I had the nicest time away on the West Coast. We spent the majority of it holed up in Malibu at my boyfriend’s parents’ house with his family and the rest of the time at his house in LA. I mostly lived in cozy sweaters, easy tees, and leggings. I got dressed up maybe twice, for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. It was a nice, slow week with extremely warm weather (meanwhile my plants were all freezing to death back in Charleston) for a lot of the trip. We relaxed a lot. A Christmas Eve hike. Walks on the beach. Monopoly (and wine) at night. Multiple trips to one of our favorite restaurants (Taverna Tony).

We met up with two of my girlfriends (Jacey, Mally) for double dates. He went surfing. I read or went running. We were outside a lot and saw some pretty epic sunsets. I’m back in Charleston now and am excited for a jam packed week… work is strangely busy for January (usually this is my slow month!) and one of my best friends visits on Friday! But also: I really, really missed my cat. PS – this diary style blog post feels very 2013, no? I kinda like it.

Bits & Pieces from Break

A Christmas Eve hike. Wearing my favorite Addison Bay pullover and Tory Sport leggings.

We went to church on Christmas Eve. I wore this Ted Baker dress which came in my last Stitchfix box. It’s available for purchase here and here!

A really, really good book.

I am obviously the cat when we play Monopoly.

A new favorite white tee. I paired it with this necklace from Courtney’s collab!

Visiting my friend Jacey’s store: Wyeth!

Cannot get enough of these Dorsey earrings.

NYE at our fav spot in Santa Monica — Crudo e Nudo! The uni nori was particularly special.

The post Bits & Pieces from Break. appeared first on The Stripe.

Everything I Wore Last Week, 12.21.22

Last week was packed with work but also lots of fun, especially with my family! The better part of my brand deadlines was Weds and Thurs so I was just head down, working. On Friday I took part of the afternoon to spend time with my dad and help him finish holiday shopping. On Saturday, my boyfriend, sister, and her kids all got to town so it was lots of family things (plus karaoke with my girlfriends on Saturday night) all weekend long! This week is just that last holiday push and then I had to California for ten days! I hope you are surviving the last of the holiday push..!

Monday:

What I Did: Went to a holiday floral arranging class with girlfriends.

What I Wore: Tuckernuck Kaftan (sold out) // Porte & Pair Heels // Fendi Earring (via The RealReal)

I wanted to show you a close up of the Fendi earring. It’s so fun! I wore a diamond stud in the other ear.

Tuesday:

What I Did: Lunch at The Post House with Margaux + a few other influencers.

What I Wore: La DoubleJ Dress (from last year) // Veronica Beard Boots (several years old)

Wednesday:

What I Did: Worked from home

What I Wore: Walmart Tee (wearing an XL for a loose fit) // Everlane Jeans (my uniform lately!)

Friday:

What I Did: Went out to lunch with my dad and helped him finish his Christmas shopping.

What I Wore: Sezane Sweater (tts, SO fuzzy and soft!) // Everlane Jeans // Vince Sneakers

Friday Night:

What I Did: Met friends at Vintage Lounge

What I Wore: Same as during the day but swapped out my sweater for this Tory Burch tinsel cardigan.

Saturday:

What I Did: Went out to karaoke with friends.

What I Wore: Johanna Ortiz dress // Commando slip (this part is important, dress is fully sheer) // Sarah Flint Heels

Sunday:

What I Did: Dinner at my parents’ house

What I Wore: Velvet faux shearling jacket (from my Stitch Fix box) // Everlane Jeans // Vince Sneakers

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Everything I Wore Last Week, 12.21.22. appeared first on The Stripe.

I have always loved New Year’s Eve. It is always a bit of a balancing act. Getting excited, planning a fun and festive outfit, picking out champagne and snacks, but also not getting TOO excited (whenever I get too excited I wound up getting let down?). I find that my favorite New Year’s celebrations have been house parties. Casual and fun with my closest pals. Last year’s NYE ended up being not so great. My brother-in-law slipped and fell (in the most innocent way — slipping on one of my niece’s puzzles) and ended up in the ER. So things can only get better. This year I will be in LA with my guy. We haven’t made any special plans yet, but I’m looking forward to it. Just being together is enough for me!

