- fashion lives here.

Update! Join me on a new journey.

February 8, 2016

Ugh. I’ve been MIA lately.

I was in Germany for the Christmas holidays spending time with my family. Now that I’m back, I’ve been working away to make an impact for 2016.

I’ve decided to launch an event planning & styling company — Live Lovely Events & Design.

I had a soft launch party to celebrate my birthday and share the news with my closest friends. Starting a business is one scary endeavor but I’ve never been one to shy away from my dreams.

florals, arrangements, brunch flowers

My love of sharing style will not go away, I will now be able to better showcase my lifestyle loves.
Everything from a bomb party, gorgeous wedding, luxe interiors, and the best in food & travel.

My new home of letslivelovely.com will be launching soon.

Stay tuned for updates & I hope you’ll join my on my new journey.

RELEASE_LiveLovely_Logo-01

#letslivelovely
xo,
c.

Camel & Olive. + How to Spread Love During the Holidays. + GIVEAWAY!

December 13, 2015

So many reasons I love this outfit. The colors and the coziness make for a wonderful pairing. Discovering just how much I love the camel color. It’s a fun way to wear a neutral color.

photography by: Sandra O.

Outfit details:
Sweater: Last Call (similar here, here) | Pants: Uniqlo | Booties: Stuart Weitzman (similar)

During this time of year, I love to reflect. When I take time out to think about the year, I can’t help but be thankful. Yes each year comes with its ups and downs, but even just to see another day is a blessing. During this season especially, I like to give back as a way to say thank you. Instead of just focusing on myself, I try to lift up others in small ways.

Ways to share the holiday love:

Pay for someone’s coffee behind in you in line at Starbucks. (or a meal at a drive-thru)
Invite someone without family in town over for a holiday meal.
Volunteer at your local food bank or homeless shelter.

I encourage everyone to step outside of their bubble and think about how to help spread some holiday cheer this season.

Let me know how you are showing love this holiday season. I’d love some new ideas!

xoxo,
c.

GIVEAWAY!

Christmas is around the corner, and we are acting as Santa’s elves to bring you a little joy this holiday season! Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win either a $500 gift card to Nordstrom, a $500 gift card to Amazon, OR a $500 gift card to Target. There will be THREE winners, so your chances are much higher at winning a prize! Use these gift cards on yourself this season, to help with Christmas gifts, or to help someone in need!

*Giveaway will end at midnight CST on Friday, 12/18, and winners will be announced and sent their gift cards the very next day! Must be 16+ years older to enter. International entrants welcome. All entries will be verified and winners will be subject to disqualification if verification is not met. Enter up to 120 times each. The more entries you have, the higher chance you have at winning! Good Luck*

Three Winners Christmas Giveaway

Life Lately. + Grit to Great Review.

December 5, 2015

Lately.
life lately series. december 2015.

watching…NBC’s The Wiz Live! — I absolutely loved it. I grew up watching the 70’s movie version with Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the scarecrow. It’s a classic and one of my favorite movies. The whole cast was fabulous. Watch both the live version and the movie if you get a chance!

planning…for what’s to come. Starting by setting goals for 2016 via Lara Casey’s Make it Happen Powersheets.

eating…all the holiday food. Breakfasts, buffets, and several potlucks are all on the calendar. The yearly holiday gifts of assorted chocolates are already starting to trickle in at the office. Anticipating a few extra pounds, I’ve already bought new workout gear to motivate me once January hits.

reading…the amazing book ‘Grit to Great’ by Linda Kaplan Thaler & Robin Koval. Written by two inspiring ad execs, this book is full of encouragement to help anyone achieve their goals. Reading this book gave me a much-needed kick in the pants and inspired me to start working on some exciting new ventures for the upcoming year. No time like the present.

The book provided wonderful anecdotes from the authors’ lives and experiences in the advertising in world, in addition to inspiring tales of real people who have experienced tough situations. The common thread is grit. Persevering through in order to achieve your dreams and goals. One of my favorite take-aways from the book was this nugget. “Passion isn’t sustained by a fantasy or a dream — it needs a destination and guidance.”

I loved how the stories were interesting and encouraging. Reading about strong women who have achieved what others’ thought they couldn’t definitely kept my attention. Nothing like a bit of motivation to keep you going towards your goals. This book is a great and easy read, I definitely recommend it for going into the new year.

Three ways to help bring out your inner grit:

Pursue your passion and never quit.
Surround yourself with a team that will push you.
Set goals with an actionable plan to hold yourself accountable.

