leather love

It's officially October which to me means it's OFFICIALLY the start to fall. We have a gorgeous weekend coming up and I'm so excited to finally pull out some of my vests, sweaters, leggings and more. Today I'm talking a classic yet trendy staple to use in your fall wardrobe :: leather. Leather gives off a very high-end, classic feel whether you wear it in boots, pants, skirts or tops. Today I'm highlighting a piece that you've probably seen in magazines and around town. The leather skirt is a versatile and feminine way to wear leather. If you're uneasy about sporting leather, start with a skirt.

I love this camel / cognac color because it goes with EVERYTHING. I'm not kidding- it really goes with every color, from blacks to browns to everything in between. Of course I chose to add a pop of leopard up top with my new favorite blazer.

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Many people switch out their closets from season to season. Don't feel like you have to stow away your summer tops. You'd be surprised at the short-sleeved and sleeveless tops that transition perfectly from summer to fall by adding a cardigan or blazer. This LOFT bow neck shell was a summer purchase that will stay with me until it gets too cold!IMG_6559

How fabulous is this leopard blazer that I recently scored at Nordstrom Rack? The more fabulous part is that it was $29.00 That's 2-9 DOLLARS, y'all!IMG_6603

Don't be afraid of mixing colors. Complimentary colors like this Loren Hope lilac bauble and chartreuse top stand out against one another while also pairing well together.IMG_6561My Trina Turk 'Sydney' skirt is currently sold out {click here to add yourself to the waiting list}, but here's some more leather skirt inspiration for you ::

Anthropologie Lasercut Vegan Leather Skirt

House of Fraser Almost Famous Leather Skirt

ASOS Leather Pencil Skirt in Cream

So start hunting for the perfect leather {or pleather -- as long as it's done right} skirt for this season. You'll find yourself wearing it all throughout the winter; with tights and booties, riding boots, heels and more.

spring chic :: the shorts + blazer look

Many women wonder how to dress up their shorts in the summer. Shorts can be thought of as more of a daytime staple, but they can be dressed up and taken into nighttime just as easily as a pair of pants or a dress! One look I am loving is the shorts + blazer combo :: the ease and comfort of shorts, paired with the polished look of a blazer. What could be better? Here is how I did it with my favorite LOFT chambray blazer and a pair of fun patterned shorts. The key? Choosing a lightweight blazer for the maximum breathability. Bring it with you and throw it on when you get chilly!

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Add a fun statement necklace like this one, from Anthropologie

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My LOFT blazer is sold out online, but you can still find it in stores. Here are some other great summer blazer options ::

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H&M Jersey Blazer

 Statement Necklace {now on SUPER sale!} ::

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Unfortunately, my patterned shorts are oldies from JCrew several seasons ago and I refuse to part with them. But here are some patterned shorts options available now ::

JCrew Neon Coral Jacquard Tap Short

Madewell Tap Short

JCrew Tap Short in Photo Floral

Until Tomorrow, style lovers!

courtney

Photo Credit :: JNelly Photography

www.jnelly.com

Instagram :: jnellyphotastic

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 ::

Fossil Erin Tote in Pastel Green

Blush Peplum Blazer, Topshop

Modcloth City Dreaming Top in Blush

Peplum Fit & Flare Dress, Topshop

Sole Society Linn Heel

Stella & Dot Amity Drops

Stella & Dot Naomi Cluster Earrings

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

Stylishly Yours,

Courtney

Menswear Monday :: The Baseball Tee

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Happy Menswear Monday! I hope all of you had a fabulous weekend. Today we're talking about a spring trend for men :: the baseball tee. A casual, easy-to-throw-on option for weekend wear or a night out with friends. Dress it up or down & wear it day to night, the baseball tee is known for its color-blocked sleeves.

Try it with a casual blazer, dark wash jeans and an oxford for a night out, or keep it simple with your favorite jean or pant and a loafer for casual Saturday outings. Either way, this spring trend has proven to become a versatile piece in my husband's closet!

Here are some favorites ::

JCrew Slim Flagstone Baseball Tee, $65

In cream & gray.

Alternative Willoughby Baseball Tee, Bloomingdales $50

A short sleeved version for summer, JCrew $60

Show us how you are rocking the baseball tee look this season! We'd love to hear from you. Follow along on INSTAGRAM and hashtag #baseballtee. Or, like our FACEBOOK page and leave your photo!

Stylishly Yours, Courtney

 

 

Crushing on Chambray

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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 ::

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Chambray Popover, Anthropologie $59.95

Ikat Chambray Shirtdress, Anthropologie $148

Chambray Shorts, LOFT $49.50 {40% off TODAY!}

Light & Breezy Linen Chambray Pant, Rodale's $118. Perfect for lounging & beach trips!

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

Working Girl Wednesday :: Flirty Florals

It's Working Girl Wednesday! Today we're talking about how to incorporate fun, flirty florals into your workwear. Workwear doesn't have to be stuffy. You can still maintain professionalism while incorporating patterns and colors into your workwear wardrobe. Here is some outfit inspiration for your spring working girl wardrobe :: WW 1

I love this ASOS floral top, and I happen to own it. It is now on super sale for $18.82! The ruffled collar is fun and work-appropriate at the same time. Paired with these eyelet pants from LOFT and a tan tote, it's an effortless look that will leave you looking stylish and put-together.

