pretty in pleats :: the accordion top

Today I'm introducing you to one of my new best friends, the accordion top. The pleats add a fun detail and I love the cut of this top. It flatters virtually every body type and shows off your shoulders at the right spot. The best part about accordion tops? The pleats stay perfectly and you don't have to worry your pretty little head about wrinkles. If that isn't music to your ears {especially you moms!} I don't know what is. I paired this hot pink number with a simple black pant + my favorite leopard clutch {coming up on the blog soon}Hot pink + neon yellow pair perfectly together. This Kendra Scott Rayne necklace was the perfect compliment.I snagged this accordion top at The Mart, but you can find them everywhere. Here are some of my favorite pleated numbers ::

So add an accordion style to your wardrobe and stay pretty in pleats!

friday feature :: styled engagement shoot

TGIF! Today I'm featuring some beautiful photos from one of LIFEstyled's recent styled engagement shoots. I love styling photoshoots because so often they can go SO wrong. Being strategic about the outfits you pick is key. We chose three outfits for Alex and let her fiance Jake {did I mention he's British?!} follow suit. The outfits were themed as follows so that we could make sure there were plenty of photos to love ::

• Bridal in White
• Colorful + Bright
• Classic + Understated

A super-flattering white BCBG dress paired with a statement pearl necklace and white wedges fit the bill for our all white look. It also aligned perfectly with the chic backdrop of J.C.T. Kitchen.

Anyone who knows or works with me knows that I love fuchsia; from clothing, to accessories to home decor and art. I think it is such a pretty hue that compliments virtually every skintone. Pair this Milly top with the turquoise Harlow necklace by Kendra Scott and the colors really pop together! White denim on bottom balanced out the colorful top half.

For the last outfit we went with simplicity. Both of the previous outfits featured a statement piece of some sort and we wanted to leave one basic option. We chose a Splendid cobalt maxi that really brought out Alex's eyes, and a fun chartreuse + gold elastic belt at the waist {I wish we had more pictures of this unique belt!} If you're getting married soon and want help picking out the perfect outfits for showers, photoshoots, engagement parties and more, LIFEstyled can help. Check out our SERVICES for more information.

Wishing you a fun + stylish weekend ahead!

friday feature :: styled shoot

TGIF! I hope the work week has been good to you and you have a relaxing weekend ahead. A few months ago, LIFEstyled helped style the ladies of Emiko Ferrer Designs for their photo shoot with Morgan Blake Photography. Amy, the owner, really wanted their style in the shoot to reflect their style of interior decorating; timeless, classic, light and chic. I love working with fellow small business owners and creatives. Today I'm showing you some of these gorgeous photos of equally gorgeous [not to mention incredibly talented!} women! Owner, Amy Ferrer, in Banana Republic blazer {on sale now!}, top & necklaceWe used pastels when styling Amy, Erin and Leigh to create a bright and airy feel, with complimentary colors like white, grays, peaches and subtle turquoiseA bright citrine and patterned pants for Amy's second look, accompanied by crisp white and cream for Erin and Leigh.

We tied in the neutrals and colors in Amy's home with the ladies' outfits as not to distract from the decor, but to enhance it.

Do you have a photo shoot, special event or occasion coming up? LIFEstyled can help style you appropriately and perfectly no matter what the occasion; from family photo shoots, to weddings, to high school reunions. For more information on all of our services, click HERE.

Wishing you a happy + stylish weekend ahead!

nordstrom anni sale :: my favorite picks

It's that time of year again... the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale {Early Access} is here! For those of you who know about this sale, you know why there is a line forming outside of the doors at 10am on the first day. And for those of you who don't know about it, that should pretty much sum it up. During the Anniversary Sale, Nordstrom marks down TONS of fall {and more} clothing, shoes, and accessories before the fall season starts; great deals and huge savings! I shopped this sale with three clients yesterday and came up with a list of my favorite items. So today you're in luck; I'm sharing it with you!

Keep in mind, you must have a Nordstrom Card {credit or debit} to begin shopping the sale early access now, both online & in stores. It does not open to the public until July 18 {yes, they actually have all of the merchandise into a secret tent that you may not enter without a card}, so you still have a week! You also earn double points when you shop this sale early access. But hurry - things go fast. If you find something you like in stores or online, buy it...YESTERDAY!

Keep in mind: these items are all things that I have seen in person and tried on myself, or had clients try on. So without further ado, here are my Nordstrom Anni Sale faves ::

So run on over to Nordstrom or access the sale online; you will be glad you did. And remember, the sale opens to the public on July 18th. Happy shopping + happy weekend!

the shirtdress

Happy Wednesday! Today I'm bringing you a style staple that can go year-round :: the shirtdress. This casually chic and effortless look is perfect for throwing on in a jiffy while also looking polished put-together. I'm particularly loving this chambray stripe shirtdress from Loft right now. It's so Nantucket-esque, which just so happens to be my favorite place on Earth. So it's only fitting that I snatched it up!

The shirtdress is great by itself, but belt it around the small of your waist if you want to draw it in a bit; especially if your shirtdress is a bit more billowy.

Chambray is the perfect neutral color, especially for the summer and fall. The nautical stripe adds that little extra something.

