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.

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.

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.

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 OZ | 3.4 OZ

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 N Sale Leopard Pump + Meet Intern Nicole

TGIF! Today we're bringing you double the fun with a sale item and an exciting introduction!

First, thing's first :: A leopard pump {or wedge for those of you who can't do pumps} is a must in every woman's closet. Not only is leopard considered a neutral and goes with just about everything, it is a sassy + classy addition to any otherwise neutral or classic outfit. I go on and on about my love for leopard in the fall and winter, but leopard pumps are perfect for summer, too; with that LBD, in the office, or out on the town. 

I've found that a fabulous leopard pump is a part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale every year {remember that Halogen pump that sold out so quickly last year?!} and this year is no different. When I saw these Sam Edelman pumps I knew I had to have them, and who could resist at under $100 on sale?! I love the "half" pump that doesn't cover your whole foot on one side. Pointed-toe shoes are already more slimming than a round toe, and the half pump adds even more of a slimming effect. Lastly,  Okay y'all, I could go on and on for days about anything leopard. Here they are, in all their glory :: 

SHOP // Sam Edelman 'Onyx' Half d'Orsay Pointy Toe Pump

And now for the exciting introduction. I am happy to introduce you to the LifeStyled intern, Nicole! I am thrilled to have her on board and for all that's to come! Here's a little bit about Nicole...

Hello from Atlanta!

I'm Nicole, Courtney's intern. I'm a rising junior at the University of Georgia working toward a major in marketing, with an emphasis in digital marketing, and a minor in fashion merchandising. I'm all about college football, Pure Barre, website design, Diet Coke and Starbucks (usually combined during finals week), and laughing out loud at re-runs of Friends.

I truly believe that when you look good, you feel good. And that's what I love about LifeStyled! I'm thrilled about the opportunity to help Courtney and contribute to the LifeStyled brand. Blogging, and shopping, and girl talk? I could get used to this!

Winter-Weight Plaid

Plaid shirts have always been a favorite of mine, but it can be hard to find ones that are heavy enough to keep you warm in these colder months that aren't bulky or masculine. So, I set out to find a feminine + flattering winter-weight flannel and found a few favorites at JCrew {like THIS one}.

I love the colors in this shirt; blues, green & burnt orange brighten things up a bit rather than sticking with darker tones for winter.

To make flannel more feminine, add a statement necklace with crystals or another sort of 'blingy' gemstone or material. I love this Jcrew Factory Crystal Petal Clusters necklace because it's neutral but dressy {and it's on sale!}

Flannel is perfect with cords, a skirt or your favorite pair of jeans. Pair it with a scarf or poncho with it to keep you extra warm and stylish. It's a laid-back, classic look that's comfy + cozy!

versatile wardrobe must-haves

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

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.

Comfy Cozy Chic

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TGIF and BRRR! It is frigid outside. I'm writing this from the comfort of my shearling moccasins and layers of sweaters, so today I thought I'd bring you some comfy cozy outfit inspiration that's also chic and fashion-forward. I discovered the long cardigan a few months ago and fell in love. Not only is it more upscale and chic looking than a regular cardigan in my opinion, but it's slimming and lengthening which always helps when you have shorter legs like I do. I have found that Free People carries TONS of long cardigans {like mine here} and most of them are on sale | You can shop my favorites from Free People and a few other brands at the bottom of the post.

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I paired my long cream cardi with my go-to pixie pants {duh} and favorite black booties | you can shop my entire look at the bottom of the post

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In light of the freezing temps, I also added one of my absolute favorite accessories this winter :: the Vegan Fur Circle Scarfby Liv + Work {available for purchase through link}. It's warm, thick and absolutely fabulous. If the weather continues as it has been lately, it's a must-have for January, February and even March.

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P.S... can I tell you how much I LOVE my new Kendra Scott ring? I never thought it would be comfortable or realistic when I saw people wearing it, but I don't even notice it's there! It fits perfectly between fingers and stays comfortable all day + night.

Shop my favorite long cardigans ::

Shop my outfit + accessories ::

Unexpected Color Combos that Work

Happy Tuesday! Today I'm bringing you some color inspiration to try in your own closet. We all have those items that we get stuck wearing together all the time. "This goes with this, and this goes with this..." but many people don't realize that they have some colorful, yet versatile, pieces that will work together. Here are some unexpected color combos that work ::

LILAC + chartreuse

I didn't realize how much I loved this color combo until I started searching for images! Take it from spring or summer into winter by adding a dark color like black to the mix.

SHOP ACCESSORIES ::

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FUCHSIA or pink + COBALT or baby blue

Would you pair a magenta/fuchsia leopard print skirt with a baby blue top? Well, you can! These are some of the combos I put together for {pre-accessory selection} for a client and then for myself.

SHOP ACCESSORIES::

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NEON YELLOW + pink

My neon yellow Kendra Scott Rayne is my go-to necklace throughout the year. I love it with an all-black outfit in the winter, or paired with a pop of [bright or pale] pink in the warmer months. 

SHOP NEON YELLOW KENDRA SCOTT RAYNE - on sale!! & CLARE V. CLUTCH

MUSTARD + MAGENTA or PINK

The same goes for this color combination; similar to the neon yellow + pink, you can pair any of the warmer tones {pink, purple, fuchsia} with this mustard-y color. Add it in as a pop - whether it be as an accessory, blazer, top or pant.

A helpful hint? Try searching for opposite-toned colors {like cool blue & warm magenta} that still compliment each other. If you're stuck, google the handy color wheel and get your inspiration from there!

Stay tuned for some wintery goodness coming up on the blog this week!

TGIF :: Date Night Out

Happy Friday and Happy New Year! Today I'm bringing you one of my favorite looks for a night out in the winter. I love the flow and comfort of a drapey cardigan; in some edge with {faux} leather and you've got the perfect look for a night out with friends or your Friday night dinner date. You can never go wrong with all black, or throw in a pop of color {like my all-time favorite fuchsia}

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You can find my MK by Michael Kors Faux Leather Mixed Media Drapey Cardigan HERE, or shop some of my other favorites below.

Add some knee high black boots {especially on a rainy day like this!} to top off your look.

My all-time favorite necklace, the Pegasus was a semi-painful purchase to make. At $200, it's not exactly the most affordable piece of jewelry. But can I tell you how WORTH it this piece was? Perfect for dressing up or down and adding that unique touch to any outfit. I get multiple compliments every time I wear it.

My DVF fuchsia top was sold out in what seemed like minutes, but you can shop some of my favorite fuchsia tops below. I recently went on the search for the perfect shade of fuchsia {not too red, not too purple} and these all fit the bill.

Shop my favorites & my look ::

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PLUS - New Year, New You Special! 25 % OFF FOR THREE DAYS ONLY. You won't see a discount this big again in 2015!

To book, simply email me or fill out the form below. You can browse all of LifeStyled's services on the website. I can't wait to work with you in the New Year!

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