ASOS Floral Top, $18.82

LOFT Cotton Eyelet Ankle Pants, $79.50

Sole Society Laurie Peeptoe Wedge, $49.95

OR

Sole Society Bettie Heel, $79.95

Dorothy Perkins Tan Tote, $95

 

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This workwear look incorporates a drapey chambray pant, which is ultra-flattering on virtually every body type. Paired with a light, airy navy & white floral top from Modcloth and a coral wedge. Throw a white blazer over for your chilly office and you'll be set for a springy workwear look!

Modcloth By the Garden Pond Top, $34.99

LOFT Drapey Chambray Trousers, $69.50

Sole Society Piper Wedge, $41.97

Trouve Reverse Lapel Blazer, Nordstrom, $98

Add some flirty florals to your workwear this spring and maintain a level of professionalism while still looking stylish and current. From understated light prints, to bold and bright, you can do it all. Just remember :: when wearing a bold print up top, stick to a neutral or darker colored bottom. When you are wearing an understated, less colorful top, you can add a pop of color in your pants or shoes. It's all about balance!

And that's your Working Girl Wednesday. Tune in next week when we discuss how to accessorize your workwear appropriately!

Stylishly Yours,

Courtney

Thursday's Tip :: Tone on Tone

Try mixing it up in your wardrobe without having to shop :: The tone-on-tone look. Pair some of your similarly-toned pieces together. Tone on tone can be done with a shirt and a necklace, cardigan & shirt, etc. Simply choose a piece in your closet that you like the color of, and then choose an accessory that has the same tone, yet not in the exact same shade. {i.e., a turquoise sweater with a pale turquoise/mint necklace, or a pale purple blouse with a plum blazer}

Courtney did this with the Pantone Color of 2014, Radiant Orchid. Styling an orchid dress with a darker-toned cardigan is one way of rocking the tone on tone look ::

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Here are some other tone-on-tone looks to inspire you ::

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What are your favorite tone-on-tone looks? We'd love to hear from you. You can hashtag #toneontone on social media and tag us, @lifestyledatlanta on Instagram or visit our facebook page.

Wishing you a stylish Thursday! The weekend is almost here!

Menswear Monday :: How to Rock the Jeans & Blazer Look

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I have always been a big fan of the jeans // blazer look on men. There's something about it that looks effortless, yet put-together and usually ends up being perfect for a handful of occasions. If you're unsure of how to wear this look, or what the right occasion is, here are some guidelines ::

1) When you hear the words 'Dressy Casual', the jeans & blazer look is appropriate. When you hear the words 'Business Casual', it usually is not. Business casual translates into slacks and a blazer, no tie needed OR dress slacks, a button-down and a sweater of some sort over.

2) ALWAYS choose a dark wash jean. Dark wash, slim-fitting jeans are going to give a more formal and professional look. NEVER pair an acid wash {in fact, if you have these in your closet go ahead and do yourself a favor and put them directly into the trash! They have no place in the 2014} with a blazer. It gives off a very country feel -- and not in a good way.

3) Leave the blazer open, or button it up. This is up to you. An open blazer gives a more casual feel, while buttoned-up adds structure and formality.

4) For a more casual look, cuff the bottom of your jeans one or two times & pair with loafers or oxfords.

Here are some of my favorite jeans & blazer looks. You can never go wrong with a tan blazer and dark wash jean. Gray is also a staple that will never go out of style!

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So go ahead men, rock that jeans & blazer look for your next dressy casual event! You'll be looking effortlessly put-together in no time.

Stylishly Yours,

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Menswear Monday :: Suiting Guidelines

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When it comes to suits, some men are very lost. Let's start with the basic guideline :: Fit is EVERYTHING. It doesn't matter how expensive your suit is, if it doesn't fit correctly it is going to look sloppy. So here are some rules to follow when you're suiting up ::

1) Fit - Your pants should be a "slimfit." This means that they shouldn't have any bulkiness or bunching excess fabric. This only gives the illusion of added weight. The shoulders should be narrow, and the waist nipped.

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2) Length - Trousers should be hemmed to reach the top of a standard dress shoe. Your socks should not show, and you should not have bagginess around your ankles. This gives a sloppy, unprofessional look. Your suit jacket should come down to the first knuckle on your thumb. If your jacket is too short, you will look heavier through the middle.

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3) No contrast stitching. Visible stitching on a suit is okay, as long as it is subtle and the same tone as the actual suit. Contrast stitching looks cheap!

4) Pinstripes :: If you're going for the pinstripe, choose a subtle and understated stripe. A pinstripe that is visible up close, but barely recognizable from afar is a good choice.

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5) Watches :: Never pair a sporty or plastic watch with your suit. Save it for your evening run or weekend activities.

6) Don't over-accessorize. A tie bar, pocket square and lapel pin are not necessary! A rule of thumb -- choose two of the three at most.

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7) Camel vs Brown :: If you have the choice between a chocolate brown and a camel / sandy tan suit, go for the tan. It will prove to be more versatile and flow between seasons more effortlessly.

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8) Polka Dots :: When wearing polka dots, make sure they are big enough to be recognizable and seen, but not so big that they look goofy and cartoon-like.

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So follow these guidelines the next time you're suiting up or shopping for a new suit. You can be sure you're doing it right!

Stylishly Yours