Anyway: personal anecdotes aside, let’s talk about outfits! Here is a fun little round-up of what I’d wear on New Year’s Eve… depending on the situation and locale, of course! It’s the most festive night of the year… what are you planning on doing/wearing?!

What To Wear On New Years Eve: 9 New Year’s Eve Outfit Ideas

If You’re Staying Home…

I have to be honest, I kinda love the idea of staying home on New Year’s Eve. Good champagne, takeout, a cozy fire? Yes please. For a New Year’s Eve at home I would recommend fancy pajamas like these from Sleeper. I have them in pale green and just love them. I have to be honest; I’ve never actually slept in them (I feel like they’re too fancy/worry about wrecking the feathers) but they are PJ party perfection.

Heading to a fancy dinner

I will always love getting dressed up and going to a fancy dinner. That would probably be my ideal. Fancy dinner with my boyfriend and maybe a few other friends, home and in pajamas and ready to watch the ball drop. I love this Zimmermann wrap dress but a velvet dress could also be gorgeous.

Snow-bound!

I love the idea of a snowy New Year’s Eve! Mostly for the warm boozy beverages after skiing. I would wear a thick, warm pant, a fun sweater, chic boots, and silver accessories. This ‘fit makes me crave cold weather and a big cup of mulled wine!

Casual-ish in Denim

I also like the idea of wearing denim! A great pair of jeans plus a fun top is another winning combo. This Ulla Johnson gold top is one of my favorite special tops, and it looks great with jeans. Add some fun accessories and a sky high heel and you are ready to go!

At the beach!

I have never had a beachy New Year’s eve but would love that someday. If I were on the beach, it would be a really special kaftan, fun earrings, flat sandals, and easy accessories.

Let’s review a few older New Year’s Eve Outfit Ideas just for fun!

From 2018! A Rixo sequin dress (I still have and love this and have seen them pop up on The RealReal with a vintage fur stoll, Manolo Blahnik Pumps, and Kendra Scott Earrings.

From 2017: A sequin dress. This one is from Vince Camuto. Pumps are Anna Sui x INC!

From 2016! A jumpsuit and lace-up heels; both from LOFT.

The post What to Wear on New Year’s Eve:  9 New Year’s Eve Outfit Ideas. appeared first on The Stripe.

This is one of my all time most popular blog posts so I wanted to give it a little refresher and bump it up! This blog post was inspired by a reader email that I received last year before Christmas. I wrote her back immediately as I had a lot of thoughts here but was inspired to write a little post about this. I had no idea how popular this blog post would be, but it’s a great post to bookmark or come back to if you’re considering purchasing a Chanel bag.

She wrote:

“I searched your blog before asking this question and didn’t find a post on this topic – I’m sorry if I missed it! I am starting to think about buying my first investment purse… maybe a classic Chanel. I’m a little older for a “first,” almost 33. But it took me awhile to have the salary to do so which I imagine is true for a lot of people. But I feel intimidated and uneducated. I can read simple posts on how to buy a Chanel (flap vs boy etc) but what I really want to know is— Is it worth having those kinds of purses?

Are you scared to use them IRL bc they are so expensive? And I’m intimidated by the stores—will Barney’s think I’m gross bc I’m going in with a Madewell purse to shop and obviously don’t know how this works? What do I do/say? I don’t know why this scares me so much but it does! An insightful post would be great!”

Buying Your First Chanel Bag

First of all, if I had to pick one investment item that I love most, it would be my classic black Chanel bag, pictured above and below.

