beachy keen :: summer beach necessities

It's officially summer and we have been reminded of that with these sweltering {miserable!} temps in Atlanta. The kids are out of school, and that beach trip of your's may just be right around the corner! Today we're bringing you some simple beach necessities that will keep you cool, effortlessly stylish & beach-ready ::

1. WHITE, LIGHT + AIRY BUTTONDOWN {like this one, from Anthropologie}
2. CASUAL DENIM SHORT {like these, by Rebecca Taylor}
3. TASSEL NECKLACE {like the Rayne necklace, by Kendra Scott}
4. JEWELED SANDAL {like these, from JCrew}
5. WEEKENDER BAG {like this elephant print, by Stella & Dot}
6. STRAW HAT {like this one, from JCrew}
7. BRIGHTENING CC CREAM by Painted Earth {I use this everyday!}
8. THE PERFECT BEACH TOWEL {like this "Hello Sunshine" from Wayfair}

Now that you're beach-ready, all that's left to do is grab your favorite book, pack up and go!

GIVEAWAY TIME ::

What's your favorite beach read? I'd love for you to share... Comment below and you'll be entered to win my favorite Brightening CC Cream from Painted Earth! Put it on under your makeup everyday and brighten your complexion while protecting your face from the sun at the same time. Use it as your facial sunscreen at the beach and give yourself a flawless face while beaching it!

friday feature :: the romper

Happy Friday, y'all! It's the weekend and I'm giving you the perfect weekend piece :: the romper. It's like a dress with shorts. What could be better? No worrying about showing anyone your *panties,* it's figure-flattering and fashion-forward. I especially love how you can take a romper from day to night and make it more versatile. Throw it on with a pair of flats and a long necklace during the day, then amp it up with some wedges, a statement necklace & clutch at night!

Many of you think you can't pull it off. I promise, you can. Being able to rock a romper is all about finding the perfect one. You have to make sure you will be COMFORTABLE in it, or you'll never wear it. Find one that accentuates your waist and has shorts that are long enough for your body and age. If this is your first go at a romper,  go with a black. It's slimming and you won't feel as much out of your comfort zone.

I've sported the romper a few times this season so far, with many more to come {my apologies for the poor photo quality... Instagram pictures somehow aren't as pretty & arsty when you blow them up ;)}!

Some chambray options. A more casual approach to the romper ::

Some LBR options for you. Some prefer a sleeveless, while many of you may prefer to keep your arms more covered if you're showing off your legs ::

So rock your romper this weekend! You'll be looking effortlessly chic, fashion-forward and a little bit sexy all at once!

Have a stylish & fabulous weekend. Until Monday!

working girl wednesday :: the perfectly professional white pant

Happy Hump Day! Today we're bringing back a little Working Girl Wednesday inspiration with the perfect white pant. The white jean is a summer staple, but what about when it comes to the office? No one wants to don their black and dark gray pants year-round, especially when the temps outside don't exactly align with your frigid office {Am I right, ladies?!} A summer necessity in your working girl wardrobe is the white pant. From day to night, business casual to dressy or formal, the white pant won't let you down this summer.

I LOVE this floral jacquard pant from the LOFT. The subtle floral pattern gives a more dressy effect, and the fit is perfect.  These pants lend themselves perfectly to virtually any office environment ::

And here's where you can buy them yourself ::

 How about a skirt for those REEEEALLY hot days?

So make sure you pick up a summer white pant for your working girl wardrobe; not only will you feel cool, you'll look it as well!

my FAVORITE go-to necklace

Happy Friday, y'all! Today let's talk about my favorite necklace. This necklace screams my name every time I open my jewelry box, and it's no wonder why. It's versatile, neutral, fun and sophisticated. Enter, the fabulous, timeless and perfect PEGASUS.

I'm not kidding when I say I wear this several times a week. And with a not-so-cheap pricetag, I have TOTALLY gotten my money's worth. It goes with everything, from day to night, from casual to formal.

See? I told you I wear it all the time ::

...the Pegasus really has it all! If you're looking for the perfect neutral and versatile addition to your jewelry wardrobe, look no further. I can promise you WON'T regret it!

Wishing you all a happy, stylish weekend ahead! Until next week...

cover up in style this summer!

