Loving: Black & White

Happy Weekend! I can't say I even minded this week too much because the weather was so nice - the high is 70 today - we definitely need to try to find somewhere to dine al fresco tonight.  We've got a full weekend ahead and lots of family/friends to see at a few different events.

Black and white is always a classic combo and perfect for the season transition.  This off the shoulder top will be perfect for those in between days and this satchel is classic for spring into summer.  I always take out my tassel earrings more often in the warmer weather and it's for sure the season for sunglasses.  My other favorites below... 

tory burch watch / bauble bar tassel earring / off the shoulder check blouse / stripe tie neck blouse / rebecca minkoff crossbody 

tory burch flats / kate spade makeup case / tassel scarf / lush maxi dress (25% off)

tory burch satchel / sole society tote / kate spade small makeup case / diff cat eye sunglasses

Cheers to the weekend! Enjoy! xx 

Loving: Pom & Tassel

Happy Friday!  Monday will be here before we know it, I'm sure, but for now I'm going to enjoy the excitement of a full weekend ahead.  I haven't quite started my spring clothes shopping yet - but maybe on Monday as I'm sure there will be sales.  I have spent some quiet, cold nights in browsing all the bright, pom, tassel accessories.  You can never start stocking up on them too early as a lot of the good ones always sell out!  We're getting our spring travel schedule together and it's always fun to have some cute accessories in the suitcase.

I'm matchy matchy so I love both the pom necklace and bracelet.  The tassel earrings are another favorite because they'd go with so many outfits - look at all those colors.  This tote and this hat are perfect for a day at the beach.  Now, if spring would just hurry up!!!

rebecca minkoff pom sandal / rebecca minkoff pom flip flop / kate spade tassel scarf / tassel earrings /  pom clutch

sole society pom hat / pom bracelet / sam edelman straw tote

eric javits pom hat / pom necklace / tassel bracelets / pom tote

Cheers to the weekend! xx

Loving: Cozy Weekends at Home

Happy Friday!  We both had a snow day yesterday which was the best to make it through this dragging week.  Sleeping in, grilled cheese for lunch, dinner in the crockpot, DVR catchup - it was quite the relaxing day.

In the winters I'm a huge fan of spending one weekend night at home sometimes - it's so cozy, relaxing and refreshing.  With the temperatures we're having right now - staying in sounds even more fantastic.  I'm all for a good night out with friends or a date night but I can get just as excited about a night with no plans too.

kate spade pajamas set / rose all day sweatshirt / wine tasting flight / wine stopper / robe / 

ugg slippers / face mask / cravings cheese board / coffee mugs / plush throw / chanel nail polish

Favorite reasons to stay home on a weekend night... 

Get cozy... Who doesn't love throwing on your pajamas and a nice robe instead of getting dressed up sometimes - no makeup, no hair curling, just casual.  We are pretty much always in cozy attire when we're home.

Pampering... Throw on a face mask, take a bath, do your nails - these are a few of the best "at home" activities.  

Wine... There's nothing like pouring a nice glass of wine (or a few) and kicking your  feet up on your own couch.  

Make it a date... We enjoy making dinner together - on the weekends if at home, we'd do a meal that takes a little more effort to make (our weeknight meals are always quick and easy!).  You could even use the wine flight above to have your very own wine tasting together.

Catchup... Catch up with your husband/fiancé/boyfriend - sometimes there just aren't enough hours in a week dealing with crazy schedules and such.  Catch up on that overflowing DVR (my favorite!) Catch up on that book that always gets put on the bottom of the list.  Catch up on scrolling through Pinterest.

Hit the refresh button... Sleep! Go to bed early, take a nap, sleep in - there is nothing like waking up on the weekend feeling refreshed and ready for the day.

Happy weekend! Cheers! xx 

Loving: Pink, Love & Valentine's Gifts

It's been a while since I've had a traditional "loving" post on Friday with the holidays and travel but no better time to get back into it then before the upcoming holiday - Valentine's Day! How do you all celebrate?? We're thinking low-key this year and a night at home (I'm hoping for pizza!) since it's a Tuesday - maybe a brunch or dinner out the weekend before.  