Should I Buy a Chanel Bag?:

Honestly, I don’t think that 33 is a little older for such a purchase AT ALL. I was a long time Chanel fan but didn’t get my first Chanel until I turned 30, and even then it was a gift from my boyfriend at the time. Also, I didn’t buy my next one (with my own money, finally!) until I turned 33. I think your early/mid thirties are the best time to treat yourself to something like this. You are most likely more sure of your personal style, likely have more spending money, have worked hard to buy it for yourself, and will appreciate it even more.

If you are in your twenties and can afford it, good for you and definitely do it, but I definitely couldn’t afford a bag like that until I was in my thirties. A Chanel bag is an investment and not to be taken lightly. Same goes for all designer bags.

With regard to shopping in the store, do not be at all intimidated! I love the experience at the Chanel boutiques and it is literally these people’s jobs to cater to you and if someone is even remotely rude to you you should absolutely leave and go elsewhere. (Also, Madewell is nothing to be ashamed of!) I would go in, and just very sweetly tell the salesperson that you are looking to invest in your first Chanel bag. They will most likely be really excited to help you out and share their expertise.

Is it worth buying a Chanel bag?

This depends on your style, your income, spending money etc. To me, a Chanel bag is worth the money. It’s timeless and elegant. That being said, I work in fashion in a big city and have a somewhat fancy life where I’m always at events and so on and so forth. I cannot honestly say to you that spending $2-$5k on a handbag is “worth the money,” because that is crazy. It’s beautiful but it’s just a purse. You can’t drive it or live inside of it. But if you are looking to indulge and treat yourself  to a beautifully made bag you will have forever, it’s Chanel all the way. Buy the bags. I will also add that I am a firm believer in using your good things everyday and not saving them for a special occasion. Life is too short!

I have a few shopping tips, but keep in mind that these are all personal preference!

• What size to get?
  

  I think that the Chanel classic flap bag is the most timeless of all. I have a mini and recently bought myself the maxi in tan but my classic is still my favorite. It holds just enough, it’s not too bulky, it’s appropriate for literally any occasion from brunch to black ties… it’s just timeless. For a long time I thought the jumbo and maxi were a little bit tacky (only because the bags are SO big!!) but I’ve come around to them.

• Which leather?

  Caviar leather all the way, especially if you are hard on your things or (to her question above) will. It’s a little bit more expensive but it’s so durable. My lambskin leather mini was not my smartest purchase, as it’s gotten quite dirty and the leather shows more scratches. The caviar leather is basically bulletproof. My black caviar double flap bag is in perfect shape and I’ve had it for nearly ten years. I do love the lambskin leather so much (it’s buttery smooth) but the caviar is way more durable.

• What about hardware?

This is totally subjective. It’s strange because I generally wear mostly gold jewelry but tend to prefer silver hardware to gold hardware on my bags. I have no idea why. My black and tan bags have silver hardware and my two vintage bags have gold hardware. I like both! The metal chain is durable and holds up really well.

Are you scared to use them IRL?

The short answer is no, absolutely not (again, I’m a big believer in using your fancy things every day), BUT there were definitely some mistakes I have made, which I’m going to share with you as I walk you through my little collection. I’m going to be really honest with you about what I love (and don’t love), with the hopes that any person reading this won’t make the same mistakes I’ve made.

I do want to stress that I am 37 years old and have slowly been building a collection. I think we all have this natural tendency to compare. A friend of mine once tweeted “don’t compare your early twenties lifestyle to my mid thirties.” Late thirties for me, but same. I also don’t have kids, a car, a mortgage, or any of that!

I bought my vintage mini in the summer of 2014.

As I mentioned above, it was the first Chanel purse that I bought with my own money. I was 33 and so excited! But this one was a mistake. I guess I (justly so), figured I had a classic black one so wanted something light and a little more “fun.” I LOVE it, don’t get me wrong. But it gets dirty so easily and needs to be professionally cleaned so I find myself not using it very often. It’s relegated to special occasions (and never with jeans because the dye rubs off, no matter how careful you are.) The lighter bags are so beautiful and I love how the gold hardware looks against the cream lambskin but just don’t do it, and if you must, get the caviar – it’s way more resilient.

