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Catching up with Kathleen of Carrie Bradshaw Lied

When I started reading the fashion and lifestyle blog, Carrie Bradshaw Lied, about two years ago, I immediately felt like author Kathleen Barnes and I could and should be serious besties. She’s funny! She loves to shop! She knows exactly what will make her husband roll his eyes at her quips and latest home decor purchases! I’m so excited to feature Kathleen on my Catching Up With series, and know it will make everyone want to line up for one half of a BFF necklace with Kathleen. You can all get behind me…

Why did you decide to start blogging?

I’ve always enjoyed fashion and as a daughter of an artist, DIY projects and home design.  I was so often asked about my clothing and personal style (and many friends constantly raiding my closet), so in 2010, a year after I graduated college, I thought, “why not start a blog and share any tricks up my sleeve with anyone who is interested to read?”  I am constantly inspired by other bloggers, so I decided to start my own. Never did I think anyone other than my friends would read it!

You should be very proud. I love your glam-girlie style! What is a shopping weakness for you?

Shoes.  Always shoes!

I hear ya. Snack weakness?

Salty snacks. Chips. Queso. Carbs. Soda. Wine. Mac n’ Chees.  I mean… I could go on about this for days, easily!

Do you have a special recipe or favorite food you make often you’d like to share?

Well I love some booze, so I love a white wine spritzer.  One part pinot grigio, one part sparkling water and a few squeezes of lime (I realize this recipe isn’t groundbreaking).  I also always make my own salad dressing – a few minced garlic cloves with salt, pepper, olive oil and lemon juice. The best!

Wine spritzers are seriously underrated and not entirely socially-acceptable in public places, a shame! On another note, do you have a favorite book you like to recommend to your girlfriends?

I’m a big fan of funny books – Tina Fey, Andy Cohen, Mindy Kaling, Chelsea Handler – who doesn’t love to laugh!?

Do you have any secret talents or hobbies?

I don’t know about secret talents – but I love to read, take my dog to the beach, do reformer pilates and cook.  I also recently mastered grilling, I’m so proud of myself!

Your Instagram photos are so often beautiful, fun and feminine! Any tips for taking such excellent lifestyle shots?

Oh my gosh – thank you!  That instagram game can be a constant struggle.  I think it’s all about lighting.  Everyone has their own personal style for photography, but I tend like sharp, bright, colorful photos.

Wedding season is approaching for lots of brides-to-be, and yours was gorgeous, any advice for spring and summer brides?

Again, thank you so much!  I think keeping in mind the “breathability” of the dress (no bride wants to be hot at her wedding) and of course most importantly, the reason for the celebration.  Thanks to Pinterest and the access to phenomenal wedding inspiration at our fingertips, it’s easy to get carried away in tiny details.  Try to remind yourself regularly of the entire reason for the occasion – that you’ve met an amazing person to be your life partner.  There’s nothing more grand than that!

Absolutely. You also have some truly helpful home design posts, any projects you are working on right now?

Thank you!  I actually have a never-before-seen guest bedroom that is quite depressing.  It’s filled with hanging laundry, cardboard boxes and shoes.  I’m trying to turn it into a home office/guest bedroom.  More to come. 🙂

Can you recommend any bloggers or celebs you look to for style inspiration or tips?

Great question.  I love Jessica Alba’s effortless and chic yet casual style.  I also love seeing what Blake Lively and Zoe Saldana are wearing!

Do you have a go-to outfit?

Definitely.  I always feel my best in a maxi dress, not to mention that’s such a great look that can work for any occasion, especially in California.  Another ensemble I always feel comfortable in would be a crisp, oversized white button down, skinny jeans and stilettos.  Polished yet sexy.

Agreed! You live in Southern California, can you recommend any favorite spots for readers?

Ok I could go on and on about this – YUMS. My husband and I love to spend a day at our favorite beach, Strands Beach in Dana Point.  We love Orange Coast Winery in Newport Beach and drinks at sunset at the beach at The Deck.  My husband’s favorite lunch is Bruxie (waffle sandwiches and crazy delicious custard milkshakes), and I love Lemonade at Fashion Island.  Escape Pilates is my favorite pilates studio and Christian loves to surf in Huntington Beach.

Okay now I have to come visit…I love how often you incorporate your relationship into posts, any relationship advice or tips?

I’m really protective of Christian’s privacy because while he is honestly the man behind the blog (I shared a Q&A with him here, he takes all my photos and I bounce almost every idea off of him) he greatly values his privacy, which I totally respect. Honestly it just depends on what he is comfortable with.  Of course any photo or tidbit I share that involves him (or any members of my family) I always run by him first for his approval.

Lastly, do you have any advice for bloggers?
I started this blog in 2010 and it has had a lot of redesigns and shifts in focus since it began. It took me a little while to find a middle ground that I was comfortable with and proud of. Look at the blogs you enjoy and follow and think about why you like them. Be original.  Be honest.  Be yourself.  Don’t get discouraged or distracted by any negativity or criticism from others. It takes confidence and courage to put yourself out there, so bravo to you!
I actually get this question so often that I dedicated an entire post to my advice for new bloggers.  You can read it here.

Thanks Kathleen! Of course I recommend following Kathleen on her blog, and she said anyone who reads this and wants to visit her and Christian in SoCal are welcome! Just sort of kidding…
Have a great Memorial Day weekend, I hope everyone sneaks some sale shopping and a hotdog like I plan to.

xo
Hollyn

Leave a Comment

3 Comments

  1. You're the sweetest! Thanks so much for the blog love! XO –

    Posted 5.23.15 Reply
  2. Carly wrote:

    Such a great interview! I just love following Kathleen too!
    Dresses & Denim

    Posted 5.31.15 Reply
  3. Ashley wrote:

    Such a cute interview! Love Kathleen’s blog!

    Posted 5.31.15 Reply