Disclaimer: “I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this book review.”

buying…holiday gifts! I’ve pulled together my list of top gifts to help you shop. Check back next week for the list!

preparing…to launch something BIG. Ready to be on team no sleep for the next few months!

celebrating…the most wonderful time of year. Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love the scents (NEST Holiday candle, anyone?), the sounds, and all of the hustle and bustle. It’s about celebrating Jesus [the reason for the season] and being around friends and family.

Wishing you all an early Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, & Happy New Year!

Can’t believe December is here! This year has flown by!

xoxo,
-c.

Rethink The Basics. Grey & Burgundy.

December 3, 2015

Nothing better than a basic dress.
Sometimes you need to invest in good basics to build your closet and maximize your wardrobe to get the most out of it.

I was really hesitant to buy this dress though. My mom and brother had to really persuade me when we were out on a shopping trip. Even I, self-proclaimed shopper extraordinaire, hesitated to grab this dress. I definitely thought it was cute, but couldn’t quite justify the price tag for “just a plain grey dress”. I fell into the trap that so many shoppers fall into. You start buying clothes, but always feel like you never have anything to actually wear. That’s what happens when you lack basic clothing. (Or that’s what happens when EVERYTHING in your closet is a basic; but we’ll leave the other end of the spectrum to another post) Sometimes you just need a few good basic building blocks in your closet. This basic grey dress is a good example.

My approach to basics is a little different. You don’t want to buy a basic black dress just because a blogger says you need one. You should find something with a little twist, a lot of quality, and most importantly, something that makes you feel good. If it’s a white black tee, find one that feel super soft on your skin. If it’s a basic black dress, make sure it hugs your curves. Jeans – it’s a tough task, but find one that makes your booty look the bomb!

Here’s a list of some closet essentials everyone should have:

Plain tees – black, white, grey
Well-fitting jeans (the fit is everything)
Blazer – fitted or boyfriend style
Classic pump – nude and black
Little black dress

Don’t forget, I offer styling services to help with all your closet and shopping needs!

What I’m wearing.
Dress: Susana Monaco (similar here and here) | Heels: Chinese Laundry (also here and similar here, here)

What do you think? Would you like to see a list of closet basics to help you shop?

xo,
c.

Leopard Chic.

November 30, 2015

Happy Monday!
Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving and scooped up some good deals over the weekend.

feeling inspired? click the ‘Pin it’ button to save to Pinterest!

You guys know how I love my leopard print. Meet the newest favorite addition to my closet.

Can I take just a second and be honest with you guys? I was completely unsure about this leopard sweater vest. I got it for a major steal [well, mainly because it was a major steal] but was really so-so about it. I didn’t see the potential in it, which is usually one of my greatest shopping strengths. Seeing the potential of something on the hanger when others can’t, along with the resulting satisfaction of seeing how great it is when you’re wearing it, is one one of my main thrills in life. [sorta like Cher from Clueless]

This is one time where my senses failed. I had no hopes for this sweater. So one morning when I was running late for work, I threw it on with some black pants and a long sleeve black tee and rushed out the door.

I received so many compliments….boy was I surprised.

So now, I have experienced the greatness of this sweater and want to wear it all the time! I do love how easy it is to throw on over a dress or over a long-sleeved shirt. Next, I might wear it with a turtleneck and a skirt. Excited about all the possibilities.

So, moral of the story/lesson learned, give your clothes a chance. Even if you don’t think it’s the cutest outfit, wear it out, see what reaction you get. You may just find the next go-to item in your closet.

What I’m Wearing:
Sweater: Last Call | Dress: H&M (similar here) | Booties: Altuzarra x target (similar here & here) | Backpack: old (cute options here & here) | Belt: old Steve Madden (similar & here)

Let me know if you find some hidden gems in your closet!

xo,
c.

Linking up here: Pink Sole, Elegantly Fashionable, Sincerely Jenna Marie, Confident Twosday, Myriad Musings, The Pleated Poppy

Black & White + GIVEAWAY!! Stuart Weitzman + $600 Nordstrom Giftcard

November 15, 2015

Hello & Happy Sunday!

While I don’t normally post on Sundays, this giveaway opportunity was too good to pass up for you readers. (Sharing the love, yo!) Check out the post and find out more details on the giveaway below!

Fall style is really easy. The formula is really about adding pops of color to a neutral color palette. In this outfit, I accessorize with burgundy or wine colored heels, the perfect accent for fall. For anyone out there who feels like they are color-challenged, this is your season. Pick one fall shade like burgundy/wine, navy, or olive-green and wear it with your greys, black & white.

black and white, printed pants, jogger pants, blogger style, natural hair, natural hair blogger, pop of color, oxblood heels, oxblood, maroon heels, marsala, sweater, fall style, blogger fall style, brown girl blogger, fall heels, lace up heels, eddie borgo bracelet, black & white

photography by An Extraordinary Affaire

Outfit details:
sweater: Mango | pants: Zara, similar here | heels: Chinese Laundry, similar & love these | necklace: boutique find at ShopCuffs Boutique | bracelet: Eddie Borgo

Linking up here: Pink Sole, Elegantly Fashionable, Sincerely Jenna Marie, Style Nudge, Myriad Musings, I do Declaire

GIVEAWAY TIME!