I’m not planning to sell it, but I hate that it’s only a special occasion bag.

The next one I bought was a year later in 2015 (I think.)

I absolutely love the color but the lambskin leather is really soft and shows every scratch, etc.

The caviar leather would have been so much better for a long term investment. I get a lot of wear out of this bag but worry about it constantly when I wear it. I’m hard on my things and am nervous that I will ruin it. It is one of my favorites (I love red) but I wish I had waited until I could find a good red caviar one with gold hardware (they’re realllly hard to find!!!)

Since I’m always going to be honest, this pink velvet Chanel boy bag (and okay let’s be brutally honest… This whole outfit!!!) was a BIG mistake. I bought it in the airport in London in 2016. I ended up selling it on The RealReal. Shopping fail.

I loved it so much at the time, and it’s a great bag that someone else will cherish but I bought it because:

a) I was v. v. emotionally distraught about boy stuff. (lolz).

b) The dollar was extremely strong so I got a great price.

The bag isn’t me AT ALL though. The pink velvet is fun but it goes with very little in my wardrobe, and I am not really into the boy silhouette. I also don’t like the color of the metal chain. I’m a silver or gold gal, not gunmetal. It’s great, and so chic on  someone else, but I’m more of a classic flap kind of girl.

Also, I just gotta say it. Don’t ever make a big purchase at the airport. Unless you’ve really thought it through.

This is my newest addition to the fam and quite possibly my favorite next to the classic black flap. This one is the classic flap maxi, in tan caviar leather.

In all honesty, I was not planning to buy a new bag this year but I sold my Cartier love bracelet on The RealReal and bought this with the credit. I knew I was going to treat myself to something special (I was originally thinking jewelry) with the credit. But when I saw this bag I knew that it was just perfect. As I mentioned above, I really wasn’t sure about the maxi or the jumbo but they’ve really grown on me. The biggest reason there is that it can hold a book, which if you know me/read here at all, is obviously a very important priority for me. I do love a little bag though, and think maybe the wallet on chain will be next!

I really hope this post was helpful – if you have any more questions, leave them in the comments!

photography by Felicia Lasala, Lydia Hudgens, Trent Bailey, and Carter Fish.

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Outfit Diary, 12.14.22

It was a very holiday-y week! A cookie swap and an ornament exchange, wreath making with my mom… seeing the “snow” at Charleston Place… it all felt a little bit out of a Hallmark movie. This week is more of the same, plus one last big push with work. Then my youngest sister and her kids get here this weekend… I’m so extremely excited to see them! I hope you are having a wonderful week.

Monday:

What I Did: Worked from home.

What I Wore: Jenni Kayne Cashmere Sweater // AGOLDE Jeans // Vince Sneakers // Irene Neuwirth Earrings

Wednesday:

What I Did: Family Dinner

What I Wore: Ophelia & Indigo Top // Everlane Jeans // Loeffler Randall Clogs // Mally x Casita Charm Bracelet (see below)

Thursday:

What I Did: Went to an ornament exchange at my friend Liz’s house, did a very bad job at getting a photo.

What I Wore: Gucci Sweater (via The RealReal), Retrouvai Earrings (not pictured: Everlane Jeans and Sarah Flint Metallic Heels)

Friday:

What I Did: Went to my friend Jillian’s cookie swap.

What I Wore: Ulla Johnson Dress // Tory Burch Heels

Saturday:

What I Did: Took a wreath making class with my mom.

What I Wore: Saint James stripe tee // Madewell Cargo Pants // Vince Sneakers

Sunday:

What I Did: Went to see the “snow” at Charleston Place

What I Wore: Ralph Lauren Long Blazer (several years old but they make it every year!) // Faherty Sweater (from last year) // Everlane Jeans // Gucci Loafers (also several years old!)

