The Look For Less :: Embellished Sandals

TGIF! How 'bout kicking off the weekend with some weekend wear on today's 'The Look for Less?' 

I have been crushing on jeweled + embellished sandals for casual summer wear, and absolutely LOVE  these Gemma sandals  {left} from Sole Society. They ring in at $64.95 -- not a bad price, but we can do better for a pair of sandals! 

Sole Society Gemma, $64

Mossimo Belinda, $19.99

Enter, these Mossimo Belinda embellished sandals {right} from, yep, good ole Target. They are about 1/3 of the price, ringing in at $19.99. I saw these babies on one of my weekly "quick trips" into Target and even went to another store just to find my size. You can now find them glued to my feet with everything from shorts and a tee shirt, to a maxi dress and more. They are super comfortable, the tan color goes with everything, and the best part? They don't look like they're from Target.

Shop both //

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.

Pretty in Plaid

Happy Monday and start to a very short week! I know I'll be keeping warm this holiday season in my favorite plaid scarves. I love the classic and timeless look of plaid, and the various color combinations that are being used now are making plaid a little more edgy and versatile.

Up first, this fun and festive number from... Target. Yep, Target!The rich greens and reds in this scarf are perfect for the holiday season. Wear it long over any sweater or top, or use it as a circle scarf to keep extra warm.Or, throw it over an all black outfit for the perfect pop of pattern + color.

Next, this more subtle, pastel and berry-toned plaid. Similar one HERE and HEREMix it with a rich-toned sweater like THIS ONE, and pop in another pattern like leopard. This camel mini skirt and Kendra Scott Rose Quartz Rayne pick up on the tones of the scarf perfectly.

Here are a few of my other current favorites, on my wish list now ::

Shop my full looks HERE ::

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The Sweatshirt Made Chic

Happy Friday! Today I'm bringing you weekend {and week} wear that's both comfy and chic. We all love a good sweatshirt; you know that one you dig out of the back of your closet, the one you've had for 10 plus years? For me, it's my Noni's Camp Oneka hoodie -- not exactly the most fashionable choice if we're honest, though. So many of my clients have the same style goal :: to be comfortable and effortless with their outfits while still looking put together and like they TRIED. The sweatshirt {made chic} is the perfect is where these two meet.

Here's my current favorite, and it just so happens to be animal print. Are you surprised?

It's soft and fleecy on the inside and guess what? It's 40% off.

Perfect for throwing on during daytime errands, fall festivities and more. Also great for puppy snuggles...Glam your sweatshirt up by adding a colorful statement necklace, like this cobalt bauble.

Get it here ::

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.

Booties 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 ::

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 ultra-cheapy lbd

Happy Friday! Today we're talking about the LBD because, well, it's Friday. If you've got fun weekend plans with your girls or your man, the LBD might be in your future. And the best news for all you bargain shoppers and deal hunters? This one won't break the bank. It comes in at UNDER $20 {$17.80 to be exact}. "But Courtney," you might say, "if it's under $20, there is no way it is made well." To which I would answer, "You're probably right." Let's be honest, we all know the quality of Forever 21 doesn't rival Neiman's or Nordy's, but we also know that sometimes we need to grab that cheap little number for a certain occasion, and this fits the bill.

You can dress it up or down, layer with a cardigan, blazer or vest into the fall and add tights and boots in the winter. It's a year-round dress with a flattering cut at the shoulders and high neckline, and although it's a shift dress, it's fitted enough that you won't feel the need to belt it.

One of my favorite go-to statement pendants, the Stella & Dot Phoenix pairs perfectly with this neckline. It also transitions seamlessly from summer, to fall, to winter to spring.

Top it off with a leopard clutch and your favorite heels or booties, and you're ready to go!

 I'll be transitioning this LBD into the fall, so stay tuned for more versatile ways to wear it from season to season!

Wishing you a fun + stylish weekend ahead, whatever your plans may be!

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.

the look :: for less

It may be snowy in Atlanta, but we've got spring on our minds! Case in point, these springy floral dresses that make you happy just looking at them. In today's "The Look for Less," we'll show you which is a style steal!

#1 :: Anthropologie Quinby Dress. This dress is flowy and effortlessly chic. Perfect to throw on with some sandals, wedges or even boots. As we inch our way into spring, pair with a military jacket, cardigan or blazer ontop and add your favorite gold jewelry. We are loving the bold floral pattern and colors on this. It rings in at $168.

And, onto #2 :: Sightsee for Yourself Dress from Modcloth. This also features a bold floral pattern in beautiful colors, but we are loving the neckline on this dress even more than the Quinby. Fashion tip :: A v-neck is more universally-flattering on various body types than a crewneck or boatneck. So, at nearly 1/3 the price, why not "spring" for this lovely?

As always, if you'd like us to find you a particular look for less, just comment below or shoutout on facebook or instagram using the hashtag #lookforless

Stay tuned tomorrow for our Friday Feature!

Stylishly Yours,

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,