can follow along on Instagram if you want a sneak peek of what we’re up to!

We have a few more days here before heading back to America, so thanks so all of your incredible emails and suggestions in this Instagram post, we have some fun things planned. My sister has two adorable small children, and while I am completely in love with them, it is so much fun to have this one-on-one time with her. She’s a nutritionist (I interviewed her here), and I think she’s mastered the art of balance in her life. #Goals.

How are you guys kicking off the new year? I think January and February are kind of those sleeper months, so it’s always great to have some things planned to look forward to before the spring sunshine. Thank you so much for reading and have a beautiful weekend! XO –

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16 Favorite Posts of 2016

Last week I shared some of my favorite looks for NYE from the past year of outfits on CBL, so rather than share another “Best of 2016” like last year’s Best of 2015, I wanted to share some of the posts I enjoyed creating the most. 16 for 2016! So you know we have to kick it off with some closet faves…

IN FASHION

Shopping Vintage Designer Bags

Pleated Black Leather Skirt

CBL x Morning Lavender Collection (Part I & Part II)

Modcloth Swim

Easy Layers

Pink Maxi Dress

The Perfect Camel Wrap Coat

FROM THE HOME

Modern China Cabinet

Living Room Makeover

FROM TRAVELS

Kauai (Part I & Part II)

Switzerland (Part I & Part II)

CBL Guide to London

FROM THE KITCHEN

Whole30 Review – Week One | Week Two | Week Three | Week Four

IN BEAUTY

The Scoop on Microblading

FROM PERSONAL LIFE

Edie

Four Years

I’m always looking to expand into other categories than fashion (all categories listed at the top of this page!), and I’ve found that the home, travel, food and personal posts are some of my favorite to write. I want to be sure I’m creating content that interests you guys and makes it worth taking the time to visit. I know there are so many blogs out there now, so it means a lot to me that you take the time to visit CBL.

If there is any area of CBL you would like to see more of from these categories or any specific posts you’d love to see, I’d love your feedback! I had a reader message me she would love to see my favorite healthy recipes, so I’m going to be working on that post soon.

You are the reason this blog is my full-time gig now, so it’s incredibly important to me that you find this content relevant and helpful. Thank you so much for your support, kindness and feedback. I am so excited to start this year with fresh ideas and hopefully more of what you want to see!

Thanks so much for reading, and of course if you want to talk resolutions (mine are in Monday’s post), I’d love to hear that too! XO –

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Styling Sorel Boots

I’m still missing our snowy weekend in the mountains, but I’ve been reliving it by going through all of the photos from our long weekend! I don’t know what I would have done without these boots and my rainboots – several areas had snow up to my knees!

I snagged this gigantic scarf last year and sadly it’s no longer available, but I linked several similar styles at the bottom of this post! I think an oversized scarf is a winter must-have. This one is one of my favorites to pull out! I feel like I’m channeling my inner Lenny Kravitz.

Thank you so much for reading! XO –

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White Christmas Photo Diary + NYE Resolutions

I wanted to share some of the photos from our Christmas in the mountains with our California family. Last year Christian took me to Mammoth to ski and have our first white Christmas, and it was not overrated. It was magical! This year he found out he had an extra day off for the holiday weekend, so we thought it would be so much fun to go back to the mountains in hope of another beautiful, snowy Christmas.

We picked out a big cabin to fit both our family and my brother’s family (and our three pets!), and it was one of our most memorable Christmases yet. The snow began to fall during our drive up the mountain and continued to pour down all day on Saturday. On Christmas morning, we woke up a winter wonderland, and the entire weekend we received over 20 inches of snow. So much more than these Mississippians could have asked for! It was our first Christmas without our niece, Edie, and I like to think the snow was her gift to us while she celebrated the real deal – the birthday party for Jesus in heaven.

I wanted to share some photos of the weekend along with some 2017 resolutions. I know, I know, they’re a little cliché, but I think set goals is always a great initiative to buckle down, focus on the big picture and stay motivated.

denim | sweater | scarf | similar hat here and here | boots

boots | pajamas – sold out, similar here (33% off) and here – only $25 | similar scarf here, here and here | similar hat here

sweater available here and here | denim | boots | similar scarf here, here and here | similar hat here

similar jacket here and here (33% off) | similar sweater here and here | pants | boots

Some of my 2017 goals –

Take a wifi-free trip with Christian. Because I work for myself and Christian is so supportive, we tend to snap photos on every trip or getaway we take. This year I really want to unplug for a trip with him to give him my undivided attention.

Weekly date nights. In college we were so good about taking regular dates, but with our extremely different schedules we’ve slacked off the past year or so. Once a week I want to have a date – it can even be in our dining room! Just some cell-phone free time to talk about goals, life and always – the trips we are planning.

Read more books. I’ve always loved to read. I was the girl in elementary school who was favored by the librarian because I actually visited it regularly to pick up a new book to read for fun. I just started Present Over Perfect and was given this book and this book for Christmas that I can’t wait to read.

Eat your vegetables. I shared in this Instagram that I’ve been working on cleaning up my eating habits, and I really want to reach for vegetables first. I’ve been loving cucumbers and hummus, broccoli rice (this recipe is a weekly go-to) and green smoothies this past month, and I really want to try to keep it up. With each year I get older (and my metabolism gets slower), it’s becoming more important to me to find nutrients and vitamins in the food I choose to eat. My weight has fluctuated within a 10 lb. range for the past 7 or so years (yes… I’ve had readers wonder if I was pregnant from time to time. Nope! Just a taco baby), and I want to be more consistent with my eating choices.

Think outside the box. In this blogging world, it’s easy to feel like everyone is doing the same thing – taking the same trips, wearing the same clothes, styling the same looks, etc. I really want to try to think outside the box and challenge myself to create more unique, personalized content that is both interesting and exciting for all of us!

