Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Blue on Blue

2013-05-23T00:02:00.000-05:00

While shopping for looks to style in a recent magazine photo shoot (more to come this summer!), I stumbled across this Collective Concepts maxi dress on the sale rack and knew it was mine at first glance. I loved this label when I worked retail in college and have always been drawn to their pieces.

I feel like this particular dress reminds me of a maxi inspired by a Middle Eastern silk scarf - I love the rich, jewel-tone colors. I tossed on a chambray shirt before we headed out to dinner, but quickly removed it once we stepped outside into the Mississippi humidity. WHEW! Summers down here will practically slap you in the face, y'all.

maxi dress - Collective Concepts, similar here and here / chambray shirt - Forever21, similar here / sandals - Forever21, no longer available, love these / bag - custom Meshka Design - enter to WIN one here! / sunnies - Ray Ban / watch - Michael Kors

Enter to win a Meshka Design clutch of your own here! Thanks for stopping by - XO -

CBL + ShoeDazzle

2013-05-22T09:23:00.000-05:00

1. maxi dress / 2. white coral necklace / 3. orange & mint earrings / 4. jeweled earrings / 5. gold cuff / 6. mint & white cuff / 7. python cuff / 8. Clare Vivier clutch / 9. peplum top / 10. floral pants / 11. jeweled statement necklace

shoes + Rachel Zoe styling tips + great sales = yes, please

ShoeDazzle...two words I really like. Did you know they provide a short quiz to establish what products are the best fit for each individual shopper? It's like having an online shoe genie. After taking the quiz you have access to your personal show room, tips from stylists, VIP member sales and a shoe of the day discount.

This could be a problem...because I think I need a lot of these beauties. Try the quiz yourself and receive 25% off of your first item ordered within two days of signing up.

A big thanks to ShoeDazzle for sponsoring this post - happy shoe shopping and don't forget to enter the clutch giveaway!!

Warm Weather Means...

2013-05-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

Nothing feels quite like summer like a white sundress - comfortable enough for an evening bike ride and roomy enough for bbq + an extra scoop of ice cream with dessert (check and check). This sundress does just that with a cinched waist and macramé detailing. It's also lightweight enough to double as a coverup - win-win!

I couldn't muster up the energy to completely blow-dry my hair...I mean, at the beach anything goes, right?

dress - Shopbop, similar here and here / sandals - Tory Burch / accessories - boutique bangles, ShopBop bangle (love these), INPink necklace (c/o) / hat - Target (old), similar here

Don't forget to enter to win a two-toned foldover clutch!

Meshka Design GIVEAWAY

2013-05-20T00:03:00.000-05:00

I have been so in love with my Meshka Design custom clutch and I know this baby will be paired with everything this summer. Her foldover clutches are big enough that I can fill it with all the goodies I always think I need (girls will be girls) and still have room to stay with the foldover trend.

I'm so thrilled that Meshka Design and CBL have teamed up for a CBL reader GIVEAWAY!! Another fabulous feature of this bag is that you can pick your own color combo. Vegan leather and suede options are listed here - check them out and see what colors would work best with your wardrobe.

Below are some photos from recent posts I've shared with y'all featuring my clutch:

Original post here.

Original post here.

To be eligible to win one of these beauties...

1. Follow CBL on Google Friend Connect (on right side bar).
2. "Like" Meshka Design on Facebook.
3. Leave a comment on this post!

Giveaway will run through 5/26. Winner will be announced 5/27. Thanks for entering!! XO -

Friday's Five

2013-05-17T00:00:00.001-05:00

- lovely vintage teacups that my generous mom snatched up for me -

- a lone magnolia on a magnolia tree -

- this fresh bedroom décor -

- making a round of mojitos on a weekday -

- rewatching this precious wedding weekend video compilation my sister put together for us -

We are heading out of town for the weekend (something we are getting really good at lately) and leaving these packing boxes behind for a few nights. It will be easy to leave them...but I have a feeling it won't be so fun to be greeted by the current state of our den/kitchen/breakfast room when we come home - yikes on bikes.

Have a great weekend y'all and thank you so much for reading! XO -

Florida Snaps

2013-05-16T08:54:00.000-05:00

Christian and I had so much fun spending a week with my family in the Florida sunshine. I've had the privilege of traveling to a lot of beaches, but for many reasons, Florida will always be the most beautiful beach to me...with Greece only a few points behind. The white sand and clear, teal-blue water = my happy place. Do you have a favorite beach? I'd love to know!

