Barely-There Lip Color

Happy Monday! I've been a little MIA with our new business and traveling, but I'm back in action and sharing one of my must-haves for spring + summer - barely-there lip color. It's basically the perfect lip color that adds a little color, but doesn't make you look like you just put on your lipstick with a bare face while heading to the gym (or maybe just the grocery store in your gym clothes).  

I tried this Chanel Rouge Double Intensite after hearing rave reviews about how long it lasts. These reviews certainly hold true! Put the color on first, wait about 20 seconds and then apply the gloss to seal it in place. Eat, drink, be merry and don't worry about it coming off! It will literally stay perfectly for hours on end. To freshen up, just apply a little more clear gloss. 

I love this color (Light Rose) because it has a little bit of a sheen but is so light and pretty. Wear it with a fresh makeup free face, or use it to balance out a dramatic smokey eye.  

And if you try this, Let me say "you're welcome, in advance!" 

EARRINGS  

SUNGLASSES  

the babydoll top

Happy Monday, y'all! It seems like I've been all about tops lately... and there's nothing wrong with that! Whether you have your go-to neutral bottoms or like to play around with colors or patterns, you can always use your tops in new and versatile ways.

Today we're talking about the babydoll top. Now that I've mentioned the word "babydoll," many of you want to stop right there and close this window. Please don't! You can rock the babydoll top no matter what age or size you are. You just have to do it right. This top is perfect for hiding insecurities {ahem...mid-section} while still looking stylish and put-together. Two rules when it comes to babydoll styles ::

1) Make SURE you wear a skinny pant on bottom

...unless you are tucking or half-tucking your top, in which case you should still wear a more fitted pant like a straight leg. No wide-leg pants with this style; the flowy top paired with flowy bottoms creates an overall sloppy and bulky look. It's all about balance, people.

2) Make sure the top hits at your pocket line or below. Preferably below.

I stumbled across this top at Old Navy {yes, Old Navy!} and snatched it up. It was the last one in store and I can understand why! There are times when you score an item at Old Navy that doesn't look like an Old Navy find... this is one of those times.

Paired with my newest Kendra Scott addition;  a rose quartz long tassel necklace to balance the flowiness of the babydoll top

You can snag this top for yourself!

Until next time! Wishing you a stylish week ahead.

friday feature :: styled shoot

TGIF! I hope the work week has been good to you and you have a relaxing weekend ahead. A few months ago, LIFEstyled helped style the ladies of Emiko Ferrer Designs for their photo shoot with Morgan Blake Photography. Amy, the owner, really wanted their style in the shoot to reflect their style of interior decorating; timeless, classic, light and chic. I love working with fellow small business owners and creatives. Today I'm showing you some of these gorgeous photos of equally gorgeous [not to mention incredibly talented!} women! Owner, Amy Ferrer, in Banana Republic blazer {on sale now!}, top & necklaceWe used pastels when styling Amy, Erin and Leigh to create a bright and airy feel, with complimentary colors like white, grays, peaches and subtle turquoiseA bright citrine and patterned pants for Amy's second look, accompanied by crisp white and cream for Erin and Leigh.

We tied in the neutrals and colors in Amy's home with the ladies' outfits as not to distract from the decor, but to enhance it.

Do you have a photo shoot, special event or occasion coming up? LIFEstyled can help style you appropriately and perfectly no matter what the occasion; from family photo shoots, to weddings, to high school reunions. For more information on all of our services, click HERE.

Wishing you a happy + stylish weekend ahead!

working girl wednesday :: the perfectly professional white pant

Happy Hump Day! Today we're bringing back a little Working Girl Wednesday inspiration with the perfect white pant. The white jean is a summer staple, but what about when it comes to the office? No one wants to don their black and dark gray pants year-round, especially when the temps outside don't exactly align with your frigid office {Am I right, ladies?!} A summer necessity in your working girl wardrobe is the white pant. From day to night, business casual to dressy or formal, the white pant won't let you down this summer.

I LOVE this floral jacquard pant from the LOFT. The subtle floral pattern gives a more dressy effect, and the fit is perfect.  These pants lend themselves perfectly to virtually any office environment ::

And here's where you can buy them yourself ::

 How about a skirt for those REEEEALLY hot days?

So make sure you pick up a summer white pant for your working girl wardrobe; not only will you feel cool, you'll look it as well!

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

Mary's Revamp :: Part One

Hello, fashionistas! I hope you had a great weekend and start to your week. Today, I'm bringing you part one of a two part wardrobe revamp. So many people wonder exactly what a wardrobe consult really entails, and it is hard to imagine the gravity and benefits without really going through it yourself! So, I'm bringing you Mary's story to give you a real-life wardrobe revamp example that many of you may find yourselves relating to....

Mary is 53 years old and has two sons; aged 28 and 24. She is one of the most giving, kind-hearted and caring people I have ever met. She is an oncological nurse at Northside Hospital and her family, friends & coworkers will attest to the fact that she truly gives, gives and gives. She has spent years caring about her family and friends needs and always putting them before her's. Her sweet husband decided it was time for her to reward herself, and purchased the Wardrobe Revamp for Mary for her birthday. The Revamp includes a full wardrobe consult + two hours of personal shopping with LIFEstyled.