Exercise more from home. In college I would do Pilates DVD’s from my bedroom several times a week (call it homework procrastination – this video was my jam). I take a Pilates class twice a week currently, but I want to get back into working out from home – even if it’s just a quick 30 minutes. Christian got a stationary bike for Christmas – so perhaps that will be some motivation!

Do you have any of your own resolutions? I’d love to hear! I like to write these down in the beginning of my new annual planner so I can flip back to read them from time to time.

Thanks so much for reading – and here’s to your best year yet! XO –

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Layering Over Maxi Dresses

If you follow on Instagram or saw this post, you know that we have delightfully had several rainy days in the past few weeks which means we have finally had an actual fall… just in time for Christmas! I’m not complaining – I’ll take it any way I can.

I recently got this black maxi dress, and I know I’m going to wear it all the time. It’s fabulous on its own with the scoop back and slit but I think it looks equally cute layered with a sweater or chambray. A cotton maxi dress is such a versatile piece and worth finding the right fit because it take you through the entire year!

dress, also love this one (40% off) and this one | sweater – also available here (30% off) | booties – 40% off in brown, my favorite pair under $100! Also available here | bag, similar style for less here | earrings

And of course, happy Friday! I can’t believe it’s already time for NYE. In case you missed it, I shared several ways to amp up your New Year’s Eve outfit in yesterday’s post. I hope it inspires you to put together something fun from your closet!

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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New Year’s Eve Outfit Ideas

And just like that, we’re looking at NYE! I wanted to share some outfit ideas that might help you when looking in your closet this weekend for something to wear. These are outfits shared on CBL under the “Fashion” category or on Instagram. I had so much fun pulling my twirliest looks for you guys!

Here’s to celebrating all that was in 2016 and looking to the future. May 2017 be your best year yet!

blog post here | dress here

blog post here | skirt here

blog post here | top, skirt, silk duster

blog post here | similar skirt here

blog post here | similar dress here

blog post here | similar dress here and here

blog post here | dress here

blog post here | similar skirt here

blog post here | dress here – on sale under $25!

blog post here | skirt here – on sale under $25!

blog post here | top here

nyfw

blog post here | dress here

blog post here | top, skirt

Instagram here | tee, skirt – on sale, similar blazer here

Instagram here | sweater – on sale in 4 colors, similar skirt here and here

Instagram here | sweater available here and here, similar skirt here

Instagram here | bomber jacket here and here

Christian is working this weekend, so I’m still not exactly sure of my plans, but it might involve packing since I’m heading on a fun little sister trip on the 2nd. If you have big NYE plans or traditions, I’d love to hear – I’m always looking for new ideas!

Thank you so much for making this year one of my favorites of my career. You. Rule.

Have a fun (and safe) holiday! KXO

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After Christmas SALES

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 – comes in black too! | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 – I have this sweater and have worn it at least 10x already

Nordstrom is having a HUGE post-holiday sale with items marked up to 50% off, and I couldn’t help but round up some of my favorites while I was shopping. Just when you think you’re all shopped out… they reel you back in! A few more things from the sale that I’m loving:

And of course, even more sales:

Abercrombie – 40-60% off site-wide

Ann Taylor – up to 70% off clearance and 40% off full-price with code SHOP40

Anthropologie – extra 40% off sale items with code TAGTIME

ASOS – up to 50% off

Banana Republic – extra 60% off sale items

Baublebar – up to 60% off sale items

Bloomingdale’s – up to 75% off select items

Express – up to 60% off clearance

GAP – up to 60% off winter items + additional 30% off with code WISHLIST

J.Crew – 50% off sale items with code THEBEST

J.Crew Factory – extra 40% off clearance with code SHOPCREW

LOFT – 50% off everything with code TREATS

Nordstrom Rack – up to 75% off clearance items

Rebecca Minkoff – extra 30% off with code HEY2017

Shopbop – additional 25% off sale items with code TREATYOURSELF

Sole Society – up to 50% off select styles

Victoria’s Secret – buy a bra, get a bra with code GETBRAS

Thanks so much for reading – hope you score some sweet deals! I can’t believe we’re already back to the grind… how did the weekend go by so quickly! All in favor of rewinding the clock say aye! XO –

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Cappuccino and Chocolate on Awards Night

I love awards season. A reason to bring out the party treats and comfy clothes with girls, pick our favorite gowns and red carpet looks and root for our favorite films and tv shows. With the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show being earlier this month, it only kicked off the fun, and I’m excited to prep the house for the glam nights ahead.

You guys know I love a glass of wine, but it’s always nice to offer multiple beverages for your guests (especially when they’re driving to you… and driving home). I have become quite the coffee lover over the past few years, so I’m sharing Hills Bros. Cappuccino’s #CapptheNight Campaign to share how I would set up for an awards show get together!

To me, cappuccinos and chocolate go hand in hand, so it’s nice to have some sweet bites after the richer hors d’oeuvres to finish the night with. The Hills Bros. Cappuccino Single Serve Cups I chose are English Toffee flavored, so they pair so deliciously with these chocolate covered toffee bites! I really want to try the Salted Caramel – yum!

What’s your favorite awards show to watch? I was one of those girls who screamed when Leo finally won an Oscar last year. #truestory

If you have a Keurig and want to try these single serve cups, you can find them at your local Kroger or Shop Rite (store locator here). They’re also offering a coupon here for $1 off every box that you buy.

Lastly, I wanted to share the #CappTheNight Sweepstakes runs until 2/28/17 where you can enter for your chance to win one of six award season prize packs AND the chance to win a $2,500 shopping spree! You can enter to win below –

Thanks so much for reading! XO –

Brought to you by Hills Bros. Cappuccino

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