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Outfit Diary, 12.14.22. appeared first on The Stripe.

Earlier in the season, I had two big guides for what to wear to all of your holiday parties. First, a guide to the best holiday accessories, and then literally… a guide of what to wear to every sort of holiday gathering (from office party to cocktail party to black tie). There have been so many good releases since then that I thought I’d pull together just one more style round-up, with EVEN more holiday party inspiration. I hope you enjoy. We will be tackling New Year’s Eve next!

Wanted to start with a few things I’m personally obsessing over. First of all, don’t sleep on this J.Crew evening jacket. (I mean, be sensible and get it while it is on sale; I bought mine for half off during Cyber Monday), but it’s perfect. With denim, a mini dress, a longer dress, truly.. this looks great over absolutely everything.

Even More Holiday Style!

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Even More Holiday Style! appeared first on The Stripe.

Everything I Wore Last Week, 12.7.22

I hope you’re having a great week! Last week was a very fun one. I went to Miami for two nights for Art Basel (the perfect number of nights to go if you ask me) with one of my best friends. I got back late Thursday, worked Friday, and spent the weekend mostly just getting organized. A little yard work, tackling a scary pile of mail (I need to finish that this week), measuring for new furniture, and just… resting! Rest is good! This week is a pretty low key one. Lots of family time rounded out by a few parties at the end of the week.

Monday:

What I Did: Worked from home.

What I Wore: Tyler Boe Top // Everlane Jeans // Loeffler Randall Clogs

Tuesday:

What I Did: Dinner in Miami with Lagos and The Daily Front Row.

What I Wore: Wayf dress (size up, I’m in the L) // Porte & Paire Heels

Wednesday Day:

What I Did: Worked by the pool.

What I Wore: Amazon Coverup, Loewe Sunglasses (also here for a little bit less $)

Wednesday Night:

What I Did: Dinner at Byblos (crazy good

What I Wore: Tanya Taylor Dress (wearing a size 8, take 20% off with code GRACE20) , Porte & Paire Heels (on sale!)

Thursday:

What I Did: Wandered around Art Basel.

What I Wore: Tanya Taylor Dress (wearing a medium, it is the BEST, so comfy and flattering — take 20% off with code GRACE20 ) // Chanel Purse // Freedom Moses Slides

Saturday:

What I Did: A party to celebrate two friends who recently eloped!

What I Wore: Stine Goya Dress (from last year, I’m wearing the XS as this brand runs really big) // Dadouchic x Sarah Flint Heels // Iliana Makri Green Amethyst Earrings

Had to show you the lipstick – this is Saie’s lip blur in “Classic.” It is the perfect blue red, makes your teeth look really white!

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Everything I Wore Last Week, 12.7.22. appeared first on The Stripe.

Outfit Diary, 11.30.22

Last week was Thanksgiving! It was a really nice one, spent at my parents house. Besides that we had some fun dinners and just a whole lot of work in between. This week is more of the same– cozy at home, finishing up the holiday gift guide rush (with a mid-week trip to Miami for a few Art Basel events). I hope you’re having a great week!

Tuesday:

What I Did: Worked from home.

What I Wore: Apiece Apart Sweatshirt and Sweatpants (both are two years old but they still make them. I wear a medium in both) // Amazon Socks (still my favorite)

Wednesday:

What I Did: Dinner at Sushi Wa (best sushi in Charleston!)

What I Wore: La Ligne Dress // Sarah Flint x Dadouchic Shoes

Thursday:

What I Did: Thanksgiving with the family

What I Wore: Gucci Cardigan (this style is from a few years ago but new to me via The RealReal) // Walmart Tee (this is my favorite and back in stock, I ordered a few more!) // AGOLDE Jeans // Loeffler Randall Clogs // Irene Neuwirth Flower Earrings

Saturday Day:

What I Did: Brunch at Vern’s.