There are so many cute items out there for gift giving as the stores are restocking and prepping for spring - I love stocking up on the pretty pinks in time for the new season and Valentine's gifts are the perfect time for that.  My favorite Tory Burch sandals are available in just about every color right now - scoop them up now while they are in stock.  Gift sets like this perfume one and this lip kit (YSL is always my favorite) make for nice little extras.  I have this Kate Spade sock set and it's even cuter in person + 40% off.  The Tory Burch shoulder bag is too cute to pass up and the Sole Society satchel is a great dupe for Saint Laurent - saving major $$$.

tassel scarf / barefoot dreams robe / tory burch shoulder bag / kate spade heart dish / bauble bar tassel earring / tory burch sandals / rose all day candy duo / kate spade sock set (40%) off / candy hearts accent pillow / sole society satchel /

kate spade watch / hunter rain boots / tory burch makeup case (30% off) / dior perfume set / ysl lip gloss trio

It's been a busy week around here so we're ready for the weekend - I can't believe it's almost Super Bowl Sunday already!  I think we're thinking low-key this year and having some family over - maybe chili and/or white chicken chili along with some sliders one the menu.  Of course just a couple appetizers - we need to get our menu set quickly.  What's your favorite Super Bowl appetizer or dish??

Happy Weekend! Cheers! xx 

Loving

Happy Friday! This week felt like it took forever but at least we've made it to the weekend.  It felt like summer around here pretty much all week long and while I miss those summer nights, I'm ready for it to be one temperature and all fall.  I found myself at Target last night picking up candy for trick-or-treaters... It's hard to believe that Halloween is right around the corner.

Black and white can never do you wrong.. Tie tops, bell sleeves, ponchos, scarves, booties, espadrilles.. all some of of my favorite trends.

Tie Neck Blouse / Bootie / Bow Scarf / 

Check Wool Wrap / Dior Palette

Bell Sleeve Top / Colorblock Espadrilles / Kate Spade Satchel 

Have a great weekend.  Thanks for stopping by! xx

Loving

Happy Friday! It's been a busy week and I'm more than ready for the weekend.  We're looking forward to a more quiet weekend and knocking some things of the to do list.  One thing on my list is to get our closet switched over to fall.  With the official start to fall yesterday I'm ready to have some cooler temperatures to enjoy.

I picked up this top just before our vacation and have been waiting for things to cool off so I can pair it with black skinny jeans for a night out.  It comes in eight different styles (here) and is an off the shoulder that easily stays off the shoulder.

bangle set / off the shoulder top / choker / black pumps / leopard clutch / essie polish 

Enjoy your weekend! xx 

Loving

Happy Friday! Is everyone ready for the weekend? I sure am, our heatwave is finally suppose to break this week - I'm looking forward to some temperatures in the 80's.  I'm sure by now everyone's watched the trailer for Gilmore Girls (here) - but did you also see the preview for The Hills reunion next week??

Onto what I'm loving this week.  I just ordered this black trapeze dress - it looks really comfortable and you can always use another LBD - The red dress is another classic style - very comfortable and comes in many colors.  Both purses are perfect to add to a fall wardrobe as is the jewelry.  The Tory Burch boots are part of the sale (a great deal!) and the nude booties are the perfect staple shoe.

red dress / black trapeze dress / double strand necklace  / bracelet cuff / 

blush clutch / black satchel / nude booties / tory burch boots

Happy weekend; cheers! xx

Loving: Summer Neutrals

Welcome to another summer weekend (almost)! While I know it'll be Monday before we know it, I feel like the summer weekdays are flying by too - I can't believe we're almost to the final month of the summer.

With late summer comes the thought of fall and summer neutrals are what I have my eye on - I don't feel guilty purchasing a new piece for summer if it can transition into the fall as well.  There's something classic about the white/tan/cream and these colors can work for anything.

lace shift dress |  off the shoulder romper | halogen t-shirt dress | crochet romber |

louise et cie bucket bag (40%) off  | kate spade crossbody | kate spade drop earrings |

 bourbon & boweties bangles |  marc fisher wedges | sam edelman sandals  

& a few remaining Nordstrom Sale favorites...
With the sale open to everyone today, I thought I'd share a couple more favorites.  I thought last year's sale had more to offer so I didn't go overboard this year but I was very pleased with my purchases and have only a few returns to take back out of the orders.

