the mini skirt

Happy Monday! Let's kick off the week with a fall favorite of mine, the mini skirt. Wait a minute, don't stop reading now! I know what you're thinking... "I can't wear a mini skirt, I'm a mom," or, "I can't wear a mini skirt! I hate my thighs!" Maybe it's, "I'm way too old for a mini skirt!" I'm here to debunk, and confirm, some of those preconceived notions. Mini skirts get a bad rap because they are often associated with showing too much skin or juvenileness. But mini skirts can be classy and chic in the FALL with some simple tips ::

1) You CAN wear a mini skirt if you're a mom. Especially in the fall, because you have a new best friend to help you feel more comfortable. Her name is The Legging.

2) You CAN wear a mini skirt even if you hate your thighs or legs. Once again, enter leggings. And a new friend, The Boot.

3) You're probably right if you think you're too old to wear a mini skirt. Past a certain age, some things tend to look juvenile, inappropriate or like you're trying to hard. Age-appropriateness is key, whether you are 20 or 65. A rule to go by :: If you're over 50, you can safely stay away from the mini skirt, but not skirts in general! Try a skirt that hits anywhere between 1-3 inches above your knee.

A mini skirt can be TOO mini. Make sure you're never wearing a skirt that is more than 6-7 inches above the knee.

I love this leopard mini skirt by Milly, made casual by adding my favorite LOFT sweater and military vest. Notice my opaque black tights {which could easily be substituted by a sweater tight or a thicker legging} and booties {which could easily be substituted by a riding boot or block-heeled boot}.

IMG_6377IMG_6371Topped off with a half-tuck of the sweater and a pendant necklaceIMG_6350So try your hand at a mini {or mini-esque} skirt with leggings or tights and boots this fall. It's a great alternative to pants without the constriction of a pencil or work-related skirt. Choose the "mini" length that works for you. It's all about personal preference and comfort when it comes to your style!

how to :: wear your white into fall

Do you still live by the rule "Don't wear your white after Labor Day?" Well I'm here to tell you to consider that rule null and void. You don't have to listen to your mother's old-fashioned advice because, like the times, fashion rules have changed. You CAN and SHOULD wear your white denim into the fall and even the winter! Here's how ::

1) Pair your white with deeper colors up top

2) Pair your white with boots or booties for a more winter-y look

3) You can never go wrong with white, chambray and boots in the fall. If all else fails, remember that

IMG_6427

IMG_6419

IMG_6458

IMG_6491

IMG_6508

IMG_6546

So maximize the white in your closet and take it into my favorite season with you! You'll be sure to find new and versatile ways to use it as fall sets in.

How to wear it :: the bootie

I'm currently sitting on my porch, enjoying the perfect cup of coffee with my samoa creamer {if you didn't know this existed you need to run to your nearest grocery store ASAP}, and relishing in the 60-degree crisp fall air! Which gives me the perfect inspiration for today's post :: it's all about booties.... the shoes, obviously.

Courtney -25 Courtney -13Booties are the perfect solution to cooler weather that doesn't require heating half of your legs in full riding boots. As the temperatures begin to drop but the days are still warmer, booties give you the fall look without the "real" thing. But booties are also a great, versatile alternative to boots in the winter as well. I love to wear mine with tights and a dress, corduroys and more even in the cold temperatures. So you get it; booties are a versatile wardrobe must-have that can help you make the transition into fall and last you through the winter. A couple things to go by when buying a bootie ::

1) Tan is the most versatile color. Black only goes with so much, and chocolate brown limits you to wearing it with most things except black. But tan can be paired with virtually ANY color.

2) When pairing your booties with jeans, DON'T try to tuck your jeans INTO the booties. You have two options here :: cuff your jeans to hit about 1/2" above your bootie, exposing the slightest bit of ankle. OR, if your jeans are longer, pull them over the bootie.

3) Choose a bootie that gives you some room around the ankle. Not a gaping hole, but not a bootie that hugs the ankle bone. A little bit of room around the ankle not only makes your ankles appear slimmer {which is much appreciated for us gals who don't have the smallest of ankles... ahem} but it is also more comfortable and comfort is key when it comes to shoes

My favorite place to buy booties? Solesociety.com. I am swooning over a leopard pair as I type this {is anyone surprised?}. Sole Society has so many different styles of booties for affordable prices. AND, you get 20% off when you sign up for the first time. Not to mention my SS booties from last season are SO comfortable. Here are a few of my favorite picks for fall ::

My leopard weakness coming full circle... The Chelsea Bootie in Tan

This "Bourbon" color is the PERFECT shade of tan... The Chelsea Bootie in Bourbon

If you like a little fringe and a lower heel... The Kemi Bootie in Tan

I'm loving the leather straps + buckle detailing on these booties...The Terilyn Bootie in Army Fudge

Last but not least, the Perforated Bootie...The Sidney in Light Luggage

So if you don't have the perfect pair of booties in your closet, try one of these. For those of you first-timers, I suggest the Chelsea bootie. The most classic cut with the most color choices, you can't go wrong. For those of you looking to add to your collection, try branching out with something a little different, like perforation, fringe or buckles. A little variety never hurt anyone! Wishing you a stylish week ahead, and keeping my fingers crossed that these fall temps keep movin' on in!

the linen blazer

Happy Monday! It's almost August which means we'll be starting that summer to fall transition in just a few short months. Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing style tips and suggestions to help you do it seamlessly and in ways you may not have thought. Today I'm talking about the linen blazer. Blazers can often be hot and heavy, especially your basic black. Transition your top half from season to season with a lightweight linen blazer; your bottom half can follow suit {see what I did there?!} when the cool is here to stay! Try a linen blazer in a lighter color; like a chambray, chartreuse or poppy red.