Here are some photos of our week...I hope you enjoy - XO -

Feeling very Kenya Moore "'Gone with the Wind' Fabulous."

A lot of fun with a lot of fun people, adding one more to the mix when my sister and brother-in-law welcome their son in June. Hope y'all have some family time planned of your own!

Summer Brights

2013-05-15T08:43:00.000-05:00

Spring pastels are sweet but summer brights are just so much FUN, aren't they? I love turquoise year-round, but I love to really layer on the blues when I've had the chance to get a little summer sun. Long hair and turquoise accessories have always been a weak spot for my husband - which I might use to my advantage when needed...like when I ~~dragged~~ asked him so sweetly to take these photos before dinner.

Turquoise earrings and necklaces are probably my favorite way to wear the color, I'd love to hear about your favorite turquoise piece and how you wear it!

blazer - silence + noise from Urban Outfitters, similar here / white tee - H&M / shorts - Forever21 (old), similar here and here / watch - Swatch / heels - Forever21 (old), love these / pouch - Céline / necklace - INPink (c/o), boutique, handmade

Beach Walk

2013-05-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

When vacationing at the beach, the walk to the waves can be just as charming as relaxing in the sun. This walk to the beach was particularly appealing, with a small pebble path and lush greenery (palms + magnolia trees!) flanking each side of the path.

Rather than shopping for standard swimsuit coverups, lately I've been thumbing through my closet to recreate airy sweaters or ponchos as possible coverups. This poncho is a little on the short side, but the white feels so fresh and the see-through element is just enough fun over a bikini.

beaded bikini - Target (last year), love this one / poncho - ABS, similar here / sandals - Tory Burch / hat - Target (old), similar here, LOVE this one / sunglasses - Ray Ban / bag - purchased from Virgin Islands market, similar here

Open Enchiladas + Shandies

2013-05-13T08:11:00.000-05:00

I could eat Mexican food everyday. Thank GOD Christian loves Mexican food too - I don't know what I would do if he didn't! Now that I think about it...I usually clear at least one basket of chips by myself anyway...so I'm sure I could manage.

I've made Mexican pizzas and skinny chicken enchiladas, but I wanted to try a new recipe that took less than thirty minutes for a quick weeknight meal. With only a few easy steps - I found something that was simple and filling! I used this recipe and changed it up a little bit, also pairing the meal with fresh guacamole and shandies (a refreshing and low calorie cocktail recipe mentioned by a friend).

Let's start with the drinks. A friend recently shared this low calorie treat with me -- simple split a beer between two glasses and fill the rest of the glass with lemonade (I went pink). Add a slice of lemon if you're feeling fancy and enjoy this refreshing "cocktail." YUMS.

Now that you've got your cocktail, it's time to start cookin'.

small corn tortillas
1 TB butter
sharp cheddar cheese (shredded or you can grate your own)
1 small onion, chopped
1 15oz. can green enchilada sauce
2 4oz. cans chopped green chilies
optional toppings - sour cream, salsa, guacomole (recipe below), shredded grilled chicken (I season it with taco seasoning after shredding)

for guac:

2 avocados
1/2 (or more if you'd like) roma tomato, chopped
at least 1 TB chopped onion
dash of salt, ground black pepper, oregano
squeeze of lime (optional)

Pour enchilada sauce and chilies in a sauce pan and heat on medium-low heat. Chop your onion and throw some butter in a skillet. If you are making guac, save at least one tablespoon of onions for the dip. Once the butter is melted, add the onions and saute until soft.

While the onions are cooking, cut and dice your avocados and tomato. Toss them in a bowl and add the onion. Mix well with a wooden spoon, blending as best as you can and season with salt, ground black pepper and oregano to taste. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice if you have one around!

Turn your oven on broil and arrange six tortillas on a baking sheet. Add the cheese to the tortillas and stick in the oven until melted. Once melted, layer them in sets of threes (see below) and add the enchilada sauce, onions, salsa, guacamole and shredded chicken.