Bobbi Brown Eye set | ysl nude gloss set | beauty blender set | evian 6-pack water spray | 

kate spade watch | kate spade drop earrings | wool hat | tory burch tote | kate spade leather tote |

bp plaid tunic | turtleneck tunic | plaid shirt dress | green dress

Enjoy your weekend; cheers! xx

Loving

Happy Friday! It's been so hot here this week and it doesn't look like it's letting up anytime soon.  We've finally beaten the jet lag, gotten everything cleaned and put away (I'll share about our trip next week) but I'm still so looking forward to this weekend - we kicked it off early last night with some friends.

Onto my favorites of the week... It's to the point of the summer where I'm trying to stay away from buying bright colors (but this teal off the shoulder dress is too good to pass up) and sticking to more neutral items that could transition into early fall (like the tie dress and matching bag).  On the jewelry front, all these neutral pieces are perfect for any season and will transition well too.  I thought I was done with summer shoes but these wedges are a great staple.

tassel drop earrings | black saddle bag | wedge sandals | stack bracelets 

print tie neck shift dress | striped straw tote (30% off) | tassel necklace  | teal off the shoulder 

Happy Weekend; Cheers!

Loving

Happy Friday - I'm so glad that the weekend is here - and a weekend with 2/3 good weather days at that (it's been a while for us around here).

Blue, white and off the shoulder as well as pink, green and palms are the perfect patterns for me.  Also perfect?  All the new tassels this week in the scarf, earrings and especially tote.  My floppy hat collection seems to be constantly growing but it's hard to pass up the cute black tie.  Rounding out the favorites are the Jack Rogers jelly sandals mainly because the blush color is a top pick of mine and they are 40% off (making them UNDER $30!!!) and they are available in all sizes...

off the shoulder top / tassel scarf / jack rogers / palm dress / 

straw tote / tassel earrings / floppy hat

Enjoy your weekend! Cheers!

Loving

tassel earrings / wine tote / espadrilles / swing dress / thea bag / lobster appetizer plates

Happy Friday - we made it to another weekend! Last night the weather was perfect so we ditched playing tennis and dinner at home to dine al fresco at one of our favorite restaurants - with all the rain recently, it was more than overdue.  Make sure to tune into Kelly & Michael this morning - it's Michael's last show.


I've been on a hunt for tassel earrings that pop well with dark hair (these came last week and I'm obsessed) but I'm also hoping to order these - I love the color combo.  Speaking of tassels, I think this ight be my bag of the summer.  Wine totes - we've been gifted a few, I see a few that I have to have (they are such a cute item and we love BYOB's) but we only have one double and it's from my single days so quite bright - this striped one is perfect for nights out since Derek goes for red and I prefer white.  White dresses for the summer are the ultimate and the back on this one  is even cuter than the front.  Per usual, I'm loving everything from the most recent Lilly Pulitzer release (another set of new patterns coming soon!) but they haven't put out espadrilles in a while and these wouldn't be worn a lot but they may be too cute to pass up.

We've been debating when to setup our deck - last year everything was already in place and ready to go but we may get a few new accent pieces and wait until MDW to set up since we'll be busy the next few weeks.  Deck setup brings deck serve ware to my mind and these lobster appetizer plates are perfect for happy hours!


I updated my "shop with me" page last night so be sure to check out the new additions...

Cheers to the weekend! Enjoy! xx

Loving This Week... Hello, Spring!

Happy Spring! Well, Happy Spring a few days late - I was planning on sharing this post on Sunday but I couldn't follow through with it while we were getting snow flurries on the first day of spring.  It should be a semi-warm Easter in these parts (mid 60's) and sunny so I'm thankful for that.  Now, if it could just stay warm and sunny I'd love it.  Sharing an array of spring favorites below.

