I'm Carlie
I'm Carlie
Hi, I’m Carlie — a Texas girl turned Cape Town local, navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood, creativity, and life abroad.
A few years ago, I hit what I like to call my “millennial mid-life crisis.” I had the career, the house, the carefully planned future… but deep down, I knew I was meant for something different. So, I did the unthinkable: I closed one chapter completely. I ended my marriage, quit my job, sold my home, and booked a one-way ticket for what was meant to be a 3-month solo trip to South Africa.
What I didn’t plan for was falling completely in love with Cape Town — its beauty, its energy, its pace, and the unexpected peace it gave me. Two weeks in, I knew I wasn’t leaving. Four years later, I’m still here… and living a life I could never have imagined back then.
Today, I’m remarried to the love of my life, raising the most beautiful little girl, and building a life that feels deeply aligned — rooted in gratitude, creativity, and a whole lot of intention. I created The MODE as a space to share the things I love most: stylish motherhood, effortless fashion, bold home décor, and the adventure of expat life in South Africa.
This isn’t just a blog. It’s a reflection of the journey I’ve taken — and a celebration of the everyday beauty I now get to call my life.
Despite what it might look like now, I’ve never been someone who craved the spotlight. I’ve always kept my personal life pretty private — low-key social media, no oversharing, and definitely no chasing likes. So why start a lifestyle blog?
Because for years, people have been asking me the same questions: What do you use on your skin? Where did you find that outfit? Who makes that wallpaper?! Friends, family, even strangers would tell me I should start sharing more of my style, my routines, and the things I genuinely love. I never felt ready — until now.
The MODE was born at a time in my life when I finally felt grounded, confident, and at peace with who I am. It’s a curated space to share the beautiful things that bring joy to my everyday — from my favorite baby products and home décor finds to affordable, wearable fashion and tips for exploring life abroad.
The name stands for Motherhood, Originality, Décor, and Expat Life — all the elements that shape this season of my life. But more than anything, The MODE is about living with intention, embracing change, and creating a life that feels like your own version of home, no matter where you are.