It's all about the accessories! Chambray is perfect for adding a bright pop of color.And don't be afraid to stack on the bangles, link bracelets and more! These Kendra Scott jewels paired perfectly with the basic shirtdress ::

So are you ready to jump on the shirtdress bandwagon? Here are a few other favorites ::

 Is there a trend, product or item that you'd like featured on the blog? We'd love to hear from you! Simply comment below or email courtney@lifestyledatlanta.com.

made in america :: part two

I love local and small businesses and Liv Grant, from Liv + Work, is no exception! This Chicago-based designer is amazingly talented and I'm so excited to start showcasing some of her products to you in the coming months! Let's start with this dreamy Southern Ikat Coverup. It was a happy mail day when this baby arrived last week, just in time for my beach trip.  Not only is this coverup super cute + comfy, but it's also made right here in the U.S of A. Liv hand-dyes everything herself which is pretty incredible! You can choose between an aqua pom-pom trim or the neon pink fringe, so I decided to go big or go home with some bright neon. Who wouldn't want to add this to their array of beachwear options?!

get the look ::

And another favorite from Liv + Work to tempt you even more ::

made in america :: part one

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a Happy Fourth of July and a relaxing weekend. Our beach trip is officially over, and I am still refusing to accept that it's back to the real world. Anyone else? So in honor of the great U.S.A., we're kicking off a series highlighting some of my favorite brands and products that are made right here in America...

Today for part one, I'm highlighting a fun little company based here in Atlanta that makes beaded tassel jewelry :: Just Peachy. Rachel with Just Peachy Blog is a fellow fashionista and her lovely tassel necklaces were a welcomed addition into my casual wardrobe! These are so easy and fun to throw on with anything from a tee, to a basic dress by adding some bright colors & some tribal flair.

This  beaded necklace with hints of coral and lavender paired perfectly with a basic navy + white striped tee.

How about this citrine green paired with fuchsia accents? Two of my favorite bright colors combined into one. Perfect for pairing with chambray and much more. {paired here with chambray LOFT romper}I am also loving Rachel's other tassel necklaces {like this peach tassel below}, some of which are available in her ETSY shop. {custom orders welcomed}

LIFEstyled loves supporting local businesses and products! If you have any suggestions or own a business yourself, we'd love to hear from you!

Stay tuned tomorrow for part two of our 'Made in America' series, where I'm sharing my new favorite beach coverup and many more fab items from a fun Chicago company!

spotlight on :: calypso st. barth

Happy Wednesday, style lovers! Today is my Friday  and my hubby and I are flying down to the beach for some much-needed R&R this Fourth of July weekend. So today I'm bringing you some of my favorite looks from the beachy Calypso St. Barth. This line is ritzy  + unique + dreamy. It comes with a bit of a heftier price tag, but brings you lots of looks that you won't find elsewhere.

• the silk dress

This bright teal silk dress is so light and airy; perfect for both day and night. It has the most intricate stitchings around the neckline in bright golds, pinks and blues to compliment.

•  the morrocan maxi

Y'all... this dress is everything. The pattern, the colors and the detailing are nothing short of fabulous. Perfect for dressing up and down, summer outings and taking into the fall with a jacket.

• casual stretch pant I've always been a little iffy about this type of pants. I still won't say they are my go-to for flattery purposes, but man are they comfortable!! I would throw these babies on around the house or to run some errands. So lightweight and already pre-wrinkled for you moms. **A post on this cute tassel necklace coming up tomorrow!**

• the metallic tee

This has to be one of my favorite pieces. I love everything gold and metallic, and this simple tee is no exception. Easy for throwing on, layering and dressing up. Not to mention the perfect amount of metallic. Not too flashy, not too soft.

• the embellished teeThis light peachy linen tee has gold sequins. Need I say more?

 And for all you Atlantans, be sure to check out Calypso St. Barth and their dreamy store at Westside Provisions District. We'll be back in a few days to kick off a new blog series, "Made in America," where I'll feature some of my favorite locally made products & companies. Wishing you a Happy Fourth of July and God Bless the U.S.A!

going nautical

Summer is here, the Fourth of July is around the corner, and the nautical trend is isn't going anywhere! I'm headed to the beach tomorrow {yay!} which makes today the perfect time to talk  about going nautical with your look this summer; when done right, nautical is timeless, classic + chic. Not to mention the perfect amount of preppy.

Here's how to get it right ::

• Start with cool blue stripes. A thinner stripe can go horizontal or vertical, but if you go thicker, make sure it's vertical for slimming reasons.

• Add a warm accessory or statement. Yes, you've got the BLUES, in essence, but don't go too crazy with it! Add some contrast with another color, particularly a warm one if your stripes are cool.

• Don't be too matchy. This is more of a *life rule* that just happens to also apply to the nautical trend. Don't match your shoes to the exact blue hue in your blouse. Don't do the matching earring / necklace set. Don't be afraid to add something bright and bold into your nautical look, like neon, or play around with complimentary colors.

 So there you have it, nautical done right! This summer, pair your nautical with any denim; from white, to dark, to coral or mango.

Wishing you a happy Fourth of July week ahead! Tomorrow, we'll kick it off with our Beauty Giveaway, just in time for your sunny weekend plans. If you haven't entered, now is your LAST CHANCE! Click here and leave your comment to enter.

stay stylishly patriotic this 4th of July!

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and today I'm bringing you some outfit inspiration to stay true to the red, white & blue in style! Whether you're headed to a backyard barbecue, the lake or beach, or a fireworks show in the park, you can ditch the Old Navy flag tees from 1990 {yes, you know what I'm talking about! Don't act like your family of 4 never did the matching Old Navy tee move on the 4th of July...}

How about pulling the colors together in a simple, non-cheesy way? Not only are these pieces great for your 4th celebrations, but they are classic staples that will remain versatile in your closet for the rest of the summer ::

 Here's how you can get the look ::

Stay cool, stylish + patriotic this 4th of July!