We have a lower deck which we rarely use (and I'd like to change that this summer) and I'm seriously considering two of these monogram chair swings if we can figure out how to hang them.  I've said it before but I'm having a very hard time staying away from anything floral, off the shoulder and tassel this year (see tops, bracelets, tote and dresses/romper below) and I'm also in need of some new beach gear - a straw hat and straw tote (I love this one even though it doesn't have a shoulder strap).  I think traveling for most people picks up in the warmer months and I'm always looking for anyway to keep my suitcase organized - these  little pouches are perfect for that.

{top row} straw beach hat / tassel bangles / pom tote / blooms off the shoulder top / bp sunglasses (just $12) / monogram straw hat 

{second row} sandals / embroidered off the shoulder top / monogram chair swing / flamingo clutch / sandals / Kate Spade bangle 

{third row} maxi dress / mirrored ray bans / straw tote / Kate Spade studs (very on sale) / floral blouse / romper 

{bottom row} shorts / travel bag set / lace top / shorts 

*Check back around the start of summer for my favorite summer picks!

Easter Sales: (so far...)
+ Bloomingdales: 20% off $250+, $25 off $500+, 30% off $1,000+ *on most regular price items.  Loyalists get a $50 reward card for every $200 spent (if you're not a loyalist, it takes seconds to sign up!)
+ Lilly Pulitzer: Gifts with purchase (through Easter).  Bangle set with purchase of $150+ and set of four coasters with purchase of $300+.
+ Loft: 30% off (and 40% off select spring styles)
+ Banana Republic: 40% off (code "brspring")
+ Ann Taylor: 40% off (code "march40")
+ Old Navy: 40% off (code "enjoy")
+ Gap: 40% off (code "hoptoit")
+ J Crew: 25% off purchases of $125+ (code "shopmore")
+ J Crew Factory: 50% off (prices marked, no code needed)
+ Steve Madden: 20% off one item, 40% off 2 or more (code "more")
{Perfect time to pre order this tote and matching clutch - you basically get the clutch for about $10 with the discount!  Your card won't be charged until item is shipped}

Other Happenings:
+ I shared this recipe for Caesar Salad Bites earlier this week.  On the salad note, we are also huge greek salad fan - we've got a great little local restaurant that makes the most delicious version (we picked them up for lunch the other day!) and I'm trying to recreate it at home.  If anyone has any good greek salad recipes, please share with me below!

+ Dancing with the Stars was playing in the background on Monday (it's usually hit or miss for me depending on the season) and there are a few that I like but I am so Team Zee.  Ginger looked like she was having the best time out there.

+ Our Easter Eve menu was ever changed until yesterday when I needed to make the grocery list.  Holidays are the best to plan for and if you're still planning, you can find my inspiration and recipe ideas here.

+ If you missed reading up on my newest sponsor, Kelsey, you can do so here and today is also the last day for a chance to win her Lilly Pulitzer wine glass giveaway.  They are the perfect summer wine glass so don't miss out!

Happy Good Friday to all! Enjoy your celebrating this weekend and a very Happy Easter! xx

*affiliate links used, see sidebar for more details

Loving This Week: Resort Style

I think just about everyone is over the winter cold.  Yes?  It seems as though people are either jetting off on winter vacations, prepping for spring travels or planning summer getaways.  'Tis the season of quiet to plan travel adventures.

I have two warm getaways quickly approaching and resort style is always on my mind.  I'm trying to   mostly stick to my clothes from last summer but it's hard to ignore all the fresh styles for this upcoming season.

Beach dresses are my favorite item to pack; they can last you all day whether on the beach, at the pool bar or even doing activities around the resort.  Bright jewelry, especially a tassel, is something I can't seem to take my eye off this year.  Tassels on purses too - love!  Fringe sandals can match any outfit and is another trend I can't stay away from.  I'm a sucker for bright makeup cases and pool bags - how can you say no?  I'm loving how feminine the gorgeous one pieces that keep hitting the shelves are.  Floral dresses never go out of style and can easily fill much of my suitcase.  Sunglasses and beach hats the perfect accessory to round out your packing; you can't beat the sun without them.

tassel earrings | makeup case | pool bag | straw hat | tassel necklace | floral dress | sunglasses | fringe coverup | bathing suit (also in black here) | bow dress | tassel clutch | fringe sandal

Other Happenings:
+ People magazine ranked all of the vacations of the Real Housewives (from all cities) by most dramatic.  It was an interesting read but also definitely had me adding some future locations to our wanderlust list.

