colorblocking

Happy Monday, y'all! Let's dive right into today's blog post on :: COLORBLOCKING. The colorblocking trend has been around for awhile now and you've probably seen it in dresses, shirts and more. So let's put a twist on the typical trend with DIY colorblocking. {click on the links throughout the post to shop my look piece by piece}I paired a radiant orchid tee with some bright peachy coral pants. Choose colors that are close in tones to one another, but different enough to create a big contrast. For example, choosing warm colors for both top + bottom like I did here.These Vince Camuto Side Zip Ankle Pants in Papaya are perfect for work + play. A flattering tapered leg and breathable fabric make them a year-round staple.

You can score my JCrew radiant orchid tee {on SALE!} here. It's soft and comfy and perfect for dressing up and down. You can also add in a pop of opposite tone {in this case, a cooler tone with a chartreuse scarf} to finish off the outfit if you're feeling bold.

When you already have so much color, stick to basic accessories. White statement earrings, a long tassel necklace and my favorite stacking bangles are perfect compliments.

And of course, few of my outfits are complete without a subtle pop of leopard. My skinny leopard belt is a wardrobe staple and I added it here for a little break in between the two colors.

So play around with a little DIY colorblocking in your closet! You'll be surprised at what you can put together with what you already own. We'd love to see your looks! Tag us on Instagram @lifestyledatlanta and hashtag #diycolorblock

nordstrom anni sale :: my favorite picks

It's that time of year again... the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale {Early Access} is here! For those of you who know about this sale, you know why there is a line forming outside of the doors at 10am on the first day. And for those of you who don't know about it, that should pretty much sum it up. During the Anniversary Sale, Nordstrom marks down TONS of fall {and more} clothing, shoes, and accessories before the fall season starts; great deals and huge savings! I shopped this sale with three clients yesterday and came up with a list of my favorite items. So today you're in luck; I'm sharing it with you!

Keep in mind, you must have a Nordstrom Card {credit or debit} to begin shopping the sale early access now, both online & in stores. It does not open to the public until July 18 {yes, they actually have all of the merchandise into a secret tent that you may not enter without a card}, so you still have a week! You also earn double points when you shop this sale early access. But hurry - things go fast. If you find something you like in stores or online, buy it...YESTERDAY!

Keep in mind: these items are all things that I have seen in person and tried on myself, or had clients try on. So without further ado, here are my Nordstrom Anni Sale faves ::

So run on over to Nordstrom or access the sale online; you will be glad you did. And remember, the sale opens to the public on July 18th. Happy shopping + happy weekend!

my FAVORITE go-to necklace

Happy Friday, y'all! Today let's talk about my favorite necklace. This necklace screams my name every time I open my jewelry box, and it's no wonder why. It's versatile, neutral, fun and sophisticated. Enter, the fabulous, timeless and perfect PEGASUS.

I'm not kidding when I say I wear this several times a week. And with a not-so-cheap pricetag, I have TOTALLY gotten my money's worth. It goes with everything, from day to night, from casual to formal.

See? I told you I wear it all the time ::

...the Pegasus really has it all! If you're looking for the perfect neutral and versatile addition to your jewelry wardrobe, look no further. I can promise you WON'T regret it!

Wishing you all a happy, stylish weekend ahead! Until next week...

spotlight :: Peter Pilotto for Target

Happy Wednesday! I hope all of you had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend with family and friends. Thank you to all of the men and women who sacrifice for our freedom!

Today, as I'm getting back into the groove of things, I'm highlighting the Peter Pilotto for Target line. These edgy, bold patterns are perfect for summer and only need minimal accessorizing. Here's a Peter Pilotto dress I scored on clearance for $11.88. And now, all of the Peter Pilotto line is now on clearance on Target's website so you can score some great deals!

Here are some summer favorites {for CHEAP!} on the Target website ::

So there you have it... The bold & spunky Peter Pilotto line for Target, all at clearance prices! That's a way to try a new fashion statement without breaking the bank. And, stay tuned for this Peter Pilotto look to be featured on Style Under 40.

Tomorrow, I'm talking about the summer sweater!

Until then - stay stylish,

working girl wednesday :: breathable summer tops

It's Working Girl Wednesday! You'll have to pardon my little hiatus from this topic the past few weeks. But nevertheless, we're back and ready to give you some breathable summer top tips as the temperatures rise! Many of you work in office environments where they crank up the AC to arctic levels in the summer. You want to dress for that, but then you are drenched by the time you get to your {also hot} car. Wearing a breathable fabric can make all the difference. Try a sleeveless or short-sleeved top like the ones below, then throw on a cardigan or a blazer once you get inside the office.

Another trick? A peep toe, although only exposing a slight bit of your feet, is WAY more breathable than a closed-toe pump.

Always look for a silky fabric that doesn't wrinkle when picking out work tops. A heavy cotton or anything that hugs and clings to you is only going to eliminate breathability and make you.  hotter. Linen looks great, but be careful when you wear it! The car ride to work could leave you wrinkled and unpolished for the rest of the day.