Friday's Five

2013-05-10T09:25:00.000-05:00

- sunflowers given to us by my sweet mother-in-law -

- a beautiful piece of art from the talented Hillary Butler -

- getting settled into a beautiful house in Watercolor for some family R&R -

- watching Uncle Christian keep my our niece entertained -

- putting away all worries to enjoy some time with my famb-ily (RHONJ I love you Caroline Manzo) -

I hope everyone has a beautiful and relaxing weekend! Thank you so much for all of your beach read suggestions - I can't wait to check them out! XO -

Sunny

2013-05-09T08:15:00.000-05:00

There has been a lot of rain in Mississippi lately and I was happy to ditch my red rain boots and pack my coral sandals to head west where I was a guaranteed a week without needing an umbrella. Unfortunately I didn't have as much time to spend at the pool as I would have liked, but with two weeks of family vacations lined up, I hope I will get plenty of beach-read time.

I've got some Jen Lancaster's lined up and Mississippi Sissy from my wonderful friend, Jeremy, that I'm really excited about -- do y'all have any beach-read recommendations? I usually love anything in the Tina Fey - Andy Cohen - Chelsea Handler - Jen Lancaster genre, but I definitely love an occasional Harlan Coben mystery or drama. Would love to hear any suggestions on your favorite books!

denim - Forever21 / top - H&M, love this and this / sandals - Nine West, old, similar here / hat - flea market / sunglasses - Amazon / orange necklace - INPink (c/o - use the code CBL30 for 30% off!) / turquoise necklace - boutique / monogram pendant - BaubleBar / bangles - Asos, boutique, Hermes / Swatch watch

Eating My Way Through CA

2013-05-08T00:22:00.001-05:00

We may still be California-homeless but we had a great time living out of a hotel for a week and eating our way through Orange County. I've traveled to San Francisco with my family, to Los Angeles with friends and to San Diego to visit my sister but have never ventured into Orange County. Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Orange, Huntington Beach...there are so many beautiful and unique communities to explore and I look forward to scouting all the other charming areas in OC (and continuing to say "y'all" the entire time).

Here's to hoping we can snag the perfect little townhouse to purchase and call home. We don't need a ton of space, but with two humans, one (large) dog and a vocal kitty...it would be nice to be able to stretch out. Fingers crossed!

Some photos from our "working" trip -

C and I dug deeper into the In-N-Out secret menu (more details here) - next visit I think I'm going to have to go with the hamburger, protein-style and mustard grilled with whole grilled onion and well done fries. #yolo

(Knock knock): Can I live here? This guy? No he's not my husband...I don't know him. It will just be me.

A waffle pastrami sandwich at Bruxie. Mother, may I have another?

A cocktail to celebrate the end of a day of {expensive} house hunting.

Aaaahhh...I want to go to there.

Dorothy Art: Wedding Memories

2013-05-07T00:04:00.000-05:00

I have had the privilege of knowing talented Dorothy Spencer Collier since we were kids. We were both the daughters of artist mothers who were childhood best friends...except Dorothy got all of her mama's talent and my sister snatched up all my mom's artistic genes!

Dorothy's signature work includes portraits of Mississippi Delta cotton, her alma mater's mascot and my personal favorite, custom church paintings. She uses a photo of the church (or golf club if you were the rebel who didn't get married in a church) and the wedding invitation to create a personal, one-of-a-kind piece of art to serve as the most unique and beautiful memento of your wedding day. I am so in love with this painting and cannot wait to find the perfect spot to hang it in our new home so I can admire it everyday.

Here are some of the lovely paintings Dorothy has created for other clients -

I am thrilled that the artist herself is generously giving CBL readers 15% off on any custom church painting purchased from the DorothyArt Etsy store!! Hop on over to her shop and see how affordable this unique painting can be for your home - and check out her facebook store for other tidbits of her current projects and giveaways!

Thank you so much Dorothy for my special painting - I ADORE it more than I can ever express!!!