What I Wore: Jenni Kayne Cashmere Fisherman Crewneck // Elliette Pants (size up) // Miu Miu Heels (from 10 years ago!)

Saturday Night:

What I Did: Had a few friends over and went to dinner at Hank’s.

What I Wore: Johanna Ortiz Dress (from last year) // Ferragamo Heels (very very old!)

Sunday:

What I Did: Brunch at Park & Grove

What I Wore: Tyler Boe Dress (coming soon, this one is similar!) // Irene Neuwirth Earrings (affordable alternative!)

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Outfit Diary, 11.30.22. appeared first on The Stripe.

Outfit Diary, 11.22.22

Last week was spent between LA + Charleston. It was my boyfriend’s birthday so we had some fun things planned there (we stayed at Shutters again – the greatest!). Then it was back to Charleston for work and a slew of events (most notably, Danielle’s book launch and the Redux art auction!). This is going to be a cozy week at home for Thanksgiving. My boyfriend gets here tonight and my parents are hosting the main event at their place. I’m looking forward to relaxing a bit, and lots of family time.

Monday:

What I Did: Dinner at One Pico in Santa Monica

What I Wore: Tanya Taylor Dress (on sale!) // Grainne Morton Earrings

Tuesday:

What I Did: Riding Bikes in Santa Monica

What I Wore: old Vince Tee // Everlane Jeans // Vince Sneakers

Thursday:

What I Did: my friend Danielle’s book party!

What I Wore: Theory Coat (old) // Le Lion Cardigan // Toteme Pants // Sarah Flint Pumps

Friday Day:

What I Did: work from home

What I Wore: Minnow Sweater + Pants (so cozy + both are on sale right now)

Friday Night:

What I Did: I had plannnned on staying home as Friday was a little intense (it was reels day, we were filming all day!) but was persuaded out to drinks at 9:30pm by friends I hadn’t seen in a bit.

What I Wore: Jenni Kayne Sweater (wearing a small) // AGOLDE Jeans // Gucci Loafers

Saturday:

What I Did: Went to Redux’s art auction! Had a few friends over beforehand which was really nice.

What I Wore: Tuckernuck dress (size down!) // Sarah Flint heels

Sunday:

What I Did: Family dinner at my sister’s house.

What I Wore: Le Lion Cardigan (wearing a medium) // Everlane Jeans // Sarah Flint Pumps // Grainne Morton Earrings

Disclosure: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature things I truly love here. Thanks for your support.

The post Outfit Diary, 11.22.22. appeared first on The Stripe.

As you probably already know by now, I am a bit of a Faherty superfan. The best cozy basics — the quality is incredible and the styles are classic pieces you’ll have forever. I live in their sweaters, loungewear, and the Legend Sweater Shirt which is over on Instagram stories today — I just got a new color (the Open Tundra Windowpane) AND the Legend Sweater Dress which I may never take off of my body.

But besides shopping for myself, Faherty is also my go-to for gifts for the men in my life. Every time I have a code with them I buy my boyfriend a couple pieces (he also loves the Legend Sweater Shirt, their cozy quarter-zip sweaters, and – in warmer weather – their linen button downs). He loved the Legend Sweater Shirt so much that last year I bought one for all the guys in my family (my two brothers-in-law and my dad). Shopping for guys is so hard but these were a HIT. My boyfriend will be getting a second one this year; still undecided what the rest of the guys will be getting.

Today I’m styling two of my favorite Faherty sweaters (the Lodge Cardigan, above… and the Frost Cropped Cardigan, below). And I am so excited to share a discount code with you… use STRIPE20 for 20% off at Faherty!

Gifts for Guys!

And so today, in addition to sharing my OWN Faherty picks, I wanted to share some great gift ideas for the guys in your life, all from Faherty. You better believe that I will be using my code to get ahead on shopping for the guys in my life! Don’t forget, my code use STRIPE20 will get you 20% off at Faherty!

Use code STRIPE20 for 20% off at Faherty!

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