monday musings

          

monday musings

Happy Monday! Today starts a new Monday traditions, where I'm bringing you a few of my favorite things for the week ahead. My items might {will probably} be a little bit random, but I'll share them with you anyways! These are truly things that I am loving lately... Anyone else love something on today's list? 

1. PAINTED EARTH ROSEMARY + THYME BAKED MINERAL BLUSH in BERRY SWIRL // Does anyone else find that their go-to blush gets a little too light for their face when the sunny summer months roll around? I've been finding that my blush hasn't exactly shown up on my face well lately, and I am a blush lover all around.

painted earth baked mineral blush.jpg

So, I decided to try this Rosemary & Thyme Baked Mineral Blush in Berry Swirl {yes, it's named that because it ACTUALLY has rosemary and thyme in it, and is all natural & organic} and it is B-E-A-U-Tiful. It's the perfect shade for any skin tone and I love the sunkissed sheen it adds to your cheeks. Helpful hint? I always apply a little blush to the tip of my nose to finish off my face. It brightens and gives a little extra color + glow. I also have the Apricot Swirl color for my paler months.

painted earth baked mineral blush

2. KENDRA SCOTT STATEMENT EARRINGS // I have found myself reaching for these beauties with so many outfits; from shorts and a tee for a little extra something, to my favorite LBD. They are perfect for adding an earring when you're wearing your hair up and are the perfect size and statement. These are pretty pricey, so I'm linking up some other favorites HERE, HERE & HERE.

kendra scott statement earring
kendra scott statement earring

3. THIERRY MUGLER 'ANGEL' PERFUME // Y'all... this scent is heavenly. About a year ago I was working with one of my regular clients and she smelled SO good. I told her {in a non-weird way} and asked her what perfume she wore and she told me about Thierry Mugler's 'Angel' scent, which I had never heard of. She said that random men would literally stop her when she was out and comment on her perfume. I had it in my shopping cart that evening and haven't stopped wearing it since! {And I can verify her claims; not only does my hubby love it but I get stopped from time to time asking about it!}

1.7 OZ3.4 OZ

thierry mugler angel

Helpful Hint :: I always buy my perfume on Amazon because they have the best prices and FAST + FREE shipping!

What are you loving lately? Have any of you tried this blush or perfume, or have a go-to statement earring you can't get enough of? 

the perfect LBD

Happy Monday! Today I'm here to help cure those Monday blues by sharing my absolute faaaa-vorite little black dress by Topshop. Let's count the reasons why :: 1} it's under $100 2} it's drapey + comfy and requires no spanx, sucking in, or fidgeting 3} it's lightweight with sheer sleeves AND 4} it's also available in olive and cream for alternative, less dressy options.

I've literally worn this dress with flat sandals and simple accessories, wedges and pumps. It's easy to throw on for a dinner out, or dress up for an event or occasion. Keep in mind that Topshop has funky sizing, so always look for the US size, and if you are in between sizes, GO UP. {I ordered a US 6 in this dress for reference}

Shop my Britt Bass for KSlade Made clutch HERE

Shop my outfit + accessories //

PLUS... The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale continues! Only 4 days left for early access, then it opens to non-cardholders. Click HERE for some of my sale favorites if you missed them last week, and stay tuned for more tomorrow!




What's in my bag

Happy Wednesday! I'm headed for sunny Florida tomorrow and could NOT be more excited. Today I'm sharing what's in my purse this summer; from basics like planner and lipstick, to my unique and quirky "carry-all-the-time" items that you might not expect. Here's 'what's in the bag...'

1 | KATE SPADE PLANNER ::  I can't go anywhere without my planner, as most of you can relate to. I love the Kate Spade planners because they're functional, cute and classic. My 2016 favorites here | here | here

2| POPPIN GOLD NOTEBOOK :: For wardrobe consults, shopping lists, and random jot-downs I use this fun gold notebook. Closes with an elastic band so you don't have to worry about page wrinkling!

3 | DIOR 'ADDICT' FLUID LIPSTICK :: I love this because it goes on like a gloss, but looks and stays put like a lipstick. Not to mention I am in LO-OVE with this color {779 Plaisir}  The perfect shade of pink and you can apply it lighter for a lighter look, or heavier for a bold pop of color

4| BOBBI BROWN 'STELLA' CAT EYE SUNGLASSES :: Sunglasses are obviously a must, year-round. I went on the hunt for the perfect classic cat-eye sunglass a few months ago, and these were the winner. Some other favorites here | here

5 | BRITT BASS IPHONE CASE :: You all know from my blog earlier this week that I am a fan of all things Britt Bass. Her newest iPhone cases are glossy, well-made and swoon-worthy! My phone is never without one of her fun and colorful designs.

