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? 

What's in my bag

Happy Wednesday! I'm headed for sunny Florida tomorrow and could NOT be more excited. Today I'm sharing what's in my purse this summer; from basics like planner and lipstick, to my unique and quirky "carry-all-the-time" items that you might not expect. Here's 'what's in the bag...'

1 | KATE SPADE PLANNER ::  I can't go anywhere without my planner, as most of you can relate to. I love the Kate Spade planners because they're functional, cute and classic. My 2016 favorites here | here | here

2| POPPIN GOLD NOTEBOOK :: For wardrobe consults, shopping lists, and random jot-downs I use this fun gold notebook. Closes with an elastic band so you don't have to worry about page wrinkling!

3 | DIOR 'ADDICT' FLUID LIPSTICK :: I love this because it goes on like a gloss, but looks and stays put like a lipstick. Not to mention I am in LO-OVE with this color {779 Plaisir}  The perfect shade of pink and you can apply it lighter for a lighter look, or heavier for a bold pop of color

4| BOBBI BROWN 'STELLA' CAT EYE SUNGLASSES :: Sunglasses are obviously a must, year-round. I went on the hunt for the perfect classic cat-eye sunglass a few months ago, and these were the winner. Some other favorites here | here

5 | BRITT BASS IPHONE CASE :: You all know from my blog earlier this week that I am a fan of all things Britt Bass. Her newest iPhone cases are glossy, well-made and swoon-worthy! My phone is never without one of her fun and colorful designs.

6 | KENDRA SCOTT IVORY RAYNE NECKLACE :: This may sound strange, but I carry this baby in my purse with me everywhere when I'm not wearing it. Why, you ask? Because it's the perfect neutral necklace to throw on with anything from a tee shirt to a little black dress. I keep it with me so that I can use it for styling clients' outfits, trying on with outfits while shopping, and for throwing on if I change outfits or forget a necklace on my way out the door. It's always good to have an accessory like this on hand... you never know when you may need it!

7 | KATE SPADE COBBLE HILL WALLET :: The best basic, black wallet you'll find. It zips closed and keeps everything safe, has 12 credit card spots and multiple pouches. Not to mention it goes in any purse, year-round.

8 | TORY BURCH THORA FLIP FLOPS :: Like many of you, I'm on my feet a lot during the day. Whether I'm in a client's closet or shopping with them, I don't sit down much. This is why I always carry my TB flip flops with me in case I need to throw them on in between {or sometimes even with!!} clients. They are dressy enough to where they don't look strange if you have to grab for them, and oh-so-comfortable. Not to mention, the perfect shade of tan

SHOP // planner 1 | planner 2 | planner 3 | gold notebook | dior lipstick | sunglasses | iPhone case | kendra scott wayne | kate spade wallet | tory burch flip flops

Mad for Marsala :: Pantone Color of 2015

Happy Friday! Today marks my last day of work before all of the Christmas festivities ahead. Why don't we look ahead to 2015 just a bit; Pantone has recently announced 'Marsala' as the Color of 2015 and I couldn't agree more! I LOVE this shade of red wine / berry / oxblood and it has been on mine and my clients' shopping lists for some time now. I've managed to snag a few Marsala items and I'll be sure to keep my eye out for even more. Here's some Marsala inspiration for you, and some more of my favorite items.

Pictured :: Michael Kors Large Hamilton Tote in CLARET {currently sold out}

Similar :: Kate Spade New York Small Cedar Street Tote in MULLED WINE

Street Level Reversible Vegan Leather Tote in OXBLOOD

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Pictured :: Marsala silk blouse from LOFT {past season}

Other Marsala tops I love :: LOFT Lace Sleeve Tee in INTENSE BURGUNDY... 40% off & perfect for the Holidays!

LOFT Lace Blocked Tee in MAUVE ROSE... 40% off & perfect for the Holidays!

LOFT Pontelle Trim Blouse in WILD CHERRY... 40% off & perfect for the Holidays!

JCrew Drapey Keyhole Top in BRIGHT EGGPLANT... 40% off with code GIFTNOW, & also perfect for the Holidays!

TopShop Surplice Pocket Blouse in BURGUNDY

Two Pocket Voile Tunic in PURPLE POTION... marked down at Nordstrom!

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Marsala isn't just the color of 2015 fashion, though. Try it in your beauty routine this winter! My favorite Marsala lip is Painted Earth's Transforming Lipstick in STARLET. Pair it with a plummy gloss, like this Dragon Lipgloss in PARIS.