DSC_8375I love my sunflower yellow blazer {last season from LOFT} but I also love something about the collarless jacket. It adds a little bit of femininity and less structure to it, so it's perfect for taking from work to play. This one fits the bill, and this color is great on every skin tone ::

LOFT Cropped Linen Open Jacket

The linen blazer is perfect for throwing on during those in-between hot and cool months with a pair of shorts and a tank or even over a dress / skirt for work. How about a datenight?DSC_8404Roll your sleeves up exposing the inner lining for a more fun, casual and easy look. I love a good patterned blazer, like this one from Anthropologie ::

Anthropologie Southmark Blazer

How about a simple chambray? It's more casual for those of you who don't see a need for a blazer in your wardrobe. It can act as more of a lightweight jacket while giving you the polished look of a blazer.DSC_7839Try it in a light wash or dark wash depending on your preference, like these ::

GAP Ponte Twill Blazer

Eileen Fisher Linen Chambray Blazer

Anthropologie Quilted Chambray Blazer

So throw on your linen or lightweight blazer to help you make the transition from summer into fall; whether it's on a cool night out or in the office. And, stay tuned for more seasonal transition advice and tips in the days and weeks to come!

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!

DSC_7839

DSC_7785

DSC_7798

Add a fun statement necklace like this one, from Anthropologie

DSC_7832

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

Screen shot 2014-05-14 at 8.27.17 AM

H&M Jersey Blazer

 Statement Necklace {now on SUPER sale!} ::

Screen shot 2014-05-14 at 8.35.39 AM

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

mary's revamp :: part two

Today we're taking you through part two of Mary's Wardrobe Revamp. For those of you who missed part one or need a refresher, you can read about Mary and her story here. After a major overhaul in her closet, we hit the stores! We started at Nordstrom and finished at LOFT, finding some great versatile sale pieces at both places, along with some wardrobe staples that Mary was in desperate need of. We accomplished a LOT in the two hours we spent shopping, and Mary left with a new wardrobe and a new outlook. I thought I would document this journey with a few photos, so enjoy!

Here she is modeling a few outfits. How adorable is she?!

mary2

mary6

mary7

Here are just some of Mary's many outfits that we were able to create using the pieces we bought ::

mary9

mary11

mary3mary5

mary16mary17

mary12 mary8

mary13mary4

We were able to get everything on Mary's list and stay within her budget ::

  •  white jeans
  • dark wash jeans
  • peplum top
  • statement necklaces
  • black crop pant
  • colored crop pant
  • two dresses
  • two skirts
  • nude wedge
  • tan sandal
  • cardigans for when she does not want to show her arms in sleeveless tops or dresses
  • lightweight sweaters

All in all, it was a huge success and Mary was thrilled!

mary14

We loved having Mary's daughter-in-law, Jenna, along for the fun!

And a text I received from Mary's husband this morning {if you'll remember, Mary's husband, Craig, purchased this revamp for her for her birthday} This it the kind of feedback that makes me love my job even more :: mary text

mary pic

Many of you can relate to Mary's story. She gave and gave to her children, her husband and her job, and in turn neglected herself for a long while! This was much-deserved, and it was such a privilege to work with her and watch this transformation. LIFEstyled services truly are about having a new outlook, attitude & confidence, which Mary exuded after this process.

If you or someone you know would benefit from LIFEstyled's services, you are in luck! Check out our Mother's Day Special for an exclusive discount.

Wishing you a happy Wednesday!

Courtney

fashionable flip flops

Happy Friday! I'm coming to you from the beach, which makes today's post extra appropriate. Flip flops are great for summer; they are easy to throw on, breathable and comfortable. But let's be honest -- {most} flip flops are just not cute! Whether they are boring and bland, or maybe you are rocking the crocs or reef flip flops on the regular. Whatever your situation, if you are a flip flop lover you can do it fashionably! Here are some of our favorite fashionable flip flops for summer... combining comfort, effortlessness and style ::

You can never go wrong with a classic gold, skinny flip flop; the metallic tone goes from day to night effortlessly and gives you a chic look even with shorts & a tee.

Ready to splurge on a great go-to pair of flip flops? These camel Tory Burch emblem sandals are the perfect choice. AND, 25% off through Monday!

If you know me, you know I love a good leopard print! Use it as a neutral and add some flair to solids & other neutrals. Leopard pairs great with black & white stripes, too! These Lands End flops are sure to provide maximum comfort, and they also come in coral! {25% off these as well}

You can't go wrong with a glossy black. These side bow flops from Ted Baker are no exception. I'm loving the gold hardware accent as well.

Looking to add some height with your flops? Try a wedge. This classic look adds height and gives you the ability to really dress your look up. I love the soft nude color of this Sam Edelman wedge, and they also come in black.

So add some flair to your flop selection this summer. There is no reason to sacrifice style to achieve comfort & effortlessness. From stay-at-home moms who need comfort & ease, to those of you who just don't like to bother with straps and buckles, you can have it all!

Wishing you a happy & stylish weekend ahead!

Courtney

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.

DSC_0309

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

DSC_0310 DSC_0313

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

DSC_0314

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

DSC_0315 DSC_0316

  • 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.

DSC_0317

*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.

DSC_0305

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!