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.

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.

The post Buying Your First Chanel Bag. appeared first on The Stripe.

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.

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.

Outfit Diary, 11.15.22

Outfit diaries are back after spending a week or two in sweats + leggings getting settled! Last week was a nice one. A family dinner for my sister’s birthday, getting to see my west coast buddy Mally while she was in Charleston, and then heading to LA for several nights. I head home to Charleston tomorrow and have a busy rest of the week. Wallpaper is happening! I am recording a podcast with Bad on Paper! My friend Danielle’s book party. Filming videos all day Friday. And then, the Redux art auction on Saturday night. (The theme is kaleidoscope… I’m excited to plan my outfit!). I hope you’re having a great week. xx

Monday:

What I Did: Hosted a family dinner at my house.

What I Wore: Velvet Sweater // AGOLDE Jeans // Gucci Loafers

Tuesday:

What I Did: Worked from home, voted.

What I Wore: Faherty Shirt (code coming tomorrow!) // AGOLDE Shorts // Vince Sneakers

Wednesday:

What I Did: Dinner at The Ordinary with my friend Mally.

What I Wore: White & Warren Turtleneck // AGOLDE Jeans // Sarah Flint Heels

Thursday:

What I Did: Worked from home (we had a big storm!). Just wanted to be cozy, at one point I had on the big satin hoodie.

What I Wore: Kule Tee // Naadam Pants (old – these are very similar!)

Friday:

What I Did: Travel Day.

What I Wore: Jenni Kayne Sweater (this is one of my most favorite sweaters) // Madewell Cargo Pants // Brinker & Eliza Necklace // Dorsey Dog Tag (Rings are Foundrae and Dana Rebecca).

Saturday:

What I Did: Museum date + sushi at Nobu afterward.

What I Wore: Johanna Ortiz dress // My Sarah Flint Heels (featured post here)

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, 11.15.22. appeared first on The Stripe.

Dressing for holiday parties is my favorite as I can be my most sparkly, extra self. Accessories are my favorite way to do that. Sure, sparkle and sequins and feathers are amazing on clothes, but they can be so memorable. Accessories are a lot more versatile.

A Giant Guide to the Best Holiday Accessories

I am giving you a lot of options here but truly, you don’t need much. All you need is a few special signature items to take you through the season in style. I’ve rounded up the best jewelry (and a few hair accessories), my favorite special occasion shoes, and the prettiest little clutches and bags. I’ve also been sure to include some affordable options within each collage – those are all flagged as such! Sparkle on, friends… tis the season!

The Best Holiday Accessories

Best Holiday Jewelry

Let’s start with jewelry… my favorite! On the higher end, you can’t beat Dorsey for basics like a tennis necklace and vintage inspired earrings. And Jennifer Behr’s jewels are pricy but exquisite. Costume jewelry you will have and own forever. For something more affordable, BaubleBar is doing a phenomenal job this year, their Party Wear page is packed with beautiful bejeweled goodness, for mostly under $50. Zara has some great stuff too.

Women’s Holiday Shoes

This roundup makes me so happy as it is just SO fun and festive. I will be wearing my Sarah Flint shoes (featured here) quite a bit, but I also love a gold sandal (I laugh as four pairs below are gold…). Any of the below are fabulous but I have and love these. For such a tall shoe, they’re incredibly comfortable! Also: I found them after scheduling this post, but these Amazon platforms are beautiful – they remind me a lot of my black Stuart Weitzman pair!

And on the more affordable front, wanted to flag a few pairs!

All three of these pairs are from Target and so well priced!

Best Holiday Bags!

Feathers and crystals and rhinestones and pearls and glitter and GREEN. There are so many beautiful bags… in particular, I especially love this serpent bag (I have it and LOVE) and the chartreuse feathers (crazy in the best way!).

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 A Giant Guide to the Best Holiday Accessories. appeared first on The Stripe.

Outfit Diary, 10.26.22

Last week was a little bit all over the place. Things are a little bit chaotic at the moment but it is all very good, happy, exciting things. I move on Friday and work slows down a bit after that, too. And I just can’t wait to be settled in the new house. I can’t believe it’s finally happening. This week and next week’s outfit diaries are going to be pretty casual as I’m pretty much just living in activewear as I run around like a maniac. Anyway… that’s me… how about you? I hope you’re having a great week!

PS: Last week’s Outfit Diary

Monday:

What I Did: A boozy last night in LA.

What I Wore: Taller Marmo Dress // Porte & Pair Platforms (love!) //Jennifer Behr Earrings

Wednesday:

What I Did: Worked from home // family dinner

What I Wore: Striped Tee // Madewell Cargos // Vince Sneakers

Thursday:

What I Did: Video shoot + working from home and Biossance live shopping event.

What I Wore: Everlane Shirt // Everlane Pants // Fuzzy Clogs

Friday:

What I Did: Moving errands with my mom.

What I Wore: Addison Bay Pullover (FAV – have this in 4 colors) // Beyond Yoga Leggings

Saturday:

What I Did: My friend Carter’s Wedding!

What I Wore: Vampire’s Wife Dress // J.Crew Heels (not what I’d ordinarily wear with this dress but the wedding was on a boat and I wanted something sturdy)

Sunday:

What I Did: Moving errands with a break in between for brunch at Vern’s with the girls.

What I Wore: Julia Amory Kaftan (wearing a medium, size up if you are not sure – this is tight for a kaftan, especially through the bust and shoulders) // 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 Outfit Diary, 10.26.22. appeared first on The Stripe.