Another place I LO-OVE this color is on bottom. A 'Marsala' pant goes with literally everything; pairing especially well with chambray, olive, neutrals like black & white, and navy. It's also fabulous with leopard. Here are some of my favorite Marsala pants ::

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Wishing you and your family a Happy Holiday Season! I can't wait to ring in the New Year with you.

Shop Local This Season :: My Favorites for Last-Minute Gifts

Happy Thursday and Happy Holiday Season! I apologize for my blogging hiatus; I was in Texas with no internet service at my Grandfather's house {yes, NO internet!!} so my laptop unfortunately didn't get opened once while I was there. I'm back home and the Holiday Season is in full force. I love everything about it; the lights, the Christmas tree scent, the yummy smelling candles and warm fires at night. For those of you still doing your Christmas shopping, most retailers have reached their cutoff dates to get your items here by Christmas Eve. But not to worry, I'm bringing you a few of my favorite LOCAL businesses that will keep you and your loved ones stylish, beautiful & confident this Holiday season! I love supporting fellow locals and you should too. Atlanta does NOT disappoint in this area; from beauty, to goods, to services. Here we go ::

1) Painted Earth Skincare - You've heard me talk about this local business here in Roswell, Georgia. The owner, Joanne, started formulating these all-natural & organic products right in her kitchen after reading the ingredient list in her makeup and skincare. The rest is history! She now sells to retailers all over the country and online on her website. She has a showroom in Roswell and loves for visitors to come play with all of her goodies; from multiple skincare lines, to anti-aging products that will blow you away, to makeup that doesn't fade or feel heavy. Check her out ONLINE or visit her store by setting up an appointment! Click HERE, HERE and HERE for some of my favorite products.

*special for LifeStyled readers... enter code COURT at checkout to receive a free sample of one of my favorite products, the Boo Boo Gel OR Baby Come Back Cream.

 

2) Belle De Jour Salon - I've gotten a lot of inquiries from you lately about my hair color + new cut. So, today I'm sharing my new favorite salon and an amazing special for all of you. I started going to Belle De Jour about two months ago after winning a free color service from them on Facebook. For you blondes, you know how hard it is to achieve the perfect color! I had always just done highlights in my hair but Colleen and Andrea at BDJ suggested that we do a base color + highlights, and alternate every other time. So, instead of just highlighting my hair every 6-8 weeks, I could do the base color every other time and avoid the damage to my hair and the 2.5 hours spent at the salon! Then, every other time we would layer in the highlights with the base. I cannot tell you how many compliments I have gotten on my color since visiting BDJ. It is natural, warm and bright and the color lasts MUCH longer. I had never even thought of this possibility and I'm so glad they suggested it! When I decided to chop my hair off again, they did a wonderful job in keeping with exactly what I was envisioning. So get your hair ready for the holidays, or gift this certificate to a loved one. You'll be glad you did!

*special for LifeStyled readers... 50% OFF your first service!!! You can't beat that...

3) Britt Bass Turner Art - Y'all, my best friend is an amazing artist and she is FAMOUS. If you don't already have something Britt Bass in your home, you need to now. Her bright colors bring cheer to any room and she has everything from original paintings, to prints, to phone cases and more. Everything you could imagine, and great for Christmas gifts! Her studio is located right here in Atlanta on East Andrews Dr.

{pictured :: beautiful Britt Bass Christmas ornaments on my tree!}

4) LifeStyled Atlanta {shameless plug for myself!} - If you don't know about LifeStyled beyond the blog, I'm here to tell you a little bit more about it. Started right here in Atlanta, LifeStyled provides wardrobe styling and personal shopping services for women and men all over the Atlanta area. Whether it's refreshing your closet and using your clothes in new ways, or starting almost completely over with a new wardrobe, I can help you find and streamline your style. From stay at home moms who want to look put-together while also being comfortable and effortless, to top executives who require business attire each day, I've seen it all! Together we can evaluate your wardrobe; refresh the items that will stay in your wardrobe, get rid of the ones that won't, and assess the holes. Then we will put together a shopping list of things that you can use to build upon what you already have, and use to maximize your wardrobe to its fullest potential. This is the perfect gift for your mother, daughter, sister, husband, friend, father or boyfriend. Purchase a gift certificate for the Wardrobe Consult, The Revamp or Hello, Gorgeous! by December 22 to ensure local delivery by Christmas Eve!

*Special for LifeStyled readers... 4 DAYS ONLY! Buy one, get one 50% off! Keep one for yourself or gift them both! You'll never see a special like this one again. To purchase, simply email me courtney@lifestyledatlanta.com and be sure to mention the Blog Special.