6 | KENDRA SCOTT IVORY RAYNE NECKLACE :: This may sound strange, but I carry this baby in my purse with me everywhere when I'm not wearing it. Why, you ask? Because it's the perfect neutral necklace to throw on with anything from a tee shirt to a little black dress. I keep it with me so that I can use it for styling clients' outfits, trying on with outfits while shopping, and for throwing on if I change outfits or forget a necklace on my way out the door. It's always good to have an accessory like this on hand... you never know when you may need it!

7 | KATE SPADE COBBLE HILL WALLET :: The best basic, black wallet you'll find. It zips closed and keeps everything safe, has 12 credit card spots and multiple pouches. Not to mention it goes in any purse, year-round.

IMG_7102.JPG

8 | TORY BURCH THORA FLIP FLOPS :: Like many of you, I'm on my feet a lot during the day. Whether I'm in a client's closet or shopping with them, I don't sit down much. This is why I always carry my TB flip flops with me in case I need to throw them on in between {or sometimes even with!!} clients. They are dressy enough to where they don't look strange if you have to grab for them, and oh-so-comfortable. Not to mention, the perfect shade of tan

SHOP // planner 1 | planner 2 | planner 3gold notebook | dior lipstick | sunglasses | iPhone case | kendra scott wayne | kate spade wallet | tory burch flip flops

Spotlight on :: Britt Bass for K.slademade Clutches

Happy Monday! Who else is kicking off a short week today? We're headed to the beach with friends early on Thursday {6 AM flight seemed like a good idea at the time...} for some much-needed R&R. Speaking of those friends... today I'm highlighting a super fun and exciting product featuring none other than my BFF Britt Bass Turner. She is a super talented artist and her art is colliding with my fashion world in the form of a CLUTCH. I have followed K.Slademade for some time now, ooh-ing and ah-ing over her soft leather clutches in so many fun colors. 

image.jpg

When they announced their artist series with Britt Bass Turner, I couldn't contain my excitement! Featured on this clutch is Britt's painting "Rocket Woman," which I just so happen to have hanging in my house. 

How FUN is this clutch? The colors are so dreamy.

image.jpg
image.jpg

I paired it with this lilac top from LOFT and jean shorts for a casual, more dressed down look, and then with this black drapey Topshop dress for a night out. I love the pop of colors against both the lilac and the black. 

image.jpg

So head on over to kslademade.com and snag one for yourself!

 

The Look For Less :: Embellished Sandals

TGIF! How 'bout kicking off the weekend with some weekend wear on today's 'The Look for Less?' 

IMG_6989.JPG

I have been crushing on jeweled + embellished sandals for casual summer wear, and absolutely LOVE  these Gemma sandals  {left} from Sole Society. They ring in at $64.95 -- not a bad price, but we can do better for a pair of sandals! 

Sole Society Gemma, $64

Sole Society Gemma, $64

Mossimo Belinda, $19.99

Mossimo Belinda, $19.99

Enter, these Mossimo Belinda embellished sandals {right} from, yep, good ole Target. They are about 1/3 of the price, ringing in at $19.99. I saw these babies on one of my weekly "quick trips" into Target and even went to another store just to find my size. You can now find them glued to my feet with everything from shorts and a tee shirt, to a maxi dress and more. They are super comfortable, the tan color goes with everything, and the best part? They don't look like they're from Target.

IMG_6988.JPG

Shop both //

Introducing :: The Summer Closet Refresh

Although the temperatures here in Atlanta have been telling us otherwise for some time now, summer officially began this weekend. So what better way to celebrate than with a Summer Special? Most people think about updating their wardrobes as the seasons begin to change; namely, at the beginning of fall/winter and then again at the beginning of the spring. Summer can slip under the radar with vacations, kids being out of school, and the busy-ness of life. Your wardrobe may not need a total purge or revamp in these few summer months, but we can all use a little refreshing and updating.

Enter, the SUMMER CLOSET REFRESH. This special includes 1 hour spent in either your closet OR 1 hour of personal shopping to refresh your summer wardrobe. If you feel you have a lot of summer pieces & staples in your wardrobe, we will use the items in your closet in new, different and more versatile ways. If you'd rather shop for some new summer staples that will keep you comfy and stylish all summer long, we'll head out shopping! The best part? It's only $99 {regularly $175 for closet + $150 for shopping}!

Not only is the Summer Refresh a great way to refresh your own wardrobe, it's a wonderful gift! Gift certificates are available, and I am also offering group shopping trips for this special. Grab a friend{s} and we will head out shopping! Refreshments will be provided and I'll show you my favorite summer staples for your specific body type, everyday activities and style preferences. But hurry, this special won't last long! Promo ends on July 4 {service can be redeemed at any date within 1 year of purchase}

To purchase online, click HERE. Or, simply EMAIL ME with questions / gift certificate purchases, or to pay via Venmo, PayPal, check or cash. I look forward to helping you get summer "refreshed" & ready!