Happy Thursday! Although it's a little dreary in Atlanta, we're talking about our favorite cover-ups for some fun in the sun this summer! What is your favorite swimsuit without a fabulous cover-up to enhance it? Here are our picks to help you stay stylish at the pool or beach this summer ::

So cover up in style this summer! I hope you'll be enjoying some fun in the sun soon.

Until tomorrow!

stay cool in studded sandals & laser cut heels

Happy Monday! Today, I'm sharing a summer favorite :: I am loving the studded sandals and laser cuts this season. These are edgy and chic, fashion-forward and classic. The stud or laser cut pattern adds a little something extra to an otherwise simple sandal and is a way to instantly add some pep to your step! {literally...}

I love the Julianne Hough for Sole Society Collection, and these studded block heels are no exception. If you haven't checked out Sole Society, you NEED to!

These laser-cut heels are comfortable and perfect for dressing up and down. The best part? I scored them at Steinmart {I know, I only shop there with my mother-in-law...!} where you can sometimes stumble across some fab shoe finds. I'm listing more options below.

Here are some other current favorites ::

For all you lucky ones who are traveling to tropical destinations, cruising, or resort-ing this summer, stay tuned tomorrow for a blog post featuring nothing but :: resortwear!

Until tomorrow, stay stylish!

the summer sweater

Okay - it's officially summer here in Atlanta. The hot temps are here to stay! Today I'm sharing the "summer sweater;" a way to rock the sweater look while still keeping cool. I love this 7 For All Mankind cap sleeve metallic sweater. It is airy and breezy, has a metallic sheen and can be dressed up or down. Here I've paired it with my 7FAM army green denim {blog post on these to come soon!}

What I love most about this summer sweater is that it gives you another top option other than your standard summer silky top. It is just as lightweight and breathable, yet allows you an alternative to those go-to's in your closet! In fact, it just may become one.

Here are some other fab summer sweaters that you can add to your wardrobe ::

So rock the {summer} sweater this season! If you would like to receive a 30% off discount card towards your 7 For All Mankind purchase, simply follow @lifestyledatlanta on Instagram and like + comment on today's blog post photo. The first 5 commenters will receive the cards!

Coming up tomorrow... my birthday wish list! TGIAF {Thank goodness it's almost FRIDAY!}

spotlight :: Peter Pilotto for Target

Happy Wednesday! I hope all of you had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend with family and friends. Thank you to all of the men and women who sacrifice for our freedom!

Today, as I'm getting back into the groove of things, I'm highlighting the Peter Pilotto for Target line. These edgy, bold patterns are perfect for summer and only need minimal accessorizing. Here's a Peter Pilotto dress I scored on clearance for $11.88. And now, all of the Peter Pilotto line is now on clearance on Target's website so you can score some great deals!

Here are some summer favorites {for CHEAP!} on the Target website ::

So there you have it... The bold & spunky Peter Pilotto line for Target, all at clearance prices! That's a way to try a new fashion statement without breaking the bank. And, stay tuned for this Peter Pilotto look to be featured on Style Under 40.

Tomorrow, I'm talking about the summer sweater!

Until then - stay stylish,

summer accessorizing staple :: the lightweight vest

It's summer. It's HOT. So, many of you would prefer not to accessorize your maxi or tank with a cardigan or blazer because it might be drenched within the first 30 seconds of stepping outside. We get it! There is still a way to add a little something to your look, without adding weight and heat. "What could it be?" you ask? Answer :: the lightweight vest. I love this army green shade because it's what I call a "colored neutral," acting as a neutral but providing a colored tone.

Throw your vest on over a maxi, a top, or a sundress for a little extra "something."

I paired this Banana Republic Outlet maxi dress {available in stores} with my canvas drawstring vest from Old Navy ::

Here are a few more lightweight summer vest options ::

The denim vest works as well!

And now it's time to announce the winners of the 7 For All Mankind 30% off cards! Congratulations to ::

Sarah Pociask

Alex Higgins

A Lovely Nest

Ladies, simply email your address to courtney@lifestyledatlanta.com so I can get these in the mail to you. Thank you to those who participated!

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!

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

 Statement Necklace {now on SUPER sale!} ::

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 ::

Until Tomorrow, style lovers!

Photo Credit :: JNelly Photography

www.jnelly.com

Instagram :: jnellyphotastic