 

So shop local for those last minute gifts or to get yourself ready for the Holidays ahead. You'll be supporting local business owners like me, and it's just cool to say you 'shopped local', right?

Stay tuned tomorrow for all of my favorite MARSALA looks, the color of the year for 2015.

stuff her stocking with style

Welcome to Day 3 of my Holiday Gift Idea Week! Browse my previous posts, Gifts for Her & Him, all under $100. The sales continue & today we're taking care of her stocking stuffers. I think my favorite part of Christmas is the stockings. I love going out and buying unique and fun items that Harrison will love and actually use. So men, now is your cue to tune in. My 15 favorite stocking stuffers for her are almost all on sale right now, and some of those sales won't last past today. Here we go ::

1. Painted Earth Baked Mineral Eyeshadow Trio in MULBERRY... This is my everyday eyeshadow. The warm colors are perfect for every eye color and show up differently on each person. And, it takes up minimal room in her stocking allowing for more goodies! PROMO :: Enter code COURT at checkout and receive a free gift with your purchase.

2. JCrew Mixed Stripe Trouser Socks... Because what girl doesn't need some pretty socks to go under her boots! PROMO :: 30% off your full-priced purchase with code GIVETHIS

3.  JCrew Stripe Passport Case... Traveling after the holidays like we are? Make sure she does her jet-setting in style with the perfect passport case. PROMO :: 30% off your full-priced purchase with code GIVETHIS

4. JCrew Gold Elephant Tee... She can use this fun metallic tee to layer under cardigans, jackets and vests. Roll it up in the toe of her stocking! PROMO :: 30% off your full-priced purchase with code GIVETHIS

5. Bauble Bar Everyday Stud Gift Set... Studs for days! She will be sure to wear these interchangeably as her go-to, everyday earrings. In gold or silver for her metal of choice. {Retail Value $78, yours for just $48}

6. Sole Society Leni Tassel Clutch... A fun pattern at an insanely cheap price! She's sure to love this clutch and it's perfect all year-round. PROMO :: Currently on sale for $24.47, down from $34.95

7. Sole Society Crystal Cluster Statement Necklace... Perfect for the holidays and adds that extra something to every outfit. PROMO :: Currently on sale for $41.97, down from $59.95

8. LOFT Crystal Fabric Backed Earrings... I have these and absolutely love them! Lightweight and the perfect amount of jewels. PROMO :: 50% off EVERYTHING, ONLINE TODAY ONLY! with code WRAPIT

9. LOFT Shimmer Knit Texting Gloves... Keep her fingers warm while allowing her to still use her favorite tech device. PROMO :: 50% off EVERYTHING, ONLINE TODAY ONLY! with code WRAPIT

10. LOFT Metallic Neutral Hair Tie Set... These are all the rage and help to add a little something extra to your pony tail. Perfect for stocking stuffers and gift adornments! PROMO :: 50% off EVERYTHING, ONLINE TODAY ONLY! with code WRAPIT

11. JCrew Metallic Shearling Lodge Moccasins... y'all, I am dying for these! My favorite part about the end of the day is coming home and changing into my leggings and slippers. These are absolutely fabulous. Ahem... Harrison, take note! PROMO :: 30% off with code GIVETHIS

12. Anthropologie Winter Blooms Candle... I can't get enough of winter-scented candles and this is no exception! PROMO :: Extra 30% off sale items with code EXTRAMERRY

13. Painted Earth Transforming Lipstick in Starlet... My absolute favorite lip color! Nourishing, long-lasting and all-natural. PROMO :: Enter code COURT at checkout to receive a free gift with your purchase

14. Madewell Leather Key Fob... The perfect addition to her key ring, and you can personalize it!

So stuff her stocking with some style this year and give her things she will love and USE! Stay tuned tomorrow for HIS stocking stuffers...

Makeup Monday :: Part Two

Happy {dreary, rainy} Monday! I'm currently sitting by the fire in my leggings and oversized sweater because I feel that's the ONLY way to do these kind of Mondays. If you're stuck in the office, here's a little makeup fun to {hopefully} cure your Monday blues. A few weeks ago, I shared my everyday FACE routine in part one of my Makeup Monday. Today, I'm sharing my everyday eye makeup routine and a fun new lip color that I've been loving this season.

As always, I continue to ooh and ahh over my Painted Earth makeup, which is local here in Roswell. It feels so good on my face and never gets dry or greasy. I also love the fact that I know I'm putting all-natural ingredients on my skin and don't have to worry about all that icky stuff that gets put into makeup these days.