So excited to bring you a wonderful opportunity to win the top item on my Christmas list. Stuart Weitzman Highland boots (check them out here if you haven’t seen these) AND a $600 gift card to Nordstrom. How cool is that? Perfect time to splurge on yourself and a little for others too.

Check out all the ways you can enter below & meet some other great new bloggers along the way!

Stuart Weitzman Highland Boots + $600 Nordstrom Gift Card

Howdy Fringe. + Thursday Fashion Files Link Up

November 12, 2015

Today on the blog I thought I would have some fun with fringe. It’s been everywhere lately!

Check out some tips on wearing high-waist skirts and then join the link up below! I’m co-hosting the Thursday Fashion Files with Jill and Carrie. We’d love to have you join us!

fringe, booties, high waist skirt, chambray shirt, denim shirt, J. Crew shirt, J. Crew, H&M, mustard, fringe clutch, natural hair blogger, natural hair, curly hair blogger, curly hair, brown girl blogger, fall style, yellow clutch, western style

photography by An Extraordinary Affaire

Style tip: Anyone can wear a high waist skirt. Just tailor your skirt shape to your body shape.

If you have great curves, choose a high-waisted skirt that is more form-fitting, like this one.
For those on the shorter or more petite side, make sure the length hits above the knee (similar to mine) so that it keeps your proportions in line to make you look as tall as possible.
Ladies with less curves, choose a high-waist skirt that has an A-line shape that flares out a bit and will highlight your waistline.

Have more style questions? Tweet me @theblockishaute with hashtag #styleschool and I’ll be sure to answer!

Outfit details:
Top: J. Crew Chambray Shirt, Factory version here | T-shirt: J. Crew | Skirt: H&M (old), similar | Boots: Joseph Altuzarra x Target, similar | Clutch: Urban Originals

Welcome to Thursday Fashion Files!

Welcome to Thursday Fashion Files with Jill at Doused in Pink and Carrie at Curly Crafty Mom! We are excited to have you here and would love to have you link up one of your latest outfits with us.

We are always looking for Co-Hosts for Thursday Fashion Files. If you haven’t signed up to Co-Host, but are interested, sign up by clicking HERE. We now have a Thursday Fashion Files Pinterest board (thanks to Jill for setting it up!). We will be pinning our top two picks each week along with our own outfits for that week. Be sure to click HERE to join our new Pinterest board!

Follow Jill:

Bloglovin’, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest

Follow Carrie:

Bloglovin’, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest

Link Up Guidelines:

1. Feel free to grab our button to display on your blog sidebar. Help spread the word and share about our link up community.

2. Follow your hosts. Leave a comment letting us know you are a new follower and we will be sure to follow back.

3. Share the love by visiting and commenting to at least three other blogs in the link up.

Don’t miss out, sign up for an email reminder about our party:
Subscribe to our mailing list

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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/27353377@N04/16298011810" title="Thursday-Fashion-Files-Side-Bar-250x250 by Carrie A., on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/16298011810_b9f322ab1f_o.jpg" width="250" height="250" alt="Thursday-Fashion-Files-Side-Bar-250x250">
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Guest Co-Host:

Cymone (that’s me!!) from The Block is Haute is our co-host this week. Cymone is a fashion lover, coffee addict and mascara collector who has lived and traveled all over the world. Be sure to stop by and say hello to Cymone!

Now let’s get linking!

An InLinkz Link-up

Fall Style. | Cape Craze.

November 10, 2015

With fall in full effect, it’s time to start thinking about outerwear. This season’s top silhouette is the cape.

Not only for outerwear, now capes have transitioned into all types of clothing. It brings another twist to your fall wardrobe. You can rock it in so many versions that come in all types: blazers, sweater/ponchos (a favorite as of late), coat or even in a dress version. I like how versatile and chic capes can be. It’s an easy way to elevate your style game.

| Cape Craze |

Shop here:
1. || 2. || 3. || 4. || 5. || 6.

My favorite way to wear a cape is with skinny jeans or flares with a killer heel. But I love the styling seen in no. 1 above too. A cute cape with a suede mini & some great boots is a perfect nod to a throwback look. A way to change up the simple sweater look is to throw on a knit cape and belt it at your waist. Add some texture by wearing a printed or studded belt with it!