Grey & Gold

2013-05-06T08:41:00.000-05:00

We had a cold front come through in Mississippi and I was happy to throw on a sweatshirt and booties - two items I was a little sad to put up this spring. An oversized gold bag saved from high school took the outfit to weekend-ready for a cookout with friends, but before we left, Bailey-dog got some frisbee playtime. She's so good at catching the frisbee! I need to video it for y'all - she is much better at retrieving toys than ducks, and I don't blame her.

sweatshirt - Forever21 / denim - Express, distressed myself / booties - no longer available, love these / clutch - boutique / pearl necklace - Mimi's / sparkle tag necklace - BaubleBar (c/o) / statement ring - Studio Manhattan Vintage / sunglasses - Amazon

Friday's Five

2013-05-03T00:33:00.003-05:00

- beautiful blooms in Newport neighborhoods -

- a candy shop full of different flavors of salt water taffy -

- a club sandwich the size of your face at Eat Chow -

- a windows-down drive along the Pacific Coast Highway -

- a gorgeous evening walking along the Newport Beach pier -

Christian and I spent an exciting and exhausting week in California house hunting and exploring the place we will soon be calling home. We are trying to let the excitement trump the overwhelming move and adjustment we have coming -- an experience that we know will help us grow individually and together. So many of you have been so kind, helpful and encouraging and I can't thank you enough!!

Happy weekend and Cinco de Mayo to all of you XO -

Key Lime Pie

2013-05-02T10:49:00.000-05:00

I love the fresh change of a tart dessert instead of something chocolate and heavy. Don't get me wrong - I will never turn down a warm brownie, but if faced with the choice between rich chocolate and a refreshing tart dessert...I will usually choose tart unless my sweatpants are at arms reach.

There are a lot of key lime pie recipes out there and most all of them are pretty simple. I've tried a few different recipes and tend to stick with the ones that list fewer egg yolks. Lately I've been sticking with this recipe and it doesn't disappoint!

1 graham cracker pie crust (or if you want to make your own it only requires graham cracker crumbs, butter and sugar)
1 14oz. can sweetened condensed milk
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (or key limes if you're feeling like staying true to your pie, I understand)
1 TB lime zest (optional)
cool whip for topping OR heavy whipping cream + 2 TB sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Mix lime zest, juice and egg yolks together well. Add sweetened condensed milk and beat with whisk until blended well. Pour mixture into pie crust and bake for 15 minutes. Once pie is removed from oven and cool, refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

To make whipped cream, combine one cup of heavy whipping cream with 2 TB sugar and mix with an electric mixer until stiff and fluffy.

Stella & Dot

2013-05-01T10:37:00.000-05:00

1. Liz Drop Earrings 2. Elephant Pouf 3. Sidewinder Ring 4. Serpent Bangle 5. Valentina Chandelier Earrings 6. Bianca Tassel Necklace 7. Seychelles Chandeliers 8. Maya Bracelet

I'm always perusing Stella & Dot for their latest and greatest baubles and these are some that I'm really drooling over right now. Pink! Plum! Turq! Gold! Emerald green! Ooh la la!

Maxi Madness

2013-04-30T10:16:00.000-05:00

I'm maxi-obsessed. With warmer weather, I've been happily pulling out my honeymoon maxi's (and bringing back blissful memories of our week at Rosewood Mayakoba). I made this backless dress work-appropriate by knotting a chambray shirt at the waist. I love dresses like this that are as comfortable and easy as they look - perfect for the beach with a hat or with fun accessories for a day or work look.

Or untie the shirt and let it hang casually, knotting the skirt for an even more relaxed look.

similar maxi here and here / chambray shirt - Forever21 / sandals - no longer available, similar here / bag - custom designed with Meshka Design / watch - Swatch / cocktail ring - Charming Charlie, love this one / monogram necklace - BaubleBar / stone drop necklace - handmade

Eggplant & Tomato Pizza

2013-04-29T10:41:00.000-05:00

If the Pioneer Woman says she has a favorite pizza, I have to try it. I have really been into making pizzas every since we received a pizza stone as a wedding gift. In addition to my undying love for carbs, I love how easy pizza dough is to make (only four ingredients!) and how quickly it cooks (10 minutes, y'all). I LOVE this pear & gorgonzola pizza, but I knew it was time to give Ree's eggplant and tomato pizza a whirl.

I said, "Christian! Look at the dough -- it looks like a BRAIN."

He said, "no it doesn't."

Rude.

Absolutely delicious - even the meat loving guy in my house preferred this pizza over the steak pizza because it had so much flavor. Note: the second time I made this pizza I sped it up by skipping the eggplant/colander step and letting the eggplant sit for only a few minutes on the cutting board before patting them down with the paper towels. I couldn't tell that much of a difference - still cleaned my plate!