So now, let me introduce you to one of my new best friends that I met a few months ago :: The Baked Mineral Eyeshadow Trio in MULBERRY. I am swooning over the three colors in this palette because they make any eye color pop. I recently used it on a wedding party of 11 and all of their eyes picked up the tones totally differently.The trio makes eyeshadow application simple.  Use it in three steps.1) Apply the lightest color all over your entire lid

2) Apply the medium color in and around the crease of your eye. Use it in an arch shape above your crease onto your upper lid so that you can see the color when your eye is in a normal resting state

3) Apply the darkest color in the crease of your lid to add definition and depth. You can use as much or as little as you want, depending on the look you're going for. I like to pull this color from the crease outward in a diagonal direction for a little extraNext comes my favorite eyeliner. I'm one of those people with slightly shaky hands so the liquid eyeliner doesn't work for me. I love the look of it, but can't keep enough control to apply it cleanly. Enter,  The SuperWear Pen Eye Liner in Jet Black. It goes on like a felt-tip pen with the ultimate precision and smoothness. I like to pull it out past my eye slightly for a subtle cat eye.

If you like to add a bottom liner for extra boldness or to make your eyes pop more, the copper + gold eye pencil is perfect. It's currently sold out but will be back on the website soon. I'll let you know when it is.

The LashLuxe Mascara gives me the length I want without the clump that other mascaras have given me in the past. It's perfect in one swoop for daytime, or multiple layers {wait about 30 seconds in between each layer} for a night out.

And now for my favorite winter lip color. I love playing around with different lip colors and have found myself gravitating towards more plum and rose tones as of late. Maybe it's the cold weather or the ghostly paleness of my skin, but I'm loving all the plummy tones and this Luxury Lipstick in Plum Royale is no exception.

So there you have it, my Painted Earth eye and lip routine, perfect for the winter. The best part about this post? www.paintedearthskincare.com is offering 15% off all orders through November 26th. The perfect gift for yourself or a loved one!

Be sure to enter promo code WINTERWONDERLAND at checkout, and enter COURT in the comments box to receive a FREE sample of Boo Boo Gel - a true miracle worker that you should always have on hand.

Here's to hoping this was a cheery addition to your rainy Monday! Stay tuned tomorrow for the perfect flannel...

Makeup Monday :: Part One

Happy Monday! Lately it seems like I've gotten a lot of requests about my makeup routine. So today I'm sharing part one :: my everyday facial routine. Soon, I'll share part two :: some of my favorite eye makeup looks.

1) I start everyday with Painted Earth's BRIGHTENING CC CREAM. It goes under your makeup like a moisturizer and it's one of the best things that's ever happened to me {okay... dramatic much?} But seriously. It evens your skin tone before you even start applying makeup. It brightens your face all over and blends to your unique skin tone. What starts as a white liquid slowly turns to color as you blend it with your skin.

2) After the CC Cream, I address my dark spots and blemishes. Because we've all got them, right? I used to use a concealer stick but found it would sometimes lose coverage throughout the day. Now I use this yellow POWDER MINERAL CAMOUFLAGE CONCEALER to neutralize any dark or red tones in my skin. Applied with a foundation brush, I use it under my eyes, around my nose and mouth and on any imperfections that day might bring. It provides a fuller coverage than a liquid or stick concealer and really brightens the areas you use it on.

3) Foundation - I've never really been a fan of liquid foundation. They often feel greasy, heavy and look terrible by the end of the day. I much prefer a pressed powder that provides the same amount of coverage. Enter, PERFECT EVERY THYME POWDER BAKED MINERAL FOUNDATION {Antique Beige is my color} Hence the name, this powder is made with thyme. It won't fall into your fine lines, provides an insanely even tone and gives you the coverage of a liquid foundation without the greasy effect.

4) Now that I'm thoroughly evened out, it's time to add some color. Bronzer is one of my makeup must-haves all year long. It brings necessary color to your face and helps you to "look alive." If you don't have bronzer as part of your makeup routine, you need to. This SUNKISSED MINERAL SHEER MATTE BRONZER gives you a sunkissed effect without being shiny, orange or fake looking. It's the perfect amount of subtle warmth that we all need, especially in the winter. Use this lightly all over your face and neck.

5) Last but not least on the face makeup train, blush. Many people don't include blush in their makeup routine because they are afraid of it. But you should ALWAYS use blush; whether it's a pink, berry, nude or pastel. Find the color that you love and apply it on your cheek bones, the tip of your nose and chin. I love this  BAKED MINERAL BLUSH in APRICOT SWIRL. It's not too pink or overpowering, and adds a slight sheen for a finished effect.

So there you have it, my everyday beauty routine part one :: the face. Stay tuned for part two :: the eyes, coming up later this week!