This blog post {part one} is dedicated to the Wardrobe Revamp side of things. We will bring you Mary's shopping experience {part two} in the coming weeks! Here's a little bit of background :: 

Mary has things in her closet that are 10+ years old. Many of them are hand-me-downs from her mother and sisters, gifts from friends and family throughout the years and very  FEW pieces that she had actually purchased for herself. She has had trouble getting rid of things {who can relate to that?!} for sentimental reasons as well as the often heard. "Maybe this will come back into style?" and "Maybe I will wear it next year?" Needless to say, Mary was more than ready for an expert to come and help her sort through years and years of clothing, shoes and accessories.

Below is our "get-rid-of" pile. This isn't even including jewelry and purses. Need I say more? Can you imagine how freeing this was for her?! We shared many laughs {and sighs of relief} with her husband as he gazed at the pile in amazement. Of course, we had to have some celebratory wine to celebrate such an overhaul!

Mary's shopping list is extensive. She will gain a whole new wardrobe by the time this process is finished. We were able to create 17 new outfits from the clothing that we had left in her closet, which wasn't much! The number we will be able to create using her new and old pieces after shopping will probably be in the fifties.

Mary is SO excited to be able to use her look book to put together new and updated outfit combinations, and to finally give herself some much-deserved pampering with a new wardrobe. We can't wait to shop with her in a few weeks and bring you the final results!

Tuesday's Tutorial :: The Knotted Belt

Happy Tuesday! Today I'm talking the knotted belt. It is another fun way that you can wear your belts, whether with pants, skirts or tops.

Break away from the basic way of buckling your belt, and try a knotted belt the next time you're belting. You can achieve this look with a thin or thick belt, around your waist or around your hips!

Here's the tutorial ::

• First, buckle the belt normally at the length that you're comfortable with; whether it's around your hips or your waist

• When you put the belt through the buckle, don't put it through the second time. Instead, bring it in a loop underneath.

• Bring the loop upward, and circle it back around the front of the secured belt on your waist or hip

 

• Pull the knot securely and center it around your middle. Depending on how long or short your belt is, there will be some amount hanging down.

*A tip :: When I buy a belt that I plan to wear both around my waist at times, and my hips at times, I always buy one or two sizes too big. Then, I poke my own hole in the belt that will allow me to use it around the small of my waist, as I am doing here.

So try the knotted belt next time you're belting! I guarantee you'll receive a compliment or two, and love having another versatile way to belt.

Stay Stylish!

The LIFE.styled Launch Event

Calling all current & potential clients :: Tomorrow is the big day! Our LIFEstyled launch event is just around the corner. I hope to see you all there! We will have live music, giveaways, swag bags & exclusive discounts for only those who attend. We have a few more spots left, so grab a friend or significant other and head over to The Wrecking Bar for a night of fun and mingling in style.

Here are the specifics ::

You can RSVP to courtney@lifestyledatlanta.com if you haven't done so already. I hope to see lots of new faces & meet you tomorrow night!

Until then,

The White Blazer

This winter I found myself searching for the perfect piece to throw on over tops, and that I could take from day to night, casual to dressy. I am loving the white blazer because it encompasses all of these things! And best of all? It can take you from season to season, all year long. Simply throw it on over any blouse or dress and accessorize with colorful jewelry. I'm loving my open-front blazer from the LOFT {now sold out, but I'm giving you other options below}, which I recently wore for a photo shoot {more photos to come soon!} Here it is paired with simple black & white polka dots and red statement necklace ::

And here, with a comfy striped dress & black booties, accessorized with a pop of yellow ::

Here are some more white blazer options for you to take from winter, to spring, to summer ::

Happy Shopping!

the look :: for less

It's a happy Thursday because ::

a) it's almost the weekend, and

b) we're kicking off "The Look for Less"!

I constantly see fashion trends and outfits that I am drooling over, but simply could never justify or afford. One of my favorite coveted brands is Alice + Olivia. With beautiful, unique & trendy dresses starting at hundreds of dollars, it's a brand that's not exactly in most of our (my) price range. Today I'm featuring two of my favorite winter trends :: Leather + open-front cardigans.

Enter, Alice + Olivia "Scottie Shearling," currently ON SALE {enter jaw drop} for $837, marked down from $1395.

This is a super chic and stylish open front cardigan with leather. Perfect for cold weather, day-to-night, and dressier occasions. I love everything about this look, except the price!

Now, enter the Anthropologie "Ecliptic Cardigan," giving you the same effect at around 1/8 of the price {$98}. Music to your wallet's ears! When shopping with one of my clients a few weeks ago we actually purchased this open-front cardigan from Anthro. So I can tell you first-hand that yes, it is just as dreamy as it looks on the website.

That kicks off this Thursday's "The Look for Less." We will be doing this every Thursday, so if you'd like us to find YOUR coveted look for less, comment below or on our facebook page or instagram {use hashtag #thelookforless}

Until tomorrow!

Stylishly Yours,