Fresh Prince of Bel Air...with Kathleen

2013-04-27T21:08:00.002-05:00

My college bestie found this clip a few years and we fell over laughing that this girl's name was Kathleen - and appropriately so.

I thought of it again today and still think it's hilarious -- how amazing was Will Smith's facial expressions in this show?

Friday's Five + One

2013-04-26T07:23:00.000-05:00

- selling items on Craigslist and insisting this double hanging rack and chandelier must come with us -

- the smell of freshly cut grass -

- a new spotted clutch that has been on my wish list -

- watching multiple seasons of Downton Abbey on Amazon Prime and trying to perfect my accent ( Christian seems to think I have a long way to go) -

- packing for a week house-hunting in SoCal -

- having a coworker send me this video link and playing it on repeat - love this side of Delta Rae - not nightmare-provoking like Bottom of the River - great compilation of some of their hits here -

I added some dresses to my online shop - y'all check it out if you're feeling "spendy" - P'Trique shoutout.

Have a FAB weekend!!! XO -

Leather Peplum

2013-04-25T08:33:00.000-05:00

I have loved leather leggings and pants so much the past few years that it's about time I introduced a leather top into my wardrobe. This top is perfect because it's cooler than pants and will also work perfectly with white denim for summer nights.

When I received it in the mail it was seriously wrinkly...have you ever tried to steam faux leather? It starts sweating like crazy and becomes a big hot mess (literally)...reminding me of when I wore leather pants last summer in the humid Mississippi heat and felt like Ross from Friends. After a few minutes of steaming, I embraced any wrinkles still present and am hoping they'll just fall out after time!

Twisted bun hair tutorial here.

top - Forever21, sleeveless version here / denim - Forever21 / bag - Chanel / shoes - Zara / BaubleBar necklace (c/o) / Birds on a Wire spike necklace (c/o) / watch - Swatch / chain bracelet - Derng

Hillary Butler Fine Art - on YOUR Wall

2013-04-24T00:11:00.001-05:00

I have had the pleasure of getting to know talented artist Hillary Butler of Memphis and am wowed by her beautiful oil paintings. The use of color and design style are bold and on trend and I can't even decide on a favorite.

This must be a common problem for her customers because Hillary is offering the chance to preview what her designs will look like on your wall! Take a photo of the area where you'd like to view her art with your painting of choice and she will send you back a digital mock-up of how the piece will look in your own home, free of charge. How crazy cool is that?

See what she did with my den with this piece:

I am in love. See something you love? Hillary Butler Fine Art is offering a special discount for CBL readers!! Find a fabulous piece and use the promo code CBLTENOFF for 10% off. Visit Hillary's site and blog for more fabulous art and inspiration.

Red Maxi

2013-04-23T07:59:00.000-05:00

I have loved maxi dresses for years. I think they're comfortable, flattering and usually make an effortless statement all on their own - all while still allowing you to sit indian-style in a chair should you desire (bonus!). I have mentioned this particular maxi dress that I purchased for my honeymoon here, here and here, and this was the first time I wore it since our honeymoon.

There are so many ways to style them - heels, flats, a chambray shirt, jacket, hat, vest, the list goes on! I shared how to wear the same maxi four ways here and here - I think they're so versatile. This eBay shop is a favorite of mine to search for jersey dresses.

eBay maxi, love this one and this one / BaubleBar monogram necklace / etsy coral necklace / Calvin Klein heels / boutique clutch / Danielle Stevens engraved bangles / Tory Burch cuff, similar here / Cartier bracelet

Strawberry & Walnut Salad

2013-04-22T07:48:00.000-05:00

I love an easy salad...because that's what salads are supposed to be, right? Oh--and healthy. This quick salad has been my lunch go-to lately and has me really looking forward to shopping for fresh, local berries this summer in California. Adding strawberries to the balsamic vinaigrette is such a nice change - I love the additional tartness!

for the salad:

fresh spinach or spring mix
5-6 strawberries, sliced
1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup walnuts

for the dressing:

2/3 cup strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 garlic clove
1 tsp dried thyme

Wash and slice your strawberries. Go ahead and make your salad and slice extra strawberries for the dressing. Add the dressing ingredients into a blender until smooth and drizzle over salad.