AND - a SPECIAL for my blog followers :: If you would like to purchase any of Painted Earth's skincare or cosmetics, enter COURT into the promo code spot at checkout to receive a free gift, courtesy of LIFEstyled! 

Thursday's Beauty Buy :: Vitamin C Serum

It's almost the weekend, so hang in there! Today I'm helping you do so by letting you in on a little BIG beauty secret that I think you'll appreciate! Many of you know my obsession with Painted Earth Skincare + Cosmetics. These all-natural, organic products are the best possible thing you can give your skin. Plus, they were formulated locally here in Roswell, Georgia and the owner Joanne has become my go-to beauty gal because I love this stuff so much. She started formulating these products in her own home after reading the ingredients on the labels of many large name-brand cosmetics in the industry. She didn't want to put those things into her skin, and neither should you!

My latest obsession is the Vitamin C with Ferulic Acid Serum. You put this ultra-thin, soothing and smell-good serum on your face after moisturizing and after about 2-3 uses you can already see the results. Not only is your face firmer and tighter, but it feels brighter and more radiant than before. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and stimulates collagen production {think PREVENTION or REDUCTION of wrinkles, ladies. Need I say more?}

Normally I'm all about bringing you new and fun makeup when I do these beauty reviews. I feel that makeup can truly brighten and enhance your face, but as each year passes and my skin changes, I'm learning that it starts at the core; when your skin is healthy, firm and bright, your makeup can only enhance that. I'm all about prevention, and this serum is the key to that!

So treat your skin to a Vitamin C refresh each day. You'll start seeing the difference immediately and you'll never want to go back to your old skincare ways!

If you're interested in learning more about Painted Earth Skincare and the products I so love, feel free to email me and I'd be happy to share! After years of shopping at Ulta and Sephora and using "high-end" makeup and skincare lines, I tried Painted Earth and will never go back.

{Please note :: This is not an ad; I did not receive compensation for this review}

thursday's beauty giveaway!

Happy Thursday! It's almost the weekend, so hang in there! Today we're making your Thursday a little brighter with another beauty giveaway from Painted Earth Skincare & Cosmetics. I have been using this Moulin Rouge Baked Mineral Blush in Apricot Swirl for a few weeks now and I am IN LOVE.

It has an iridescence to it which gives your face a finished, soft & all-over smooth look after using it. I apply it over my powder and a little bronzer to give my cheeks a pretty pink finish.

The apricot swirl is a soft pink, so it's not too bright or overpowering. Perfect for light makeup during the day or taking into the night, this blush gives you the perfect natural look.

And, it's great for both fair & tan skin; you can see here where I applied to the underneath of my arm, where my skin is more fair, and then to my hand which is tan after spending time at the beach!

This Baked Mineral Blush can a sunny addition to your spring & summer makeup palette! To enter to win, simply leave a comment below. A winner will be drawn on Monday, April 28th so stay tuned to see if you're the lucky one!

Until tomorrow,

Courtney

spring beauty giveaway!

Radiant Orchid is the Pantone Color of the Year for 2014, and that doesn't mean it has to end with fashion. I'm bringing this fun purple-y hue to the face with Painted Earth Skincare's "Orchid Luxury Lipstick & Polychromatic Eyeshadow in "Purple Night". I absolutely love this brand for so many reasons; one of them being that was started right here in Atlanta. All of their products are natural & organic, so you can feel good about wearing their cosmetics and using their skincare. Scroll down to the bottom for the details on this BEAUTY GIVEAWAY!

I am loving radiant orchid this spring. It is such a flattering color on virtually any skin tone and hair color. I have to admit, I was a little nervous about trying this lipstick. I tend to stick to corals and reds, so I have never gone towards the purple side! After using it once, I was in love. The orchid lipstick is not only a great shade for lips, but it glides on so easily and looks smooth & creamy.

Here's my orchid lip & eye look ::

How would you like Painted Earth's Orchid Lipstick & Purple Night Eyeshadow for yourself? They can be yours, free!

Enter into our giveaway between now and Monday morning by commenting on our facebook page, "Pick me!"

OR

 re-gram the Instagram photo  & use the hashtag : #orchidlipsgiveaway

The winner will be picked on Monday {4/14} and you will receive a Luxury Lipstick in Orchid along with a Polychromatic Eyeshadow in Purple Night {$30.50 + shipping value}

*note - all of my makeup used in this post is Painted Earth. I will be sharing more products with you each week, so be sure to stay tuned for giveaways, tutorials, reviews & more!

Stylishly Yours,

Courtney