Capes are a great way for you to make a fashion statement. It’s one of those items that you need in your closet to instantly make an outfit stand out.

Here are some additional great options for you to get in on the cape game. Click on the images to shop your favorites!

Shop more:

So what do you think? Will you be getting in on this trend for the fall and winter season?

xo,
c.

PS. – Are we friends yet? I would love for you to ‘like’ my Facebook page or subscribe to the weekly newsletter for the latest style tips & trends!

Linking up here: Myriad Musings, I do Declaire, Shopping My Closet, The Pleated Poppy, Pumps and Pushups

Life Lately. — November 2015.

November 5, 2015

Lately.
life lately series. November 2015.

watching…Blood & Oil on ABC. Two words. Chase. Crawford. #thatisall
[Don’t act like you weren’t crushing on him during his Gossip Girl days]

planning…my vacation abroad for the Christmas/New Year holiday. Excited to spend some time visiting family and exploring new countries. Paris and Berlin are tops on the list!

discovering…some amazing music. Had the pleasure of seeing St. Beauty in concert. The band is two talented and gorgeous girls delivering smooth grooves. Definitely check them out on IG and Twitter. Also got to see Allen Stone in concert on his Radius tour. Been a fan for a minute but he was so incredible live.

eating…these amazing fries that probably had crack in them. They were so good! If you’re in Dallas, please stop by Happiest Hour and try the Loaded Cheddar Waffle fries. You will not be disappointed.

shopping…for Christmas presents! Getting my list together ahead of time. I’ll be putting together some great gift guides to help you decide what to get all the important people on your list. Check back later this month for the first of the series! I got you.

reading…nothing at the moment. Need some new reads for my international flight. Send suggestions my way!

buying…this killer dress on ASOS. Halloween might be over but the vampire trend is still alive and well. TWD anyone??

learning…French, again. I really wish I had retained more of what I learned in school all those years. Duolingo to the rescue!

celebrating…birthdays and baby showers — not mine though, co-workers and college friends. Also getting together with friends for a second annual Friendsgiving. Food, drink, and good people make for a memorable time.

So ready to start the holiday season!

xoxo,
-c.

Linking up here: Doused in Pink, Living In Color Style, Mix & Match Fashion

Autumn Knits. Sequin Fall Sweatshirt. + Link up

November 2, 2015

Happy Monday and happy November! The holidays are around the corner and I’m really getting excited. I feel like time has really flown since summer ended. We’ll blink and it will be 2016!

I decided to put on this outfit for a shoot on a whim. A last-minute addition to what I had picked out for this shoot. Turns out it was my favorite look of the whole 4 outfit shoot. I love to dress up but when you find a super cute casual outfit, that’s the best.

With an outfit like this, I like to keep accessories simple. The top is the focus, so I just added a simple cuff bracelet and ring. I love this top because of the color combinations. It’s a little out there, but it’s great how it works with both gold and silver accessories. Fun items like this help you maximize your wardrobe because you can style it with a wide range of colors.

Feeling inspired? Use the Pinterest button to share with others!

Outfit details:
Top: Sequin Sweatshirt (boutique in NYC, similar option) | Jeans: Mother ‘The Looker’ skinnies | Booties: Steve Madden (similar here and here)

photography by Izehi

Linking up here: Pink Sole, Elegantly Fashionable, Fizz & Frosting, I do DeClaire, Myriad Musings, Style Elixir, Style Me Wednesday, The Pleated Poppy

So exciting to bring you a Fall style link up with these two fabulous fashion bloggers Michelle and Ana Luisa. Our spotlight theme for this week is knits! Join in on the fun and link up with us!

Check out the favorites in the orange/black theme from last week! Rachael T. and Rachel D.

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Update! Join me on a new journey.

Camel & Olive. + How to Spread Love During the Holidays. + GIVEAWAY!

Life Lately. + Grit to Great Review.

Rethink The Basics. Grey & Burgundy.

Leopard Chic.

Black & White + GIVEAWAY!! Stuart Weitzman + $600 Nordstrom Giftcard

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Howdy Fringe. + Thursday Fashion Files Link Up

Fall Style. | Cape Craze.

| Cape Craze |

Life Lately. — November 2015.

Autumn Knits. Sequin Fall Sweatshirt. + Link up

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Camel & Olive. + How to Spread Love During the Holidays. + GIVEAWAY!

Life Lately. + Grit to Great Review.

Rethink The Basics. Grey & Burgundy.

Leopard Chic.

Black & White + GIVEAWAY!! Stuart Weitzman + $600 Nordstrom Giftcard

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