Kendra Scott Favorites

It's here! TONIGHT is our Girl's Night Out at Kendra Scott - Avalon and I hope to see you there! In light of this fun event, I'm sharing all of my favorite Kendra Scott accessories with you; and you can snag them tonight at 15% off! Don't forget, when you RSVP or stop by the event, you'll be entered to win a FREE Wardrobe Consult or two hours of Personal Shopping {your choice, each valued at $300} with LifeStyled. I love meeting new faces so if you're in the area, pop in between 6-7:30 and say hello!  {**NOTE the change in end time}

kendra scott event.jpg

And now for my faves {can you tell I'm a Kendra Scott-aholic? I think her jewelry is so well-made and always has the perfect shades of metals. The price is on point for the quality you get, and the KS staff is always so helpful}  :: 

This white Mother of Pearl Rayne has been my GO-TO this summer. I love the brightness it brings to any outfit, and not to mention it goes with EVERYTHING. If you're someone who has trouble accessorizing, this is the necklace for you. It's a no-brainer because you can wear it with everything in your closet!

My magenta Kendra Scott accessories will NEVER fail me. I love this pop of bright color with an all neutral outfit, or even added to a cooler color palette. You can never go wrong! 

Surprisingly, I'm wearing this Rose Gold Rayne a lot, too. I wasn't sure how often I'd find myself putting it on with it being rose gold, but it's almost as frequently as my mother of pearl. The rose gold is so soft and pretty and is a subtle addition to bolder prints and patterns.

EVERYONE should have a pop of turquoise in their accessory collection. It compliments everything from neutrals, to navy, to fuchsia, coral and more. The Turquoise 'Harlie' is the perfect size and can be worn long or shorter. 

I stack my favorite neutral bracelet with everything. Need I say more?

If you can't make it tonight, you can shop them all here :: 


versatile wardrobe must-haves

Today I'm bringing you some wardrobe must-haves that will carry you through {almost} all the seasons.

IMG_1406.jpg

1} THE PONCHO. I have always been a fan of the poncho look and this one from Loft just happened to fit the bill for me. It's not too heavy, which makes it easy to carry in your purse and throw on over anything from a sweater in winter, a tank in the spring or a lightweight blouse in the fall. The crochet makes it unique while also allowing you to see the coloring of whatever you have on underneath. Needless to say  it's been a recent favorite of mine, especially when I travel. 

I love a classic all-black outfit but decided to add a heather gray tunic sweater underneath for a little contrast. Of course, my go-to pixie pants {another wardrobe MUST} were the choice for bottoms.

2} THE LEOPARD SHOE. Another wardrobe staple that every woman truly MUST HAVE? I've said it before and I'll say it again :: A leopard shoe. If you wear heels, then a leopard heel {like these super comfortable and affordable ones by BCBG Paris} is a necessity. If you can't do a  heel, try a wedge or a flat. No matter what form, a leopard shoe will be one of the most versatile pieces in your closet.

Pop one of your favorite statement necklaces {like this one -- currently on sale-- from JCrew} or a long pendant necklace ontop and you have an effortless outfit in minutes. Not to mention this Loft poncho has angles that are perfect for your arms to catch through for holding your purse, etc; No limitations that other ponchos can sometimes have.

the ultra-cheapy lbd

Happy Friday! Today we're talking about the LBD because, well, it's Friday. If you've got fun weekend plans with your girls or your man, the LBD might be in your future. And the best news for all you bargain shoppers and deal hunters? This one won't break the bank. It comes in at UNDER $20 {$17.80 to be exact}. "But Courtney," you might say, "if it's under $20, there is no way it is made well." To which I would answer, "You're probably right." Let's be honest, we all know the quality of Forever 21 doesn't rival Neiman's or Nordy's, but we also know that sometimes weΒ need to grab that cheap little number for a certainΒ occasion, and this fits the bill.

You can dress it up or down, layer with a cardigan, blazer or vest into the fall and add tights and boots in the winter. It's a year-round dress with a flattering cut at the shoulders and high neckline, and although it's a shift dress, it's fitted enough that you won't feel the need to belt it.-228 -250

Forever 21 Funnel Neck Swing Dress, $17.80

One of my favorite go-to statement pendants, the Stella & Dot Phoenix pairs perfectly with this neckline. It also transitions seamlessly from summer, to fall, to winter to spring.

Stella & Dot Phoenix

Top it off with a leopard clutch and your favorite heels or booties, and you're ready to go!

Clare Vivier Leopard Foldover Clutch

Β I'll be transitioning this LBD into the fall, so stay tuned for more versatile ways to wear it from season to season!

Wishing you a fun + stylish weekend ahead, whatever your plans may be!