Hope these workwear tips help you during this hot summer ahead!

Stylishly Yours,

Courtney

working girl wednesday :: pretty in pastels

Hey all you working women :: the week is almost over! Today we're highlighting a spring trend that you can take with you into the workplace, pastels. Pastels are girly and flirty and even better with your sunny spring tan! Colors like lilac and periwinkle can compliment your neutral tones and patterns alike, and give you a sunny alternative to your duller colors that have carried over from the winter months.

Here are some of our favorite pastel trends that you can add to your workwear wardrobe ::

So add some pretty pastels to your workwear wardrobe this spring to brighten things up!

Stylishly Yours,

Courtney

working girl wednesday :: the nude shoe

Happy Hump Day! Today I'm talking to all you working women about the perfect spring/summer shoe for the workplace. A nude shoe is the perfect color for warmer months, goes with everything and is classically chic. Whether you prefer a wedge, a pump or a flat, go nude this spring! Don't darken and dull your outfit with a black or brown shoe; brighten it up with a nude hue.

Here's what I mean when I say "nude" ::

Here are a few of my favorite nude shoes for all tastes & styles ::

I don't know about you, but my nude wedges will be my go-to shoe for the spring and summer when I need a neutral.

Stay tuned tomorrow for an exclusive Spring Giveaway featuring Painted Earth Cosmetics! You won't want to miss out.

Until then,

Courtney

Menswear Monday {on a Tuesday}

Happy Tuesday! I apologize for my brief blogging hiatus. We spent the weekend in Nashville, and now it's back to the real world for me! Today's Menswear Monday {on a Tuesday} highlights my amazing experience with a custom clothier last week.

Many of my male clients are in need of suits, dress shirts, blazers, slacks and more. I took my most recent client to a custom clothier based in Atlanta to see the difference between a customized experience like this, and buying a suit from the store. I was blown away! First of all, the process is so much easier than perusing a store for the perfect suit. Jeff, the clothier, has over 2,000 fabric swatches to choose from; from suit fabrics, to dress shirts, to ties & jackets. And ontop of that, everything is truly CUSTOM. We even picked out the lining for the inside of each jacket, the buttons and the stitching around the buttons. Each suit is totally customized to your specific measurements, and has custom pockets throughout. Full canvas or half canvas is included in the price, as well as ALL alterations if any may be needed. Another fun fact? Your name is sewn into each of your suits. No more losing your navy blazer at weddings or cocktail parties!

Now, we'll address the price. The cost of a FULLY CUSTOM suit is less than any suit you will find at Brooks Brothers or Nordstrom. And those suits are priced pre-tailoring. The same goes for the blazers, pants and shirts. After this experience, I don't know how men could shop any other way! An hour of your time with no try-on yields you multiple new suits, dress shirts, pants & blazers. Men, I think I probably lost you at "1 hour and NO TRY-ON."

If you are interested in more information about this process, pricing and details, email me at courtney@lifestyledatlanta.com.

We'll see you tomorrow for Working Girl Wednesday, featuring the perfect nude shoe for spring & summer!

Stylishly Yours,

Courtney

Crushing on Chambray

This spring especially, I am crushing on all things chambray. For those of you who don't know what "chambray" is, I am referring to those light denim button-downs that you have probably seen out and about for the last several months. But chambray doesn't stop with the button-down. I am loving the new ways to wear chambray, both at work and at play.

First of all :: Chambray {as a color} looks good on EVERYONE. If I were to ask you, "What colors do you NOT like on yourself?" and you replied with, "Yellow," I would believe you. However, if your reply included "Chambray," I would be forced to call your bluff {politely, of course!} Chambray-toned clothing is flattering to virtually all skin tones.

Here are some of my favorite chambray looks for the spring/summer ::

Show us your favorite chambray by tagging us on Instagram, commenting on our Facebook page or leaving your feedback here!

Stay tuned tomorrow for our Friday Feature!

stylishly yours,

Courtney

How to :: Belting Tops

Many of you have those tops in your closet that, while you may love the pattern or color, just seem to big / baggy / long / all of the above. Maybe you have a top that you feel is just "blah" or unflattering. Never fear, there is a solution! Those tops can be belted, drawing the eye to the small of your waist and creating a more flattering fit.

For tops that are just a smidge too long, try a skinny belt ::

For those tops that are basically tunic-length, you can try a skinny or thick belt, like so ::

And those tops that came with a belt attached? Mix it up! Pull that belt out and try one of your own. A skinny leopard belt can replace a neutral belt and give your top the perfect flair. A gold metallic belt adds a dressier element than a natural brown or cloth belt.

You can even belt over both your top, and a lightweight cardigan ::

Wear your top over pants, jeans, or a pencil skirt for work.

Happy Thursday! Wishing you a stylish week.