+ The Bachelor is really heating up and Chris Harrison gave a few interviews recently.  Here about what he does during the dates and here about how long he just renewed his contract for (hint - The Bachelor is still safe for at least five years!) On the note of the show, this workout would definitely burn a lot of calories as many enjoy lots of sips of wine during each episode.

+ There were a lot of questions about where I got the glass containers for the nacho bar I shared earlier this week.  They can be found right here and my other set here (and are just $9.99/$14.99 for a set of four!)

+ I didn't even watch the Grammy's (oops!) but were Sam Hunt and Carrie Underwood not ah-mazing?? Two of my favorites (video here)

+ This is not intentionally so TV/Gossip/Entertainment heavy but just one more thing for today in that category.  I think most people are just as obsessed as I am with the O.J. series.  This article gives some behind the scenes details of filming and such.

+ Holly recently shared a beef tenderloin with blue cheese sauce (yum!) that looks delicious and Emily shared some chili braised pork chops that look like a fantastic meal.  Finding new recipes makes our weeknight cooking much more enjoyable!

Happy weekend everyone.  Cheers! xx

Loving: Recent Finds {+ Blog Sponsorships}

Happy monday everyone! We welcomed the weekend with open arms after slowly making it through the first week back.  A mexican date night, home errands kicked off the weekend and and then Derek's parents came to visit to celebrate Christmas - we tried a new place for lunch with them and then had appetizers and pizza with both families.  Yesterday was a total lazy day - we were both in pj's until the afternoon when we switched into gym clothes for a long walk (then it was back to pj's).

Loving: Recent Gifts
Now, onto a new "Loving" series I'm starting up (I forgot how much I enjoyed making the gift guides each holiday season and it inspired me to continue sharing my favorites).  "Santa" (Derek and my family - all the "santas") did amazing this year - I couldn't have asked for more.  Sharing some of my favorite items from the holiday, with more to come in the future…

I love borrowing Derek's beats and how great music sounds through them so when I saw these headphones I had to have them for the price they are perfect and the pattern couldn't be more my style.

Pajamas are usually reached for no less than ten minutes after walking into the house and this set is right up my alley.

Kendra Scott pieces have to be my favorite and go to jewelry pieces.  I was eying the hot in the necklace for spring/summer and am very matchy matchy so went with the whole set. {necklace / earrings / bracelet}

With travel and hopefully a quick winter and an early spring, a new pair of sunglasses is always a great choice.  Plus Ray Ban's look great on anyone.

Vera Bradley is really making a comeback for me - especially with some of their solid color items.  This overnight bag is perfect to carry around a laptop and office work, gym clothes or to throw some things in for a night out.

These snow boots are perfect for the snow that we will eventually get this season.  Also for outdoors, the north face is perfect for dog walking on these mild days we keep periodically having.

A wooden cutting board is a must have for a kitchen (and something we were lacking) and with a monogram it's even better.

Sponsorships: 
Additionally, I wanted to share some new happenings around here.  With a new year comes new adventures and I'm happy to share that Christina Lea Loves is offering 2016 sponsorship opportunities.  When I opened this blog up to the public (one year ago this month!) after taking a year to see if it was something I really enjoyed or not, I had a couple sponsorships that helped me get started.  In addition to having my blog reach a wider audience, just from chatting with the ladies who I sponsored I learned much more about blogging in's and out's.  Not to mention, I've found a lot of great blogs through clicking around when they are sponsors.

This is something I want to offer because with my own personal experiences, I believe it's a great investment to begin or continue growing a blog.  I also know it's not for everyone, but if you are a blog looking to grow then click on over to the "Sponsor" tab above for more information.

Last thing for today, if you haven't entered all ready, make sure to enter here for a chance to win all the goodies below.  The giveaway runs through Wednesday and remember, every link is one step closer to winning! 

*Affiliate links used in this post.  To learn more, read the disclaimer on the sidebar.

Linking up with Biana & Meghan this lovely Monday.

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Loving the Most…

It's always better to look at the positive in life than the negative.  

This summer weather has me in a great mood 

(well, except yesterday - rain rain rain, all day long.  No grilling. No dinner on the deck.  Snuggling under a blanket and being lazy!)

I thought today I'd share some little things I've been loving lately...

The fact that it's staying lighter longer and longer.  

Like past 8pm longer.

Watering my flowers and garden.
I love the extra time outside and watching my little babies grow.

Chocolate peanut butter ice cream.  
I wish I wasn't loving this but it's so hard to pass up a bowl after dinner.  A lot of times my grocery store doesn't have my favorite kind, turkey hill, but they've had it in stock a lot recently - Like I said - both good and bad.

That it's finally time for the Entourage movie.
We're going to see it tonight and I can't wait!

Sitting on the deck.
I could be sitting and sunning myself, sitting for dinner, sitting with a cocktail, sitting with my iPad or just sitting.  I can't get enough of enjoying the couch on our deck.

Online shopping.
I'm finding more and more I find more I like online than in the stores.  Plus returns are so easy so it's worth a shot.  It's also nice to escape the crowds.

Stella cuddles.
I feel so loved each day by the little looks I get from our sweet pup.  And the fact that she always wants to be close.  Never gets old.

Summer heat.
I know in a month I'll probably be complaining about "how hot it is" but right now, I'm loving the warmness outside.

That it's dress season.
I love wearing dresses much more than any other clothing item.  You can pretty much find me in a dress every weekday.  Okay, well a lot of time on the weekends too.  I'm also loving that I've been finding some more petite maxi dresses this year that don't need hemming.

Wine.  ALL of the wine.
What's better than enjoying a glass of white wine in the summertime? There's so many events as summer progresses and I most likely am holding a glass of white wine at each of them.  Unless I caved that day for a marg or summery drink which might happen too.  I'm joining Amanda for Wino Wednesday today too to share a new wine that I'm loving.

Chloe Wine

We usually like to make a big trip to the liquor store and stock the bar/wine fridge at once.  We were browsing the wines and I spotted Chloe Wine - how have I never seen this before?! Because they had just added it to the shelves.  The packaging is adorable, of course and it looks to be a light pino - my favorite.  Cheers to trying it out soon.  They also make a red and a chardonnay. How cute would this be to bring to a BYOB or a dinner party?!


What are you loving so far this summer??

Linking up with Kelli and Mia to share some favorites for this month. 


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Things I'm Loving at the Moment...

1. Spring has Sprung!!

I love all the pretty flowers popping up

 

2. Maxi Dresses

 I've found these three recently and only needed to get one of them hemmed!

Lilly Pulitzer//Similar Dress: here

Gap//Exact Dress: here

Tommy Hilfiger//Exact Dress: here

 

3. J Crew Factory Website

Always having sales: here and their chunky necklace selection has been on point lately

4. Lilly Tops

Exact Top: here

 

5. Coupons & Sales

Maybe it's the spring weather but so many stores have been having great sales lately!! I have definitely been taking advantage of them.

 

6. Bright Nail Polish

The time came to put away the tame winter colors and whip out the summer brights!

 

7. Grilling Season

We BBQ at least a couple times a week in the summer and we've already got two in so far!  It's a great way to eat something yummy & healthy.  Summer sides are great too.

 

8. Vineyard Vines

The new Vineyard Vines store opened at KOP a couple months ago and their color schemes are to die for!

 

We've been finding more things we like for Derek there because their men's section at KOP is bigger but I did recently find:

 

 

This dress and These flip flops.

 

9. Monograms

as always but I'm starting to pick out top priorities of what to get first when my name changes.  To hold me over...

An ice bucket similar to this//exact one: here

 

10. Home Décor

We should be about two months out from the completion of the house and while I'm into looking at all designs, right now I'm most into...

My lady office! Originally we were just going to have a boring old "office with a day bed" but since the basement will be a mini "man cave" for Derek - we decided the office can be a girly room for me to retreat to - so excited!

 

Xo C